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Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plasma triglycerides (TGs) are a key factor for assessing the risk of diabetes or CVD. However, previous lipidomics studies have demonstrated that not all TG molecules behave the same way. Individual TGs with different fatty acid compositions are regulated differentially under various conditions. In addition, distinct groups of TGs were identified to be associated with increased diabetes risk (TGs with lower carbon number [C#] and double-bond number [DB#]), or with decreased risk (TGs with higher C# and DB#). In this study, we examined the effects of high-fat feeding in rats on plasma lipid profiles with special attention to TG profiles. Wistar rats were maintained on either a low-fat (control) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks. Plasma samples were obtained before and 2.5 h after a meal (n = 10 each) and subjected to lipidomics analyses. High-fat feeding significantly impacted circulating lipid profiles, with the most significant effects observed on TG profile. The effects of an HFD on individual TG species depended on DB# in their fatty acid chains; an HFD increased TGs with low DB#, associated with increased diabetes risk, but decreased TGs with high DB#, associated with decreased risk. These changes in TGs with an HFD were associated with decreased indices of hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity, assessed from hepatic fatty acid profiles. Decreased SCD activity would reduce the conversion of saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids, contributing to the increases in saturated TGs or TGs with low DB#. In addition, an HFD selectively depleted ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), contributing to the decreases in TGs with high DB#. Thus, an HFD had profound impacts on circulating TG profiles. Some of these changes were at least partly explained by decreased hepatic SCD activity and depleted ω-3 PUFA.

Mutations in the adiponectin receptor 1 gene (AdipoR1) lead to retinitis pigmentosa and are associated with age-related macular degeneration. This study explores the effects of AdipoR1 gene deficiency in mice, revealing a striking decline in ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), an increase in ω6 fatty acids, and elevated ceramides in the retina. The AdipoR1 deficiency impairs peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α signaling, which is crucial for FA metabolism, particularly affecting proteins associated with FA transport and oxidation in the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium. Our lipidomic and proteomic analyses indicate changes that could affect membrane composition and viscosity through altered ω3 PUFA transport and synthesis, suggesting a potential influence of AdipoR1 on these properties. Furthermore, we noted a reduction in the Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins, which are crucial for forming and maintaining photoreceptor outer segments that are PUFA-enriched ciliary structures. Diminution in Bardet-Biedl syndrome-proteins content combined with our electron microscopic observations raises the possibility that AdipoR1 deficiency might impair ciliary function. Treatment with inhibitors of ceramide synthesis led to substantial elevation of ω3 LC-PUFAs, alleviating photoreceptor degeneration and improving retinal function. These results serve as the proof of concept for a ceramide-targeted strategy to treat retinopathies linked to PUFA deficiency, including age-related macular degeneration.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) modifies the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with a family history of CVD. We assessed interactions between biomarkers of low PUFA intake and a family history in relation to long-term CVD risk in a large consortium. METHODS: Blood and tissue PUFA data from 40 885 CVD-free adults were assessed. PUFA levels ≤25th percentile were considered to reflect low intake of linoleic, alpha-linolenic, and eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acids (EPA/DHA). Family history was defined as having ≥1 first-degree relative who experienced a CVD event. Relative risks with 95% CI of CVD were estimated using Cox regression and meta-analyzed. Interactions were assessed by analyzing product terms and calculating relative excess risk due to interaction. RESULTS: After multivariable adjustments, a significant interaction between low EPA/DHA and family history was observed (product term pooled RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.02-1.16]; P=0.01). The pooled relative risk of CVD associated with the combined exposure to low EPA/DHA, and family history was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.30-1.54), whereas it was 1.25 (95% CI, 1.16-1.33) for family history alone and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.98-1.14) for EPA/DHA alone, compared with those with neither exposure. The relative excess risk due to interaction results indicated no interactions. CONCLUSIONS: A significant interaction between biomarkers of low EPA/DHA intake, but not the other PUFA, and a family history was observed. This novel finding might suggest a need to emphasize the benefit of consuming oily fish for individuals with a family history of CVD.

Background Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds have become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers owing to their high content of ω-3 fatty acids, which provide various health benefits. Comprehensive chemical analyses of the fatty acids and proteins in chia seeds have been conducted, revealing their functional properties. Recent studies have confirmed the high ω-3 content of chia seed oil and have hinted at additional functional characteristics. Scope This review article aims to provide an overview of the botanical, morphological and biochemical features of chia plants, seeds and seed mucilage. Additionally, we discuss the recent developments in genetic and molecular research on chia, including the latest transcriptomic and functional studies that examine the genes responsible for chia fatty acid biosynthesis. In recent years, research on chia seeds has shifted its focus from studying the physicochemical characteristics and chemical composition of seeds to understanding the metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms that contribute to their nutritional benefits. This has led to a growing interest in various pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and agricultural applications of chia. In this context, we discuss the latest research on chia and the questions that remain unanswered, and we identify areas that require further exploration. Conclusions Nutraceutical compounds associated with significant health benefits, including ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity, have been measured in high quantities in chia seeds. However, comprehensive investigations through both in vitro experiments and in vivo animal and controlled human trials are expected to provide greater clarity on the medicinal, antimicrobial and antifungal effects of chia seeds. The recently published genome of chia and gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, facilitate functional studies deciphering molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis and metabolic pathways in this crop. This necessitates development of stable transformation protocols and creation of a publicly available lipid database, mutant collection and large-scale transcriptomic datasets for chia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes and can lead to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 5–10% of cases after 10 years. Clinical trials have shown that the oral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seems to have a beneficial effect on Sjögren's syndrome. Aim. This literature review provides an overview of the effects of PUFA supplementation on clinical manifestations and inflammatory parameters in Sjögren's syndrome. Methodology. We conducted a literature review using the PubMed, Biomed Central, and Cochrane Library electronic databases and using search terms "Sjögren" AND "omega-3"; and "omega-6" AND "fatty acids" AND "oil". This literature review followed the PRISMA guidelines and included randomized clinical trials in humans with or without a control group using the oral administration of PUFA. Results. From 26 articles found in the databases, a total of 6 articles were included. Of these six trials, five trials showed an effect on clinical manifestations and three trials on inflammatory parameters. Most of the studies did not show a significant effect on the parameters analyzed. One study showed a significant improvement in dry keratoconjunctivitis compared to the control group. The results suggest that PUFAs may improve inflammatory parameters in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Conclusions. This literature review supports the idea that the oral administration of PUFA may possess a potential effect on clinical manifestations. However, due to the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of clinical trial methodology, further investigations should be employed. Understanding the potential mechanism of action of PUFAs on clinical biomarkers in Sjögren's syndrome may clarify their importance in clinical practice for health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context While the association between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cardiovascular (CV) events has been thoroughly examined, there is still a scarcity of research regarding their effect on the long-term prognosis in diabetic patients. Objective We aimed to explore the effects of n-3 PUFA on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Method Herein, a total of 16 539 eligible individuals were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to 2018, and categorized into T1, T2, and T3 based on the tertiles of n-3 PUFA. The Cox proportional risk regression models, Kaplan-Meier curve, and subgroup analysis were conducted to evaluate the association between n-3 PUFA and mortality. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves graphically demonstrated the dose-response relationship. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were adopted to measure the mixed and individual effects of n-3 PUFA on mortality. Results Following a median follow-up period of 8.42 years, 3010 individuals died, with 989 deaths attributed to CV diseases. Significantly lower risk of all-cause (T2: 0.81 [0.71-0.92], T3: 0.77 [0.64-0.94]) and CV (T2: 0.75 [0.61-0.93]) mortality was observed after adjusting for multivariables compared to the reference (T1). Meanwhile, the RCS curve revealed a negative nonlinear association between n-3 PUFA and mortality. None of the interactions in any subgroup analysis were statistically significant except for BMI (P for interaction =.049). Finally, the WQS analysis demonstrated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) as the main contributors to n-3 PUFAs' benefits against mortality. Conclusion Increased dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs, particularly ALA and DPA, was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and CV mortality among Americans with prediabetes and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is an airway inflammatory disease driven by multiple factors with a high incidence in children and adolescents. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and diet are inducing factors for asthma. The potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to alleviate asthma symptoms by their anti-inflammatory effects has been explored. However, to date, no studies have explored the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke. Objective: We aimed to examine the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the current asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke. Methods: Data of this cross-sectional were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018. Children and adolescents with serum cotinine concentration ≥ 0.05 ng/mL were defined to exposed to tobacco smoke. Dietary PUFAs intake information were obtained from 24 h recall interview. The weighted univariate and multivariate were utilized to explore the effect of PUFAs on the association of asthma and TSE, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). These moderating effects were further explored based on the age, gender and body mass index (BMI) and sedentary time. Results: Totally, 7981 eligible children and adolescents were included, with the mean age of 11.96 ± 0.06 years old. Of whom, 1.024 (12.83%) had current asthma. After adjusted all covariates, we found children and adolescents with TSE had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.03–1.63); We also found omega-3 PUFAs intake (P for interaction = 0.010), not omega-6 PUFAs (P for interaction = 0.546), has a moderating effect on the association of TSE and current asthma. Moreover, we further observed that children and adolescents with TSE and low omega-3 PUFAs intake had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19–2.10), while no significant association was found in children and adolescents with high omega-3 PUFAs intake (all P > 0.05). This moderating effect was more prominent in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years old (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.06–2.47), girls (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.15–3.98), overweight (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.47) and sedentary time > 6 h (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.00–3.86). Conclusion: We found dietary omega-3 PUFAs plays a moderating effect on the association of asthma and TSE in children and adolescents, especially in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years, girls, overweight or sedentary time > 6 h. This moderating effect suggested higher omega-3 intake has potential benefits in decreasing the occurrence of asthma in children and adolescents who exposed to tobacco smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To detect the plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) concentrations in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and healthy controls. Additionally, advanced studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between PUFAs concentrations and ophthalmological characteristics, including hyperreflective foci (HRF), visual acuity, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) response in patients with AMD. Methods: This prospective, single-site study recruited a total of 315 participants, consisting of 105 individuals with dry AMD (early-stage AMD group), 105 individuals with neovascular AMD (late-stage AMD group), and 105 elderly individuals without any fundus diseases (healthy controls). The levels of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs in plasma were detected using gas chromatography. Retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, andmacular volume were quantified using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scan with a 6 x 6 mm macular area, and the amounts of HRF were analyzed with OCTA scanning data. Results: Compared to the control group, AMD patients exhibited significantly lower plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha linolenic acid. HRF were observed in various retinal layers of AMD patients, particularly those with late-stage AMD. The correlation coefficient matrix and multiple linear regression models demonstrated that HRF played a crucial role in best corrected visual acuity for both early (p < 0.001) and late-stage AMD patients (p = 0.006), while EPA had an inverse effect on the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) value in patients with early-stage AMD (p < 0.001). As compared to patients with good responses to anti-VEGF therapy, those with poor responses had significantly lower baseline logMAR (p < 0.001), central retina thickness (p = 0.002), macular volume (p = 0.027), HRF (p = 0.024), and plasma EPA (p < 0.001). This study used a ROC curve analysis to identify the combination of HRF and EPA as a potential biomarker for predicting the response to anti-VEGF treatment in late-stage AMD patients, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.775. Conclusions: Reduced plasma EPA was detected in AMD cases and the lower EPA concentration was related to poorer visual acuity. Additionally, the quantity of HRF combined with concentration of plasma EPA may serve as the prognostic indicator for predicting the effect of anti-VEGF treatment in late-stage AMD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval cryopreservation techniques have been established in Pacific oysters and Mediterranean mussels. Although initial cryopreservation protocols for both species differed slightly in Ficoll PM 70 (FIC) concentration, better post-thaw larval survivability was produced in mussels than oysters. Furthermore, the post-thaw survivability in the latter could be improved significantly by the addition of lipids and antioxidants to the cryoprotectant agent. These findings have generated a unique opportunity to investigate the cryo-functions of both endogenous and exogenous fatty acids (FAs) in bivalves as mammalian studies indicated that lipid compositions could contribute the interspecific difference in gamete and embryo cryopreservation. Our study showed that the higher survivability of post-thaw larvae in mussels (65% vs. 34% in oysters) could be attributed to their higher proportion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially C22:6, and higher resistance of FA profiles to cryopreservation. In oysters, on the other hand, their FA profiles were very sensitive to cryopreservation, with saturated FAs and PUFAs being significantly increased (from 37 to 41%) and decreased (from 35% to ~ 32%), respectively. Although exogenous lipids could significantly improve the survivability of post-thaw oyster larvae from 34 to 51%, their supplementation did not alter the response pattern of endogenous FA profiles to cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation is a symptom of different neurodegenerative diseases, and growing interest is directed towards active drug development for the reduction of its negative effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and their amide derivatives was largely investigated on some neural cells. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the protective role of both EPA and DHA and the corresponding N-ethanolamides EPA-EA and DHA-EA on neonatal mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs) after exposition to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. To verify their anti-inflammatory effect and cell morphological features on OECs, the expression of IL-10 cytokine, and cytoskeletal proteins (vimentin and GFAP) was evaluated by immunocytochemical procedures. In addition, MTT assays, TUNEL, and mitochondrial health tests were carried out to assess their protective effects on OEC viability. Our results highlight a reduction in GFAP and vimentin expression in OECs exposed to LPS and treated with EPA or DHA or EPA-EA or DHA-EA in comparison with OECs exposed to LPS alone. We observed a protective role of EPA and DHA on cell morphology, while the amides EPA-EA and DHA-EA mainly exerted a superior anti-inflammatory effect compared to free acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids (FAs) are important for cell membrane composition, eicosanoid synthesis, and metabolic processes. Membrane proteins that facilitate FA transport into cells include FA translocase (also known as CD36) and FA transporter proteins (encoded by SLC27A genes). The present study aimed to examine expression profiles of FA transporters in the endometrium of cyclic and early pregnant gilts on days 3 to 20 after estrus and the possible regulation by conceptus signals and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). The effect of PUFAs on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and transcript abundance of genes related to FA action and metabolism, angiogenesis, and immune response was also determined. Day after estrus and reproductive status of animals affected FA transporter expression, with greater levels of CD36, SLC27A1, and SLC27A4 observed in pregnant than in cyclic gilts. Conceptus-conditioned medium and/or estradiol-17β stimulated SLC27A1 and CD36 expression. Among PUFAs, linoleic acid decreased SLC27A1 and SLC27A6 mRNA expression, while arachidonic, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids increased SLC27A4 transcript abundance. Moreover, arachidonic acid stimulated ACOX1, CPT1A, and IL1B expression and increased PGE2 and PGI2 secretion. In turn, α-linolenic acid up-regulated VEGFA, FGF2, FABP4, and PPARG mRNA expression. These results indicate the presence of an active transport of FAs in the porcine endometrium and the role of PUFAs as modulators of the uterine activity during conceptus implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of photoperiod (hemeral light (HL), 16:8 light-dark cycle (LD); ahemeral light (AHL), 14:7 LD) in combination with four n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios (n-6:n-3 PUFA, 4:1, 8:1, 14:1, 42:1) on productivity, reproductive performance, and immune response of laying birds. A total of 256 hens and 32 cockerels at 40 weeks of age were selected for eight different treatments (2 lighting regimens × 4 diets), each comprising four replicates (8 hens + 1 cockerel). The results showed that chickens fed the control diet or a n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of 14:1 had higher body weight and body weight gain than the other groups. Hens fed with 4:1, 14:1, and 8:1 n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, either alone or with the HL regimen, showed higher egg production, egg mass, survival rate, and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group. However, chickens fed a n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio of 4:1 had lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), but higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and a higher HDL/LDL ratio in the egg yolk compared to the other groups. Furthermore, exposing the hens to HL increased the number of hatched chicks per hen, net revenue, and economic efficiency. In conclusion, exposure of hens to HL and feeding 14:1 and 4:1 n-6:n-3 PUFA can improve the productive performance, number of hatched chicks per hen, can increase the omega-3 fatty acids content in the eggs, and economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Assembly of PUFA-attached TAGs is intimately correlated to turnover of newly formed membrane lipids in starch-deficient Chlamydomonas exposed to high light and nitrogen stress under air-aerated mixotrophic conditions. Triacylglycerols (TAGs) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in microalgae have attracted extensive attention due to its promising application in nutraceuticals and other high-value compounds. Previous studies revealed that PUFAs accumulated in TAG primarily derived from the dominant membrane lipids, monogalactosyldiacylglycerolipid, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and diacylglycerol-N,N,N-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS), in the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. However, their respective contribution to PUFA-attached TAG integration has not been clearly deciphered, particularly in starchless Chlamydomonas that hyper-accumulates TAG. In this study, the starchless C. reinhardtii BAFJ5 was mixotrophically cultivated in photobioreactors aerated with air (0.04% CO2), and we monitored the dynamic changes in growth, cellular carbon and nitrogen content, photosynthetic activity, biochemical compositions, and glycerolipid remodeling under high light and nitrogen starvation conditions. The results indicated that multiple PUFAs continually accumulated in total lipids and TAG, and the primary distributors of these PUFAs gradually shifted from membrane lipids to TAG in stress-induced BAFJ5. The stoichiometry analyses showed that the PUFA-attached TAG assembly attributed to turnover of not only the major glycerolipids, but also the phospholipids, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol. Specifically, the augmented C16:3n3 and C18:3n3 in TAG mainly originated from de novo-synthesized galactolipids, while the cumulative C18:3n6 and C18:4n3 in TAG were intimately correlated with conversion of the newly formed DGTS and PE. These findings emphasized significance of PUFA-attached TAG formation dependent on turnover of de novo assembled membrane lipids in starch-deficient Chlamydomonas, beneficial for enhanced production of value-added lipids in microalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 (n3) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid well known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation that disrupts metabolism, the intestine physiology and the central nervous system functioning. This study aims to determine if n3 supplementation can interfere with the effects of obesity on the mitochondrial activity, intestinal barrier, and neurotransmitter levels in the brain of Wistar rats that received cafeteria diet (CAF). We examined adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, plasma, intestine, and the cerebral cortex of four groups: CT (control diet), CTn3 (control diet with n3 supplementation), CAF, and CAFn3 (CAF and n3). Diets were offered for 13 weeks, with n3 supplementation in the final 5 weeks. Adipose tissue Electron Transport Chain complexes I, II, and III showed higher activity in CAF groups, as did complexes III and IV in skeletal muscle. Acetate levels in plasma were reduced in CAF groups, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was higher in the CAF group but reduced in CAFn3 group. Claudin-5 in the intestine was lower in CAF groups, with no n3 supplementation effect. In the cerebral cortex, dopamine levels were decreased with CAF, which was reversed by n3. DOPAC, a dopamine metabolite, also showed a supplementation effect, and HVA, a diet effect. Serotonin levels increased in the CAF group that received supplementation. Therefore, we demonstrate disturbances in mitochondria, plasma, intestine and brain of rats submitted to CAF and the potential benefit of n3 supplementation in endotoxemia and neurotransmitter levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the pasteurization process on chemical quality, aroma, and fatty acid profile of goat milk from this region. In this context, physical–chemical parameters were assessed, the fatty acid profile was identified, and the profile of volatile compounds in raw (unpasteurized) and pasteurized goat milk was characterized. Regarding the fatty acid profile, the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids found in higher percentages were the same for both raw and pasteurized milk (capric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids). However, the polyunsaturated fatty acids differed, with linoleic acid in raw milk and eicosapentaenoic acid in pasteurized milk. After pasteurization, the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices decreased, while the ratio of hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids increased, along with the content of desirable fatty acids. Manual solid-phase microextraction was the most viable method, and resulting in 34 volatile compounds, most of which were terpenes (8), aromatic compounds (7), and aldehydes (5) in raw milk. In pasteurized milk, 27 terpenes, 22 hydrocarbons and 11 aldehydes were identified. The results showed increased lipid and lactose content, and the decrease in the amount of saturated fatty acids was associated with a considerable increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids. The thermal pasteurization process influenced the volatile profile of goat milk, leading to the formation of new compounds/chemical classes in pasteurized milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first thousand days of life, fetus and infant's nutrition depends on mother's diet. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important substrates in infant neurogenesis. We related erythrocyte membrane (EM) and breast milk fatty acids (FA) profile in lactating mothers with the EM FA profile in exclusively breastfed infants and evaluated maternal fat consumption. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional analytical study. During the 2016–2019 period, milk and blood samples from adult mothers 90 days post-partum and infant's blood were analysed, and FA were determined by GC. A frequency of consumption survey of fatty acids precursor foods and sources was conducted. The sample included forty-five mother–infant EM and forty-five milk samples donated by the same mothers. A low percentage of DHA (0·14 (0·12–0·2)) was found in milk, consistent with mother's low consumption of DHA-rich foods. A significant positive correlation between infant's EM DHA percentage and milk DHA percentage (r = 0·39; P value 0·008), as well as between infant's EM ω-3 fatty acids sum and milk DHA percentage (r = 0·39; P value 0·008), was found. When milk had a DHA percentage greater than or equal to 0·20 %, infants had a significant increase in DHA in their EM. Mother's consumption of DHA precursors and sources was NS. The relation between the DHA percentage distribution found in maternal milk, and the DHA percentage distribution found in infant's and mother's EM was proven in this population. Dietary fatty acid intake is associated with the maternal milk lipid distribution and with mothers' and infant's EM fatty acids percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The process of the globally aging population has been accelerating, leading to an increasing social burden. As people age, the musculoskeletal system will gradually go through a series of degenerative and loss of function and eventually develop age-related musculoskeletal diseases, like sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. On the other hand, several studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess various important physiological functions on the health of muscles, bones, and joints. Objective: This narrative review paper provides a summary of the literature about the effects and mechanisms of PUFAs on age-related musculoskeletal diseases for the prevention and management of these diseases. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases have been searched to select the relevant literature on epidemiological, cellular, and animal experiments and clinical evidence in recent decades with keywords "polyunsaturated fatty acids", "PUFAs", "omega-3", "omega-6", "musculoskeletal diseases", "sarcopenia", "osteoporosis", "osteoarthritis", and so on. Results: PUFAs could prevent and treat age-related musculoskeletal diseases (sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis) by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and controlling the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of cells. This review paper provides comprehensive evidence of PUFAs on age-related musculoskeletal diseases, which will be helpful for exploitation into functional foods and drugs for their prevention and treatment. Conclusions: PUFAs could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Nannochloropsis oceanica is an industrially relevant marine microalga rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, a valuable ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid), yet the algal production potential remains to be unlocked. Here we engineered N. oceanica to synthesize the high‐value carotenoid astaxanthin independent of high‐light (HL) induction for achieving multifaceted benefits. By screening β‐carotenoid ketolases and hydroxylases of various origins, and strategically manipulating compartmentalization, fusion patterns, and linkers of the enzyme pair, a remarkable 133‐fold increase in astaxanthin content was achieved in N. oceanica. Iterative metabolic engineering efforts led to further increases in astaxanthin synthesis up to 7.3 mg g−1, the highest reported for microalgae under nonstress conditions. Astaxanthin was found in the photosystem components and allowed the alga HL resistance and augmented EPA production. Besides, we achieved co‐production of astaxanthin and EPA by the engineered alga through a fed‐batch cultivation approach. Our findings unveil the untapped potential of N. oceanica as a robust, light‐driven chassis for constitutive astaxanthin synthesis and provide feasible strategies for the concurrent production of multiple high‐value biochemicals from CO2, thereby paving the way for sustainable biotechnological applications of this alga. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia, thereby increasing the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. The precise mechanisms linking obesity to endometrial hyperplasia remain unclear, but dysregulation of adipose tissue homeostasis is known to play a significant role. Hypertrophied adipocytes in obese individuals secrete various bioactive substances, including cytokines, growth factors, hormones, and metabolites. Additionally, hyperplastic adipocytes exhibit enhanced aromatase activity, leading to increased estrogen synthesis, which further promotes the development of endometrial hyperplasia. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of the poly unsaturated fatty acids. Methodology: An extensive literature survey has been performed to identify the role of adipokines and elevated endogenous estrogen levels in activating cell survival signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MEK/ERK1, and JAK–STAT in endometrial cells and their possible role in Endometrial Hyperplasia. Further, the possible beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were explored. Results: Numerous studies suggest the beneficial role of dietary fats, such as EPA, DHA, and AA in modulating the growth of endometrium in obesity-induced endometrial hyperplasia. PUFAs can activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which inhibits gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis. It also phosphorylates acetyl-CoA, leading to a decrease in malonyl-CoA, which inhibits mitochondrial CPT1. Additionally, AMPK activation promotes β-oxidation, and PPAR-γ mechanisms by down regulating the NF-kB pathway involved in endometrial hyperplasia. Conclusion: This review sheds light on the potential of PUFAs in mitigating estrogen synthesis, adipokine secretion, and endogenous aromatase activity in obesity induced endometrial hyperplasia. Furthermore, it critically evaluates the role and mechanisms of PUFAs in attenuating obesity-associated endometrial hyperplasia and reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain utilizes glucose as a primary energy substrate but also fatty acids for the β‐oxidation in mitochondria. The β‐oxidation is reported to occur mainly in astrocytes, but its capacity and efficacy against different fatty acids remain unknown. Here, we show the fatty acid preference for the β‐oxidation in mitochondria of murine cultured astrocytes. Fatty acid oxidation assay using an extracellular flux analyzer showed that saturated or monosaturated fatty acids, palmitic acid and oleic acid, are preferred substrates over polyunsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. We also report that fatty acid binding proteins expressed in the astrocytes contribute less to fatty acid transport to mitochondria for β‐oxidation. Our results could give insight into understanding energy metabolism through fatty acid consumption in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. An experiment was conducted to identify the factors that cause reduced production of cows fed a diet with high content of corn distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). We hypothesized that the factors could be high sulfur (S) content in DDGS, which may directly (S toxicity) or indirectly (DCAD) cause reduced production. We also hypothesized that high PUFA in DDGS could be another major factor. In a randomized complete block design, 60 lactating cows (15 primiparous and 45 multiparous; average ± SD at the beginning of the trial: milk yield, 44.0 ± 6.9 kg/d; DIM, 123 ± 50; BW, 672 ± 82 kg) were blocked, and cows in each block were randomly assigned to 1 of the following treatments: SBM (4.7% fatty acids [FA], 0.22% S, and 178 mEq/kg DM of DCAD), a diet containing soybean meal as the main protein source; DG, with SBM replacing mainly soybean byproducts and supplemental fat with distillers grains at 30% dietary DM (4.7% FA, 0.44% S, and 42 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); SBM+S, SBM with sodium bisulfate for additional dietary S (4.8% FA, 0.37% S, and 198 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); SBM+CO, SBM with corn oil (4.7% FA, 0.23%, and 165 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); and DG+DCAD, DG with increased DCAD (4.7% FA, 0.40% S, and 330 mEq/kg DM of DCAD). Due to the limited number of tiestalls, blocks 1 to 6 started the experiment first as phase 1, and the rest of the blocks, as phase 2, started the experiment after phase 1. All cows were fed the SBM diet for 10 d as a covariate period followed by the experimental period for 35 d. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (Version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.); block and phase were random effects; and treatments, repeated week, and interaction were fixed effects. We found an interaction of week by treatment for DMI. Although milk yield did not change, milk fat concentration tended to decrease (2.78% vs. 3.34%) for DG compared with SBM. Dry matter, OM, NDF, and CP digestibilities were lower when cows were fed the DG diet compared with SBM. Additionally, cows fed DG had lower blood concentrations of HCO 3 −, base excess, and total (t)CO 2 compared with SBM. The SBM+S diet did not affect production, nutrient digestibility, or blood parameters compared with SBM. The SBM+CO diet decreased milk fat concentration and yield compared with SBM. The DG+DCAD diet tended to increase milk fat yield and concentration (1.24 vs. 1.47 kg/d; 2.78% vs. 3.37%) and increased ECM (40.9 vs. 45.1 kg/d) compared with DG but did not improve nutrient digestibility. However, blood HCO 3 −, base excess, and tCO 2 were greater for DG+DCAD compared with DG. In conclusion, the indirect role of S−, altering DCAD, along with the high PUFA content in DDGS, appear to be the factors causing reduced production responses to a high DDGS diet. Increasing DCAD to 300 mEq/kg DM in a high DDGS diet can be a feeding strategy to alleviate reduced production responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a considerable interest in supplementing fish diets with bio-functional substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and research is being conducted to evaluate their effects on fish physiology, particularly on breeding performances. The objective of this study was to find out how squid-derived lipids (PUFAs) influence the Rohu carp, Labeo rohita, in terms of reproduction, and embryonic and larval growth. The experimental fish were provided with formulated diet for a duration of 90 days, containing 1 % squid-extracted lipids as a primary source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). To determine the accuracy of the formulation, a proximate analysis of the feed ingredients and the formulated feeds were conducted. The results demonstrated remarkable reproductive outcomes during the spawning trial. Observations in fish treated with PUFAs revealed a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in sperm quality and viability, despite spawning occurring late in the breeding season. In addition, the fertilization rate (92.27 ± 1.74), hatching rate (89.33 ± 1.76), and survival rate (85.83 ± 1.74) of the offspring exhibited a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) when subjected to PUFAs treatment in L. rohita. Consequently, the treated fish exhibited enhanced early embryonic and larval development in comparison to the control group. Hence, the current study demonstrates that the inclusion of PUFAs in the diet of Rohu carp leads to improved maturation, breeding, and developmental outcomes, specifically in terms of embryonic development and organogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to better understand the association between the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, namely, linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA), and the increases in the peroxide value that results from storing interesterified fats, which are used as sources of solid fats in edible oil and fat products, at high temperatures. Six interesterified fats with different LA and LNA contents were prepared and oxidized at 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C under Rancimat test conditions. The oxidation rate increased with LA and LNA contents and increasing temperature. The oxidation kinetic analysis during the early oxidation stages demonstrated that when LA and LNA exceeded 8% and 2% respectively, the oxidative stability decreased as expected. However, the total LA and LNA contents had a higher correlation with the reaction rate constant [k (meq kg-1 h-1)] than each amount of LA and LNA contained therein. In other words, the oxidation stability of the interesterified fats used in this study depended on the total LA and LNA contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are considered promising sustainable feedstocks for the production of food, food additives, feeds, chemicals and various high-value products. Marine microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Isochrysis galbana and Nitzschia laevis are rich in fucoxanthin, which is effective for weight loss and metabolic diseases. The selection of microalgae species with outstanding nutritional profiles is fundamental for novel foods development, and the nutritional value of P. tricornutum, I. galbana and N. laevis are not yet fully understood. Hence, this study investigates and analyzes the nutritional components of the microalgae by chromatography and mass spectrometry, to explore their nutritional and industrial application potential. The results indicate that the three microalgae possess high nutritional value. Among them, P. tricornutum shows significantly higher levels of proteins (43.29%) and amino acids, while I. galbana has the highest content of carbohydrates (25.40%) and lipids (10.95%). Notwithstanding that P. tricornutum and I. galbana have higher fucoxanthin contents, N. laevis achieves the highest fucoxanthin productivity (6.21 mg/L/day) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) productivity (26.13 mg/L/day) because of the competitive cell density (2.89 g/L) and the advantageous specific growth rate (0.42/day). Thus, compared with P. tricornutum and I. galbana, N. laevis is a more promising candidate for co-production of fucoxanthin and PUFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some individuals with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) experience anosmia, or loss of smell. Although the prevalence of anosmia has decreased with the emergence of the Omicron variant, it remains a significant concern. This review examines the potential role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 PUFAs, in treating COVID-19-induced anosmia by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of the condition. Omega-3 PUFAs are known for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmission-enhancing properties, which could potentially aid in olfactory recovery. However, study findings are inconsistent. For instance, a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial found no significant effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on olfactory recovery in patients with COVID-19-induced anosmia. These mixed results highlight the limitations of existing research, including small sample sizes, lack of placebo controls, short follow-up periods, and combined treatments. Therefore, more rigorous, large-scale studies are urgently needed to definitively assess the therapeutic potential of omega-3 PUFAs for olfactory dysfunction. Further research is also crucial to explore the broader role of PUFAs in managing viral infections and promoting sensory recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Asthma is an airway inflammatory disease driven by multiple factors with a high incidence in children and adolescents. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and diet are inducing factors for asthma. The potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to alleviate asthma symptoms by their anti-inflammatory effects has been explored. However, to date, no studies have explored the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke. Objective We aimed to examine the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the current asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke. Methods Data of this cross-sectional were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018. Children and adolescents with serum cotinine concentration ≥ 0.05 ng/mL were defined to exposed to tobacco smoke. Dietary PUFAs intake information were obtained from 24 h recall interview. The weighted univariate and multivariate were utilized to explore the effect of PUFAs on the association of asthma and TSE, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). These moderating effects were further explored based on the age, gender and body mass index (BMI) and sedentary time. Results Totally, 7981 eligible children and adolescents were included, with the mean age of 11.96 ± 0.06 years old. Of whom, 1.024 (12.83%) had current asthma. After adjusted all covariates, we found children and adolescents with TSE had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.03–1.63); We also found omega-3 PUFAs intake (P for interaction = 0.010), not omega-6 PUFAs (P for interaction = 0.546), has a moderating effect on the association of TSE and current asthma. Moreover, we further observed that children and adolescents with TSE and low omega-3 PUFAs intake had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19–2.10), while no significant association was found in children and adolescents with high omega-3 PUFAs intake (all P > 0.05). This moderating effect was more prominent in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years old (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.06–2.47), girls (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.15–3.98), overweight (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.47) and sedentary time > 6 h (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.00–3.86). Conclusion We found dietary omega-3 PUFAs plays a moderating effect on the association of asthma and TSE in children and adolescents, especially in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years, girls, overweight or sedentary time > 6 h. This moderating effect suggested higher omega-3 intake has potential benefits in decreasing the occurrence of asthma in children and adolescents who exposed to tobacco smoke.

Abstract Larval cryopreservation techniques have been established in Pacific oysters and Mediterranean mussels. Although initial cryopreservation protocols for both species differed slightly in Ficoll PM 70 (FIC) concentration, better post-thaw larval survivability was produced in mussels than oysters. Furthermore, the post-thaw survivability in the latter could be improved significantly by the addition of lipids and antioxidants to the cryoprotectant agent. These findings have generated a unique opportunity to investigate the cryo-functions of both endogenous and exogenous fatty acids (FAs) in bivalves as mammalian studies indicated that lipid compositions could contribute the interspecific difference in gamete and embryo cryopreservation. Our study showed that the higher survivability of post-thaw larvae in mussels (65% vs. 34% in oysters) could be attributed to their higher proportion of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially C22:6, and higher resistance of FA profiles to cryopreservation. In oysters, on the other hand, their FA profiles were very sensitive to cryopreservation, with saturated FAs and PUFAs being significantly increased (from 37 to 41%) and decreased (from 35% to ~ 32%), respectively. Although exogenous lipids could significantly improve the survivability of post-thaw oyster larvae from 34 to 51%, their supplementation did not alter the response pattern of endogenous FA profiles to cryopreservation.

The article provides an overview of innovative technologies for the production of BAAs from the fat of marine pinnipeds. In ancient times they said: “Let food be medicine, and medicine – food” (Hippocrates). The possibility and necessity of creating and using BAAs - biologically active food addidives to maintain human health are based on this postulate of Hippocrates. Since ancient times, mankind has understood the importance of proper nutrition for health and longevity. Accumulating experience in the use of certain products in food and their importance for maintaining and preserving human health, researchers have found new food substances with biological activity that can be used to treat and prevent diseases [1, p. 225-227]. Biological activity of seal fat that inhabits the Arctic territories of Yakutia has been studied. Seals inhabit this zone in large quantities, while causing significant damage to the industrial fishing of this territory. According to the Federal Agency for Fishery, the industrial quota for seal production in this zone can be up to 3,000 heads per year. This is an economic justification for the introduction of technology for processing products obtained from marine mammals to obtain raw materials for the food, medical and cosmetic industries. The extreme climatic conditions of Arctic Yakutia determine the rich biochemical composition of seal subcutaneous fat. The fatty acid content in the seal subcutaneous fat confirms its uniqueness as a raw material for the dietary supplement “Akibol” with a high content of PUFA.

ABSTRACT: An experiment was conducted to identify the factors that cause reduced production of cows fed a diet with high content of corn distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). We hypothesized that the factors could be high sulfur (S) content in DDGS, which may directly (S toxicity) or indirectly (DCAD) cause reduced production. We also hypothesized that high PUFA in DDGS could be another major factor. In a randomized complete block design, 60 lactating cows (15 primiparous and 45 multiparous; average ± SD at the beginning of the trial: milk yield, 44.0 ± 6.9 kg/d; DIM, 123 ± 50; BW, 672 ± 82 kg) were blocked, and cows in each block were randomly assigned to 1 of the following treatments: SBM (4.7% fatty acids [FA], 0.22% S, and 178 mEq/kg DM of DCAD), a diet containing soybean meal as the main protein source; DG, with SBM replacing mainly soybean byproducts and supplemental fat with distillers grains at 30% dietary DM (4.7% FA, 0.44% S, and 42 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); SBM+S, SBM with sodium bisulfate for additional dietary S (4.8% FA, 0.37% S, and 198 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); SBM+CO, SBM with corn oil (4.7% FA, 0.23%, and 165 mEq/kg DM of DCAD); and DG+DCAD, DG with increased DCAD (4.7% FA, 0.40% S, and 330 mEq/kg DM of DCAD). Due to the limited number of tiestalls, blocks 1 to 6 started the experiment first as phase 1, and the rest of the blocks, as phase 2, started the experiment after phase 1. All cows were fed the SBM diet for 10 d as a covariate period followed by the experimental period for 35 d. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (Version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.); block and phase were random effects; and treatments, repeated week, and interaction were fixed effects. We found an interaction of week by treatment for DMI. Although milk yield did not change, milk fat concentration tended to decrease (2.78% vs. 3.34%) for DG compared with SBM. Dry matter, OM, NDF, and CP digestibilities were lower when cows were fed the DG diet compared with SBM. Additionally, cows fed DG had lower blood concentrations of HCO3−, base excess, and total (t)CO2 compared with SBM. The SBM+S diet did not affect production, nutrient digestibility, or blood parameters compared with SBM. The SBM+CO diet decreased milk fat concentration and yield compared with SBM. The DG+DCAD diet tended to increase milk fat yield and concentration (1.24 vs. 1.47 kg/d; 2.78% vs. 3.37%) and increased ECM (40.9 vs. 45.1 kg/d) compared with DG but did not improve nutrient digestibility. However, blood HCO3−, base excess, and tCO2 were greater for DG+DCAD compared with DG. In conclusion, the indirect role of S−, altering DCAD, along with the high PUFA content in DDGS, appear to be the factors causing reduced production responses to a high DDGS diet. Increasing DCAD to 300 mEq/kg DM in a high DDGS diet can be a feeding strategy to alleviate reduced production responses.

There is a considerable interest in supplementing fish diets with bio-functional substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and research is being conducted to evaluate their effects on fish physiology, particularly on breeding performances. The objective of this study was to find out how squid-derived lipids (PUFAs) influence the Rohu carp, Labeo rohita, in terms of reproduction, and embryonic and larval growth. The experimental fish were provided with formulated diet for a duration of 90 days, containing 1 % squid-extracted lipids as a primary source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). To determine the accuracy of the formulation, a proximate analysis of the feed ingredients and the formulated feeds were conducted. The results demonstrated remarkable reproductive outcomes during the spawning trial. Observations in fish treated with PUFAs revealed a significant improvement (p

Air pollution represented by particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is closely related to diseases of the respiratory system. Although the understanding of its mechanism is limited, pulmonary inflammation is closely correlated with PM2.5-mediated lung injury. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and epoxy fatty acids play a vital role in the inflammation. Herein, we attempted to use the metabolomics of oxidized lipids for analyzing the relationship of oxylipins with lung injury in a PM2.5-mediated mouse model, and found that the cytochrome P450 oxidases/sEH mediated metabolic pathway was involved in lung injury. Furthermore, the sEH overexpression was revealed in lung injury mice. Interestingly, sEH genetic deletion or the selective sEH inhibitor TPPU increased levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in lung injury mice, and inactivated pulmonary macrophages based on the MAPK/NF-κB pathway, resulting in protection against PM2.5-mediated lung injury. Additionally, a natural sEH inhibitor luteolin from Inula japonica displayed a pulmonary protective effect towards lung injury mediated by PM2.5 as well. Our results are consistent with the sEH message and protein being both a marker and mechanism for PM2.5-induced inflammation, which suggest its potential as a pharmaceutical target for treating diseases of the respiratory system.

Traditional wet rendering leads to the degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil. Therefore, we combined this method with high-shear homogenization and high-frequency ultrasound to extract oil from Clarias magur visceral biomass. This way, we aimed to achieve higher oil yield, shorter extraction times, and a better preservation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. High-shear homogenization and high-frequency ultrasound increased the oil yields by 9.17 and 10.55%, respectively, compared to traditional wet rendering. The oil quality was also improved, with lower acid and peroxide values. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed enhanced cell disruption for increasing the oil extraction efficiency. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy also proved the efficacy of homogenization and ultrasound pretreatment in enhancing the extraction of polyunsaturated fatty acids from C. magur visceral biomass. Their content showed a significant variation among different extraction methods. Specifically, the high-frequency ultrasound method resulted in a notable 15.1% increase, while the high-shear homogenization method demonstrated a significant 13.3% increase, compared to the wet rendering method (control). The oil extracted by the high-frequency ultrasound method demonstrated a 7.5% increase in eicosatetraenoic acid and a 11.7% increase in docosahexaenoic acid, as compared to the oil obtained from the control method. High-shear homogenization and high-frequency ultrasound shortened the extraction time and reduced the temperature requirements for oil extraction from wet biomass. These techniques have potential for efficient fish oil extraction, valuable in the healthcare and food industries.

Environmental factors in the early life stages can lead the descendant to adaptations in gene expression, permanently impacting several structures and organs. The amount and quality of fatty acids in the maternal diet in pregnancy and lactation were found to impact offspring metabolism. So, maternal diet and insulin resistance can affect the male and female descendants through distinct pathways and at different time points. We hypothesized that maternal high-fat diet (HFD) intake before conception and an adequate amount of different fatty acids intake during pregnancy and lactation could influence the energy homeostasis system of 21-day-old offspring. Female rats received control diet (C) or HFD (HF) for 8 weeks before pregnancy. During pregnancy and lactation C group remained with same diet (C-C), HF group were distributed into 4 groups and received C diet (HF-C), normolipidic diet based on saturated fatty acids (HF-S) or based on polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (HF-P) or remained in same diet (HF-HF). Maternal HFD in preconception, pregnancy, and lactation (HF-HF) led to lower glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in male (HF-HF21) compared to other groups (C-C21, HF-C21, and HF-P21) and compared to HF-HF21 females. Neuropeptide YY levels were higher in the HF-HF21, HF-C21, and HF-S21 male offspring compared to HF-P21. HF-P21 was similar to C-C21. Positive correlations were found among the energy homeostasis markers genes expressed in the offspring hypothalamus. Maternal diet changes to adequate quantities of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation showed less impaired results but was not entirely avoided. A maternal diet based on PUFA n-3 during pregnancy and lactation seems to reverse the damage of an HFD in preconception. These results of homeostasis energy system disturbance in the offspring at weaning give us clues about changes that precede the onset of the disease in adult life — adding notes to the knowledge for future investigations of prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Poor storage stability and oxidative deterioration are the common drawbacks of edible oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We hypothesized that the natural zein/tannic acid self-assembly nanoparticles (ZT NPs) could be employed as stabilizers to anchor at the oil–water interface, thus constructing Pickering emulsion gel (PKEG) system for three types of PUFA-rich oils, soybean oil (SO), fish oil (FO) and cod liver oil (CLO), to improve the storage and oxidation stability. ZT NPs were prepared by the anti-solvent coprecipitation method, and the three-phase contact angle, FT-IR, and XRD were mainly characterized. To observe the shell-core structure and oil–water interface details of SO/FO/CLO PKEGs by confocal laser scanning microscope and cryo-scanning electron microscope. Accelerated oxidation of FO was performed to assess the protective effect of PKEG on lipids. The SO, FO, and CLO PKEGs stabilized by 2 % ZT NPs, with oil fraction (φ = 0.5–0.6), were obtained. PKEGs show high viscoelasticity, clear shell-core structure spatial network structure, and ideal storage stability. Under accelerated oxidation, the degree of oxidative rancidity of FO PKEG was obviously lower than that of free FO. Overall, this work opens up new possibilities for using natural PKEG to prevent oxidative deterioration and prolong the shelf-life of PUFA-rich oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Peritoneal metastases frequently occur in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), resulting in poor prognosis and survival rates. Tumor-associated-macrophages (TAMs) massively infiltrate into ascites spheroids and are multi-polarized as protumoral M2-like phenotype, orchestrating the immunosuppression and promoting tumor progression. However, the impact of omental conditioned medium/ascites (OCM/AS) on TAM polarization and its function in tumor progression remains elusive. Methods The distribution and polarization of TAMs in primary and omental metastatic EOC patients’ tumors and ascites were examined by m-IHC, FACS analysis, and immunofluorescence. QPCR, immunofluorescence, FACS analysis, lipid staining assay, ROS assay, and Seahorse real-time cell metabolic assay characterized TAMs as being polarized in the ascites microenvironment. The oncogenic role of TAMs in tumor cells was demonstrated by co-cultured migration/invasion, proliferation, and spheroid formation assays. Mechanistic studies of the regulations of TAM polarization were performed by using RNA-Seq, GTPase pull-down, G-LISA activation assays, and other biochemical assays. A Yap1 macrophages (MФs) conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model demonstrated the roles of YAP1 in TAM polarization status and its pro-metastatic function. Finally, the anti-metastatic potential of targeting TAMs through restoring YAP1 by pharmacological agonist XMU MP1 was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Results Abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in OCM/AS suppressed RhoA-GTPase activities, which, in turn, downregulated nuclear YAP1 in MФs, leading to increased protumoral TAM polarization accompanied by elevated OXPHOS metabolism. Abolishment of YAP1 in MФs further confirmed that a higher M2/M1 ratio of TAM polarization could alleviate CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in vivo. Consistently, the loss of YAP1 has been observed in EOC metastatic tissues, suggesting its clinical relevance. On the contrary, restoration of YAP1 expression by pharmaceutical inhibition of MST1/2 induced conversion of M2-to-M1-like polarized MФs, elevating the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and attenuating tumor growth. Conclusion This study revealed that PUFAs-enriched OCM/AS of EOC promotes M2-like TAM polarization through RhoA-YAP1 inhibition, where YAP1 downregulation is required for accelerating protumoral M2-like TAM polarization, thereby causing immunosuppression and enhancing tumor progression. Conversion of M2-to-M1-like polarized MФs through Yap1 activation inhibits tumor progression and contributes to developing potential TAMs-targeted immunotherapies in combating EOC peritoneal metastases.

Abstract Global change drives multiple facets of biodiversity including interaction diversity, which is fundamental for ecosystem functioning. However, studying trophic interactions is challenging in meta‐ecosystems, that is ecosystems connected by spatial flows of energy, materials and organisms across ecosystem boundaries. While analytical methods based on abundances of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and stable isotopes of amino acids (AAs) are being increasingly used, it has never been explored if both approaches could be: (i) combined in mixing models to enhance precision in dietary inference (ii) compared to disentangle transfers of various PUFAs and proteins in food webs in the wild. We explore the utility of analytical approaches based on PUFA abundances and AA isotopes to resolve resource transfers in a natural riparian food web. We focus on spiders and their potential prey from blue, green and brown sources to address three important and persisting methodological issues in food‐web ecology, namely whether (i) essential AA carbon isotopes can resolve protein origin from blue, green and brown resources, (ii) PUFA relative abundance and AA isotopes can be combined in a mixing model to provide higher precision estimates (i.e. narrower intervals) and (iii) combining the two approaches can unveil the coupling of protein and PUFA transfers in food webs. Our research demonstrates the power of AA isotopes and PUFAs to distinguish blue, green, and brown sources and their transfer up to consumers. We show that combining PUFA relative abundance and AA isotopes in a mixing model provides overall estimates similar to the individual estimates but significantly increases precision. In addition, we showcase how combining approaches unveil the coupling of protein and PUFA transfers. For instance, we show that most PUFAs are less concentrated from prey to predators, relative to proteins, highlighting uncoupling of PUFAs and protein transfer along food chains. We show for the first time the effectiveness of combining AA isotopes and PUFA abundances, particularly relevant for complex trophic interactions in a meta‐ecosystem context. Our study illustrates the trophic uncoupling of proteins and PUFAs, highlighting the necessity in combining both approaches.

Abstract Purpose Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is an inherited retinal degeneration disease caused by mutations in the CYP4V2 gene. Currently, there is no clinical therapy approach available for BCD patients. Previous research has suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may play a significant role in the development of BCD, implicating the involvement of ferroptosis in disease pathogenesis. In this work, we aimed to investigate the interplay between ferroptosis and BCD and to detect potential therapeutic strategies for the disease. Methods Genetic-edited RPE cell line was first established in this study by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Cyp4v3 (the homologous gene of human CYP4V2) knock out (KO) mice have also been used. Lipid profiling and transcriptome analysis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from Cyp4v3 KO mice have been conducted. Ferroptosis phenotypes have been first investigated in BCD models in vitro and in vivo, including lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial changes, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and altered gene expression. Additionally, an iron chelator, deferiprone (DFP), has been tested in vitro and in vivo to determine its efficacy in suppressing ferroptosis and restoring the BCD phenotype. Results Cyp4v3 KO mice exhibited progressive retinal degeneration and lipid accumulation, similar to the BCD phenotype, which was exacerbated by a high-fat diet (HFD). Increased levels of PUFAs, such as EPA (C22:5) and AA (C20:4), were observed in the RPE of Cyp4v3 KO mice. Transcriptome analysis of RPE in Cyp4v3 KO mice revealed changes in genes involved in iron homeostasis, particularly an upregulation of NCOA4, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Ferroptosis-related characteristics, including mitochondrial defects, lipid peroxidation, ROS accumulation, and upregulation of related genes, were detected in the RPE both in vitro and in vivo. Abnormal accumulation of ferrous iron was also detected. DFP, an iron chelator administration suppressed ferroptosis phenotype in CYP4V2 mutated RPE. Oral administration of DFP also restored the retinal function and morphology in Cyp4v3 KO mice. Conclusion This study represented the first evidence of the substantial role of ferroptosis in the development of BCD. PUFAs resulting from CYP4V2 mutation may serve as substrates for ferroptosis, potentially working in conjunction with NCOA4-regulated iron accumulation, ultimately leading to RPE degeneration. DFP administration, which chelates iron, has demonstrated its ability to reverse BCD phenotype both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach in the future.

ABSTRACT: The early period of mammary gland involution is a critical juncture in the lactation cycle that can have significant effects on milk production and mammary gland health. Pegbovigrastim (PEG) administered 1 wk prior and on the day of parturition can enhance immune function and reduce the incidence of mastitis in the early postpartum period. Oxylipids are potent metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and are important mediators of inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of PEG given 1 wk before and at the day of dry-off (D0) on concentrations of oxylipids in plasma and milk from 7 d before D0 to 14 d after, as well as the effects during the first 14 d of the subsequent lactation. We hypothesized that both pro- and anti-inflammatory oxylipids would vary based on initiation of mammary gland involution and that pegbovigrastim would affect oxylipid concentrations, particularly those related to leukocytes. A complete randomized blocked design was used to enroll cows into either a PEG treatment group (n = 10) or control group (n = 10; CON). Blood samples were collected −7, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 d relative to dry-off and 5, 10, and 14 d postcalving. Samples were analyzed for PUFA and oxylipids in milk and plasma by ultra-performance mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry, respectively. Overall, 30 lipid mediators were measured in both milk and plasma. Repeated measures analyses revealed a significant interaction of treatment by time for milk 8-iso-keto-15-prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2α, plasma 8,12-iso-prostaglandin Fα-VI, 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and 12-hydroxyheptadecatienoic acid. The majority of milk PUFA and oxylipids differed significantly during early mammary gland involution and into the early postpartum period. This study demonstrated changes in oxylipids in milk secretions and plasma during early involution, and further investigation may illuminate multiple complex processes and reveal targets for optimization of mammary gland involution.

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has limited therapeutic options, is highly metastatic and characterized by early recurrence. Lipid metabolism is generally deregulated in TNBC and might reveal vulnerabilities to be targeted or used as biomarkers with clinical value. Ferroptosis is a type of cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation which is facilitated by the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Here we identify fatty acid desaturases 1 and 2 (FADS1/2), which are responsible for PUFA biosynthesis, to be highly expressed in a subset of TNBC with a poorer prognosis. Lipidomic analysis, coupled with functional metabolic assays, showed that FADS1/2 high-expressing TNBC are susceptible to ferroptosis-inducing agents and that targeting FADS1/2 by both genetic interference and pharmacological approach renders those tumors ferroptosis-resistant while unbalancing PUFA/MUFA ratio by the supplementation of exogenous PUFA sensitizes resistant tumors to ferroptosis induction. Last, inhibiting lipid droplet (LD) formation and turnover suppresses the buffering capacity of LD and potentiates iron-dependent cell death. These findings have been validated in vitro and in vivo in mouse- and human-derived clinically relevant models and in a retrospective cohort of TNBC patients.

Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal complications and neonatal deaths. Furthermore, in the field of obstetrics many clinical entities like uterine contractions or the occurrence of pre- eclampsia remain to be serious complications during pregnancy and represent a major psychological, financial, and economic burden for society. Several published guidelines, studies and recommendations have highlighted the importance of supplementation of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy. This narrative review aims at giving an overview on the modern perception of inflammatory processes and the role of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in their resolution, especially in obstetrics. Additionally, we highlight the possible role of SPMs in the prevention of obstetric complications through oral supplementation using enriched marine oil nutritional’s. The intake of PUFAs may result in an overall improvement of pregnancy outcomes by contributing to fetal brain growth and neurological development but more importantly though modulation of inflammation-associated pathologies. Especially the use of SPMs represents a promising approach for the management of obstetric and perinatal complications. SPMs are monohydroxylates derived from enriched marine oil nutritional’s that involve certain pro-resolutive metabolites of omega-3 long chains PUFAs and may contribute to an attenuation of inflammatory diseases. This may be obtained through various mechanisms necessary for a proper resolution of inflammation such as the termination of neutrophil tissue infiltration, initiation of phagocytosis, downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines or tissue regeneration. In this way, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases associated with serious obstetrical complications can be modulated, which might contribute to an improved pregnancy outcome., Plain language summary Obstetric and perinatal complications such as preterm birth or pre-eclampsia represent a serious clinical issue. The supplementation of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy might have the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes by modulation of inflammatory processes. Specifically, the use of selective pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), including monohydroxylates derived from omega-3 long chain PUFAs, can potentially modulate acute and chronic diseases, particularly in obstetrics. Enriched marine oil nutritional’s containing SPMs might therefore aid in the resolution of inflammation and potentially improve pregnancy outcomes. This narrative review provides a summary of the current understanding of inflammatory processes and the importance of SPMs in resolution of inflammation, with a focus on obstetrics.

Background: Peritoneal metastases frequently occur in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), resulting in poor prognosis and survival rates. Tumor-associated-macrophages (TAMs) massively infiltrate into ascites spheroids and are multi-polarized as protumoral M2-like phenotype, orchestrating the immunosuppression and promoting tumor progression. However, the impact of omental conditioned medium/ascites (OCM/AS) on TAM polarization and its function in tumor progression remains elusive. Methods: The distribution and polarization of TAMs in primary and omental metastatic EOC patients' tumors and ascites were examined by m-IHC, FACS analysis, and immunofluorescence. QPCR, immunofluorescence, FACS analysis, lipid staining assay, ROS assay, and Seahorse real-time cell metabolic assay characterized TAMs as being polarized in the ascites microenvironment. The oncogenic role of TAMs in tumor cells was demonstrated by co-cultured migration/invasion, proliferation, and spheroid formation assays. Mechanistic studies of the regulations of TAM polarization were performed by using RNA-Seq, GTPase pull-down, G-LISA activation assays, and other biochemical assays. A Yap1 macrophages (MФs) conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model demonstrated the roles of YAP1 in TAM polarization status and its pro-metastatic function. Finally, the anti-metastatic potential of targeting TAMs through restoring YAP1 by pharmacological agonist XMU MP1 was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Results: Abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in OCM/AS suppressed RhoA-GTPase activities, which, in turn, downregulated nuclear YAP1 in MФs, leading to increased protumoral TAM polarization accompanied by elevated OXPHOS metabolism. Abolishment of YAP1 in MФs further confirmed that a higher M2/M1 ratio of TAM polarization could alleviate CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in vivo. Consistently, the loss of YAP1 has been observed in EOC metastatic tissues, suggesting its clinical relevance. On the contrary, restoration of YAP1 expression by pharmaceutical inhibition of MST1/2 induced conversion of M2-to-M1-like polarized MФs, elevating the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and attenuating tumor growth. Conclusion: This study revealed that PUFAs-enriched OCM/AS of EOC promotes M2-like TAM polarization through RhoA-YAP1 inhibition, where YAP1 downregulation is required for accelerating protumoral M2-like TAM polarization, thereby causing immunosuppression and enhancing tumor progression. Conversion of M2-to-M1-like polarized MФs through Yap1 activation inhibits tumor progression and contributes to developing potential TAMs-targeted immunotherapies in combating EOC peritoneal metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionsDiet is an important target for primary prevention of stroke. There are mixed findings on the relationship between dietary fat intake and stroke. We aimed to investigate the relationship of stroke with fats, including total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).We analysed data on 27,673 participants who had valid data on dietary fat intake and history of stroke from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018. History of stroke was defined according to previous diagnosis by doctors or other health professional. Data on 24-h dietary recalls was collected using Automated Multiple-Pass Method. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, total calories, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity were adjusted in multivariable models.3.8% (n = 1,054) of participants had a diagnosis of stroke. History of stroke was inversely associated with total fat (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79–0.99, P = 0.037), SFA (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.23–0.91) and MUFA (OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.02–0.38, P = 0.002) from supplements. There was an inverse association between history of stroke and PUFA intake (from diet: quartile 4 vs quartile 1, OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.43–0.78, P for trend = 0.003; from supplements: OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.27–0.72, P = 0.001).In this large-scale nationally representative study, stroke is inversely associated with fat intake from supplements and PUFA intake from diet. While lifestyle choices may not be the most vital health factor for stroke patients, increasing fat intake from specific supplements does provide additional motivation for undertaking the difficult challenge of stroke prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Observational studies and clinical trials have implicated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in potentially safeguarding against diabetic microvascular complication. Nonetheless, the causal nature of these relationships remains ambiguous due to conflicting findings across studies. This research employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal impact of PUFAs on diabetic microvascular complications. Methods: We identified instrumental variables for PUFAs, specifically omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, using the UK Biobank data. Outcome data regarding diabetic microvascular complications were sourced from the FinnGen Study. Our analysis covered microvascular outcomes in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, namely diabetic neuropathy (DN), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). An inverse MR analysis was conducted to examine the effect of diabetic microvascular complications on PUFAs. Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results. Finally, a multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was conducted to determine whether PUFAs have a direct influence on diabetic microvascular complications. Results: The study indicates that elevated levels of genetically predicted omega-6 fatty acids substantially reduce the risk of DN in type 2 diabetes (odds ratio (OR): 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-0.82, p = 0.001). A protective effect against DR in type 2 diabetes is also suggested (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.92, p = 0.005). MVMR analysis confirmed the stability of these results after adjusting for potential confounding factors. No significant effects of omega-6 fatty acids were observed on DKD in type 2 diabetes or on any complications in type 1 diabetes. By contrast, omega-3 fatty acids showed no significant causal links with any of the diabetic microvascular complications assessed. Conclusions: Our MR analysis reveals a causal link between omega-6 fatty acids and certain diabetic microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes, potentially providing novel insights for further mechanistic and clinical investigations into diabetic microvascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have received considerable attention in the field of mental health, in particular regarding the treatment of depression. This review presents an overview of current research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. The existing body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have antidepressant effects that can be attributed to their modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms following omega-3 treatment, whereas others have shown minimal to no beneficial impact. A range of factors, encompassing dosage, the ratio of EPA to DHA, and baseline nutritional status, have been identified as having a potential impact on the noted results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may act as an adjunctive treatment for those undergoing antidepressant treatment. Notwithstanding these encouraging findings, discrepancies in study designs and variability in individual responses underscore the necessity of further research in order to establish uniform, standardized guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of depressive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the nutritional quality of macrozooplankton is crucial for elucidating energy and matter fluxes in marine food webs and their value as fish prey. This study examines the seasonal (winter, spring, summer) and spatial variability in three quality indicators -energy density (ED), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content, and DHA/EPA ratio- of Euphausia spp. and Grimothea gregaria. These indicators were analyzed in relation to size and environmental variables (temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration) in the San Jorge Gulf (45°–47°S, 65°30′-67°30ʹW; Southwest Atlantic Ocean), a key feeding ground for commercially important fish on the Argentine shelf. Results showed that ED increased with size in Euphausia spp. but decreased in G. gregaria. Seasonal changes were the primary drivers of variations in the nutritional quality, with PUFA content being the index most contributing. For both species, the highest mean PUFA content occurred in winter and the lowest in summer, an inverse pattern to ED. The DHA/EPA ratio also peaked in winter and dropped in spring. Species differences significantly affected PUFA content and the DHA/EPA ratio, with Euphausia spp. exhibiting higher values. Although environmental variables, particularly bottom temperature and chlorophyll-a, varied significantly across sampling areas, no clear spatial patterns emerged in the quality indicators, likely due to the limited sample size. These results provide new and baseline information of zooplankton that can clarify the trophic interactions of many fish and their respective predators along the Argentinean Shelf, and how these relationships may change with environmental variability in the current global change context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Equisetum diffusum modulates fatty acid metabolism to adapt at high altitudes. • PUFA content and unsaturation index of glycolipids enhance with increase in altitude. • Arachidonic acid contributes significantly to the change in PUFA content. • Antioxidant enzyme activity enhances at higher altitudes in response to combined stress. • Accumulation of osmolytes and secondary metabolites augments stress responsive effects. Equisetum diffusum D. Don, a perennial herb of Equisetaceae, is considered as native to the Himalayan mountain range. This plant has prolific distribution along different altitudes of Eastern Himalayan region. Generally, mountain flora, like E. diffusum, experience a combination of contrasting abiotic stresses and may represent a unique natural model for investigating physiological resilience to address climate change. So, the present study has been framed to compare the metabolic responses in E. diffusum growing at different elevation belts with an aim to understand the underlying basis for their high-altitude adjustment ability. The biochemical profiles of this plant, collected from three different altitudinal transects of Darjeeling hills, were compared. The fatty acid profiles of neutral lipids, membrane phospholipids and glycolipids demonstrated palmitic acid and oleic acid as the predominant fatty acids. The major outcome was the substantial increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and unsaturation index in glycolipids of the samples collected from higher altitudes. Major proportion of changes in PUFA content was contributed by arachidonic acid. Therefore, the plants homeostatically control the membrane fluidity by enhancing the unsaturation of glycolipid fatty acids. Moreover, significantly higher antioxidant enzyme activities in higher altitude samples reflect the involvement of these enzymes in coping with the oxidative stress condition and membrane damage. The stress responsive effects may be further augmented by enhanced content of secondary metabolites. Therefore, a combination of biochemical responses along with the changes in membrane plasticity can be predicted as the metabolic adjustment strategies for high-altitude adaptation of E. diffusum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is still insufficient and contradictory information in the literature about their effectiveness and associated mechanisms of action. The objective of this review, therefore, is to evaluate available literature regarding these functional lipids and their health benefits. Various studies have been conducted to understand the links between functional lipids and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Recent studies on phytosterols have reported that CLA, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have positive effects on human health. Also, eicosanoids, which are the metabolites of these fatty acids, are produced in relation to the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may modulate disease conditions. These functional lipids are available either in dietary or supplement forms and have been proven to be efficient, accessible, and inexpensive to be included in the diet. However, further research is required to properly elucidate the dosages, dietary intake, effectiveness, and their mechanisms of action in addition to the development of valid disease biomarkers and long-term effects in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global change drives multiple facets of biodiversity including interaction diversity, which is fundamental for ecosystem functioning. However, studying trophic interactions is challenging in meta‐ecosystems, that is ecosystems connected by spatial flows of energy, materials and organisms across ecosystem boundaries. While analytical methods based on abundances of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and stable isotopes of amino acids (AAs) are being increasingly used, it has never been explored if both approaches could be: (i) combined in mixing models to enhance precision in dietary inference (ii) compared to disentangle transfers of various PUFAs and proteins in food webs in the wild.We explore the utility of analytical approaches based on PUFA abundances and AA isotopes to resolve resource transfers in a natural riparian food web. We focus on spiders and their potential prey from blue, green and brown sources to address three important and persisting methodological issues in food‐web ecology, namely whether (i) essential AA carbon isotopes can resolve protein origin from blue, green and brown resources, (ii) PUFA relative abundance and AA isotopes can be combined in a mixing model to provide higher precision estimates (i.e. narrower intervals) and (iii) combining the two approaches can unveil the coupling of protein and PUFA transfers in food webs.Our research demonstrates the power of AA isotopes and PUFAs to distinguish blue, green, and brown sources and their transfer up to consumers. We show that combining PUFA relative abundance and AA isotopes in a mixing model provides overall estimates similar to the individual estimates but significantly increases precision. In addition, we showcase how combining approaches unveil the coupling of protein and PUFA transfers. For instance, we show that most PUFAs are less concentrated from prey to predators, relative to proteins, highlighting uncoupling of PUFAs and protein transfer along food chains.We show for the first time the effectiveness of combining AA isotopes and PUFA abundances, particularly relevant for complex trophic interactions in a meta‐ecosystem context. Our study illustrates the trophic uncoupling of proteins and PUFAs, highlighting the necessity in combining both approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Owing to the multiple functions of lipids and fatty acids in organisms, lipid composition can be used as an environmental biomarker of the health status of sentinel organisms in monitoring studies of aquatic ecosystems. Aims: To study the lipid profile of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Black Sea and to identify lipid compounds as environmental biomarkers. Methods: Lipid and fatty acid compositions in the gills and digestive glands of mussels were analysed by chromatography. Key results: Membrane-state fatty acid indices in phospholipids were quite stable in all the mussels examined. The fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols is primarily an indicator of the food source for mussels. The selective retention of arachidonic acid as well as the accumulation of non-methylene-interrupted fatty acids in mussels are assumed to be biomarkers of environmental stress. Conclusions: The presence of regulatory mechanisms ensuring the stability of the membrane structure was confirmed in all studied mussels. Implications: The content of minor phospholipid fractions (namely, phosphatidylinositol and sphingomyelin) and the distribution of some fatty acids and their indices among lipid classes in the gills and digestive glands of M. galloprovincialis can be used in the assessment of the health status of sentinel organisms. The lipid composition depends on the mussel size; small mussels have an elevated content of main lipid classes. Bivalves have mechanisms to regulate the fatty acid composition of membrane lipids, including maintenance of a constant unsaturation degree of phospholipid fatty acids. Selective retention of arachidonic acid as well as accumulation of non-methylene-interrupted fatty acids in mussels are assumed to be biomarkers of environmental stress. Contents of minor phospholipid fractions in combination with unsaturated fatty acids can be used for monitoring of the health status of mussels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emiliania huxleyi is a marine microalga playing a significant ecological and biogeochemical role in oceans. It can produce several polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6–4,7,10,13,16,19) and octadecapentaenoic acid (OPA, 18:5–3,6,9,12,15), providing a primary source for nutritionally important ω3 PUFAs in the marine food chain. However, the biosynthesis of these PUFAs in this organism is not well understood. In this study, a full length plastidial ω3 desaturase cDNA (EhN3) was cloned from this alga. Heterologous expression of EhN3 with and without the chloroplast targeting peptide (cTP) in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus showed that it possessed high desaturation activity toward C18-ω6 PUFAs, linoleic acid (LA, 18:2–9,12), γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3–6,9,12), and C20-ω6 PUFAs, dihomo-γlinolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3–8,11,14) and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4–5,8,11,14) that were exogenously supplied. Desaturation efficiency could reach almost 100% in a time course. On the other hand, when expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, EhN3 with and without cTP did not exhibit any activity. Lipid analysis of Synechococcus transformants expressing EhN3 showed that it utilized galactolipids as substrates. Transcriptional expression analysis revealed that the expression of the gene increased while the growth temperature decreased, which was correlated with the increased production of ω3-PUFAs, particularly OPA. This is the first report of a plastidial ω3 desaturase from microalgae that can effectively introduce an ω3 double bond into both C18-ω6 and C20-ω6 PUFAs. EhN3 might also be one of the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of OPA in E. huxleyi through the plastidial aerobic pathway [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]