Should the pharmacological actions of dietary fatty acids in cardiometabolic disorders be classified based on biological or chemical function?

Comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles in goat milk during different lactation periods and their interactions with volatile compounds and metabolites

This study aimed to compare the composition of fatty acids in goat milk during lactation with human milk, as well as analyze the differences in their interaction with odor and metabolites. Polyunsaturated fatty acids content was higher in human milk, while odd-chain, branched-chain, and monounsaturated fatty acids content were higher in goat milk with a decreasing trend during lactation. PUFAs in human milk undergo auto-oxidation to produce aldehydes (hexanal), giving it a mild aroma. Butyric acid in goat colostrum mediates the synthesis and auto-oxidation of PUFA, while taurine mediated the hydrolysis of amino acids. They produce a furanone compound (2(5H)-furanone) with a buttery flavor. The presence of butyric acid in goat transitional milk had an impact on flavor and metabolites. The medium chain fatty acid composition of the goat mature milk was affected by nucleic acid compounds, which then oxidized to produce methyl ketone (2-nonanone), giving it an unpleasant flavor.

Improving Undernutrition with Microalgae

Undernutrition is an important global health problem, especially in children and older adults. Both reversal of maternal and child undernutrition and heathy ageing have become United Nations-supported global initiatives, leading to increased attention to nutritional interventions targeting undernutrition. One feasible option is microalgae, the precursor of all terrestrial plants. Most commercially farmed microalgae are photosynthetic single-celled organisms producing organic carbon compounds and oxygen. This review will discuss commercial opportunities to grow microalgae. Microalgae produce lipids (including omega-3 fatty acids), proteins, carbohydrates, pigments and micronutrients and so can provide a suitable and underutilised alternative for addressing undernutrition. The health benefits of nutrients derived from microalgae have been identified, and thus they are suitable candidates for addressing nutritional issues globally. This review will discuss the potential benefits of microalgae-derived nutrients and opportunities for microalgae to be converted into food products. The advantages of microalgae cultivation include that it does not need arable land or pesticides. Additionally, most species of microalgae are still unexplored, presenting options for further development. Further, the usefulness of microalgae for other purposes such as bioremediation and biofuels will increase the knowledge of these microorganisms, allowing the development of more efficient production of these microalgae as nutritional interventions.

Lipidomics Analysis of Free Fatty Acids in Human Plasma of Healthy and Diabetic Subjects by Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS)

Targeted analytical methods for the determination of free fatty acids (FFAs) in human plasma are of high interest because they may help in identifying biomarkers for diseases and in monitoring the progress of a disease. The determination of FFAs is of particular importance in the case of metabolic disorders because FFAs have been associated with diabetes. We present a liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method, which allows the simultaneous determination of 74 FFAs in human plasma. The method is fast (10-min run) and straightforward, avoiding any derivatization step and tedious sample preparation. A total of 35 standard saturated and unsaturated FFAs, as well as 39 oxygenated (either hydroxy or oxo) saturated FFAs, were simultaneously detected and quantified in plasma samples from 29 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), 14 with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), and 28 healthy subjects. Alterations in the levels of medium-chain FFAs (C6:0 to C10:0) were observed between the control group and T2D and T1D patients.

Polymorphisms rs55710213 and rs56334587 regulate SCD1 expression by modulating HNF4A binding

The stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) gene at 10q24.31 encodes the rate limiting enzyme SCD1 that catalyzes the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) from saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Dysregulated SCD1 activity has been observed in many human diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome and several types of cancer. HNF4A is a central regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism and previous studies suggested that it is deeply involved in regulating the SCD1 activity in the liver. However, the underlying mechanisms on whether and how SCD1 is regulated by HNF4A have not been explored in detail. In this study, we found that HNF4A regulates SCD1 expression by directly binding to the key regulatory regions in the SCD1 locus. Knocking down of HNF4A significantly downregulated the expression of SCD1. Variants rs55710213 and rs56334587 in intron 5 of SCD1 directly reside in a canonical HNF4A binding site. The GG haplotype of rs55710213 and rs56334587 is associated with decreased SCD1 activity by disrupting the binding of HNF4A, which further decreased the enhancer activity and SCD1 expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that SCD1 is directly regulated by HNF4A, which may be helpful in the understanding of the altered metabolic pathways in many diseases associated with dysregulated SCD1 or HNF4A or both.

Effects of Diet Induced Weight Reduction on Cartilage Pathology and Inflammatory Mediators in the Joint Tissues

Obesogenic diets contribute to the pathology of osteoarthritis (OA) by altering systemic and local metabolic inflammation. Yet, it remains unclear how quickly and reproducibly the body responds to weight loss strategies and improve OA. In this study we tested whether switching obese diet to a normal chow diet can mitigate the detrimental effects of inflammatory pathways that contribute to OA pathology. Male C57BL/6 mice were first fed with obesogenic diet (high fat diet) and switched to normal chow diet (obese diet → normal diet) or continued obese diet or normal diet throughout the experiment. A mouse model of OA was induced by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model into the knee joint. Outcome measures included changes in metabolic factors such as glucose, insulin, lipid, and serum cytokines levels. Inflammation in synovial biopsies was scored and inflammation was determined using FACs sorted macrophages. Cartilage degeneration was monitored using histopathology. Our results indicate, dietary switching (obese diet → normal diet) reduced body weight and restored metabolic parameters and showed less synovial tissue inflammation. Systemic blood concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-12p40, and IL-17 were decreased, and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 were increased in dietary switch group compared to mice that were fed with obesogenic diet continuously. Although obese diet worsens the cartilage degeneration in DMM OA model, weight loss induced by dietary switch does not promote the histopathological changes of OA during this study period. Collectively, these data demonstrate that switching obesogenic diet to normal improved metabolic syndrome symptoms and can modulate both systemic and synovium inflammation levels.

Comparison of Fatty Acid Contents in Major Lipid Classes of Seven Salmonid Species from Siberian Arctic Lakes

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) essential for human nutrition are mostly obtained from wild-caught fish. To sustain the LC-PUFA supply from natural populations, one needs to know how environmental and intrinsic factors affect fish fatty acid (FA) profiles and contents. We studied seven Salmoniformes species from two arctic lakes. We aimed to estimate differences in the FA composition of total lipids and two major lipid classes, polar lipids (PL) and triacylglycerols (TAG), among the species and to evaluate LC-PUFA contents corresponding to PL and TAG in muscles. Fatty acid profiles of PL and TAG in all species were characterized by the prevalence of omega-3 LC-PUFA and C16-C18 monoenoic FA, respectively. Fish with similar feeding spectra were identified similarly in multivariate analyses of total lipids, TAG and PL, due to differences in levels of mostly the same FA. Thus, the suitability of both TAG and total lipids for the identification of the feeding spectra of fish was confirmed. All species had similar content of LC-PUFA esterified as PL, 1.9–3.5 mg g⁻¹, while the content of the TAG form strongly varied, from 0.9 to 9.8 mg g⁻¹. The LC-PUFA-rich fish species accumulated these valuable compounds predominately in the TAG form.

Changes in Plasma Free Fatty Acids Associated with Type-2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased total plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The exact mechanisms by which the plasma FFA profile of subjects with T2DM changes is unclear, but it is thought that dietary fats and changes to lipid metabolism are likely to contribute. Therefore, establishing the changes in concentrations of specific FFAs in an individual’s plasma is important. Each type of FFA has different effects on physiological processes, including the regulation of lipolysis and lipogenesis in adipose tissue, inflammation, endocrine signalling and the composition and properties of cellular membranes. Alterations in such processes due to altered plasma FFA concentrations/profiles can potentially result in the development of insulin resistance and coagulatory defects. Finally, fibrates and statins, lipid-regulating drugs prescribed to subjects with T2DM, are also thought to exert part of their beneficial effects by impacting on plasma FFA concentrations. Thus, it is also interesting to consider their effects on the concentration of FFAs in plasma. Collectively, we review how FFAs are altered in T2DM and explore the likely downstream physiological and pathological implications of such changes.

Medium-chain triglyceride diet stimulates less GIP secretion and suppresses body weight and fat mass gain compared with long-chain triglyceride diet

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin secreted from enteroendocrine K cells and potentiates insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. GIP also enhances long-chain triglyceride (LCT) diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Long-term intake of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet is known to induce less body weight and fat mass gain than that of LCT diet. However, the effect of MCT diet feeding on GIP secretion and the effect of GIP on body weight and fat mass under MCT diet-feeding condition are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of single MCT oil administration on GIP secretion and compared the effect of long-term MCT and LCT diet on body weight and fat mass gain in wild-type (WT) and GIP-knockout (GIP KO) mice. Single administration of LCT oil induced GIP secretion but that of MCT oil did not in WT mice. Long-term intake of LCT diet induced GIP hypersecretion and significant body weight and fat mass gain compared with that of control fat (CF) diet in WT mice. In contrast, MCT diet did not induce GIP hypersecretion, and MCT diet-fed mice showed smaller increase in body weight and fat mass gain compared with CF diet-fed mice. In GIP KO mice, body weight and fat mass were markedly attenuated in LCT diet-fed mice but not in MCT diet-fed mice. Our results suggest that long-term intake of MCT diet stimulates less GIP secretion and suppresses body weight and fat mass gain compared with that of LCT diet.

Dietary Fatty Acids and the Metabolic Syndrome: A Personalized Nutrition Approach

Dietary fatty acids are present in a wide variety of foods and appear in different forms and lengths. The different fatty acids are known to have various effects on metabolic health. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors of chronic diseases. The etiology of the MetS is represented by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Dietary fatty acids can be important contributors of the evolution or in prevention of the MetS; however, great interindividual variability exists in the response to fatty acids. The identification of genetic variants interacting with fatty acids might explain this heterogeneity in metabolic responses. This chapter reviews the mechanisms underlying the interactions between the different components of the MetS, dietary fatty acids and genes. Challenges surrounding the implementation of personalized nutrition are also covered.

Comparative effects of dietary n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), DHA and EPA on plasma lipid parameters, oxidative status and fatty acid tissue composition

The specific and shared physiologic and metabolic effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and even more of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) are poorly known. We investigated the physiological effects and the overall fatty acid tissue composition of a nutritional supplementation of DPA compared both to EPA and DHA in healthy adult rats. Rats (n=32) were fed with semisynthetic diets supplemented or not with 1% of total lipids as EPA, DPA or DHA in ethyl esters form from weaning for 6 weeks. Fatty acid tissue composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and blood assays were performed. The DPA supplementation was the only one that led to a decrease in plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, cholesterol esters and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio compared to the nonsupplemented control group. The three supplemented groups had increased plasma total antioxidant status and superoxide dismutase activity. In all supplemented groups, the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid level increased in all studied tissues (liver, heart, lung, spleen, kidney, red blood cells, splenocytes, peripheral mononucleated cells) except in the brain. We showed that the DPA supplementation affected the overall fatty acid composition and increased DPA, EPA and DHA tissue contents in a similar way than with EPA. However, liver and heart DHA contents increased in DPA-fed rats at the same levels than in DHA-fed rats. Moreover, a large part of DPA seemed to be retroconverted into EPA in the liver (38.5%) and in the kidney (68.6%). In addition, the digestibility of DPA was lower than that of DHA and EPA.

Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to be Concerned?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of death and morbidity globally and diet plays a crucial role in the disease prevention and pathology. The negative perception of dairy fats stems from the effort to reduce dietary saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake due to their association with increased cholesterol levels upon consumption and the increased risk of CVD development. Institutions that set dietary guidelines have approached dairy products with negative bias and used poor scientific data in the past. As a result, the consumption of dairy products was considered detrimental to our cardiovascular health. In western societies, dietary trends indicate that generally there is a reduction of full-fat dairy product consumption and increased low-fat dairy consumption. However, recent research and meta-analyses have demonstrated the benefits of full-fat dairy consumption, based on higher bioavailability of high-value nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, the relationship between dairy consumption, cardiometabolic risk factors and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases are discussed. Functional dairy foods and the health implications of dairy alternatives are also considered. In general, evidence suggests that milk has a neutral effect on cardiovascular outcomes but fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, kefir and cheese may have a positive or neutral effect. Particular focus is placed on the effects of the lipid content on cardiovascular health.

Coconut Products Improve Signs of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome warrants identification of potential therapeutic options for intervention. This study tested commercially available Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Nourish, as coconuts are rich sources of lauric and myristic acids. Male Wistar rats were fed either corn starch diet (C); high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (H); high-carbohydrate, high-virgin coconut oil diet (HV); or high-carbohydrate, high-coconut Nourish diet (HN) for 16 weeks. Metabolic, liver, and cardiovascular health parameters were measured during and at the end of the study. Virgin coconut oil lowered body weight (C 386±8g, H 516±13g, HV 459±10g), blood glucose concentrations (C 4.2±0.1 mmol/L, H 5.4±0.2 mmol/L, HV 4.6±0.2 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (C 127±5mmHg, H 149±4mmHg, HV 133±3mmHg,) and diastolic stiffness (C 25.0±1.7, H 31.4±1.2, HV 25.2±2.3,) with improved structure and function of the heart and liver. Coconut Nourish increased total body lean mass (C 255±10g, H 270±16g, HN 303±15g) and lowered plasma total cholesterol concentrations (C 1.6±0.2 mmol/L, H 1.7±0.1 mmol/L, HN 1.0±0.0 mmol/L), systolic blood pressure (C 127±5mmHg, H 149±4mmHg, HN 130±3mmHg) and diastolic stiffness (C 25.0±1.7, H 31.4±1.2, HN 26.5±1.0), improved structure and function of the heart and liver but increased plasma concentrations of triglycerides (C 0.3±0.1 mmol/L, H 1.1±0.4 mmol/L, HN 1.8±0.2 mmol/L) and non-esterified fatty acids (C 1.2±0.3 mmol/L, H 3.3±0.8 mmol/L, HN 5.6±0.4 mmol/L). Thus, the fiber and protein in coconut Nourish and the medium-chain saturated fatty acids in virgin coconut oil may improve cardiovascular and liver complications in obesity.

Saturated fatty acids induce development of both metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis in rats

The predominant saturated fatty acids (SFA) in human diets are lauric acid (LA, C12:0), myristic acid (MA, C14:0), palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and stearic acid (SA, C18:0). The aim of this study was to investigate whether diets containing individual SFA together with excess simple carbohydrates induce osteoarthritis (OA)-like changes in knee joints and signs of metabolic syndrome in rats. Rats were given either a corn starch diet or a diet composed of simple carbohydrates together with 20% LA, MA, PA, SA or beef tallow for 16 weeks. Rats fed beef tallow, SA, MA or PA diets developed signs of metabolic syndrome, and also exhibited cartilage degradation and subchondral bone changes similar to OA. In contrast, replacement of beef tallow with LA decreased signs of metabolic syndrome together with decreased cartilage degradation. Furthermore, PA and SA but not LA increased release of matrix sulphated proteoglycans in cultures of bovine cartilage explants or human chondrocytes. In conclusion, we have shown that longer-chain dietary SFA in rats induce both metabolic syndrome and OA-like knee changes. Thus, diets containing SFA are strongly relevant to the development or prevention of both OA and metabolic syndrome.

Regulation of Connexin-Based Channels by Fatty Acids

In this mini-review, we briefly summarize the current knowledge about the effects of fatty acids (FAs) on connexin-based channels, as well as discuss the limited information about the impact FAs may have on pannexins (Panxs). FAs regulate diverse cellular functions, some of which are explained by changes in the activity of channels constituted by connexins (Cxs) or Panxs, which are known to play critical roles in maintaining the functional integrity of diverse organs and tissues. Cxs are transmembrane proteins that oligomerize into hexamers to form hemichannels (HCs), which in turn can assemble into dodecamers to form gap junction channels (GJCs). While GJCs communicate the cytoplasm of contacting cells, HCs serve as pathways for the exchange of ions and small molecules between the intra and extracellular milieu. Panxs, as well as Cx HCs, form channels at the plasma membrane that enable the interchange of molecules between the intra and extracellular spaces. Both Cx- and Panx-based channels are controlled by several post-translational modifications. However, the mechanism of action of FAs on these channels has not been described in detail. It has been shown however that FAs frequently decrease GJC-mediated cell-cell communication. The opposite effect also has been described for HC or Panx-dependent intercellular communication, where, the acute FA effect can be reversed upon washout. Additionally, changes in GJCs mediated by FAs have been associated with post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation), and seem to be directly related to chemical properties of FAs (e.g., length of carbon chain and/or degree of saturation), but this possible link remains poorly understood.

Visceral adiposity and metabolic syndrome after very high-fat and low-fat isocaloric diets: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Different aspects of dietary pattern, including macronutrient and food profiles, may affect visceral fat mass and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that consuming energy primarily from carbohydrate or fat in diets with similar food profiles would differentially affect the ability to reverse visceral adiposity and metabolic syndrome.

DESIGN

Forty-six men (aged 30-50 y) with body mass index (in kg/m²) >29 and waist circumference >98 cm were randomly assigned to a very high-fat, low-carbohydrate (VHFLC; 73% of energy fat and 10% of energy carbohydrate) or low-fat, high-carbohydrate (LFHC; 30% of energy fat and 53% of energy carbohydrate) diet for 12 wk. The diets were equal in energy (8750 kJ/d), protein (17% of energy), and food profile, emphasizing low-processed, lower-glycemic foods. Fat mass was quantified with computed tomography imaging.

RESULTS

Recorded intake of carbohydrate and total and saturated fat in the LFHC and VHFLC groups were 51% and 11% of energy, 29% and 71% of energy, and 12% and 34% of energy, respectively, with no difference in protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mean energy intake decreased by 22% and 14% in the LFHC and VHFLC groups. The diets similarly reduced waist circumference (11-13 cm), abdominal subcutaneous fat mass (1650-1850 cm³), visceral fat mass (1350-1650 cm³), and total body weight (11-12 kg). Both groups improved dyslipidemia, with reduced circulating triglycerides, but showed differential responses in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (decreased in LFHC group only), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (increased in VHFLC group only). The groups showed similar reductions in insulin, insulin C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Notably, improvements in circulating metabolic markers in the VHFLC group mainly were observed first after 8 wk, in contrast to more acute and gradual effects in the LFHC group.

CONCLUSIONS

Consuming energy primarily as carbohydrate or fat for 3 mo did not differentially influence visceral fat and metabolic syndrome in a low-processed, lower-glycemic dietary context. Our data do not support the idea that dietary fat per se promotes ectopic adiposity and cardiometabolic syndrome in humans. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01750021.

Identification of Novel Genetic Determinants of Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acid Composition among Greenlanders

Fatty acids (FAs) are involved in cellular processes important for normal body function, and perturbation of FA balance has been linked to metabolic disturbances, including type 2 diabetes. An individual’s level of FAs is affected by diet, lifestyle, and genetic variation. We aimed to improve the understanding of the mechanisms and pathways involved in regulation of FA tissue levels, by identifying genetic loci associated with inter-individual differences in erythrocyte membrane FA levels. We assessed the levels of 22 FAs in the phospholipid fraction of erythrocyte membranes from 2,626 Greenlanders in relation to single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped on the MetaboChip or imputed. We identified six independent association signals. Novel loci were identified on chromosomes 5 and 11 showing strongest association with oleic acid (rs76430747 in ACSL6, beta (SE): -0.386% (0.034), p = 1.8x10^-28) and docosahexaenoic acid (rs6035106 in DTD1, 0.137% (0.025), p = 6.4x10^-8), respectively. For a missense variant (rs80356779) in CPT1A, we identified a number of novel FA associations, the strongest with 11-eicosenoic acid (0.473% (0.035), p = 2.6x10^-38), and for variants in FADS2 (rs174570), LPCAT3 (rs2110073), and CERS4 (rs11881630) we replicated known FA associations. Moreover, we observed metabolic implications of the ACSL6 (rs76430747) and CPT1A (rs80356779) variants, which both were associated with altered HbA1c (0.051% (0.013), p = 5.6x10^-6 and -0.034% (0.016), p = 3.1x10^-4, respectively). The latter variant was also associated with reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, -0.193 (0.050), p = 3.8x10^-6), as well as measures of smaller body size, including weight (-2.676 kg (0.523), p = 2.4x10^-7), lean mass (-1.200 kg (0.271), p = 1.7x10^-6), height (-0.966 cm (0.230), p = 2.0x10^-5), and BMI (-0.638 kg/m² (0.181), p = 2.8x10^-4). In conclusion, we have identified novel genetic determinants of FA composition in phospholipids in erythrocyte membranes, and have shown examples of links between genetic variants associated with altered FA membrane levels and changes in metabolic traits.

Disruption of fatty-acid balance has in several previous studies been linked to human health conditions, including the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. Composition of fatty acids in lipid membranes is influenced, not only by diet and lifestyle, but also by genetic variation. By identifying genes linked to changes in the level of specific fatty acids, it may be possible to identify biological mechanisms and pathways central to regulation of fatty-acid composition in lipid membranes. We therefore aimed at finding such genes by studying Greenlanders. We identified six genomic regions harboring variants, which were associated with the level of at least one of 22 assessed erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, including two novel regions not previously linked to fatty acid levels. Moreover, we showed that two of the identified variants were associated with altered levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, and one of these variants was associated with reduced insulin resistance and decreased measures of body size. These results contribute to our understanding of fatty acid metabolism, and support a link between fatty acid balance and metabolic health.

The Relationship between Diet Quality and Acculturation of Immigrated South Asian American Adults and Their Association with Metabolic Syndrome

Even though the total SA American population is increasing rapidly, there is a paucity of information on the relationship between diet quality, acculturation and health outcomes such as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in the low-income South Asian (SA) sub-population. Our goal was to examine diet quality, degree of acculturation and their potential influence on MetS in a diverse sample of SA Americans. A convenience sample of 401 adult SA men and women were studied using a cross-sectional study design. Volunteers from two low-income community health clinics in Maryland were interviewed by questionnaires. MetS, defined by the consensus harmonized definition by the presence of ≥ 3 of the 5 abnormal indicators, was studied. An interviewer obtained an automated self-administered 24-hour Recall (ASA24) and an acculturation index (using a previously validated (SL-ASIA). SA had a composite HEI2010 score of 68 suggesting an overall need for diet improvements. Males had a higher diet quality (mean HEI2010 score) than females. Males with MetS had lower diet quality (68) than males without MetS (73). The converse was true for females (68 vs. 65). Americanized (more acculturated) subjects had a higher diet quality compared to less acculturated SA. Small differences were found in diet quality scores among SA adults from different countries. Less acculturated females, had a higher percentage of MetS and lower diet quality compared to males. These results suggest that interventions are needed in males and females who were less acculturated because they may have greater MetS and lower diet quality compared to more Americanized SA.

Nutrients, foods, dietary patterns and telomere length: Update of epidemiological studies and randomized trials

Identifying simple strategies to prevent or delay age-associated pathologies is a major public health concern. Attrition of telomeres, chromatin structures that help maintain genome stability, leads to cell death or senescence. Thus telomere length is a reliable hallmark of biological aging and the risk of developing age-related chronic diseases through common oxidation and inflammation mechanisms. Variability in telomere shortening that is independent of chronological age suggests that it is a modifiable factor, which may be explained in part by lifestyle variables such as smoking, adiposity, physical exercise, and diet. Here we summarize data from published studies focused on nutrition (nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns) and telomere length. Research on the topic is incipient and most data comes from epidemiologic studies, often cross-sectional in design. Consistent with well-known evidence of benefit or harm for chronic age-related diseases, dietary antioxidants and consumption of antioxidant-rich, plant-derived foods help maintain telomere length. In contrast, total and saturated fat intake and consumption of refined flour cereals, meat and meat products, and sugar-sweetened beverages relate to shorter telomeres. Data on alcohol and dairy products is controversial. There is evidence that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with longer telomeres. Randomized clinical trials are limited to seafood-derived long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with promising results. To fill the many gaps in our knowledge of the aging process and confirm nutrition as a useful tool to counteract biological aging more research is warranted, particularly observational studies using repeated measurements of telomere length and randomized trials of foods and dietary patterns with sequential telomere analyses.

Current Evidence Supporting the Link Between Dietary Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease

Lack of consensus exists pertaining to the scientific evidence regarding effects of various dietary fatty acids on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The objective of this article is to review current evidence concerning cardiovascular health effects of the main dietary fatty acid types; namely, trans (TFA), saturated (SFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA; n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Accumulating evidence shows negative health impacts of TFA and SFA; both may increase CVD risk. Policies have been proposed to reduce TFA and SFA consumption to less than 1 and 7 % of energy intake, respectively. Cardiovascular health might be promoted by replacing SFA and TFA with n-6 PUFA, n-3 PUFA, or MUFA; however, the optimal amount of PUFA or MUFA that can be used to replace SFA and TFA has not been defined yet. Evidence suggests of the potential importance of restricting n-6 PUFA up to 10 % of energy and obtaining an n-6/n-3 ratio as close as possible to unity, along with a particular emphasis on consuming adequate amounts of essential fatty acids. The latest evidence shows cardioprotective effects of MUFA-rich diets, especially when MUFA are supplemented with essential fatty acids; namely, docosahexaenoic acid. MUFA has been newly suggested to be involved in regulating fat oxidation, energy metabolism, appetite sensations, weight maintenance, and cholesterol metabolism. These favorable effects might implicate MUFA as the preferable choice to substitute for other fatty acids, especially given the declaration of its safety for up to 20 % of total energy.

Long-term dietary supplementation with saury oil attenuates metabolic abnormalities in mice fed a high-fat diet: combined beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids and long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids

Background

Pacific saury is a common dietary component in East Asia. Saury oil contains considerable levels of n-3 unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFA) with aliphatic tails longer than 18 carbons. In our previous study, consumption of saury oil for 4 to 6 wk improved insulin sensitivity and the plasma lipid profile in mice. However, the long-term effects of saury oil on metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors remain to be demonstrated. In the current study, we examined the long-term effects of saury oil on mice fed a high-fat diet, and compared the effect of n-3 PUFA EPA and LCMUFA on MetS risk factor in diet-induced obese mice.

Methods and Results

In Experiment 1, male C57BL/6 J mice were fed either a 32 % lard diet (control) or a diet containing 22 % lard plus 10 % saury oil (saury oil group) for 18 weeks. Although no differences were found in body weight and energy expenditure between the control and saury oil groups, the saury oil diet decreased plasma insulin, non–HDL cholesterol, hepatic steatosis, and adipocyte size, and altered levels of mRNA transcribed from genes involved in insulin signaling and inflammation in adipose tissue. Organ and plasma fatty acid profile analysis revealed that consumption of saury oil increased n-3 PUFA and LCMUFA (especially n-11 LCMUFA) levels in multiple organs, and decreased the fatty acid desaturation index (C16:1/C16:0; C18:1/C18:0) in liver and adipose tissue. In Experiment 2, male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a 32 % lard diet (control), a diet containing 28 % lard plus 4 % EPA (EPA group), or a diet containing 20 % lard plus 12 % LCMUFA concentrate (LCMUFA group) for 8 weeks. EPA or LCMUFA intake increased organ levels of EPA and LCMUFA, respectively. Consumption of EPA reduced plasma lipid levels and hepatic lipid deposition, and decreased the fatty acid desaturation index in liver and adipose tissue. Consumption of LCMUFA decreased plasma non–HDL cholesterol, improved hyperinsulinemia, and decreased the fatty acid desaturation index in adipose tissue. EPA accumulated mainly in liver, and LCMUFA (especially n-11 LCMUFA) accumulated mainly in white adipose tissue, suggesting their possible individual biological effects for improving MetS.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that saury oil-mediated improvement of metabolic syndrome in diet-induced obese mice may possibly be due to a combined effect of n-3 PUFA and LCMUFA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0161-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparative study of the modulation of fructose/sucrose-induced hepatic steatosis by mixed lipid formulations varying in unsaturated fatty acid content

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of diseases, ranging from hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver failure. The etiology of NAFLD remains unclear but is thought to relate to increased fatty acid flux within the liver that results in toxic fatty acid metabolite production. One source of increased fatty acid flux is fructose/sucrose-induced hepatic lipogenesis. Current treatment for NAFLD encompasses dietary modifications. However, little scientific evidence exists on which to base many dietary recommendations, especially the intake of different types of carbohydrates and fats. We hypothesized that lipid mixtures of unsaturated fatty acids would inhibit lipogenesis and subsequent hepatic steatosis induced by high carbohydrate diets. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different complex mixtures of fatty acids upon the development of fructose/sucrose-induced hepatic steatosis.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were randomized to normocaloric chow-based diets that varied in the type of carbohydrate (starch, sucrose, fructose). Animals in each carbohydrate group were further randomized to diets that varied in lipid type (no additional lipid, soybean oil, fish oil, olive/soybean oil, macadamia nut oil). These oils were chosen based upon their content of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids, or omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid flux in the liver was determine by assessing hepatic lipid content (steatosis). We also assessed fatty acid levels in the plasma and liver of the animals, hepatic lipogenesis activity, hepatic stearoyl-CoA-1 desaturase activity, and hepatic elongase activity.

Results

Animals consumed similar amounts of the diets and maintained normal body weights throughout the study. Both sucrose and fructose induced hepatic lipogenesis and steatosis, with fructose being more potent. All mixed lipids similarly inhibited steatosis, limiting lipid content to levels found in the control (starch) animals. Lipogenesis and stearoyl-CoA-1 desaturase activity were increased in the sucrose and fructose groups. Levels of these enzymatic processes remained at baseline in all of the lipid groups.

Conclusion

This is the first study to compare various complex lipid mixtures, based upon dietary oils with different types of long-chain fatty acids, upon development of sucrose/fructose-induced steatosis. Both carbohydrate source and lipid content appear important for the modulation of steatosis. Moderate intake of complex lipids with high unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratios inhibited both lipogenesis and steatosis.