Role of cis-Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease

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.

The Effect of High-Temperature Heating on Amounts of Bioactive Compounds and Antiradical Properties of Refined Rapeseed Oil Blended with Rapeseed, Coriander and Apricot Cold-Pressed Oils

Cold-pressed oils are rich sources of bioactive substances, which may protect triacylglycerols from degradation during frying. Nevertheless, these substances may decompose under high temperature. This work considers the content of bioactive substances in blends and their changes during high-temperature heating. Blends of refined rapeseed oil with 5% or 25% in one of three cold-pressed oils (rapeseed, coriander and apricot) were heated at 170 or 200 °C in a thin layer on a pan. All non-heated blends and cold-pressed oils were tested for fatty acid profile, content and composition of phytosterols, tocochromanols, chlorophyll and radical scavenging activity (RSA) analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the stability of phytosterols, tocochromanols, DPPH and ABTS values was determined in heated blends. All tocochromanols were lost during the heating process, in particular, at 200 °C. However, there were some differences between homologues. α-Tocopherol and δ-tocopherol were the most thermolabile and the most stable, respectively. Phytosterols were characterized by very high stability at both temperatures. We observed relationships between ABTS and DPPH values and contents of total tocochromanols and α-tocopherol. The obtained results may be useful in designing a new type of fried food with improved health properties and it may be the basis for further research on this topic.

Major dietary lipids in nutrition and health

In this chapter, an overview of the major lipids in the diet with emphasis in nutritional aspects is provided. Triacylglycerols, i.e., glycerol esterified with three fatty acids, are the predominant constituents in dietary lipids. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the nature and nutritional significance of the main fatty acids in the diet and their possible modifications during food processing and commercialization. The main fatty acids in dietary lipids are grouped into saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutritional implications, the latest intervention trials and health recommendations will be discussed. A brief description of the major sources of lipids in the diet is included, oils and fats standing out. Other food sources shortly commented are milk and dairy products, meat, poultry and eggs, fish, and structured lipids designed to improve functional and nutritional properties. Modifications of fatty acids as a result of processing and commercialization are discussed because of their great relevance for their health implications, especially oxidation compounds and trans fatty acids.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of miR-130b Affects Mono- and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Content via PPARG-PGC1α Axis in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells

MicroRNA (miRNA)-130b, as a regulator of lipid metabolism in adipose and mammary gland tissues, is actively involved in lipogenesis, but its endogenous role in fatty acid synthesis remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function and underlying mechanism of miR-130b in fatty acid synthesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in primary goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC). A single clone with deletion of 43 nucleotides showed a significant decrease in miR-130b-5p and miR-130b-3p abundances and an increase of target genes PGC1α and PPARG. In addition, knockout of miR-130b promoted triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol accumulation, and decreased the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) C16:1, C18:1 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) C18:2, C20:3, C20:4, C20:5, C22:6. Similarly, the abundance of fatty acid synthesis genes ACACA and FASN and transcription regulators SREBP1c and SREBP2 was elevated. Subsequently, interference with PPARG instead of PGC1α in knockout cells restored the effect of miR-130b knockout, suggesting that PPARG is responsible for miR-130b regulating fatty acid synthesis. Moreover, disrupting PPARG inhibits PGC1α transcription and translation. These results reveal that miR-130b directly targets the PPARG-PGC1α axis, to inhibit fatty acid synthesis in GMEC. In conclusion, miR-130b could be a potential molecular regulator for improving the beneficial fatty acids content in goat milk.

Diverging metabolic effects of 2 energy-restricted diets differing in nutrient quality: a 12-week randomized controlled trial in subjects with abdominal obesity

BACKGROUND

Despite the established relation between energy restriction (ER) and metabolic health, the most beneficial nutrient composition of a weight-loss diet is still a subject of debate.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to examine the additional effects of nutrient quality on top of ER.

METHODS

A parallel-designed, 12-week 25% ER dietary intervention study was conducted (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02194504). Participants aged 40-70 years with abdominal obesity were randomized over 3 groups: a 25% ER high-nutrient-quality diet (n = 40); a 25% ER low-nutrient-quality diet (n = 40); or a habitual diet (n = 30). Both ER diets were nutritionally adequate, and the high-nutrient-quality ER diet was enriched in MUFAs, n-3 PUFAs, fiber, and plant protein and reduced in fructose. Before and after the intervention, intrahepatic lipids, body fat distribution, fasting and postprandial responses to a mixed-meal shake challenge test of cardiometabolic risk factors, lipoproteins, vascular measurements, and adipose tissue transcriptome were assessed.

RESULTS

The high-nutrient-quality ER diet (-8.4 ± 3.2) induced 2.1 kg more weight loss (P = 0.007) than the low-nutrient-quality ER diet (-6.3 ± 3.9), reduced fasting serum total cholesterol (P = 0.014) and plasma triglycerides (P < 0.001), promoted an antiatherogenic lipoprotein profile, and induced a more pronounced decrease in adipose tissue gene expression of energy metabolism pathways than the low-quality ER diet. Explorative analyses showed that the difference in weight loss between the two ER diets was specifically present in insulin-sensitive subjects (HOMA-IR ≤ 2.5), in whom the high-nutrient-quality diet induced 3.9 kg more weight loss than the low-nutrient-quality diet.

CONCLUSIONS

A high-nutrient-quality 25% ER diet is more beneficial for cardiometabolic health than a low-nutrient-quality 25% ER diet. Overweight, insulin-sensitive subjects may benefit more from a high- than a low-nutrient-quality ER diet with respect to weight loss, due to potential attenuation of glucose-induced lipid synthesis in adipose tissue.

A Comprehensive Review of Hass Avocado Clinical Trials, Observational Studies, and Biological Mechanisms

This first comprehensive review of fresh Hass avocados includes 19 clinical trials, five observational studies, and biological mechanisms. We identified four primary avocado health effects: (1) reducing cardiovascular disease risk in healthy overweight or obese adults with dyslipidemia by lowering non-HDL-C profiles, triglycerides, LDL oxidation, small atherogenic LDL particles and promoting postprandial vascular endothelial health for better peripheral blood flow; (2) lowering the risk of being overweight or obese, supporting weight loss, and reducing visceral fat tissue in overweight or obese women; (3) improving cognitive function in older normal-weight adults and in young to middle age overweight or obese adults especially in frontal cortex executive function; and (4) stimulating improved colonic microbiota health in overweight or obese adults by promoting healthier microflora and fecal metabolites. We also identified a unique combination of four Hass avocado nutritional features that appear to be primarily responsible for these health effects: (1) a 6 to 1 unsaturated (rich in oleic acid) to saturated fat ratio similar to olive oil; (2) a source of multifunctional prebiotic and viscous fiber; (3) a relatively low energy density of 1.6 kcal/g (79% of edible Hass avocado weight consists of water and fiber with a creamy, smooth texture); and (4) its oleic acid and water emulsion increases carotenoid absorption from low-fat fruits and vegetables (e.g., salsa or salad) when consumed with avocados. They are also a good source of micronutrients and polyphenols, and are very low in sodium and available carbohydrates supporting secondary health and wellness benefits. Hass avocado health effects are best demonstrated when consumed in a healthy dietary plan such as the Mediterranean diet. More extensive and longer clinical trials are needed to further enhance our understanding of the Hass avocado’s health effects.

Associations of Antioxidant Enzymes with the Concentration of Fatty Acids in the Blood of Men with Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis

Objective: To identify associations of fatty acids (FAs) with the antioxidant enzymes in the blood of men with coronary atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: The study included 80 patients: control group—20 men without IHD, the core group—60 men with IHD. The core group was divided into subgroups: subgroup A—with the presence of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, subgroup B—with the absence of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. We analyzed the levels of FAs, free radicals, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the blood. Results. Patients with IHD, compared with the control group: (1) had higher levels of SOD, CAT, myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, and octadecenoic FAs; (2) had lower levels of GPx, α-linolenic, docosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, and arachidonic FAs. In subgroup A there were found: (1) negative associations of SOD—with linoleic, eicosatrienoic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic FAs, positive associations—with palmitic acid; (2) positive correlations of CAT level with palmitoleic and stearic acids; (3) negative associations between of GPx and palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and octadecenoic FAs. Conclusions: Changes in the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and a disbalance of the FAs profile, probably indicate active oxidative processes in the body and may indicate the presence of atherosclerotic changes in the vessels.

Dietary Bioactive Lipids: A Review on Absorption, Metabolism, and Health Properties

Dietary lipids are an indispensable source of energy and nutrition in human life. Numerous studies have shown that dietary bioactive lipids have many health benefits, including prevention or treatment of chronic diseases. The different chemical compositions and structural characteristics of bioactive lipids not only affect their digestion, absorption, and metabolism but also affect their health properties. In this review, the major dietary bioactive lipids (fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, phenolic lipids, fat-soluble vitamins, and sphingomyelins) in foods are systematically summarized, from the aspects of composition, digestion, absorption, metabolism, source, structural characteristics, and their health properties. In particular, the relationship between the compositional and structural changes of bioactive lipids and their absorption and metabolism is discussed as well as their effect on health properties. This review provides a comprehensive summary toward health properties of dietary bioactive lipids.

High-Fat Diet with Lyophilized Acrocomia aculeata Pulp Increases High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Levels and Inhibits Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Mice

Obesity is a relevant health hazard characterized as a chronic noncommunicable disease, with severe comorbidities that cause mortality worldwide. Acrocomia aculeata is a Brazilian palm with edible fruits. Its pulp contains fibers, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), such as oleic acid and carotenoids. In this context, our study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of the lyophilized A. aculeata pulp added at the rates of 1%, 2%, and 4% to a high-fat (HF) diet (rich in saturated fats and cholesterol), for 90 days, in mice. The treatment with 4% pulp induced a significant increase in the biochemical parameters of serum cholesterol HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein) compared with the control. According to the evaluation of the epididymal tissue, the groups treated with A. aculeata pulp exhibited smaller fat deposits compared with the HF diet group. Therefore, we infer that the predominant components in A. aculeata, particularly fibers and MUFAs, promote beneficial effects on health parameters during simultaneous exposure to food rich in saturated fat and cholesterol, typical of the Western diet. This is the first study to correlate the presence of fatty acids from A. aculeata pulp in different proportions added in a HF diet with metabolic and histological parameters in Swiss mice.

Impact of Dietary Lipids on the Reverse Cholesterol Transport: What We Learned from Animal Studies

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a physiological mechanism protecting cells from an excessive accumulation of cholesterol. When this process begins in vascular macrophages, it acquires antiatherogenic properties, as has been widely demonstrated in animal models. Dietary lipids, despite representing a fundamental source of energy and exerting multiple biological functions, may induce detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of the most relevant classes of dietary lipids, such as fatty acids, sterols and liposoluble vitamins, with effects on different steps of RCT. We also provide a critical analysis of data obtained from experimental models which can serve as a valuable tool to clarify the effects of dietary lipids on cardiovascular disease.

Crystallization and melting properties studied by DSC and FTIR spectroscopy of goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) oil

The chemical and thermal characteristics of goldenberry pomace oil (GPO) and goldenberry seed oil (GSO) were investigated. GPO and GSO contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (90.1% and 85.1%, respectively), and the major fatty acid was linoleic (62.0% and 72.8%, respectively). Additionally, GPO contained eleven triacylglycerol (TAG) species, three of which represented 82.7%, namely C54:6, C54:4 and C52:4, and trilinolein was the dominant one (35.5%). GSO contained nine TAG species, two of which represented 80.3%, namely C54:6 and C52:4, and trilinolein was dominant (53.3%). The DSC analysis of GPO and GSO revealed that three exothermal peaks were detected during cooling. Three endothermal peaks (one of which is exothermal for GSO) were detected during melting, and the most significant peaks occurred at low temperatures. FTIR spectra indicated that GPO and GSO did not contain peroxides or trans fatty acids, but they did contain low concentrations of free fatty acids.

Fatty Acids Quality in Middle Eastern Traditional Dishes, Arabic Sweets and Market Foods Frequently Consumed in Lebanon

The prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases is on the rise in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, including Lebanon. This study aimed to provide data on fatty acid profiles and ratios of Lebanese composite dishes, Arabic sweets, and market foods. Methods: Thirty types of traditional dishes, collected from five different Lebanese governorates, thirty-seven types of Arabic sweets and forty-six market food products were considered for analysis. Food samples were chemically analyzed for total, unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The range of total fatty acids in composite dishes, Arabic sweets, and market food products was between 1.2-11.7 g/100 g, 5.3-25.8 g/100 g, and 0.5-100 g/100 g, respectively. Additionally, the range of saturated fatty acids in composite dishes, Arabic sweets, and market food products was between 0.5-4.9 g/100 g, 2.5-23.6 g/100 g and 0.1-56.4 g/100 g, respectively. Furthermore, about 75% of these foods were poor in unsaturated fatty acids. Regarding saturated fatty acid, the polyunsaturated to monounsaturated (P.M.S) ratio was lower than the recommended ratio of 1:1:1 in 96% of samples. To conclude, there is a need to prioritize fat content in foods and consider processing modifications in the food production system with the aim of achieving a higher P:M:S ratio intake among the population.

High-Throughput Untargeted Serum Metabolomics Analysis of Hyperuricemia Patients by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS

Hyperuricemia (HUA) as a metabolic disease is closely associated with metabolic disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of HUA are not fully understood, so there is no radical cure so far. Metabolomics, a specialized study of endogenous small molecule substances, has become a powerful tool for metabolic pathway analysis of selected differential metabolites, which is helpful for initially revealing possible development mechanisms of various human diseases. Twenty HUA patients and 20 healthy individuals participated in the experiment, and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was employed to investigate serum samples to find differential metabolites. The statistical techniques used were principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis. The differences in metabolomics results of samples after pretreatment with different solvents were compared, 38, 20, 26, 28, 33, 50, and 40 potential differential metabolites were found, respectively, in HUA patient samples, and each group involved different metabolic pathways. Repetitive metabolites were removed, 138 differential metabolites in HUA serum were integrated for analysis, and the human body was affected by 7 metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and α-linolenic acid metabolism. In this work, the metabolomics approach based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was employed to investigate serum metabolic changes in HUA patients, 138 potential differential metabolites related to HUA were identified, which provided associations of lipids, amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, and nucleosides profiles of HUA individuals. Metabolic pathways involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and a-linolenic acid metabolism shed light on the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis process of HUA.

Tropical Oil Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses

The health effects of saturated fat, particularly tropical oil, on cardiovascular disease are unclear. We investigated the effect of tropical oil (palm and coconut oils), lard, and other common vegetable oils (soybean and rice bran oils) that are widely used in tropical and Asian countries on lipid profiles. We performed an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched up to December 2018 without language restriction. We identified nine meta-analyses that investigated the effect of dietary oils on lipid levels. Replacement of polyunsaturated fatty-acid-rich oils (PUFAs) and monounsaturated FA-rich oils (MUFAs) with palm oil significantly increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), by 3.43 (0.44-6.41) mg/dL and 9.18 (6.90-11.45) mg/dL, respectively, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), by 1.89 (1.23-2.55) mg/dL and 0.94 (-0.07-1.97) mg/dL, respectively. Replacement of PUFAs with coconut oil significantly increased HDL-c and total cholesterol -by 2.27 (0.93-3.6) mg/dL and 5.88 (0.21-11.55) mg/dL, respectively-but not LDL-c. Substituting lard for MUFAs and PUFAs increased LDL-c-by 8.39 (2.83-13.95) mg/dL and 9.85 (6.06-13.65) mg/dL, respectively-but not HDL-c. Soybean oil substituted for other PUFAs had no effect on lipid levels, while rice bran oil substitution decreased LDL-c. Our findings show the deleterious effect of saturated fats from animal sources on lipid profiles. Replacement of unsaturated plant-derived fats with plant-derived saturated fats slightly increases LDL-c but also increases HDL-c, which in turn may exert a neutral effect on cardiovascular health.

Associations of Serum Fatty Acid Proportions with Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Blood Pressure, and Fatty Liver: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

BACKGROUND

The links between fatty acids (FAs) and cardiometabolic outcomes are topics of debate.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to investigate the associations between serum standardized FA percentages and cardiometabolic outcomes.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional (n = 2187-2200 subjects, age 24-39 y, women 54%) and 10-year prospective data (n = 975-1414 subjects) from the Young Finns Study. Outcomes included prevalent and incident obesity, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index in the upper quintile), elevated blood pressure (BP; taking medication, or diastolic or systolic BP in the upper quintile), and incident nonalcoholic fatty liver. Logistic regression models were used to calculate ORs per SD increase in fatty acids (FAs). The models were adjusted for age and sex, and additionally for other potential confounders.

RESULTS

Several cross-sectional findings were also statistically significant in prospective models (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.003). In fully-adjusted models for obesity, these consisted of SFAs (OR: 1.28) and MUFAs (OR: 1.38), including palmitoleic (OR: 1.39) and oleic acids (OR: 1.37). Furthermore, PUFAs (OR: 0.70), including linoleic (OR: 0.67) and docosahexaenoic acids (OR: 0.75), were inversely related with obesity, whereas γ-linolenic acid (OR: 1.32) was positively associated with obesity. In age- and sex-adjusted models for insulin resistance, MUFAs (OR: 1.26) and oleic acid (OR: 1.25) were positively, and PUFAs (OR: 0.81), particularly linoleic acid (OR: 0.78), were inversely associated with HOMA-IR. Similarly with elevated BP, palmitic acid (OR: 1.22), MUFAs (OR: 1.28), and oleic acid (OR: 1.28) were positively associated with elevated BP, whereas PUFAs (OR: 0.77), n-6 (omega-6) PUFAs (OR: 0.79), and linoleic acid (OR: 0.77) were inversely associated. In fully-adjusted models for incident fatty liver, the most consistent predictors were high palmitic (OR: 1.61) and low linoleic acid (OR: 0.63) percentages. The n-6/n-3 (omega-3) PUFA ratio was not linked with any adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

High serum percentages of total SFAs and MUFAs and low PUFAs, but also several specific FAs, predict future unfavorable cardiometabolic outcomes in Finnish adults.

The correlation between dietary fat quality indices and lipid profile with Atherogenic index of plasma in obese and non-obese volunteers: a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Abnormalities in lipid metabolism are commonly observed in patients who were obese. Alongside dyslipidemia, one of the markers in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease is the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), which is related to dietary intake. Healthy fat quality indices might affect on AIP. The purpose of this study is to find the possible relationship between dietary fat quality, and AIP and comparison of these indices among obese and non-obese volunteers.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study with 157 normal and overweight and obese volunteers (n = 71 normal, Age: 38.90 ± 10.976 vs n = 86 overweight/obese, Age: 38.60 ± 9.394) in the age range of 18-65 years. Food intake was measured using FFQ, anthropometric indices (weight, height, body mass index and waist to hip ratio), body composition (visceral fat level, total body water, body fat mass), and lipid profile were measured.

RESULTS

Based on the present results, comparable biochemical parameters including TC (P = 0.580), TG (P = 0.362), LDL (P = 0.687) and HDL (P = 0.151) among overweight/obese volunteers as compared to normal ones were noticed. Effects of dietary fat quality, including Atherogenicity (AI) and Thrombogenicity (TI) hypo/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), the Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index (CSI) showed significantly higher AI (P = 0.012) in the overweight/obese group as compared to the normal group. Whereas, h/H (P = 0.034) and ω-6/ω-3 ratio (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in normal-weight volunteers. There was a positive correlation between AI, TI, CSI, SFA, MUFA, PUFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratio with AIP and negative correlation between h/H with AIP in both groups. Despite the significances of these correlations no strong relation was observed by doing multiple regression among normal and overweight/obese groups (R2 = 0.210, R2 = 0.387).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the present work proposes a direct relationship between dietary fat quality, increased BMI, and lipid abnormalities with AIP. Nevertheless, further large-scale studies are required to sustain a clear conclusion in this wish.

Effects of tree nut and groundnut consumption compared with those of l-arginine supplementation on fasting and postprandial flow-mediated vasodilation: Meta-analysis of human randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

l-arginine supplementation may improve vascular endothelial function. As tree nuts and groundnuts are a source of the amino acid l-arginine, we performed a meta-analysis of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare effects of tree nut and groundnut consumption with those of l-arginine supplementation on fasting and postprandial endothelial function as assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery (FMD).

METHODS

Summary estimates of weighted mean differences (WMDs) in FMD and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effect meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of thirteen RCTs focusing on tree nut and groundnut consumption and nineteen RCTs investigating effects of l-arginine supplementation were included. Longer-term consumption of tree nuts and groundnuts increased fasting FMD by 1.09 %-point (PP) (95% CI: 0.49, 1.69, P < 0.001; I²: 76.7%, P < 0.001), while l-arginine supplementation (daily range: 3-21 g) increased fasting FMD by 0.53 PP (95% CI: 0.12, 0.93; P = 0.012; I²: 91.6%, P < 0.001). Effects between treatments were not statistically different (P = 0.31). Tree nut and groundnut consumption did not affect postprandial FMD responses (1.25 PP, 95% CI: -0.31, 2.81, P = 0.12; I²: 91.4%, P < 0.001), whereas l-arginine supplementation (range: 3-15 g) improved FMD during the postprandial phase by 2.02 PP (95% CI: 0.92, 3.13, P < 0.001; I²: 99.1%, P < 0.001). However, treatment effects did not differ significantly (P = 0.60). Overall, these results derive from high-quality evidence.

CONCLUSION

Longer-term consumption of tree nuts and groundnuts, as well as l-arginine supplementation did improve fasting endothelial function, as assessed by FMD. However, the positive effects of tree nuts and groundnuts could not be fully explained by the amount of l-arginine in these nuts. Only l-arginine supplementation did improve postprandial FMD, but effects were not different from those of tree nuts and groundnuts. Future studies should focus on the identifications of the bioactive nutrients in tree nuts and groundnuts and mechanistic pathways behind differences in postprandial and longer-term fasting changes in FMD.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) juices improved HDL-c levels and antioxidant defense of healthy adults in a 4-week randomized cross-over study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of moderate-term açaí and juçara juice intake on fasting glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy subjects.

METHODS

A randomized cross-over study was performed with 30 healthy adults. The subjects were assigned to drink 200 mL/day of açaí or juçara juice for four weeks with a 4-week washout period. Before and after each nutritional intervention, blood samples were obtained to evaluate the outcomes: fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), small, dense LDL-c (sd-LDL-c), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), uric acid, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

RESULTS

After four weeks, açaí and juçara juices increased the concentrations of HDL-c by 7.7% and 11.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, açaí juice intake promoted significant increases in TAC (66.7%), CAT (275.1%), GPx (15.3%), and a decrease in OSI (55.7%) compared to baseline (P < 0.05 for all). Juçara juice intake significantly increased CAT activity (~15.0%) in relation to baseline. No significant intergroup differences were observed for any outcomes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated a positive impact of regular consumption of açaí and juçara juices on the HDL-c levels, as well as on the antioxidant enzyme activities, which may contribute to cardiovascular health.

Reformulation initiative for partial replacement of saturated with unsaturated fats in dairy foods attenuates the increase in LDL cholesterol and improves flow-mediated dilatation compared with conventional dairy: the randomized, controlled REplacement of SaturatEd fat in dairy on Total cholesterol (RESET) study

BACKGROUND

Modifying dairy fat composition by increasing the MUFA content is a potential strategy to reduce dietary SFA intake for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in the population.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of consuming SFA-reduced, MUFA-enriched (modified) dairy products, compared with conventional dairy products (control), on the fasting cholesterol profile (primary outcome), endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD; key secondary outcome), and other cardiometabolic risk markers.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover 12-wk intervention was conducted. Participants with a 1.5-fold higher (moderate) CVD risk than the population mean replaced habitual dairy products with study products (milk, cheese, and butter) to achieve a high-fat, high-dairy isoenergetic daily dietary exchange [38% of total energy intake (%TE) from fat: control (dietary target: 19%TE SFA; 11%TE MUFA) and modified (16%TE SFA; 14%TE MUFA) diet].

RESULTS

Fifty-four participants (57.4% men; mean ± SEM age: 52 ± 3 y; BMI: 25.8 ± 0.5 kg/m2) completed the study. The modified diet attenuated the rise in fasting LDL cholesterol observed with the control diet (0.03 ± 0.06 mmol/L and 0.19 ± 0.05 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.03). Relative to baseline, the %FMD response increased after the modified diet (0.35% ± 0.15%), whereas a decrease was observed after the control diet (-0.51% ± 0.15%; P< 0.0001). In addition, fasting plasma nitrite concentrations increased after the modified diet, yet decreased after the control diet (0.02 ± 0.01 μmol/L and -0.03 ± 0.02 μmol/L, respectively; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In adults at moderate CVD risk, consumption of a high-fat diet containing SFA-reduced, MUFA-enriched dairy products for 12 wk showed beneficial effects on fasting LDL cholesterol and endothelial function compared with conventional dairy products. Our findings indicate that fatty acid modification of dairy products may have potential as a public health strategy aimed at CVD risk reduction. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02089035.

Dietary and Pharmacological Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health

CONTEXT

The effects of dietary intake of different fatty acids and pharmacological use of fatty acids, specifically long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), on cardiovascular health and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention have been examined in a large number of observational studies and clinical trials. This review summarizes recent data and discusses potential mechanisms.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The review is based on the authors' knowledge of the field supplemented by a PubMed search using the terms seafood, fish oil, saturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and ASCVD.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We mainly discuss the recent clinical trials that examine the effects of different types of dietary fatty acids and pharmacological use of n-3 PUFA products on ASCVD prevention and the potential mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

While replacement of dietary saturated fat with unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat in particular, or intake of LC n-3 PUFA-rich seafood has generally shown benefit for ASCVD prevention and is recommended for cardiovascular benefits, data on effects of n-3 PUFA products on ASCVD health are inconsistent. However, recent clinical trials support benefits of prescription EPA in ASCVD prevention. n-3 PUFAs may contribute to ASCVD prevention through multiple mechanisms, including lowering plasma triglyceride levels, anti-inflammatory effects, antithrombotic effects, and effects on endothelial function.

Effect of Feeding Hazelnut Skin on Animal Performance, Milk Quality, and Rumen Fatty Acids in Lactating Ewes

The hazelnut skin is waste biomass rich in bioactive compounds that may affect lipid rumen metabolism, ruminant performance, and products' quality. Therefore, we investigated the effect of dietary hazelnut skin on milk production and composition and on rumen fatty acids in ewes. During 28 days, 20 Comisana lactating ewes received alfalfa hay ad libitum plus 800g/head/day of pelleted concentrate containing 36% dried beet pulp (CTRL group; n = 10) or 36% hazelnut skin (HS group; n = 10). The protein percentage was lower in HS milk. Milk fatty acids (FA) partially reflected those of rumen content. Total saturated FA (SFA), odd and branched-chain FA, and n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were greater in CTRL milk. Total monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and 18:1 trans were greater in HS milk; moreover, HS milk showed a double percentage of oleic acid than the CTRL group. Individual SFA were greater in CTRL milk except for 18:0. Differing from the rumen content, total PUFA, n-6 PUFA, and 18:2 n-6 were comparable between groups. Vaccenic and rumenic acid were greater in HS milk. To conclude, dietary HS slightly reduced milk protein percentage but improved atherogenic index and healthy FA in milk. The content of the somatic cells suggested a healthier udder in the HS group.

Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans, Hispanics and Whites

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare the dietary intakes and physical activity levels among Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

DESIGN

The study was based on secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012.

SETTING

The NHANES's target population is the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S.

POPULATION

SUBJECTS

The sample was made up of 2,449 subjects aged 40 years or more, of both genders, and of three ethnic groups (African Americans, Whites and Hispanics).

RESULTS

Mean intakes of food energy, total fat, total saturated fatty acids, total monounsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, lycopene, selenium and sodium were significantly higher in Whites with MetS. African-Americans with MetS had significantly lower dietary intakes of beta-carotene and total sugars. Also, mean vitamin A and beta-carotene intakes were significantly lower in the Hispanic subjects with MetS. Vigorous and moderate physical activity levels were significantly lower in African Americans and Hispanics with MetS. Computer use was significantly higher in Whites with MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Variables significantly predictive of MetS were age, male gender, African-American ethnicity, BMI, and lycopene intake.

Oleic acid ameliorates palmitic acid induced hepatocellular lipotoxicity by inhibition of ER stress and pyroptosis

Background

Pyroptosis is a novel programmed cell death. It is identified as caspase-1 dependent and characterized by plasma-membrane rupture and release of proinflammatory intracellular contents inculuding IL-1 beta and IL-18. Pyroptosis is distinct from other forms of cell death, especially apoptosis that is characterized by nuclear and cytoplasmic condensation and is elicited via activation of a caspase cascade. In pyroptosis, gasdermin D (GSDMD) acts as a major executor, while NLRP3 related inflammasome is closely linked to caspase-1 activation. Given that pyroptosis has played a critical role in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), here, we investigated whether the regulation of pyroptosis activation is responsible for the protective role of monounsaturated oleic acids in the context of hepatocellular lipotoxicity.

Methods

Human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells were exposed to palmitic acid (PA) with or without oleic acids (OA) or/and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) for 24 h. Besides, the cells were treated with the chemical ER stressor tunicamycin (TM) with or without OA for 24 h as well. The expressions of pyroptosis and ER stress related genes or proteins were determined by real-time PCR, Western blot or immunofluorescence. The morphology of pyroptosis was detected by acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. The release of IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was determined by ELISA. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 16 w, then, HFD was half replaced by olive oil to observe the protective effects of olive oil. The blood chemistry were analyzed, and the liver histology and the expressions of related genes and proteins were determined in the liver tissues.

Results

We demonstrated that PA impaired the cell viability and disturbed the lipid metabolism of HepG2 cells (P < 0.01), but OA robustly rescued cells from cell death (P < 0.001). More importantly, we found that instead of cell apoptosis, PA induced significant pyroptosis, evidenced by remarkably increased mRNA and protein expressions of inflammasome marker NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-1beta, as well as cell membrane perforation driving protein GSDMD (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the PA stimulated ER stress was causally related to pyroptosis. The enhanced expressions of ER stress markers CHOP and BIP were found subcellular co-located to pyroptosis markers NLRP3 and ASC. Additionally,TM was able to induce pyroptosis like PA did, and ER stress inhibitor TUDCA was able to inhibit both PA and TM induced ER stress as well as pyroptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that OA substantially alleviated either PA or TM induced ER stress and pyroptosis in HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). In vivo, only olive oil supplementation did not cause significant toxicity, while HFD for 32 w obviously induced liver steatosis and inflammation in SD rats (P < 0.05). Half replacement of HFD with olive oil (a mixed diet) has remarkably ameliorated liver abnormalities, and particularly inhibited the protein expressions of either ER stress and pyroptosis markers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Palmitic acid induced predominant pyroptosis in HepG2 cells, and ER stress may be responsible for the induction of pyroptosis and subsequent cell death. Monounsaturated oleic acids were able to ameliorate hepatocellular lipotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, and OA mediated inhibition of ER stress and pyroptosis may be the underlying mechanisms.

Serum Metabolomics of Early Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Using Liquid Chromatography and Q-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common postoperative complication observed in elderly patients. However, the diagnosis of POCD is not very satisfactory as no specific biomarkers have been classified. It is necessary to identify new diagnostic markers to better understand the pathogenesis of POCD. We performed liquid chromatography with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer- (LC/Q-TOF-MS-) based metabolomics study to investigate POCD. A total of 40 metabolites were differentially expressed between POCD and non-POCD patients. In this study, we investigated whether phosphatidylserine (PS) (17:2/0:0), with an area under the curve value of 0.966, was a potential sensitive and specific biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of POCD. Pathway analysis showed that fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carnitine metabolism were significantly altered in POCD. Network analysis indicated that nitric oxide signaling, PI3K-AKT signaling, mTOR signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction were related to the pathogenesis of POCD. This study showed that metabolic profiling was meaningful when studying the diagnosis and pathogenesis of POCD.

Dietary fats and cardiometabolic disease: mechanisms and effects on risk factors and outcomes

The effect of dietary fats on cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus, has generated tremendous interest. Many earlier investigations focused on total fat and conventional fat classes (such as saturated and unsaturated fats) and their influence on a limited number of risk factors. However, dietary fats comprise heterogeneous molecules with diverse structures, and growing research in the past two decades supports correspondingly complex health effects of individual dietary fats. Moreover, health effects of dietary fats might be modified by additional factors, such as accompanying nutrients and food-processing methods, emphasizing the importance of the food sources. Accordingly, the rapidly increasing scientific findings on dietary fats and cardiometabolic diseases have generated debate among scientists, caused confusion for the general public and present challenges for translation into dietary advice and policies. This Review summarizes the evidence on the effects of different dietary fats and their food sources on cell function and on risk factors and clinical events of cardiometabolic diseases. The aim is not to provide an exhaustive review but rather to focus on the most important evidence from randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies and to highlight current areas of controversy and the most relevant future research directions for understanding how to improve the prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases through optimization of dietary fat intake.

Nutritional and other health properties of olive pomace oil

Olive-pomace oil is rich in oleic acid, and thus it can be an interesting dietary fat alternative as it can allow reaching the recommendation of consuming 20% of total diet energy in the form of monounsaturated fatty acids. In addition, olive-pomace oil also contains a wide range of minor components that may contribute to its healthy properties. The major components identified with healthy properties are triterpenic dialcohols and acids, squalene, tocopherols, sterols, fatty alcohols and phenolic compounds. The refining process, that the crude pomace-oil must undergo for commercial purposes, significantly reduces the content of phenolic compounds, while the other minor components remain at concentrations which can induce positive health effects, especially on cardiovascular health, outstanding pentacyclic triterpenes and aliphatic fatty alcohols in olive-pomace oil. Numerous in vitro and preclinical studies support that mainly the pure compounds, or extracts isolated from plant sources, play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease and risk factors. Likewise, tocopherols, squalene and phytosterols, in addition to the minor fraction of phenolic compounds, have shown high biological activity with particular association to the cardiovascular function. In the light of the foregoing, and taking into consideration the absence of clinical studies with olive-pomace oil, it would be of great interest to develop randomized, crossover, controlled, double-blind studies to extend the knowledge and understanding on the health effects of olive-pomace olive.

Oleic acid protects insulin-secreting INS-1E cells against palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity along with an amelioration of ER stress

PURPOSE

It is demonstrated that unsaturated fatty acids can counteract saturated fatty acids-induced lipotoxicity, but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) against saturated palmitic acid (PA)-induced cytotoxicity in rat β cells as well as islets, and mechanistically focused on its regulation on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

METHODS

Rat insulinoma cell line INS-1E cells and primary islets were treated with PA with or without OA for 24 h to determine the cell viability, apoptosis, and ER stress. SD rats were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 w, then, HFD was half replaced by olive oil to observe the protective effects of monounsaturated fatty acids rich diet.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that PA impaired cell viability and insulin secretion of INS-1E cells and rat islets, but OA robustly rescued cells from cell death. OA substantially alleviated either PA or chemical ER stressors (thapsigargin or tunicamycin)-induced ER stress. Importantly, OA attenuated the activity of PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway and regulated the ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis. In vivo, only olive oil supplementation did not cause significant changes, while high-fat diet (HFD) for 32 w obviously induced islets ER stress and impaired insulin sensitivity in SD rats. Half replacement of HFD with olive oil (a mixed diet) has ameliorated this effect.

CONCLUSION

OA alleviated PA-induced lipotoxicity in INS-1E cells and improved insulin sensitivity in HFD rats. The amelioration of PA triggered ER stress may be responsible for its beneficial effects in β cells.

Comparison of plasma levels of different species of trans fatty acids in Japanese male patients with acute coronary syndrome versus healthy men

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It remains unclear how trans fatty acid (TFA) at low-level intake affect lipid levels and the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study aimed to investigate how plasma TFA composition differs between male patients with ACS and healthy men.

METHODS

Plasma fatty acid (FA) composition (as determined by gas chromatography) was analyzed in ACS patients on hospital admission and compared to that of age-adjusted healthy men.

RESULTS

Total FA and TFA levels were similar between ACS and control subjects. Palmitelaidic acid, ruminant-derived TFA (R-TFA), levels were lower in ACS patients (0.17 ± 0.06 vs. 0.20 ± 0.06 of total FA, in ACS and control, respectively, p<0.01), and were significantly directly associated with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (rho = 0.269) and n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA) (rho = 0.442). Linoleic trans isomers (total C18:2 TFA), primary industrially-produced TFA (IP-TFAs), were significantly higher in ACS patients (0.68 ± 0.17 vs. 0.60 ± 0.20 of total FA, in ACS and control, respectively). Total trans-C18:1 isomers were comparable between ACS and control. Differences between ACS and controls in C18:1 trans varied by specific C18:1 trans species. Absolute concentrations of trans-C18:2 isomers were significantly directly associated with LDL-C and non-HDL-C in ACS men. The ACS patients showed significantly lower levels of both n-6 and n-3 PUFA (i.e., eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids).

CONCLUSIONS

There were several case-control differences in specific TFA that could potential affect risk for ACS. Japanese ACS patients, especially middle-aged patients, may consume less R-TFA.

No Modification in Blood Lipoprotein Concentration but Changes in Body Composition after 4 Weeks of Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) Followed by 7 Days of Carbohydrate Loading in Basketball Players

Recently, low carbohydrate diets have become very popular due to their numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, little is known about their chronic effects on the blood lipid profile and other cardiovascular disease risk factors in athletic populations. We compared the results of a four week, well-planned low carbohydrate diet (LCD) followed by seven days of carbohydrate loading (Carbo-L) on fasting lipids - triacylglycerol's (TAG), LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol (TCh), glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR levels in 11 competitive basketball players. During the experiment, we also measured body mass (BM) and body composition changes: body fat (BF), % of body fat (PBF), and fat free mass (FFM). Both diet procedures significantly changed the fasting serum concentration of TAG (p < 0.05) and body fat content (kg and %) (p < 0.05), without negative changes in FFM. The Carbo-L procedure increased (p < 0.05) fasting glucose levels significantly. A LCD may be suggested for athletes who want to reduce body mass and fat content without compromising muscle mass. Several weeks on a LCD does not change the lipoprotein - LDL-C and HDL-C level significantly, while a seven-day Carb-L procedure may increase body fat content and fasting glucose concentration. Such dietary procedures are recommended for team sport athletes to reduce fat mass, lipid profile disorders and insulin resistance.

Perfil nutricional e benefícios do azeite de abacate (Persea americana ): uma revisão integrativa

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa sobre a qualidade do perfil lipídico e dos compostos bioativos presentes no azeite de abacate, bem como sobre os seus potenciais benefícios para a saúde humana. Foram identificados trabalhos publicados nas bases de dados Scopus, PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO e Web of Science, além de Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações. A pesquisa encontrou dados referentes ao perfil lipídico e ao teor de substâncias bioativas presentes no azeite de abacate extraído das variedades Margarida, Quintal, Fortuna, Ouro Verde, Hass e Fuerte. O azeite de abacate caracteriza-se por apresentar, em média, teores elevados de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (60%), teor intermediário de ácidos graxos saturados (24%) e baixo teor de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (16%). O ácido graxo oleico (ômega-9) é o de maior concentração (aproximadamente 55%). Os principais esteróis, tocoferóis e carotenoides encontrados foram β-sitosterol, α-tocoferol e luteína, respectivamente. O azeite de abacate possui propriedades físico-químicas semelhantes às do azeite de oliva. Em modelos animais, é capaz de prevenir a disfunção mitocondrial cerebral e hepática induzida pelo diabetes, associado à diminuição de estresse oxidativo, LDL-c e peroxidação lipídica. Seus benefícios são atribuídos principalmente às concentrações de ácido oleico, por sua atividade cardioprotetora, ao β-sitosterol, por sua propriedade anti-inflamatória, e ao α-tocoferol e à luteína, pela propriedade antioxidante. Assim, o azeite de abacate se destaca pelo teor elevado de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados e de compostos bioativos, como tocoferóis, carotenoides e fitoesteróis. Análises em modelos animais, aliadas às análises de qualidade e segurança, atestam os benefícios e a possibilidade de introdução do referido azeite para uso comestível, substituindo óleos de qualidade inferior e criando nova alternativa gastronômica ao consumidor.

Replacement of saturated and trans-fatty acids in the diet v. CVD risk in the light of the most recent studies

OBJECTIVE

To present and discuss results of the most recent studies pertaining to the effects of consumption of different types of fatty acids on the risk of CVD. The aim was also an attempt to answer the question of whether a revision of the current recommendations is necessary.

DESIGN

A review of prospective cohort studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in 2014-2017 on the effects of SFA and trans-fatty acid (TFA) intakes as well as various models of their replacement in the diet on CVD risk.

RESULTS

Results of the new large prospective cohort studies pertaining to the effect of SFA consumption on CVD risk are contradictory. Similarly, the recent meta-analyses of clinical trials related to the effects of SFA substitution on CVD risk provided extremely different results, which is related to the application of different inclusion and exclusion criteria. Differences in results of randomised controlled trials may be caused by different methodologies of dietary parameter changes, varying duration of studies, as well as the time at which they were carried out.

CONCLUSIONS

It is extremely difficult to extrapolate results of recent studies to contemporary recommendations. It seems that there is a need for properly randomised studies on large groups, with good control of dietary and non-dietary parameters, which account for not only the sum of SFA and TFA, but also their source. Only such studies will allow for full evaluation of an effect of substituting SFA and TFA on cardiovascular risk.

Estimates of genomic heritability and genome-wide association study for fatty acids profile in Santa Inês sheep

BACKGROUND

Despite the health concerns and nutritional importance of fatty acids, there is a relative paucity of studies in the literature that report genetic or genomic parameters, especially in the case of sheep populations. To investigate the genetic architecture of fatty acid composition of sheep, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and estimated genomic heritabilities for fatty acid profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle of 216 male sheep.

RESULTS

Genomic heritability estimates for fatty acid content ranged from 0.25 to 0.46, indicating that substantial genetic variation exists for the evaluated traits. Therefore, it is possible to alter fatty acid profiles through selection. Twenty-seven genomic regions of 10 adjacent SNPs associated with fatty acids composition were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, each explaining ≥0.30% of the additive genetic variance. Twenty-three genes supporting the understanding of genetic mechanisms of fat composition in sheep were identified in these regions, such as DGAT2, TRHDE, TPH2, ME1, C6, C7, UBE3D, PARP14, and MRPS30.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimates of genomic heritabilities and elucidating important genomic regions can contribute to a better understanding of the genetic control of fatty acid deposition and improve the selection strategies to enhance meat quality and health attributes.

Monounsaturated fats from plant and animal sources in relation to risk of coronary heart disease among US men and women

Background

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) improve blood lipid profiles in intervention studies, but prospective evidence with regard to MUFA intake and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is limited and controversial.

Objective

We investigated the associations of cis MUFA intake from plant (MUFA-P) and animal (MUFA-A) sources with CHD risk separately among 63,442 women from the Nurses' Health Study (1990-2012) and 29,942 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1990-2012).

Design

Intakes of MUFA-Ps and MUFA-As were calculated by using validated food-frequency questionnaires collected every 4 y. Incident nonfatal myocardial infarction and fatal CHD cases (n = 4419) were confirmed by medical record review.

Results

During follow-up, MUFA-Ps and MUFA-As contributed 5.8-7.9% and 4.2-5.4% of energy on average, respectively. When MUFA-Ps were modeled to isocalorically replace other macronutrients, HRs (95% CIs) of CHD were 0.83 (0.68, 1.00) for saturated fatty acids (SFAs; 5% of energy), 0.86 (0.76, 0.97) for refined carbohydrates (5% of energy), and 0.80 (0.70, 0.91) for trans fats (2% of energy) (P = 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001, respectively). For MUFA-As, corresponding HRs (95% CIs) for the same isocaloric substitutions were 1.04 (0.79, 1.38) for SFAs, 1.11 (0.91, 1.35) for refined carbohydrates, and 0.88 (0.77, 1.01) for trans fats (P = 0.76, 0.31, and 0.08, respectively). Given the common food sources of SFAs and MUFA-As (Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.81-0.83 between these groups of fatty acids), we further estimated CHD risk when the sum of MUFA-As and SFAs (5% of energy) was replaced by MUFA-Ps, and found that the HR was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.90; P < 0.001) for this replacement.

Conclusions

The largely different associations of MUFA-Ps and MUFA-As with CHD risk suggest that plant-based foods are the preferable sources of MUFAs for CHD prevention. These findings are observational and warrant confirmation in intervention settings. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00005152 and NCT00005182.

Recent Science and Clinical Application of Nutrition to Coronary Heart Disease

One of the greatest threats to mortality in industrialized societies continues to be coronary heart disease (CHD). Moreover, the ability to decrease the incidence of CHD has reached a limit utilizing traditional diagnostic evaluations and prevention and treatment strategies for the top five cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking). It is well known that about 80% of CHD can be prevented with optimal nutrition, coupled with exercise, weight management, mild alcohol intake, and smoking cessation. Among all of these factors, optimal nutrition provides the basic foundation for prevention and treatment of CHD. Numerous prospective nutrition clinical trials have shown dramatic reductions in the incidence of CHD. As nutritional science and nutrigenomics research continues, our ability to adjust the best nutrition with an individualized approach is emerging. This article reviews the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of CHD and myocardial infarction (MI).

Nutritional enhancement of sheep meat fatty acid profile for human health and wellbeing

Dietary fatty acids (FA) consumed by sheep, like other ruminants, can undergo biohydrogenation resulting in high proportions of saturated FA (SFA) in meat. Biohydrogenation is typically less extensive in sheep than cattle, and consequently, sheep meat can contain higher proportions of omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), and PUFA biohydrogenation intermediates (PUFA-BHI) including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-monounsaturated FAs (t-MUFA). Sheep meat is also noted for having characteristically higher contents of branched chain FA (BCFA). From a human health and wellness perspective, some SFA and trans-MUFA have been found to negatively affect blood lipid profiles, and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). On the other hand, n-3 PUFA, BCFA and some PUFA-BHI may have many potential beneficial effects on human health and wellbeing. In particular, vaccenic acid (VA), rumenic acid (RA) and BCFA may have potential for protecting against cancer and inflammatory disorders among other human health benefits. Several innovative strategies have been evaluated for their potential to enrich sheep meat with FA which may have human health benefits. To this end, dietary manipulation has been found to be the most effective strategy of improving the FA profile of sheep meat. However, there is a missing link between the FA profile of sheep meat, human consumption patterns of sheep FA and chronic diseases. The current review provides an overview of the nutritional strategies used to enhance the FA profile of sheep meat for human consumption.

Discovery and fine-mapping of loci associated with MUFAs through trans-ethnic meta-analysis in Chinese and European populations

MUFAs are unsaturated FAs with one double bond and are derived from endogenous synthesis and dietary intake. Accumulating evidence has suggested that plasma and erythrocyte MUFA levels are associated with cardiometabolic disorders, including CVD, T2D, and metabolic syndrome (MS). Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified seven loci for plasma and erythrocyte palmitoleic and oleic acid levels in populations of European origin. To identify additional MUFA-associated loci and the potential functional variant at each locus, we performed ethnic-specific GWAS meta-analyses and trans-ethnic meta-analyses in more than 15,000 participants of Chinese and European ancestry. We identified novel genome-wide significant associations for vaccenic acid at FADS1/2 and PKD2L1 [log10(Bayes factor) ≥ 8.07] and for gondoic acid at FADS1/2 and GCKR [log10(Bayes factor) ≥ 6.22], and also observed improved fine-mapping resolutions at FADS1/2 and GCKR loci. The greatest improvement was observed at GCKR, where the number of variants in the 99% credible set was reduced from 16 (covering 94.8 kb) to 5 (covering 19.6 kb, including a missense variant rs1260326) after trans-ethnic meta-analysis. We also confirmed the previously reported associations of PKD2L1, FADS1/2, GCKR, and HIF1AN with palmitoleic acid and of FADS1/2 and LPCAT3 with oleic acid in the Chinese-specific GWAS and the trans-ethnic meta-analyses. Pathway-based analyses suggested that the identified loci were in unsaturated FA metabolism and signaling pathways. Our findings provide novel insight into the genetic basis relevant to MUFA metabolism and biology.

Caryocar brasiliense oil improves cardiac function by increasing Serca2a/PLB ratio despite no significant changes in cardiovascular risk factors in rats

Background

Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) oil is high in monounsaturated fat acids (MUFA), especially oleic, and in carotenoids, which have been associated with protection against cardiovascular disease. However, this food is poorly studied in this context, especially in the cardiac function. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a long-term intake of pequi oil in systemic cardiovascular risk factors and in the ex vivo cardiac function of rats.

Methods

Previously, we determined fatty acids and carotenoids in pequi oil. Next, male rats were divided in C – control group feed a standard diet, and PO – pequi oil group fed the same diet added pequi oil (+2.25 g.100 g⁻¹). After 15 weeks, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, blood pressure, heart rate, hepatic lipids were accessed and visceral fat pads were harvested. Hearts were used for the ex vivo cardiac function, histologic assays, SERCA2a and phospholanban (PLB) determinations.

Results

In agreement with scientific data, pequi oil had expressive amounts MUFA, especially oleic acid, and carotenoids. Hepatic triglycerides (TG) were reduced by pequi oil intake (p < 0.05). All others cardiovascular risk factors were not changed. The intrinsic heart rate was lower in PO group (p < 0.05). SERCA2a content was higher in this group (p < 0.05), without affecting PLB. Also, SERCA2a/PLB ratio increased in PO group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pequi oil intake improved cardiac function ex vivo, despite no significant changes in systemic cardiovascular risk factors. The higher lipid offer in pequi oil diet, its composition in oleic acid and carotenoids could be related to those effects.