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Introduction: During fetal development, the proper development of neural and visual systems relies on the maternal supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids through placental transfer. Pregnant women are strongly advised to augment their diet with additional sources of omega-3, such as fish oil (FO). This supplementation has been linked to a reduced risk of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and perinatal depression. Recently, higher doses of omega-3 supplementation have been recommended for pregnant women. Considering that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate homeostasis required for the proper functioning of the retina and photoreceptors the effects of high-dose fish oil (FO) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in healthy offspring warrant better understanding. Methods: The fatty acid content and the changes in the expression of the genes regulating cholesterol homeostasis and DHA transport in the retina and RPE were evaluated following the high-dose FO supplementation. Results: Our study demonstrated that despite the high-dose FO treatment during pregnancy and lactation, the rigorous DHA homeostasis in the retina and RPE of the two-month-old offspring remained balanced. Another significant finding of this study is the increase in the expression levels of major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein (Mfsd2a), a primary DHA transporter. Mfsd2a also serves as a major regulator of transcytosis during development, and a reduction in Mfsd2a levels poses a major risk for the development of leaky blood vessels. Conclusion: Impairment of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is associated with the development of numerous ocular diseases, and a better understanding of how to manipulate transcytosis in the BRB during development can enhance drug delivery through the BRB or contribute to the repair of central nervous system (CNS) barriers.

The dairy industry contributes significantly to anthropogenic methane emissions, which have an impact on global warming. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary inclusion of brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on enteric methane emissions (EMEs), hematological and blood biochemical profiles, and milk composition in dairy cows. Eighteen Holstein cows were divided into three groups: CON (non-supplemented cows), BS50 (50 mL of 10% A. nodosum), and BS100 (100 mL of 10% A. nodosum). In each cow, measurements of EME, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield (MY), as well as blood and milk sampling with respective analyzes, were performed before supplementation (P1), after 15 (P2) days, and after 30 (P3) days of supplementation. A. nodosum reduced (p < 0.05) methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity in both BS50 and BS100, and raised DMI (p < 0.05) only in BS50. Total bilirubin (p < 0.05) was higher in BS50 compared to CON cows in P2, and triacylglycerols were lower (p < 0.05) in BS50 than in CON cows in P3. Higher milk fat content was found in BS50 than in CON cows in P3. C16:0 proportions were higher (p < 0.05) in BS50 and BS100 than in CON cows, while C18:3n-3 was higher (p < 0.05) in BS100 than in BS50 and CON cows in P3. Dietary treatment with A. nodosum reduced EMEs and showed the potential to increase DMI and to improve energy status as well as milk composition in peaklactating dairy cows.

Background/Aim. Dietary intake of n-3 long-chain polyun-saturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) is important in prevention and treatment of different diseases. In general population, the average intake of n-3 LC-PUFA is often significantly lower than recom-mended levels. Fish lipids are rich sources of these fatty acids, of which the most important are eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3, DHA) fatty acids. This study was designed to determine and compare fat, fatty acids and lipid qual-ity indices in 10 commercial fish species available on the Serbian market, as well as relation between their price and nutritional val-ue. Methods. Freshwater fish originated from the Danube River in the Belgrade Region, while seawater fish were mostly from the Adriatic Sea. A gas chromatography method was used to define fatty acids in 40 fish samples after lipid extraction. Cost-minimization analysis was conducted to assess the economic util-ity. Results. Seawater fish had a significantly higher value of flash lipid quality compared to the freshwater fish (p < 0.05). Value of Background/Aim. Dietary intake of n-3 long-chain polyun-saturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) is important in prevention and treatment of different diseases. In general population, the average intake of n-3 LC-PUFA is often significantly lower than recom-mended levels. Fish lipids are rich sources of these fatty acids, of which the most important are eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3, DHA) fatty acids. This study was designed to determine and compare fat, fatty acids and lipid qual-ity indices in 10 commercial fish species available on the Serbian market, as well as relation between their price and nutritional val-ue. Methods. Freshwater fish originated from the Danube River in the Belgrade Region, while seawater fish were mostly from the Adriatic Sea. A gas chromatography method was used to define fatty acids in 40 fish samples after lipid extraction. Cost-minimization, Uvod/Cilj. Unos n-3 polinezasićenih masnih kiselina (PMK) je od velike važnosti u prevenciji i tretmanu različitih oboljen-ja. Generalno posmatrajući, prosečan unos n-3 PMK je obično značajno niži od utvrđenih preporuka. Lipidi riba sadrže masne kiseline n-3 serije od kojih su najvažnije ei-kozapentaenska (20:5 n-3, EPA) i dokozaheksaenska (20:6 n-3, DHA) masna kiselina. Cilj ove studije bio je odrediti i uporediti lipidni profil i lipidne indekse u 10 različitih vrsta riba dostupnih na tržištu Srbije. Takođe, određen je odnos cene i nutritivne vrednosti odabranih vrsta. Metode. Ispiti-vane su rečne ribe Dunava iz Beogradskog regiona, dok su morske ribe uglavnom vodile poreklo iz Jadranskog mora. Gasna hromatografija sa jonskim detektorom je korišćena za određivanje masnih kiselina u 40 uzoraka nakon lipidne ekstrakcije. Cost-minimization analiza je korišćena za procenu ekonomske koristi. Rezultati. Morske ribe su imale značajno veće vrednosti za parametar flash lipid quality u odnosu na rečne ribe (p < 0,05). Vrednosti hiperholesterolemijskih mas-nih kiselina za grupu rečnih riba [18,70 (17,40‒21,30)] bile su slične vrednostima dobijenim za morske ribe [18,90 (17,55‒22,75)]. Hipoholesterolemijske masne kiseline su takođe pokazale sličan raspon vrednosti za rečne [68.80 (66–70.20)] i morske ribe [68.40 (64.85–73.05)]. Odnos DHA/EPA kretao se od 1,8 za uzorke sardine, do 10 za uzorke tune, što potvrđuje činjenicu da DHA prevazilazi vrednosti za EPA u svim ispitivanim uzorcima. Vrednosti za aterogeni i trombogeni indeks su bile niže od 1 za sve ana-lizirane uzorke. Zaključak. Sardine i skuša su imale najveći sadržaj n-3 PMK i predstavljale su najekonomičniji izvor EPA i DHA. Niske vrednosti za aterogeni i trombogeni in-deks ukazuju na potencijalno povoljan zdravstveni efekat ispitivanih vrsta.

Predmet istraživanja ove doktorske disertacije je ispitivanje bioaktivnih sastojaka (BAS) u ekstraktima plodova 24 sorte vinove loze (Vitis vinifera L.). Istraživanje je sprovedeno kroz četiri faze. Ishod prve faze bio je definisanje optimalnih uslova ultrazvučne ekstrakcije: odnos biljni materijal: rastvarač 1:10, vreme 30 min i temperatura 50 ºC. U drugoj fazi vršena je analiza BAS u hidrofilnim (pokožica i semenke) i lipofilnim ekstraktima (semenke). Sadržaj polifenola je bio najveći u hidrofilnim ekstraktima semenki. Antioksidativna aktivnost ekstrakata bila je u statistički značajnoj korelaciji sa polifenolnim sadržajem (p<0,01). Određen je sastav masnih kiselina (GC-FID) i tokoferola (HPLC-FD) u uljima. U okviru treće i četvrte faze izvršena je detaljna analiza hemijskog sastava (HPLC-MS/MS; UV/DAD) i bioloških aktivnosti etanolnih i eutektičkih ekstrakata (holin hlorid:limunska kiselina, ChCit) pokožice i semenki u najpotentnijim sortama grožđa sa posebnim osvrtom na razlike u efikasnosti rastvarača. Antioksidativna aktivnost je procenjivana pomoću četiri testa (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC i CUPRAC). ChCit je potencirao ekstrakciju antioksidanasa iz pokožice, dok je kod semenki etanol bio neznatno efikasniji. Citotoksična aktivnost je ispitivana na tri ćelijske linije (MRC-5, HeLa i LS 174T). ChCit ekstrakti su inhibirali rast ćelija, dok je inhibicija izostala kod etanolnih ekstrakata. Ekstrakti pokožice su ispoljili jaču citotoksičnost od ekstrakata semenki. Antimikrobna aktivnost je procenjivana na tri soja: S.aureus, E.coli i C.albicans. Semenke su značajnije inhibirale rast mikroorganizama od pokožice. Generalno, ChCit ekstrakti pokožice su ispoljili jači antimikrobni efekat od etanolnih ekstrakata, a u slučaju semenki, etanol je bio efikasniji., The object of this doctoral dissertation is determination of bioactive compounds (BC) in fruit extracts from 24 different grape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.). The investigation was conducted through four phases. The outcomes of the first phase are defined optimal conditions of ultrasound extraction: ratio plant material:solvent 1:10, time 30 min and temperature 50 ºC. In the second phase, BC were analyzed in hydrophilic (skins and seeds) and lipophilic (seeds) extracts. The highest total phenolic content was determined in hydrophilic seed extracts. Antioxidant activity was in a strong correlation with phenolic content (p<0,01). Oils were analyzed in the term of fatty acid composition (GC-FID) and tocopherol content (HPLC-FD). The last two phases were the most important: chemical composition and biological activities of organic (acidified ethanol, EtOH) and eutectic (choline chloride:citric acid, ChCit) skin and seed extracts were evaluated. The aim of this part was to compare the extraction efficiency of two solvents. Antioxidant activity of extracts was investigated using four tests (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC and CUPRAC). ChCit potentiated the extraction of antioxidants from skins; for seeds ethanol was more effective. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated against three cell lines (MRC-5, HeLa and LS 174T). ChCit extracts inhibited cells growth, while ethanol had no effect for tested concentrations. Skin extracts exhibited higher cytotoxic potential in comparison with seed ones. Antimicrobial activity was tested against three microorganisms (S.aureus, E.coli and C.albicans). Seed extracts had a stronger inhibitory effect on microorganisms’ development compared with skin extracts. Regarding differences between solvents, ChCit skin extracts showed higher antimicrobial activity than ethanol skin extracts, but in the case of seeds, ethanol was more efficient.

Mfsd2a is expressed mainly in the endothelial cells and is an essential regulator of blood vessel transcytosis. Therefore, decrease in Mfsd2a expression can be a risk factor for developing leaky blood vessels. Mfsd2a is also the main docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) transporter. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is one of the main structural lipids of the neuronal and vascular retina, crucial for the normal functioning of photoreceptors (PRs). However, the capacity of the retina to synthesize DHA is limited, and the maintenance of retinal DHA content relies on the uptake from bloodborne lipids. The currently recommended FO doses yielded low PUFAs tissue bioavailability, and supplementation with higher doses has been increasingly recommended. Nevertheless, the effects of higher FO doses on retinal Mfsd2a expression and blood vessels coverage are unknown. Western blot and qPCR analyses showed that high dose FO supplementation increased Mfsd2a expression in the retina. Immunohistochemical analyses of Mfsd2a expression on retinal blood vessels (labeled with 488-conjugated Lycopersicon esculentum, lectin) and subsequent ImageJ analyses revealed 1.32-fold increase in the Mfsd2a retinal blood vessel coverage. In the same time the pericyte blood vessel coverage (CD13+ cells) was not affected with FO supplementation, and the increase in Mfsd2a blood vessel expression is not the result of the increased pericyte coverage. Therefore, the high-dose FO supplementation emerges as the prophylactic fortifier of the retinal blood vessels that can serve either as prophylaxis in the healthy eye or as an adjuvant in developing targeted manipulations of the barrier during diseases.

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been recognized as important contributors to the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may regulate the antioxidant signaling pathway and modulate inflammatory processes. They also influence hepatic lipid metabolism and physiological responses of other organs, including the heart. Longitudinal prospective cohort studies demonstrate that there is an association between moderate intake of the omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), most likely as a result of lower blood cholesterol concentration. Current evidence suggests that increasing intake of arachidonic acid (up to 1500 mg/day) has no adverse effect on platelet aggregation and blood clotting, immune function and markers of inflammation, but may benefit muscle and cognitive performance. Many studies show that higher intakes of omega-3 PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases characterized by elevated inflammation, including CVDs. This is because of the multiple molecular and cellular actions of EPA and DHA. Intervention trials using EPA + DHA indicate benefit on CVD mortality and a significant inverse linear dose–response relationship has been found between EPA + DHA intake and CVD outcomes. In addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles, omega-3 fatty acids are considered to regulate platelet homeostasis and lower risk of thrombosis, which together indicate their potential use in COVID-19 therapy

The recommended fish oil (FO) supplementation doses often yield low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) tissue bioavailability, and higher doses (up to 10 g per day) have been increasingly recommended. However, the exact effects of such FO supplementation on the healthy retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) are unknown. Our study showed that the high dose FO treatment did not imbalance the rigorous docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) homeostasis in the retina and RPE in the three-month-old female B6/SLJ mice. Instead, we have found the significant increase in the expression of Mfsd2a, the main DHA transporter. Mfsd2a is also an essential regulator of blood vessel transcytosis and the decrease in Mfsd2a expression can be a risk factor for developing leaky blood vessels. Therefore, the high-dose FO supplementation emerges as the prophylactic fortifier of the retinal blood vessels.

Many scientific arguments in this area, implicate low level of important nutrients in cognitive decline, simultaneously suggesting better nutritional status as an important goal in the management of cognitive aging. Key nutrients for the protection of cognitive function are B-group vitamins, polyphenols, vitamin D, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The body of scientific evidence widely supports the roles of folic acid and metabolically related B6 and B12 vitamins in protecting cognitive function in old age. High concentrations of polyphenols in dementia therapy showed a significant increase in cerebral blood volume. Although low vitamin D blood levels were associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, vitamin D supplementation alone was not sufficient to improve cognitive outcomes. In relation to the role of omega-3 PUFAs, research findings indicate protective effects in individuals with cognitive decline. The importance of diets and a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of cognitive impairment are extensively accepted. The Mediterranean diet is the most investigated dietary pattern in observational studies. MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is updated dietary approach of the Mediterranean-DASH diets. Its components are linked to dementia prevention and overall neuroprotection. It is also reported that regular physical activity maintains the brain function improving blood flow and oxygen supply., Novi naučni dokazi u ovoj oblasti ukazuju na nedostatke određenih hranljivih materija u opadanju kognitivnih funkcija, istovremeno pokazujući da bolji nutritivni status može biti važan u očuvanju kognicije kod starijih osoba. Ključni nutrijenti za zaštitu kognitivnih funkcija su vitamini B grupe, polifenoli, vitamin D i omega-3 polinezasićene masne kiseline (PMK). Sveukupnost naučnih dokaza u ovom trenutku najjače podržava uloge folata i metabolički povezanih vitamina B6 i B12 u zaštiti kognitivnih funkcija u starijoj životnoj dobi. Visoke koncentracije polifenola u terapiji demencije pokazale su značajno povećanje volumena cerebralne krvi. Iako su niže koncentracije vitamina D u serumu bile povezane sa većim rizikom za razvoj demencije, suplementacija vitaminom D nije bila dovoljna za poboljšanje kognitivnih ishoda. U vezi sa ulogom omega-3 PMK, rezultati istraživanja ukazuju na zaštitne efekte kod osoba sa kognitivnim smetnjama. Dijetarni režim i zdrav stil života igraju značajnu ulogu u prevenciji kognitivnih poremećaja. Mediteranska ishrana je najčešće ispitivani dijetarni obrazac u observacionim studijama. Pokazano je da je koncept MIND dijete (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) u vezi sa neuroprotektivnim efektima i prevencijom demencije. Redovna fizička aktivnost predstavlja značajnu komponentu zdravog životnog stila u održanju vitalnosti moždanih funkcija.

Purpose: Sea macroalgae are an important source of biologically highly valuable compounds. The main aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anticancer properties and chemical composition of the dichloromethane-methanol extract and three fractions of the Fucus spiralis from coastline of Morocco. Methods: Fractions were made from dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) extract of Fucus spiralis: petroleum-ether, ethyl-acetate and n-butanol. Extract and fractions were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity by MTT assay against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), colorectal adenocarcinoma (LS-174T), lung carcinoma (A549), and normal human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). Cell cycle distribution of the HeLa cells was evaluated using flow cytometry. Acridine orange (AO)-ethidium bromide (EB) staining was used to assess morphological changes of HeLa cells under fluorescence microscope. Anti-migration and anti-angiogenic properties were investigated using scratch and tube formation assays against human endothelium-derived permanent EA.hy926 cell line. Antidiabetic activity was tested using anti-α-glucosidase assay. Antimicrobial effect was tested using micro- dilution method. Results: Petroleum-ether fraction оf Fucus spiralis rich in fatty acids exerted the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Ethyl-acetate and petroleum-ether fractions induced the highest accumulation of the HeLa cells in sub-G1 and G2/M phases. Extract and fractions showed proapoptotic effect on HeLa cells under fluorescent microscope. They exhibited antimigratory and antiangiogenic effects in vitro. IC50 value for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was much stronger than standard acarbose. n-Butanol fraction exerted the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity. Conclusions: The investigation of various biological activities of the extract and fractions obtained from Fucus spiralis may suggest a promising anticancer and pharmacological potential of this edible macroalga.

The amount of organic pomace, left behind agricultural processes, is continuously rising in accordance with industrial progress. Grape pomace, generated in the wine industry all over the world, represents a raw material for obtaining valuable products. Grape seeds are especially rich in oil containing bioactive compounds that can have various health-related effects. The aim of the study is to compare the quality of seed oils obtained from six white grapes, including two Serbian autochthonous varieties. Linoleic acid, associated with numerous health benefits, is the major fatty acid in all samples (≈66% of total); α-tocopherol is the main tocopherol homologue. Total polyphenol content ranges from 73.4 to 104.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g. In order to provide comprehensive information about antioxidant capacity of grape seed oil (GSO), three tests are performed (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power; 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging). Antimicrobial activity is investigated against different strains; however, GSO inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Obtained results are used to develop a novel approach for oil quality assessment. Calculated oil quality scores (OQS) reveal no significant difference between international and autochthonous varieties, although Smederevka stands out as the most potent one. Practical applications: Considering the progressive waste increase in the wine industry and keeping in mind all health-promoting effects of grape seed oil (GSO), it is clearly observed that oil production represents a profitable and sustainable utilization of grape seeds. The results of the present study show that GSO is a rich source of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, this work provides deeper insight into a quality of Serbian autochthonous grape varieties that are still insufficiently explored. Furthermore, the prop

Background: This study investigated the effects of a nutritionally relevant intake of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids derived from oily fish or a fish oil supplement on selected cardiovascular risk factors in average middle-aged individuals. Methods: Thirty-three participants were randomized to receive salmon (oily fish) providing 274 mg EPA + 671 mg DHA/day or a commercial fish oil supplement providing 396 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA/day in a cross-over trial over an 8-week period separated by a 6-month washout period. Blood samples were collected before and after each intervention and lipids, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were determined. Results: Plasma levels of EPA, DHA and total n-3 fatty acids significantly increased after both interventions. A decreasing trend in triglycerides was more pronounced with salmon than with the fish oil supplement, but the changes noticed were not significant. Although there were no relevant changes in inflammatory marker concentrations at the end of both interventions, significant negative correlations were noticed between total plasma n-3 fatty acids and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule and C-reactive protein throughout the whole intervention period (p lt 0.05). Among the oxidative stress parameters, intervention with salmon showed a prooxidative effect through a superoxide anion increase (p = 0.025). A relevant positive correlation was also found between its concentration and total plasma n-3 fatty acids (p lt 0.05). Other oxidative stress markers were not significantly influenced by the dietary interventions applied. Conclusions: Following two sets of recommendations for n-3 fatty acids intake aimed at the general public had only a moderate effect on the selected cardiovascular risk factors in average healthy middle-aged subjects over a short-term period.

The rapid increase in the consumption of salty snack products has led to increased concern about their composition and nutritional value. The aim of this study was to investigate the fat content and fatty acid profile in salty snack products from the Serbian market. A total of 58 different snack products from 3 categories (Baked products, Chips & flips products, Cereal products) were analyzed. The fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography. Total fat content ranged from 3.1 % in expanded rice to 35.7 % in potato chips. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids constituted > 80 % of all fatty acids (FAs) in categories Baked products and Chips & flips. Linoleic acid was more abundant in the category Cereal products (15.5-49.3 %). The trans-FAs elaidic (C18:1 - 9t) and linolelaidic FAs (18: 2 - 9t, 12t) were identified in 66 % of the products. The flips products had the highest average t-FAs content (16.3 %), followed by flips group (9.3 %). Potential t-FAs intake from 100 g of analyzed products was in range 0.1-4.9 g. This study provided a large database on saturated fatty acids and t-FAs content in salty snack products and indicated that by consuming only one package of some products, the t-FAs intake could surpass the recommended maximum of 1 % of daily energy.

Introduction: Cholesterol homeostasis disruption contributes to the development of different pathologies. Non cholesterol sterols (NCSs) serve as cholesterol synthesis markers (desmosterol and lathosterol), and cholesterol absorption surrogate markers (campesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol). The study aimed to resolve certain new pre-analytical and analytical problems and ensure a reliable and validated method. Materials and methods: Method optimization, validation and stability studies were executed in human serum and plasma. Freeze-thaw cycles were done with and without antioxidant. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was used for NCSs confirmation and plasticizer identification, while GC-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) was used for NCSs quantitation. Results: Infra-and inter-assay variabilities for all NCSs were 2.75-9.55% and 5.80-7.75% for plasma and 3.10-5.72% and 3.05-10.92% for serum, respectively. Recovery studies showed satisfactory percentage errors for all NCSs: 93.4-105.7% in plasma and 87.5-106.9 in serum. Derivatized samples were stable up to 7 days at 20 degrees C and derivatization yield was affected by presence of plasticizers. Fatty acid amids were identified as interfering plastic leachates. Statistically different NCSs concentrations were observed after the 1st freeze-thaw cycle, in antioxidant-free samples, and after the 4th cycle in antioxidant-enriched samples. Conclusions: All of the in-house procedures proved to be useful for minimizing the preanalytical and analytical variations, as proven by the validation results.

Several dietary recommendations have been made for marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUPA) intake; however, the effectiveness of these fatty acids has not been thoroughly examined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether public-aimed dietary recommendations for long-chain n-3 PUPA from oily fish or fish oil supplements are efficient in optimizing their status in red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets of healthy middle-aged subjects with low customary fish consumption. In a randomized, cross-over trial conducted over an 8-week period and separated by a 6-month washout period, 33 participants received an oily fish (salmon), providing 274 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 671 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day, or a commercial fish oil supplement, providing 396 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA per day. Blood samples were collected before and after each intervention period, and RBCs and platelets were used for analysis of fatty acids. After 8 weeks, there were significant increases in EPA and DHA content in RBCs and platelets with both salmon and fish oil capsules. The increase in EPA in both RBCs and platelets was higher with capsules, whereas the increase in DHA in both RBCs and platelets was higher with salmon. In spite of the quantitative and qualitative differences between n-3 fatty acid profiles in salmon and the fish oil supplement, the overall incorporation of these fatty acids into RBCs and platelets did not differ in our short-term study (P>.05). The sum of EPA + DHA significantly increased in both compartments following dietary recommendations for oily fish and fish oil supplements intake in middle-aged healthy subjects with low baseline long-chain n-3 PUPA status, although targeted values with optimal cardioprotective effect of more than 8% were not achieved.

Fish lipids are rich dietary sources of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFAs). Among n-3 fatty acids, the most important are eicosapentaenoic (20:5 n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3, DHA) acids which have important roles in the prevention and treatment of different diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the fatty acid content of fresh marine fish available on the Serbian market. In five species of marine fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and hake) the content and composition of fatty acids were analyzed. After lipid extraction, fatty acids were derivatized into volatile methyl-esters. Fatty acids were determined using capillary gas chromatography. Analyses of total lipid content in fresh fish samples and their fatty acid composition revealed that mackerel and sardines were the best dietary sources of LC-PUFAs (4.6 and 4.5 g/100 g, respectively). All analyzed fish samples had significantly higher DHA than EPA content. The highest average EPA content per 100 g of edible fish was observed in samples of sardines (2.0 g). The results showed that the DHA content of sardines, mackerel and salmon were similar - 2.2 g, 2.6 and 2.3 g/100 g, respectively. Hake and tuna had significantly lower LC-PUFAs, EPA and DHA contents. Although significant variations in n-3 fatty acids' content were noted among individual fish samples, it could be concluded that fresh marine fish available on Serbian market can be cheap and valuable source of LC-PUFAs in daily diet.

The aim of the present study was to reveal the potential biological activities of the dichlorometane: methanol (1:1) dry extract (DME) and the nutritional value of selected seaweeds: Cymodocea nodosa, Halimeda tuna, Cystoseira barbata and Codium bursa, collected from the Adriatic coast, Montenegro. We assessed the chemical composition and several biological activities such as: anti-a-glucosidase, antitumour, antimicrobial and antioxidative activity. H. tuna had the best cytotoxic activity against human colon carcinoma cell line, LS174 (IC50 = 17.92 +/- 1.54 mu g/mL). C. nodosa demonstrated strong cytotoxicity against human adenocarcinoma cell line, HeLa (IC50 = 13.28 +/- 0.39 mu g/mL) and human chronic myelogenous leukaemia cell line, K562 (IC50 = 19.64 +/- 1.55 mu g/mL). C. barbata had the best anti a-glucosidase (IC50 = 9.98 +/- 3.34 mu g/mL) and antimicrobial activity (minimal inhibitory concentration of 100 mu g/mL) for Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. C. bursa showed the highest nutritional value (490.4 kcal).

We used rimonabant to investigate the role of CB1 receptor on hepatic FFAs profile during NAFLD. Male mice C57BL/6 were divided into: control group fed with control diet 20 weeks (C; n = 6); group fed with HFD 20 weeks (HF; n = 6); group fed with control diet and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (R; n = 9); group fed with HFD and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (HFR; n = 10). Rimonabant (10 mg/kg) was administered daily to HFR and R group by oral gavage. Rimonabant decreased liver palmitic acid proportion in HFR group compared to HF group (p lt 0.05). Liver stearic and oleic acid proportions were decreased in R group compared to control (p lt 0.01 respectively). Rimonabant increased liver linoleic and arachidonic acid proportions in HFR group compared to HF group (p lt 0.01 respectively). CB1 blockade may be useful in the treatment of HFD-induced NAFLD due to modulation of plasma lipid and hepatic FFA profile.

Background: Cholesterol homeostasis disorders may cause dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis progression and coronary artery disease (CAD) development. Evaluation of non-cholesterol sterols (NCSs) as synthesis and absorption markers, and lipoprotein particles quality may indicate the dyslipidemia early development. This study investigates associations of different cholesterol homeostasis patterns with low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) subclasses distribution in statin-treated and statin-untreated CAD patients, and potential use of aforementioned markers for CAD treatment optimization. Methods: The study included 78 CAD patients (47 statin-untreated and 31 statin-treated) and 31 controls (CG). NCSs concentrations were quantified using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Lipoprotein subclasses were separated by gradient gel electrophoresis. Results: In patients, cholesterol-synthesis markers were significantly higher comparing to CG. Cholesterol-synthesis markers were inversely associated with LDL size in all groups. For cholesterol homeostasis estimation, each group was divided to good and/or poor synthetizers and/or absorbers according to desmosterol and beta-sitosterol median values. In CG, participants with reduced cholesterol absorption, the relative proportion of small, dense LDL was higher in those with increased cholesterol synthesis compared to those with reduced synthesis (p lt 0.01). LDL I fraction was significantly higher in poor synthetizers/poor absorbers subgroup compared to poor synthetizers/good absorbers (p lt 0.01), and good synthetizers/poor absorbers (p lt 0.01). Statin-treated patients with increased cholesterol absorption had increased proportion of LDL IVB (p lt 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest the existence of different lipoprotein abnormalities according to various patterns of cholesterol homeostasis. Desmosterol/beta-sitosterol ratio could be used for estimating individual propensity toward dyslipidemi

Western life style, and high calorie diet in particular is causing major health problems such as insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and heart disease in the modern age. High fat diet (HFD) induces similar changes in mice, such as increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia and accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. These changes can be ameliorated by the administration of some Lactobacillus species. The focus of this study was to analyze the fatty acid content of liver, heart and brain tissues of mice fed HFD and administered with either Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA68, and to analyze the fatty acid content of these organs after a two months washout period. The fatty acid composition of mouse liver tissue changed significantly due to probiotic administration during a 12 weeks HFD regime and active Lactobacillus administration had a slightly reversing effect toward the standard mouse diet group, but after the washout period these changes disappeared. The fatty acid composition of the heart and brain tissues was significantly changed in the HFD regime but probiotic administration had no significant influence on the fatty acid profile of these two organs. Upon the 8 weeks washout period the only remaining beneficial effect was the significantly lower mouse weight in the supplemented groups compared to the HFD group.