Combined Fish Oil and High Oleic Sunflower Oil Supplements Neutralize their Individual Effects on the Lipid Profile of Healthy Men

Asterias Rolleston starfish gonad lipids: A novel source of Omega-3 fatty acids - assessment of major components and their antioxidant activities

The major lipids and antioxidant activities of Asterias rolleston gonad lipids were evaluated systematically. Major lipids of A. Rolleston gonad lipids were triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs). Total lipids were composed of 15.62% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and 40.81% of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). The most abundant PUFA were C20:5n-3 (EPA) (6.28%) and C22:6n-3 (DHA) (5.80%). Predominantly composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), polar lipids were rich in PUFAs and could contain up to 34.59% EPA and DHA, and PE and PI (phosphatidylinositol) were also found to be the main carriers of EPA and ARA (arachidonic acid) in polar lipids. The MUFA and PUFA of Sn-2 in TAG are 39.72% and 30.37%, respectively. A total of 64 TAG species were identified, with Eo-P-M, Eo-Eo-M, and M-M-Eo being the main TAGs components. Moreover, A. rollestoni gonad lipids exhibited potent radical scavenging activities and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner.

Individual and interaction effects of monounsaturated fatty acids on their associations with hypertension in Chinese residents

Currently, associations between dietary intakes of individual monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and hypertension were not well disclosed, and the interaction effects of MUFAs on their associations with hypertension were unknown. Obesity was correlated with both MUFAs and hypertension, while if anthropometric obesity indices performed mediating roles in associations between MUFAs and hypertension remained underdetermined. In our study, 8509 Chinese adults investigated from 2004 to 2011 were included. Dietary information collection and physical examinations were performed at baseline and each timepoint of follow-up. As we found, inverse associations of MUFA17, MUFA18 and MUFA20 with hypertension were statistically significant after adjustments, hazard ratios (HRs) were 0.87, 0.90 and 0.91, respectively. MUFA15 was positively associated with hypertension, with an HR of 1.07 (95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.12). By performing principal component analysis (PCA) to estimate the joint effects of MUFAs on hypertension, the PCA score of MUFAs was only inversely associated with blood pressure. No joint effect was observed in g-computation analyses. Both linear and nonlinear interactions of MUFAs on their associations with hypertension were estimated using restricted cubic spline analysis. The association between MUFA15 and hypertension was interacted by MUFA17, and the association between MUFA20 and hypertension was interacted by MUFA18. The mediation effects of body mass index and waist circumference were found on associations of hypertension with MUFA15, MUFA17 and MUFA20. Our findings suggested that associations with hypertension were different among individual MUFAs, and mutual interactions existed, implying that the utility of individual MUFAs might be recommended for estimating relationships between MUFAs and diseases. Moreover, fat accumulation might potentially underlie associations between MUFAs and hypertension.

Association Between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Dyslipidemia: A Continuous Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Previous results provide supportive but not conclusive evidence for the use of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce blood lipids and prevent events of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the strength and shape of dose-response relationships remain elusive. Methods and Results This study included 90 randomized controlled trials, reported an overall sample size of 72 598 participants, and examined the association between omega-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or both) intake and blood lipid changes. Random-effects 1-stage cubic spline regression models were used to study the mean dose-response association between daily omega-3 fatty acid intake and changes in blood lipids. Nonlinear associations were found in general and in most subgroups, depicted as J-shaped dose-response curves for low-/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, we found evidence of an approximately linear dose-response relationship for triglyceride and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among the general population and more evidently in populations with hyperlipidemia and overweight/obesity who were given medium to high doses (>2 g/d). Conclusions This dose-response meta-analysis demonstrates that combined intake of omega-3 fatty acids near linearly lowers triglyceride and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Triglyceride-lowering effects might provide supportive evidence for omega-3 fatty acid intake to prevent cardiovascular events.

The plasma phospholipidome of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is modulated by both sex and developmental stage

Lipidomics represent a valid complementary tool to the biochemical analysis of plasma in humans. However, in cetaceans, these tools have been unexplored. Here, we evaluated how the plasma lipid composition of Tursiops truncatus is modulated by developmental stage and sex, aiming at a potential use of lipidomics in integrated strategies to monitor cetacean health. We characterized the fatty acid profile and detected a total of 26 fatty acids in T. truncatus plasma. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n-9). Interestingly, there are consistent differences between the fatty acid profile of mature female and mature male specimens. Phospholipidome analysis identified 320 different lipid species belonging to phosphatidylcholine (PC, 105 lipid species), lysophosphatidylcholine (42), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 67), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18), phosphatidylglycerol (14), lysophosphatidylglycerol (8), phosphatidylinositol (14), lysophosphatidylinositol (2), phosphatidylserine (3), sphingomyelin (45) and ceramides (2) classes. The statistical analysis of the phospholipidome showed that its composition allows discriminating mature animals between sexes and mature males from immature males. Notably, discrimination between sexes is mainly determined by the contents of PE plasmalogens and lysophospholipids (LPC and LPE), while the differences between mature and immature male animals were mainly determined by the levels of PC lipids. This is the first time that a correlation between developmental stage and sex and the lipid composition of the plasma has been established in cetaceans. Being able to discern between age and sex-related changes is an encouraging step towards using these tools to also detect differences related to disease/dysfunction processes.

Effects of combined Garcinia kola and Kigelia africana on Insulin and Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) levels in type 2 diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Several reports of individual extracts of Garcina kola and Kigelia africana beneficial effects against several factors related with development of diabetes mellitus abound. However, there is still lack of information about the combined effects of these extracts on Insulin and Paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide induced type-2 diabetic Wistar rats.

METHODS

Forty-two young male rats (180-200g) were randomly divided into six groups (n=7/group). Diabetes was intraperitoneally induced with 110 mg/kg of nicotinamide constituted in distilled water andfifteen minutes after with 65mg/kg of streptozocin freshly prepared in 0.1M citrate buffer (pH of 4.5) and treated for six weeks as follows: the control rats received either 0.9% normal saline (NS) or 250mg/kg extract by gavage. The remaining animals were diabetic induced and subsequently treated with either NS, graded doses of the extract (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg) or 5mg/kg Glibenclamide + 100mg/kg Metformin. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) of the combined extracts was also analyzed to identify the bioactive compounds present. Insulin, PON-1 levels, lipid profiles and atherogenic index were assessed.

RESULTS

Our findings show that Insulin and PON-1 levels in the plasma of diabetic rats treated with the combined extracts were significantly increased when compared to the control rats. Moreover, the GCMS of the extract show the presence of both monosaturated (oleic acid) and polyunsaturated (linoleic acid) fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

The current findings suggest that the extract may help improve glucose homeostasis, prevent atherosclerosis through established mechanism of the identified bioactive compounds.

The Assessment of Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile and Dietary Indicators Depending on the Storage Conditions of Goose Meat

The deterioration of food quality due to lipid oxidation is a serious problem in the food sector. Oxidation reactions adversely affect the physicochemical properties of food, worsening its quality. Lipid oxidation products are formed during the production, processing, and storage of food products. In the human diet, the sources of lipid oxidation products are all fat-containing products, including goose meat with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study aims at comparing the fatty acid profile of goose breast muscle lipids depending on the storage conditions: type of atmosphere, temperature, and storage time. Three-way variance analysis was used to evaluate changes in the fatty acids profile occurring in goose meat. The health aspect of fatty acid oxidation of goose meat is also discussed. In general, the fatty acid composition changed significantly during storage in the meat packed in the high-oxygen modified atmosphere at different temperatures (1 °C and 4 °C). Higher temperature led to a higher degree of lipid oxidation and nutrient loss. During the storage of samples in vacuum, no changes in the fatty acid content and dietary indices were found, regardless of the storage temperature, which indicates that the anaerobic atmosphere ensured the oxidative stability of goose meat during 11 days of refrigerated storage.

Edible Insects versus Meat-Nutritional Comparison: Knowledge of Their Composition Is the Key to Good Health

Recently, attention has been drawn to the fact that increasing the consumption of edible insects may positively impact the state of the natural environment and reduce the problem of malnutrition in large parts of society. Indeed, insects are seen as an alternative to traditional meat products, primarily meat. This article aimed to compare the nutritional value of edible insects and meat. Based on tables of composition and nutritional value and on the licensed computer program Diet 6D, data on the nutritional value of 10 commonly consumed meat types were compiled. Based on a literature review, data on the nutritional value of seven commercially available edible insect species were collected and collated. There was a comparison of 100 g of edible insects with 100 g of meat (fresh weight). In addition, the atherogenic index thrombogenic index, the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, and the nutritional quality index were calculated. It was found that both meat and insects are rich in nutrients, including those considered essential for the proper development and functioning of the human body. At the same time, it has been shown that the content of individual nutrients in both insects and meat varies significantly.

Lipid-modifying effects of krill oil vs fish oil: a network meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Krill oil is a good source of n-3 phospholipids and has greater bioavailability than fish oil, which contains n-3 triglycerides. However, it is unclear whether krill oil affects circulating lipid concentrations more beneficially than fish oil.

OBJECTIVE

A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the lipid-modifying effects of krill oil and fish oil.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Embase databases were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

A total of 64 randomized controlled trials that determined the lipid-modifying effects of krill oil or fish oil were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

The MetaXL program was used for meta-analysis. A subgroup analysis and a network meta-regression were conducted to investigate the dose-response effect of the n-3 fatty acid content of fish oil and krill oil.

RESULTS

Krill oil was associated with significantly lower triglyceride levels than control supplements (weighted mean difference [WMD] -23.26 [95%CI, -38.84 to -7.69]). However, the net differences in triglycerides (WMD -4.07 [95%CI, -15.22 to 7.08]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD 3.01 [95%CI, -5.49 to 11.51]), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD 1.37 [95%CI, -3.73 to 6.48]), and total cholesterol (WMD 1.69 [95%CI, -6.62 to 10.01]) were not significantly different between the krill oil and fish oil groups. One gram of n-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil and krill oil lowered median triglycerides by 8.971 mg/dL (95% credible interval [CrI], 2.27 to 14.04) and 9.838 mg/dL (95%CrI, 0.72 to 19.40), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipid-modifying effects of krill oil and fish oil do not differ. The reduction in triglycerides depends on the dose of n-3 fatty acids consumed.

Leukocyte Activation and Antioxidative Defense Are Interrelated and Moderately Modified by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Eggs Consumption-Double-Blind Controlled Randomized Clinical Study

This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, interventional study investigated the effects of low/intermediate doses of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the endothelial function, markers of leukocyte activation, and oxidative status following dietary intake of n-3 PUFA-enriched hen eggs in young healthy individuals. Twenty young healthy adults of both sexes who consumed n-3 PUFA-enriched hen eggs (two eggs per day, for three weeks, total of approximately 407 mg/day n-3 PUFAs) or regular eggs (two eggs per day for three weeks, total of approximately 75 mg/day n-3 PUFAs) participated in this study. Skin microvascular endothelium-independent and endothelium-dependent vasodilation were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Serum lipid profile and content of free fatty acids, markers of leukocyte activation, biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, as well as antioxidative enzymes serum activity were measured before and after respective dietary protocol. The results of this study revealed significant differences in the markers of leukocyte activation (such as CD11a/LFA-1) and antioxidative defense, which are related to increased intake of n-3 PUFAs, providing the evidence that consumption of nutritionally enriched hen eggs may affect physiological processes related to oxidative balance. The absence of significant changes in microvascular reactivity following supplementation with a low-intermediate dose of n-3 PUFAs, unlike in our previous studies where functional eggs contained ~1 g of n-3 PUFA, suggests the existence of a dose-dependent effect.

The Short Overview on the Relevance of Fatty Acids for Human Cardiovascular Disorders

This review presents existing evidence of the influence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Data are discussed regarding the roles of the most relevant fatty acids, such as myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), α-linolenic (C18:3, ω-3), γ-linolenic (C18:3, ω-6), arachidonic (C20:4), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5), docosahexaenoic (C22:6), and docosapentaenoic (C22:5) acid. The accumulated knowledge has expanded the understanding of the involvement of fatty acids in metabolic processes, thereby enabling the transition from basic exploratory studies to practical issues of application of these biomolecules to CVD treatment. In the future, these findings are expected to facilitate the interpretation and prognosis of changes in metabolic lipid aberrations in CVD.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Enriched Hen Eggs Consumption in Improving Microvascular Endothelial Function of Healthy Individuals-Clinical Trial

The effects of consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) enriched hen eggs on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation in microcirculation, and on endothelial activation and inflammation were determined in young healthy individuals. Control group (N = 21) ate three regular hen eggs/daily (249 mg n-3 PUFAs/day), and n-3 PUFAs group (N = 19) ate three n-3 PUFAs enriched hen eggs/daily (1053 g n-3 PUFAs/day) for 3 weeks. Skin microvascular blood flow in response to iontophoresis of acetylcholine (AChID; endothelium-dependent) and sodium nitroprusside (SNPID; endothelium-independent) was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Blood pressure (BP), body composition, body fluid status, serum lipid and free fatty acids profile, and inflammatory and endothelial activation markers were measured before and after respective dietary protocol. Results: Serum n-3 PUFAs concentration significantly increased, AChID significantly improved, and SNPID remained unchanged in n-3 PUFAs group, while none was changed in Control group. Interferon-γ (pro-inflammatory) significantly decreased and interleukin-10 (anti-inflammatory) significantly increased in n-3 PUFAs. BP, fat free mass, and total body water significantly decreased, while fat mass, interleukin-17A (pro-inflammatory), interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor A significantly increased in the Control group. Other measured parameters remained unchanged in both groups. Favorable anti-inflammatory properties of n-3 PUFAs consumption potentially contribute to the improvement of microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation in healthy individuals.

Fatty Acid Profile and Antioxidant Status Fingerprint in Sarcopenic Elderly Patients: Role of Diet and Exercise

Plasma fatty acids (FAs) and oxidant status contribute to the etiology of sarcopenia in the elderly concurring to age-related muscle loss and elderly frailty through several mechanisms including changes in FA composition within the sarcolemma, promotion of chronic low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the FA profile and pro-antioxidant status in sarcopenic frail elderly patients enrolled in a nutritional and physical activity program and to evaluate their correlation with clinical markers. Moreover, the possible changes, produced after a short-term clinical protocol, were evaluated. Plasma and erythrocyte FA composition and pro-antioxidant status were analyzed in sarcopenic elderly subjects recruited for the randomized clinical study and treated with a placebo or dietary supplement, a personalized diet, and standardized physical activity. Subjects were tested before and after 30 days of treatment. Pearson correlations between biochemical parameters and patients’ characteristics at recruitment indicate interesting features of sarcopenic status such as negative correlation among the plasma FA profile, age, and physical characteristics. Physical activity and dietetic program alone for 30 days induced a decrease of saturated FA concentration with a significant increase of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. Supplementation plus physical activity induced a significant decrease of linoleic acid, omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs, and an increase of stearic and oleic acid concentration. Moreover, glutathione reductase activity, which is an indicator of antioxidant status, significantly increased in erythrocytes. Changes over time between groups indicate significant differences for saturated FAs, which suggest that the amino acid supplementation restores FA levels that are consumed during physical activity. A relationship between FA and clinical/metabolic status revealed unique correlations and a specific metabolic and lipidomic fingerprint in sarcopenic elderly. The results indicate the positive beneficial role of supplementation and physical activity on plasma FA status and the antioxidant system as a co-adjuvant approach in sarcopenic, frail, elderly patients.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and nutritional quality of five freshwater fish species cultivated in the western region of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract There is a paucity of information about the chemical composition of commercially important freshwater fish species (Nile tilapia, bighead carp, grass carp, common carp and silver carp) cultivated in the western region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. This study determined the moisture, ash, protein and lipid contents and the fatty acid composition, as well as the nutritional quality of the lipids in fillets of these five freshwater fish species. Moisture was the most prominent fish component (74.7%-81.7%), followed by protein (15.8%-18.8%) and lipids (0.4%-8.2%). Saturated palmitic acid (90-1740 mg/100 g) and monounsaturated oleic acid (70-2260 mg/100 g) were the major fatty acids found in all the fish species. The grass and common carps and Nile tilapia (caged) had high contents of γ-linolenic acid (GLA), with an average of 536 mg/100 g. Bighead carp was the richest source of ω-3 PUFA, mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 400 mg/100 g) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 620 mg/100 g) acids, and had the highest ω-3/ω-6 ratio of 6.11. The nutritional evaluation of the fatty acid profile indicated that average values were: atherogenicity index (AI) ~0.59, thrombogenicity index (TI) ~0.82, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H ~1.98), polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (P/S) ~0.43 and ω-3/ω-6 ratio ~2.18, values suggesting that the consumption of these freshwater fish species could be of benefit to human health.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched hen eggs consumption enhances microvascular reactivity in young healthy individuals

The beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation on the cardiovascular (CV) system is well supported in CV patients; however, the effect of the consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched functional food in healthy individuals is still not fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched hen eggs on the microvascular reactivity (primary outcome), blood pressure (BP), and serum lipid profile in young healthy individuals. The control group (N = 16) ate 3 ordinary hen eggs (277 mg of omega-3 PUFAs/day), and the OMEGA-3 group (N = 20) ate 3 omega-3 PUFA-enriched eggs containing 259 mg of omega-3 PUFAs/egg daily (α-linolenic acid (ALA), 167 mg/egg; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 7 mg/egg; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 84 mg/egg) for 3 weeks (777 mg of omega-3 PUFA/day). Postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) in skin microcirculation assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry, serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and arterial BP were measured in all subjects before and after the protocol. PORH was significantly enhanced, and triglycerides, hsCRP, and BP were significantly decreased in the OMEGA-3 group compared with baseline measurements, whereas there was no significant difference in the control group after the protocol when compared with baseline. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that consumption of a mixture of omega-3 PUFA (ALA + EPA + DHA), provided via enriched hen eggs, elicits changes in the microvascular reactivity, BP, and triglyceride level in healthy subjects that are associated with CV benefits, thus suggesting that daily consumption of omega-3 PUFA-enriched eggs in healthy individuals may potentially contribute to CV risk factor attenuation and disease prevention.

Enriching Diet with n-3 PUFAs to Help Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases in Healthy Adults: Results from Clinical Trials

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are believed to be important for cardiovascular health. Many investigations have been carried out in an attempt to examine the effect of n-3 PUFAs intake, in the form of supplementation or fortified foods, for the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors for CVD, whereas less is known about the effect on healthy individuals. The present study reviews the available literature in order to examine the relationship between n-3 PUFAs intake, either via supplementation or enriched food, and the prevention of CVD among healthy adults. Interventional clinical trials on subjects aged >18 years old with none of the established risk factors for CVD have been considered for review. n-3 PUFAs supplementation or enriched food may positively regulate triglycerides and some lipoprotein subsets, as well as several vascular and coagulation parameters, even in healthy patients, presenting no risk factors for CVD, suggesting a protective effect. Diet enrichment with omega-3 is likely to be useful in helping to lower the risk of developing CVD in healthy individuals, but still offers no strong evidence of a tangible benefit on a population level. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal daily intake, especially to prevent the unfavorable effects of PUFAs over-consumption.

Canola oil rich in oleic acid improves diastolic heart function in diet-induced obese rats

Obesity is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It directly affects heart structure and function and contributes to heart failure. Diet is a major factor involved in the development of obesity along with genetic factors. We examined the effects of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils on cardiac structure and function in the diet-induced rodent model of obesity (DIO). Obese prone (OP) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HF; 55% of kcal) for 12 weeks; Sprague-Dawley rats fed commercial chow served as control. Echocardiography was performed to assess the cardiac structure and function in all rats at 12 weeks. OP rats fed the HF diet showed significant impairment in diastolic function compared to control rats. The HF diet containing high oleic canola oil significantly improved diastolic function of OP rats compared to the HF diet with lard. In conclusion, canola oil rich in oleic acid, when incorporated into an HF diet, prevents the development of diastolic dysfunction in DIO rats.

Improvement of cardiometabolic markers after fish oil intervention in young Mexican adults and the role of PPARα L162V and PPARγ2 P12A

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in fish oil (FO) are ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) that may induce changes in cardiometabolic markers. Variation in PPAR genes may influence the beneficial responses linked to FO supplementation in young adults. The study aimed to analyze the effect of FO supplementation on glucose metabolism, circulating lipids and inflammation according to PPARα L162V and PPARγ2 P12A genotypes in young Mexican adults. 191 young, non-smoking subjects between 18 and 40 years were included in a one-arm study. Participants were supplemented with 2.7 g/day of EPA+DHA, during six weeks. Dietary analysis, body composition measurements and indicators for glucose metabolism, circulating lipids, and markers for inflammation were analyzed before and after intervention. An overall decrease in triglycerides (TG) and an increase in HS-ω3 index were observed in all subjects [-4.1 mg/dL, (SD:±51.7), P=.02 and 2.6%, (SD:±1.2), P<.001 respectively]. Mean fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) were significantly decreased in all subjects [-0.547mlU/L, (SD:±10.29), P=.034 and-0.07%, (SD:±0.3), P<.001 respectively], whereas there was no change in body composition, fasting glucose, adiponectin and inflammatory markers. Subjects carrying the minor alleles of PPARα L162V and PPARγ2 P12A had higher responses in reduction of TG and fasting insulin respectively. Interestingly, doses below 2.7 g/day (1.8 g/day) were sufficient to induce a significant reduction in fasting insulin and HbA1c% from baseline (P=.019 and P<.001). The observed responses in triglycerides and fasting insulin in the Mexican population give further evidence of the importance of FO supplementation in young people as an early step towards the prevention of cardiometabolic disease.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cancer: lessons learned from clinical trials

Over the past decades, extensive studies have addressed the therapeutic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) against different human diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, etc. A growing body of scientific research shows the pharmacokinetic information and safety of these natural occurring substances. Moreover, during recent years, a plethora of studies has demonstrated that omega-3 FAs possess therapeutic role against certain types of cancer. It is also known that omega-3 FAs can improve efficacy and tolerability of chemotherapy. Previous reports showed that suppression of nuclear factor-κB, activation of AMPK/SIRT1, modulation of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, and up-regulation of novel anti-inflammatory lipid mediators such as protectins, maresins, and resolvins, are the main mechanisms of antineoplastic effect of omega-3 FAs. In this review, we have collected the available clinical data on the therapeutic role of omega-3 FAs against breast cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, as well as cancer cachexia. We also discussed the chemistry, dietary source, and bioavailability of omega-3 FAs, and the potential molecular mechanisms of anticancer and adverse effects.

Protective role of oleic acid against cardiovascular insulin resistance and in the early and late cellular atherosclerotic process

BACKGROUND

Several translational studies have identified the differential role between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids at cardiovascular level. However, the molecular mechanisms that support the protective role of oleate in cardiovascular cells are poorly known. For these reasons, we studied the protective role of oleate in the insulin resistance and in the atherosclerotic process at cellular level such as in cardiomyocytes (CMs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs).

METHODS

The effect of oleate in the cardiovascular insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, BrdU incorporation and cell cycle analysis.

RESULTS

Palmitate induced insulin resistance. However, oleate not only did not induce cardiovascular insulin resistance but also had a protective effect against insulin resistance induced by palmitate or TNFα. One mechanism involved might be the prevention by oleate of JNK-1/2 or NF-κB activation in response to TNF-α or palmitate. Oleate reduced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 and increased eNOS expression induced by proinflammatory cytokines in ECs. Furthermore, oleate impaired the proliferation induced by TNF-α, angiotensin II or palmitate and the apoptosis induced by TNF-α or thapsigargin in VSMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a differential role between oleate and palmitate and support the concept of the cardioprotector role of oleate as the main lipid component of virgin olive oil. Thus, oleate protects against cardiovascular insulin resistance, improves endothelial dysfunction in response to proinflammatory signals and finally, reduces proliferation and apoptosis in VSMCs that may contribute to an ameliorated atherosclerotic process and plaque stability.

A review of the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood triacylglycerol levels in normolipidemic and borderline hyperlipidemic individuals

Circulating levels of triacylglycerol (TG) is a recognized risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death worldwide. The Institute of Medicine and the American Heart Association both recommend the consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to reduce serum TG in hyperlipidemic individuals. Additionally, a number of systematic reviews have shown that individuals with any degree of dyslipidemia, elevated serum TG and/or cholesterol, may benefit from a 20-30 % reduction in serum TG after consuming n-3 PUFA derived from marine sources. Given that individuals with serum lipid levels ranging from healthy to borderline dyslipidemic constitute a large portion of the population, the focus of this review was to assess the potential for n-3 PUFA consumption to reduce serum TG in such individuals. A total of 1341 studies were retrieved and 38 clinical intervention studies, assessing 2270 individuals, were identified for inclusion in the current review. In summary, a 9-26 % reduction in circulating TG was demonstrated in studies where ≥ 4 g/day of n-3 PUFA were consumed from either marine or EPA/DHA-enriched food sources, while a 4-51 % reduction was found in studies where 1–5 g/day of EPA and/or DHA was consumed through supplements. Overall, this review summarizes the current evidence with regards to the beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA on circulating TG levels in normolipidemic to borderline hyperlipidemic, otherwise healthy, individuals. Thus demonstrating that n-3 PUFA may play an important role in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and disease prevention.