Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Efficacy on inflammatory-based disorders

Effects of low protein feed on hepato-intestinal health and muscle quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

In this study, grass carp (33.28 ± 0.05 g) were fed three diets for 8 weeks: control (crude protein [CP] 30%, crude lipid [CL] 6%), low protein (LP; CP16%, CL6%), and low protein with high-fat (LPHF; CP16%, CL10%). The final body weight decreased in the LP and LPHF groups compared to the Control (P < 0.05). Liver triglycerides, total cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acids were higher in the LP group than the Control, whereas these indexes in the LPHF group were higher than those in the LP group (P < 0.05). The LP group had intestinal barrier damage, while the LPHF group had a slight recovery. TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β content were lower in the LP group than in the Control (P < 0.05), and even higher in the LPHF group (P < 0.05). The expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes Activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6) and Glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) were higher in the LPHF group against the LP group (P < 0.05). The IL-1β and TNF-α content negatively correlated with intestinal Actinomycetes and Mycobacterium abundance (P < 0.05). The muscle fiber diameter was smaller in both the LP and LPHF groups than the control (P < 0.05), with the LP group showing metabolites related to protein digestion and absorption, and LPHF group exhibiting metabolites related to taste transmission. The results demonstrate reducing dietary protein affects growth, causing liver lipid accumulation, reduced enteritis response, and increased muscle tightness, while increasing fat content accelerates fat accumulation and inflammation.

Role of cardiovascular health factors in mediating social inequalities in the incidence of dementia in the UK: two prospective, population-based cohort studies

Background

The contribution of modifiable risk factors to social inequalities in dementia, observed in longitudinal studies, remains unclear. We aimed to quantify the role of cardiovascular health factors, assessed using Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score, in mediating social inequalities in incidence of dementia and, for comparison, in incidence of stroke, coronary heart disease, and mortality.

Methods

In this prospective, population-based cohort study, we collected data from the UK Whitehall II Study and UK Biobank databases. Participants were included if data were available on SEP, outcomes and LE8 (smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, sleep duration). The primary outcome was incident dementia and secondary outcomes were stroke, coronary heart disease, and mortality. Outcomes were derived from electronic healthcare records. Socioeconomic position (SEP) was measured by occupation in Whitehall II and education in UK Biobank. Counterfactual mediation analysis was used to quantify the extent to which LE8 score explained the associations of SEP with all outcomes. Analyses involved Cox regression, accelerated failure time models, and linear regression; and were adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity.

Findings

Between 10.09.1985 and 29.03.1988, a total of 9688 participants (mean age ± SD 44.9 ± 6.0; 67% men) from the Whitehall II study, and between 19.12.2006 and 01.10.2010, 278,215 participants (mean age ± SD 56.0 ± 8.1; 47% men) from the UK Biobank were included. There were 606 and 4649 incident dementia cases over a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 31.7 (31.1-32.7) and 13.5 (12.7-14.1) years respectively in Whitehall II and UK Biobank. In Whitehall II, the hazard ratio was 1.85 [95% CI 1.42, 2.32] for the total effect of SEP on dementia and 1.20 [1.12, 1.28] for the indirect effect via the LE8, the proportion mediated being 36%. In UK Biobank, the total effect of SEP on dementia was 1.65 [1.54, 1.78]; the indirect effect was 1.11 [1.09, 1.12], and the proportion mediated was 24%. The proportions mediated for stroke, coronary heart disease, and mortality were higher, ranging between 34% and 63% in Whitehall II and between 36% and 50% in UK Biobank.

Interpretation

In two well-characterised cohort studies, up to one third of the social inequalities in incidence of dementia was attributable to cardiovascular health factors. Promotion of cardiovascular health in midlife may contribute to reducing social inequalities in risk of dementia, in addition to cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. This study used adult measures of SEP, further research is warranted using lifecourse measures of SEP.

Funding

NIH (RF1AG062553).

Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease, whose etiology is not yet fully understood, although there are several factors that can increase the chances of suffering from it. These factors include nutrition, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. In relation to nutrition, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA), has emerged as an important player in the regulation of neuroinflammation, being considered a pleiotropic molecule. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of DHA supplementation on clinical state and oxidative stress produced by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Twenty-five Dark Agouti rats which were used divided into Control Group, Control+Vehicle Group, Control+DHA Group, EAE Group, and EAE+DHA Group. DHA was administered for 51 days by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection at a dose of 40 mg/kg, once a day, 5 days a week. DHA supplementation produced a decrease in oxidative stress, as well as an improvement in the clinical score of the disease. DHA could exert a beneficial effect on the clinic of MS, through the activation of the antioxidant factor Nrf2.

The Role of Marine n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Inflammatory-Based Disease: The Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inflammation is a conserved process that involves the activation of immune and non-immune cells aimed at protecting the host from bacteria, viruses, toxins and injury. However, unresolved inflammation and the permanent release of pro-inflammatory mediators are responsible for the promotion of a condition called "low-grade systemic chronic inflammation", which is characterized by tissue and organ damage, metabolic changes and an increased susceptibility to non-communicable diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that different dietary components may influence modifiable risk factors for diverse chronic human pathologies. Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are well-recognized anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents that are able to influence many aspects of the inflammatory process. The aim of this article is to review the recent literature that relates to the modulation of human disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, by n-3 PUFAs.

Marine biomaterials in biomedical nano/micro-systems

Marine resources in unique marine environments provide abundant, cost-effective natural biomaterials with distinct structures, compositions, and biological activities compared to terrestrial species. These marine-derived raw materials, including polysaccharides, natural protein components, fatty acids, and marine minerals, etc., have shown great potential in preparing, stabilizing, or modifying multifunctional nano-/micro-systems and are widely applied in drug delivery, theragnostic, tissue engineering, etc. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most current marine biomaterial-based nano-/micro-systems developed over the past three years, primarily focusing on therapeutic delivery studies and highlighting their potential to cure a variety of diseases. Specifically, we first provided a detailed introduction to the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of natural marine biocomponents in their raw state. Furthermore, the assembly processes, potential functionalities of each building block, and a thorough evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of advanced marine biomaterial-based systems and their effects on molecular pathophysiological processes were fully elucidated. Finally, a list of unresolved issues and pivotal challenges of marine-derived biomaterials applications, such as standardized distinction of raw materials, long-term biosafety in vivo, the feasibility of scale-up, etc., was presented. This review is expected to serve as a roadmap for fundamental research and facilitate the rational design of marine biomaterials for diverse emerging applications.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Severity

Currently available data suggest that the union of a balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle may determine an amelioration in several clinical parameters and in the quality of life for patients with MS (pwMS). The study objective was to investigate the possible difference in MS severity in a group of Italian patients with MS based on their adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). Eating habits were collected through a validated 110-items Food Frequency Questionnaire, the Medi-Lite score was used for adherence to MedDiet evaluation. MS severity was graded according to Herbert's severity scale, based on the MSSS. 106 patients were classified in 3 groups according to their MedDiet adherence (low/medium/high). Higher adherence was associated with a 6.18 (95% CI: 1.44, 26.59) higher probability of having a mild-to-moderate MS. When studying the single constituents of the Medi-Lite score, none of them was individually associated with MS severity. It remains unclear whether effects of specific dietary components included in the MedDiet may impact the health status at disease onset or can slow down the symptoms due course of disease. Future studies are needed to reproduce our findings and should focus on answering the latter raised question.

Apolipoprotein D modulates lipid mediators and osteopontin in an anti-inflammatory direction

BACKGROUND

HDL has been proposed to possess anti-inflammatory properties; however, the detail mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

We investigated the roles of Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) in the pathogenesis of inflammation in the mouse model of diet-induced obesity and that of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis and the in vitro experiments. Furthermore, we analyzed serum ApoD levels in human subjects.

RESULTS

The overexpression of human ApoD decreased the plasma IL-6 and TNF-a levels in both mice models. Lipidomics analyses demonstrated association of ApoD with increase of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, as well as of their metabolites, and of the anti-inflammatory molecule sphingosine 1-phosphate, and decrease of proinflammatory lysophosphatidic acids and lysophosphatidylinositol. ApoD-containing lipoproteins might directly bind eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. The modulations of the lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate levels resulted from the suppression of autotaxin expression and elevation of apolipoprotein M (ApoM), respectively. Moreover, ApoD negatively regulated osteopontin, a proinflammatory adipokine. The activation of PPARg by ApoD might suppress autotaxin and osteopontin. Serum ApoD levels were negatively correlated with the serum osteopontin and autotaxin levels and, positively with serum ApoM levels.

CONCLUSION

ApoD is an anti-inflammatory apolipoprotein, which modulates lipid mediators and osteopontin in an anti-inflammatory direction.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Deal with Alzheimer's Disease-From Bench to Bedside: What Feasible Options Do Already Exist Today?

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the western population. The incidence of this disease increases with age. Rising life expectancy and the resulting increase in the ratio of elderly in the population are likely to exacerbate socioeconomic problems. Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial disease. In addition to amyloidogenic processing leading to plaques, and tau pathology, but also other molecular causes such as oxidative stress or inflammation play a crucial role. We summarize the molecular mechanisms leading to Alzheimer's disease and which potential interventions are known to interfere with these mechanisms, focusing on nutritional approaches and physical activity but also the beneficial effects of cognition-oriented treatments with a focus on language and communication. Interestingly, recent findings also suggest a causal link between oral conditions, such as periodontitis or edentulism, and Alzheimer's disease, raising the question of whether dental intervention in Alzheimer's patients can be beneficial as well. Unfortunately, all previous single-domain interventions have been shown to have limited benefit to patients. However, the latest studies indicate that combining these efforts into multidomain approaches may have increased preventive or therapeutic potential. Therefore, as another emphasis in this review, we provide an overview of current literature dealing with studies combining the above-mentioned approaches and discuss potential advantages compared to monotherapies. Considering current literature and intervention options, we also propose a multidomain interdisciplinary approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease patients that synergistically links the individual approaches. In conclusion, this review highlights the need to combine different approaches in an interdisciplinary manner, to address the future challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Topical Administration of a Marine Oil Rich in Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic db/db Mice through Angiogenesis and Macrophage Polarization

Impaired wound healing in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which delays wound closure. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) are bioactive molecules produced from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), principally omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). SPMs are potent regulators of inflammation and have been used to suppress chronic inflammation in peripheral artery disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and central nervous system syndromes. LIPINOVA^® is a commercially available safe-grade nutritional supplement made from a fractionated marine lipid concentrate derived from anchovy and sardine oil that is rich in SPMs and EPA, as well as DHA precursors. Here, we assessed the effect of LIPINOVA^® in wound dressing applications. LIPINOVA^® showed biocompatibility with keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory macrophages (Mφ1), and promoted in vitro wound closure. Daily application of the marine oil to open wounds made by punch biopsy in db/db mice promoted wound closure by accelerating the resolution of inflammation, inducing neoangiogenesis and Mφ1/Mφ2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, LIPINOVA^® displays pro-resolutive properties and could be exploited as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Pharmaconutrition strategy to resolve SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory cytokine storm in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Inflammation is one of the primary factors associated with the causation and/or progression of several lifestyle disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a spectrum of disorders, and starts with simple steatosis, progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and then advances to fibrosis, cirrhosis and finally, hepatocellular carcinoma, due to perpetual cycles of insults caused by inflammation and other cellular stress. Emerging evidence has documented that patients with NAFLD have severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and patients with COVID-19 have a higher liver injury and mortality. Although the exact cause or mechanism is not known, inflammatory cytokine storm is a characteristic feature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and is known to be associated with higher mortality among COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be a major concern in NAFLD patients, who have contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection and develop COVID-19. This is evident in patients at any stage of the NAFLD spectrum, as the inflammatory cytokine storm may cause and/or aggravate the progression or severity of NAFLD. Thus, there is a need for resolution of the inflammatory cytokine storm in these patients. A large body of evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) in NAFLD conditions, due to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-viral properties. Therefore, intervention with ω-3 LCPUFA, an effective pharmaconutrient along with the standard treatment for COVID-19 may be useful in the management of the NAFLD spectrum in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing NAFLD conditions by resolving the inflammatory cytokine storm and thereby attenuating its progression. Although there are challenges in implementation, optimistically they can be circumvented and the pharmaconutrition strategy may be potentially helpful in tackling both the pandemics; NAFLD and COVID-19 at least in this subset of patients.

Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids by two newly cold-adapted Egyptian marine yeast

The widespread awareness of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) benefits for human health has increased the need for their commercial production. Two oleaginous yeast were isolated from the Mediterranean Sea fish and Red Sea fish Epinephelus aeneus and E. areolatus, respectively. These marine candidates were identified by MALDI-TOF/MS biotyper^® as Lodderomyces elongisporus and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The effect of incubation temperature (7, 15, and 26 °C) and glucose concentration (3% and 8%) on their lipids content were investigated using Sulfo-Phospho-Vanillin (SPV) assay. Their intercellular lipids were visualized by fluorescence microscope using Nile-Red dye. L. elongisporus and R. mucilaginosa produced 20.04% and 26.79% of Linoleic acid, respectively, on normal Basal-Defatted Medium (BDM). Linoleic acid (21.4-22.7%) and α-Linolenic acid (7.5-10.8%) were produced by R. mucilaginosa and L. elongisporus, on normal BDM at 15 °C. High-Glucose BDM induced a positive effect on the total lipids production that reached its maximum of 48% and 54% by R. mucilaginosa and L. elongisporus, respectively, grown at 15 °C. Remarkably, 12.12% of long-chain 15-Docosenoic acid (C_22:1) and 21.49% of Tricosanoic acid (C_23:0) were detected in the FAs profile of L. elongisporus, when grown on normal BDM at 26 °C. The present study is the first one reporting the FAs profile of the Egyptian Marine L. elongisporus, and its capability to accumulate high amounts of lipids under appropriate fermentation conditions; thus, it could be considered for scaling up production.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03010-4.

The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being: Insights From the Literature

A good nutritional status is important for maintaining normal body function and preventing or mitigating the dysfunction induced by internal or external factors. Nutritional deficiencies often result in impaired function, and, conversely, intakes at recommended levels can resume or further enhance body functions. An increasing number of studies are revealing that diet and nutrition are critical not only for physiology and body composition, but also have significant effects on mood and mental well-being. In particular, Western dietary habits have been the object of several research studies focusing on the relationship between nutrition and mental health. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the relationship between the intake of specific micro- and macronutrients, including eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, alpha-tocopherol, magnesium and folic acid, and mental health, with particular reference to their beneficial effect on stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment, as well as on neuropsychiatric disorders, all significantly affecting the quality of life of an increasing number of people. Overall data support a positive role for the nutrients mentioned above in the preservation of normal brain function and mental well-being, also through the control of neuroinflammation, and encourage their integration in a well-balanced and varied diet, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. This strategy is of particular importance when considering the global human aging and that the brain suffers significantly from the life-long impact of stress factors.

Nutritional Importance of Selected Fresh Fishes, Shrimps and Mollusks to Meet Compliance with Nutritional Guidelines of n-3 LC-PUFA Intake in Spain

Fishery products are the main source of dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA). Following the European Commission’s request to address the risks and benefits of seafood consumption, and taking into account the great variability of nutrient and contaminant levels in fishery products, the present work aims to estimate the n-3 LC-PUFA provided per serving of selected fishes, shrimps and mollusks that are commonly consumed in Spain. This would enable the establishment of a risk–benefit analysis of fish consumption and provide recommendations for fish intake to comply with nutritional guidelines of n-3 LC-PUFA intake. We confirmed high variation in the pattern and contents of fatty acids for different species. n-6 PUFA were minor fatty acids, whereas palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1 n-9), and mainly eicosapentaenoic (C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6 n-3) acids were the major fatty acids in the sample. Therefore, consumption of 2–3 servings per week of a variety of fishery products may contribute to compliance with the recommended daily n-3 LC-PUFA intake while maintaining an adequate balance to avoid contaminant-derived potential risks (metals and others). Taking the fatty acid content of fishery products described in this study into consideration, it is advisable to include one serving of fatty fish per week in order to meet recommended n-3 LC-PUFA levels.