Fish oil supplementation with and without added vitamin E differentially modulates plasma antioxidant concentrations in healthy women

Nutritional Neuroscience as Mainstream of Psychiatry: The Evidence- Based Treatment Guidelines for Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a New Treatment for Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (or omega-3 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs) are essential nutrients throughout the life span. Recent studies have shown the importance of n-3 PUFAs supplementation during prenatal and perinatal period as a potential protective factor of neurodevelopmental disorders. N-3 PUFAs have been reported to be lower in youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). N-3 PUFAs supplementation has shown potential effects in the improvement of clinical symptoms in youth with ADHD, ASD, and MDD, especially those with high inflammation or a low baseline n-3 index. Moreover, it has been suggested that n-3 PUFAs had positive effects on lethargy and hyperactivity symptoms in ASD. For clinical application, the following dosage and duration are recommended in youth according to available randomized controlled trials and systemic literature review: (1) ADHD: a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ≥ 750 mg/d, and a higher dose of EPA (1,200 mg/d) for those with inflammation or allergic diseases for duration of 16−24 weeks; (2) MDD: a combination of a EPA + DHA of 1,000−2,000 mg/d, with EPA:DHA ratio of 2 to 1, for 12−16 weeks; (3) ASD: a combination of EPA + DHA of 1,300−1,500 mg/d for 16−24 weeks as add-on therapy to target lethargy and hyperactivity symptoms. The current review also suggested that n-3 index and inflammation may be potential treatment response markers for youth, especially in ADHD and MDD, receiving n-3 PUFA.

Stressing the heart of the matter: re-thinking the mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Despite their clear therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease, use of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to treat other types of cardiovascular disease remains controversial, and serious obstacles exist in implementing them as a reliable and consistent drug therapy. The foremost of these is that a molecular mechanism and relevant dosages have not been firmly established in other forms of cardiovascular disease. In this brief review, we highlight the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms behind n-3 PUFA action in the cardiovascular system. We also propose the novel hypothesis that lipid peroxidation products derived from n-3 PUFAs may be driving much of their beneficial cardiovascular effects, particularly in the myocardium. We conclude by discussing evidence to support this hypothesis, and its possible clinical ramifications.

Effects of vitamin E ingestion on plasma and urinary risk factors for calcium oxalate urolithiasis in two population groups having different stone-risk profiles: evidence of different physiological handling mechanisms

It has been demonstrated that vitamin E supplementation reduces calciuria and oxaluria and that it may also prevent oxalate-mediated peroxidative injury, all of which reduce the risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. In view of the significant difference in stone occurrence in black (B) and white (W) South Africans, we undertook to investigate the effects of vitamin E supplementation in subjects from these two groups. Five healthy males from each group ingested one capsule (400 IU) of vitamin E daily for 60 days. Blood and 24 h urine samples were collected at baseline and on day 60; 24 h dietary questionnaires were simultaneously completed. Urine composition was determined by routine analyses. Urinary and plasma TBARS were determined using a commercially available assay kit while plasma vitamin E was determined by reverse phase HPLC. Plasma vitamin E increased significantly in W but not in B. Urinary and plasma TBARS did not increase in either group. Urinary citrate increased significantly in both groups but the percentage increase in W (169%) was greater than that in B (82%). No other urinary parameter changed significantly. The increase in plasma vitamin E in W but not in B suggests either that the mechanism by which it is packaged into chylomicrons, which are secreted into the systemic circulation, is suppressed in the latter group or that it is differentially absorbed in the two groups. Similarly, to explain the greater increase in citraturia in W compared to B, we speculate that inhibition of lipogenesis of arachidonic acid by vitamin E, ultimately leading to an increase in citraturia, occurs to a lesser extent in B than in W.

Ω3-Polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent lipoperoxidation, modulate antioxidant enzymes, and reduce lipid content but do not alter glycogen metabolism in the livers of diabetic rats fed on a high fat thermolyzed diet

Ω3-Polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω3-PUFAs) are known to act as hypolipidaemics, but the literature is unclear about the effects that Ω3-PUFAs have on oxidative stress in obese and diabetic patients. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effects of Ω3-PUFAs on oxidative stress, including antioxidant enzyme activity and hepatic lipid and glycogen metabolism in the livers of diabetic and non-diabetic rats fed on a high fat thermolyzed diet. Rats were divided into six groups: (1) the control group (C), (2) the control diabetic group (D), (3) the high fat thermolyzed diet group (HFTD), which were fed a diet that was enriched in fat that was heated for 60 min at 180°C, (4) the high fat thermolyzed diet diabetic group (D + HFTD), (5) the high fat thermolyzed diet + Ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid group (HFTD + Ω3), and (6) the high fat thermolyzed diet + Ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diabetic group (D + HFTD + Ω3). The most important finding of this study was that Ω3-PUFAs are able to reduce triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acid, lipoperoxidation levels, advanced glycation end products, SOD/CAT enzymatic ratio, and CAT immunocontent and increase SOD2 levels in the livers of diabetic rats fed with a HFTD. However, Ω3-PUFAs did not alter the observed levels of protein damage, blood glucose, or glycogen metabolism in the liver. These findings suggest that Ω3-PUFAs may represent an important auxiliary adjuvant in combating some diseases like diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Positive association between plasma antioxidant capacity and n−3 PUFA in red blood cells from women

PUFA are susceptible to oxidation. However, the chain-reaction of lipid peroxidation can be interrupted by antioxidants. Whether an increased concentration of PUFA in the body leads to decreased antioxidant capacity and/or increased consumption of antioxidants is not known. To elucidate the relationship between plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the concentration of antioxidant vitamins, and the proportion of PUFA in red blood cells (RBC), plasma TAC was measured by a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay in blood samples from 99 Icelandic women. Concentrations of tocopherols and carotenoids in the plasma were determined by HPLC, and the FA composition of RBC total lipids was analyzed by GC. Plasma TAC and the plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol correlated positively with the proportion of total n-3 PUFA, 20:5n-3, and 22:6n-3 in RBC, whereas the plasma lycopene concentration correlated negatively with the proportion of total n-3 PUFA and 20:5n-3. On the other hand, plasma TAC correlated negatively with the proportion of n-6 PUFA in RBC. Plasma TAC also correlated positively with the plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol, alcohol consumption, and age. Both the plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol and age correlated positively with the proportion of n-3 PUFA in RBC; however, n-3 PUFA contributed independently to the correlation with plasma TAC. Because the proportion of n-3 PUFA in RBC reflects the consumption of n-3 PUFA, these results suggest that dietary n-3 PUFA do not have adverse effects on plasma TAC or the plasma concentration of most antioxidant vitamins.

The degree of unsaturation of dietary fatty acids and the development of atherosclerosis (review)

Atherosclerosis is the principal contributor to the pathogenesis of myocardial and cerebral infarction, gangrene and loss of function in the extremities. It results from an excessive inflammatory-fibroproliferative response to various forms of insult to the endothelium and smooth muscle of the artery wall. Atherosclerotic lesions develop fundamentally in three stages: dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, fatty streak formation and fibrous cap formation. Each stage is regulated by the action of vasoactive molecules, growth factors and cytokines. This multifactorial etiology can be modulated through the diet. The degree of unsaturation of dietary fatty acids affects lipoprotein composition as well as the expression of adhesion molecules and other pro-inflammatory factors, and the thrombogenicity associated with atherosclerosis development. Thus, the preventive effects of a monounsaturated-fatty acid-rich diet on atherosclerosis may be explained by the enhancement of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and the impairment of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, the low-density lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidation, cellular oxidative stress, thrombogenicity and atheroma plaque formation. On the other hand, the increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and the reduction of thrombogenicity, atheroma plaque formation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation may account for the beneficial effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid on the prevention of atherosclerosis. Thus, the advantages of the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and fish on atherosclerosis may be due to the modulation of the cellular oxidative stress/antioxidant status, the modification of lipoproteins and the down-regulation of inflammatory mediators.

Habitual fish intake is associated with decreased LDL susceptibility to ex vivo oxidation

A sample of 101 free-living individuals eating their habitual diets had fish consumptions ranging from less than one serving per week to over five servings per week. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the amounts of EPA (20:5), DHA (22:6), and total n-3 PUFA ingested with the diet and their amounts in serum and in the phospholipid and cholesterol ester fractions of isolated LDL. No statistically significant correlations were observed between the intake and the serum or LDL amounts of any other FA [total n-6 PUFA, linoleic acid (18:2), arachidonic acid (20:4), monounsaturated FA, or saturated FA)]. The increase in serum n-3 PUFA did not affect the Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity of serum (1.18 +/- 0.1 7 mmol/L). When isolated LDL were subjected to Cu2+-induced ex vivo oxidation, a statistically significant but negative correlation was found between intake of n-3 PUFA and the rate of appearance of conjugated dienes as well as with the total amount of conjugated dienes. In contrast, intake of n-6 PUFA showed a significant and positive correlation with these two oxidation parameters. The observed results suggest that 22:6 but not 20:5 could have a possible protective effect, whereas perhaps 20:4 and 18:2 could have a prooxidant effect.

Susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification in healthy volunteers supplemented with low doses of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the oxidative susceptibility of LDL in human volunteers following supplementation with various low doses (<1 g/d) of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Sixty-two healthy volunteers (thirty-seven males and twenty-five females, aged 19-63 years) were recruited to take part in a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Volunteers were required to take 0.9, 0.6 or 0.3 g n-3 PUFA as fish oil or placebo capsules daily for 16 weeks. Susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification was assessed by measuring the production of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in LDL oxidised by Cu2+ (15 microM) or 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (1 mM) for 5 h. Plasma fatty acid and LDL-fatty acid composition, cholesterol levels and antioxidant concentrations were also measured. While post-treatment n-3 PUFA compositions of plasma and LDL reflected the capsule contents, no meaningful differences in antioxidant concentrations or cholesterol levels were observed between the groups. Supplementation with low doses of n-3 PUFA as fish oil did not influence the oxidative susceptibility of LDL. The results of the present study suggest that moderate dietary intakes of n-3 PUFA do not significantly influence the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification in vitro.

Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on lipid peroxidation of rat organs

The present study was undertaken in order to reexamine the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich diet supplementation on lipid peroxidation and vitamin E status of rat organs. Male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing safflower or fish oil at 50 g/kg diet and an equal amount of vitamin E at 59 mg/kg diet (1.18 g/kg oil; and 1.5 g/kg PUFA in safflower oil diet, and 4.3 g/kg PUFA in fish oil diet) for 6 wk. Fatty acid composition of total lipids of brain, liver, heart, and lung of rats fed fish oil was rich in n-3 PUFA, whereas that of each organ of rats fed safflower oil was rich in n-6 PUFA. The vitamin E levels in liver, stomach, and testis of the fish oil diet group were slightly lower than those of the safflower oil diet group, but the levels in brain, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were not different between the two diet groups. The levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography-chemiluminescence method and the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were determined at pH 3.5 in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene with or without EDTA. Levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides and TBARS in the brain, liver, heart, lung, kidney, spleen, stomach and testis of the fish oil diet group were similar to those of the safflower oil diet group. The results indicate that high fish oil intake does not induce increased levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides and TBARS in rat organs.