The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids

Gut microbes, diet, and genetics as drivers of metabolic liver disease: a narrative review outlining implications for precision medicine

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing in prevalence, impacting over a third of the global population. The advanced form of MASLD, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is on track to become the number one indication for liver transplant. FDA-approved pharmacological agents are limited for MASH, despite over 400 ongoing clinical trials, with only a single drug (resmetirom) currently on the market. This is likely due to the heterogeneous nature of disease pathophysiology, which involves interactions between highly individualized genetic and environmental factors. To apply precision medicine approaches that overcome interpersonal variability, in-depth insights into interactions between genetics, nutrition, and the gut microbiome are needed, given that each have emerged as dynamic contributors to MASLD and MASH pathogenesis. Here, we discuss the associations and molecular underpinnings of several of these factors individually and outline their interactions in the context of both patient-based studies and preclinical animal model systems. Finally, we highlight gaps in knowledge that will require further investigation to aid in successfully implementing precision medicine to prevent and alleviate MASLD and MASH.

Anti-nutrient factors, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) as affected by genotype, seed traits, and their interactions

This study explored how genotype, seed color, and seed weight affect major biochemical components in 95 faba bean accessions. Genotype variation significantly affected convicine, total tannin (TTC), total saponin, and total phenol (TPC) contents. Seed color and weight variations affected several parameters, with their interaction significantly affecting convicine, total vicine-convicine content (TVC), TTC, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and antioxidant activities. Genotype interaction with seed weight and seed color also significantly affected convicine, TVC, TPC, oleic acid, linoleic acid, PUFA, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Vicine, dietary fiber, total fat, crude protein, palmitic acid, and stearic acid contents remain unaffected by these factors. Multivariate analysis showed that brown and small beans had distinctive characteristics. Overall, this study demonstrated the connection between biochemical components, genotype, and seed traits in faba beans. Therefore, these factors should be considered when choosing faba bean genotypes for use in the food industry and breeding programs.

Lung Damage Induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA in Murine Model of Malarial Infection is Mitigated by Dietary Supplementation with DHA-Rich Omega-3

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe complications that can occur in infections caused by any Plasmodium species. Due to the high lethality rate and the lack of specific treatment for ALI/ARDS, studies aimed at understanding and searching for treatment strategies for such complications have been fundamental. Here, we investigated the protective role of dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil against lung damage induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA in a murine model. Our results demonstrated that alveolar vascular damage, lung edema, and histopathological alterations were significantly reduced in mice that received dietary supplementation compared to those that did not receive the supplementation. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes, in addition to reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also observed. High levels of IL-10, but not of TNF-α and IFN-γ, were also observed in infected mice that received the supplementation, along with a reduction in local oxidative stress. Together, the data suggest that dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil in malarial endemic areas may help reduce lung damage resulting from the infection, thus preventing worsening of the condition.

Impacts of linseed oil diet on anxiety and memory extinction after early life stress: A sex-specific analysis of mitochondrial dysfunction, astrocytic markers, and inflammation in the amygdala

Early exposure to stressors affects how the organism reacts to stimuli, its emotional state throughout life, and how it deals with emotional memories. Consequently, it may affect susceptibility to psychopathology later in life. We used an animal model of early stress by maternal separation to study its potential impact on the extinction of aversive memories and anxiety-like behavior in adulthood, as well as its effects on mitochondrial functionality, inflammatory and astrocytic markers in the amygdala. We also assessed whether a diet enriched with linseed oil, known for its high content in omega-3 fats, could be used to attenuate the behavioral and neurochemical effects of early stress. Litters of Wistar rats were divided into controls (intact) or subjected to maternal separation (MS). They were subdivided into two groups receiving isocaloric diets enriched in soy or linseed oils at weaning. In adulthood, the animals were exposed to the open field and the elevated plus maze, to evaluate exploratory activity and anxiety-like behavior. They were also trained in a context of fear conditioning, and afterward subjected to an extinction session, followed by a test session to evaluate the extinction memory. Amygdalae were evaluated for inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor-necrose factor (TNF)-alpha), mitochondrial functionality, and astrocyte markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP, S100B, and glutamine synthetase activity). MS induced anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus-maze, which was reversed by a diet enriched in linseed oil offered from weaning. When testing the memory of an extinction session of fear conditioning, MS animals showed more freezing behavior. MS males receiving a linseed oil-enriched diet had lower functional mitochondria in the amygdala. In addition, MS led to increased inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-1beta, and the diet enriched in linseed oil further increased these levels in MS animals. MS also increased S100B levels. These results point to a higher emotionality presented by MS animals, with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and S100B. While a diet enriched in linseed oil attenuated anxiety-like behavior, it further altered amygdala IL-1beta and reduced mitochondria functionality, particularly in males. MS also increased glutamine synthetase activity in the amygdala, and this effect was higher when the animals received a diet enriched in linseed oil, particularly in females. In conclusion, these results point to MS effects on emotional behavior, and neurochemical alterations in the amygdala, with sex-specific effects. Although a diet enriched in linseed oil appears to be able to reverse some of MS behavioral effects, these results must be considered with caution, since biochemical parameters could be worsened in MS animals receiving a linseed oil-enriched diet. This knowledge is important for the understanding of mechanisms of action of strategies aiming to reverse early stress effects, and future studies are warranted to determine possible interventions to promote resilience.

Combination of Metabolomics, Lipidomics, and Molecular Biology for the Investigation of the Metabolic Disturbance of Short-Term Administration of Emodin

Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative, is an active ingredient in many Chinese traditional herbs. Interestingly, although it is generally considered to possess hepatoprotective activity, some studies have also reported that it has a certain degree of hepatotoxicity. Additionally, the underlying metabolic regulation of emodin remains uncertain. Therefore, we conducted a nontargeted metabolomic study based on UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS and NMR. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD055000. The results indicated a close association between the short-term administration of emodin and lipid metabolism. Moreover, a lipidomics investigation utilizing QTRAP 6500+ UHPLC-MS/MS was conducted, with a focus on determining the position of C═C double bonds in unsaturated lipids based on Paternò-Büchi (PB) reaction to discover the metabolic disturbance more precisely. Specifically, lipidomics revealed elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFA) alongside notable reductions in sphingomyelin (SM) and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels. Furthermore, the combination of PB reaction and molecular biology results indicated that short-term administration of emodin may lead to the accumulation of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids by up-regulating the expression of FASN, stearyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), and cytosolic phospholipase A 2 (cPLA2). Simultaneously, up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) expression was observed, potentially fostering the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and subsequent inflammation.

Fatty acids and secondary metabolites can predict grass-finished beef and supplemental cattle feeds

Beef raised using rotational grazing practices on biodiverse pastures offers potential benefits to animal and environmental health and can improve the nutrient density of meat to favor human health. However, many cattle producers contend with the seasonal unavailability of fresh forage, necessitating the utilization of supplementary feeds or indoor feeding. The objective of this study was to profile secondary metabolites and fatty acids in grass-finished beef supplemented with different feeds (4.5 kg/head/day) and to explore the potential for grass-finished beef authentication. In this two-year study, steers (n = 115) were randomly allocated to one of four diets: 1) pastured/supplemented with hay (control group), 2) pastured/supplemented with baleage, 3) pastured/supplemented with soybean hulls, or 4) baleage/soybean hulls in confinement. Secondary metabolites and fatty acids were measured using UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. Of the 94 measured metabolites, pyridoxine, alpha-tocopherol, hippuric acid, and gallic acid differed between diets (p < 0.05 for all). Based on random forest classification, beef from the pasture/hay, pasture/baleage, pasture/soybean hulls, and confinement baleage/soybean hulls groups could be identified with a predictive accuracy of 100%, 50%, 41%, and 97%, respectively. Although minimal significant differences were observed, our data indicate that certain supplemental feeds maintain favorable nutritional profiles of grass-finished beef. In addition, metabolomics can predict cattle on exclusively forage-based or feed-based diets with a high degree of certainty.

Liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in response to chronic high-fat diets

Liver phospholipid fatty acid composition depends on the dietary lipid intake and the efficiency of hepatic enzymatic activity. Our study aimed to simultaneously investigate the liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in response to chronic linseed, palm, or sunflower oil diets. We used adult female C57/BL6 mice and randomly divided them into control and three groups treated with 25 % dietary oils. Prior to treatment, we analyzed the fatty acid profiles in dietary oils and hepatocytes and, after 100 days, the fatty acid composition in the liver using gas-liquid chromatography. Linseed oil treatment elevated alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids and reduced arachidonic and docosatetraenoic acids, consequently lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio. Palm oil treatment increased linoleic acid and decreased docosahexaenoic acid, contributing to an elevated n-6/n-3 ratio. Sunflower oil treatment elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids by increasing palmitoleic, oleic, and vaccenic acids. The estimated activity of Δ9 desaturase was significantly elevated in the sunflower oil group, while Δ5 desaturase was the highest, and Δ6 desaturase was the lowest after the linseed oil diet. Our findings demonstrate that chronic consumption of linseed, palm, or sunflower oil alters the distribution of liver phospholipid fatty acids differently. Sunflower oil diet elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids, proposing potential benefits for liver tissue health. Considering these outcomes, a substantial recommendation emerges to elevate linseed oil intake, recognized as the principal ALA source, thereby aiding in reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio. Moreover, modifying dietary habits to incorporate specific vegetable oils in daily consumption could substantially enhance overall health.

Assessment of performance and egg quality in laying hens of Spanish indigenous breed Black Castellana as compared with a selected white egg-layer strain

Indigenous animal genetic resources should be preserved because of their well adaptation to the environment, their tolerance to low food availability and their sociocultural importance. The characterization of the quality of the products generated by heritage breeds may bring more arguments to encourage the raising of these animals. This study aimed at evaluating the egg performance and quality of Spanish indigenous Black Castellana (BC) breed as compared with a selected strain (Lohmann LSL-Classic). Four groups of 30 hens were arranged: 1) Lohmann hens fed a control diet; 2) BC hens fed the control diet; 3) Lohmann hens fed a diet including linseed at 70 g/kg (omega-3 diet); 4) BC hens fed the omega-3 diet. Egg production was higher by 12.3% for Lohmann hens but, since BC eggs were heavier by 15.4%, no effect of genetics was found on daily egg mass. Feed intake was higher by 5.0% for BC hens. Nonetheless, no difference was detected for feed conversion ratio. Eggshell was thicker by 6.78% in Lohmann eggs. Haugh units did not differ among freshly laid and stored eggs in Lohmann hens, whereas Haugh units decreased in stored BC eggs (80.5 vs. 76.7 vs. 72.3 at 0, 14, and 30 d of storage). Yolks of BC eggs contained less fat (57.5 vs. 60.8% DM), more protein (32.8 vs. 31.9% DM) and more cholecalciferol (1.25 vs. 1.22 μg/g DM), and showed lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (29.0 vs. 37.0%) and higher proportions of monounsaturated (45.7 vs. 39.6%) and polyunsaturated (25.2 vs. 23.4%) fatty acids. Feeding the omega-3 diet reduced the yolk proportions of saturated (32.5 vs. 33.5%) and monounsaturated (42.0 vs. 43.3%) fatty acids and increased those of polyunsaturated (25.4 vs. 23.2%) and ω-3 (7.05 vs. 2.42%) fatty acids. No effect due to genetics or diet was found on yolk color score or on yolk content in cholesterol, cobalamin, retinol and γ-tocopherol. This study represents the first exhaustive characterization of eggs from Spanish indigenous Black Castellana breed.

Effect of daily avocado consumption for 6 mo compared with habitual diet on red blood cell fatty acid profiles and association with cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with abdominal obesity: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Avocado intake improves dietary fat quality, but the subsequent impact on red blood cell (RBC) saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA), and trans-fatty acid (TFA) composition and association with cardiometabolic health, has not been elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of consuming 1 avocado/d relative to habitual diet (HAB) on RBC-FA profiles, and their association with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in individuals with abdominal obesity.

METHODS

RBC-FA profiling at baseline, 3- and 6 mo was conducted in participants (n = 994) from the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (HAT). HAT was a multisite, free-living, parallel-arm intervention study in which participants were randomly assigned to either the avocado-supplemented group (AVO, usual diet with 1 avocado/d) or the HAB group (usual diet with limited avocado intake) for 6 mo. Changes in RBC-FA profiles, a secondary outcome measure, were determined within and between groups using linear regression and mixed effect models, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, clinical site, smoking status, and percentage of energy intake from fat at baseline. The association between changes in RBC-FAs with visceral adiposity measures and CMRFs was assessed after covariate and False Discovery Rate (FDR <0.05) adjustment.

RESULTS

No major differences in RBC-FA profiles were observed between groups, with the exception of MUFA cis-vaccenic [18:1n-7c], which was significantly higher in AVO (β: 0.11 [0.05, 0.17]) compared with the HAB (β: 0.03 [-0.03, 0.08]) participants. In the HAB but not AVO group, increases in MUFA cis (18:1n-7c, oleic [18;1n-9c], erucic [22:1n-9c]) and MUFA trans (palmitelaidic [16:1n-7t], vaccenic [18:1n-7t], elaidic [18:1n-9t], and petroselaidic [18;1n-10-12t), as well as PUFA γ-linolenic [18:3n-6], dihomo-γ-linolenic [20:3n-6], arachidonic [20:4n-6], and α-linolenic [18:3n-3] were associated with unfavorable changes in visceral adiposity measures, lipid profiles, glucose, insulin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily avocado intake over 6-mo modified RBC-MUFA composition, notably 18:1n-7c, and potentially mitigated some of the unfavorable individual RBC-FA-CMRF associations observed over time in the HAB group. This trial was registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study as NCT03528031.

Phytochemical, biological, and nutritional properties of the prickly pear, Opuntia dillenii: A review

Opuntia (Cactaceae) species are native to arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States and grow in various climatic zones. Opuntia dillenii is a cactus fruit with many beneficial properties, and it is used as a medicinal plant in various countries. This review paper provides updated information on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of O. dillenii. The fruit contains valuable compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, ascorbic acid, betanin, and essential elements, which have been isolated and identified. The fruit also exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anticancer effects. Moreover, molecular docking and ADMET predictions were performed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of the fruit against Escherichia coli protein. This paper suggests that O. dillenii has significant potential as a complementary therapy for various pathological conditions.

Effects of liquid-based diets with breweries grains enriched with isolated starch and fish oil on veal quality

Since veal production has declined in the U.S., American veal producers are currently making efforts to implement new production standards to improve product quality and animal welfare. In this study, we hypothesized that diets containing brewery grains, starch and omega-3 fatty acids could lower a blood stress indicator and improve meat quality, mostly from a nutritional value stand point. Holstein bull calves with approximately 94.67 ± 12.07 kg of body weight and two months old were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments. Diets were formulated with nonmedicated milk replacer, microbreweries spent grains, and a mineral mix (CONTROL); CONTROL + isolated maize starch (STARCH); and CONTROL +3% fish oil (OMEGA-3). Veal calves fed all three diets were heavier than calves of the same age from experiments reported in the existing literature. Dietary treatments did not affect carcass weights, pH, color, moisture, sensory attributes, volatile profile, and fat quality indexes. Calves fed STARCH and OMEGA-3 showed the lowest levels of blood cortisol. Veal fed CONTROL and OMEGA-3 had higher concentrations of ΣMUFA when compared with STARCH. Veal fed OMEGA-3 had the highest concentrations of EPA, DHA, and Σn-3. Veal from all treatments had very high concentrations of ΣMUFA, mostly driven by high levels of c-9 18:1 n-9 from the milk replacer. Feeding OMEGA-3 lowered blood cortisol and increased levels of EPA and DHA without harming sensory attributes. Overall, including brewery grains, starch and fish oil in liquid diets containing milk replacer can improve veal production.

Dietary consumption patterns in breast cancer survivors: Pilot evaluation of diet, supplements and clinical factors

PURPOSE

Adherence to dietary intake guidelines is recommended for optimal nutrition and outcomes in breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine dietary quality in a cohort of breast cancer survivors related to current guidelines, guiding further education-based research.

METHODS

This exploratory evaluation examined compliance with current dietary guidelines. Data collected included demographics, medical histories and repeated, three-day 24-h dietary recalls. Women with early-stage breast cancer (n = 97) who completed breast cancer treatment between 6 and 24 months were recruited. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were calculated for demographic and lifestyle characteristics, reported fish consumption, body mass index categories, supplement consumption, and adequacy of macronutrient and micronutrient consumption (classified as below, meeting, or exceeding needs).

RESULTS

In this cohort, 28.9% were classified as overweight and 35% were obese. The mean dietary macronutrient consumption was 44.3% (±8.9%) carbohydrates, 36.6% (±7.3%) fat, and 17.3% (±4.7%) protein. Additionally, 32.3% participants consumed >45 g sugar/d. The mean n-6 to n-3 ratio was 8.0 (±3.3):1. Further, 38% of survivors reported consuming less than 1 serving of fish per week. Participants consumed between 0 and 1.03 servings of fish per day, with an average consumption of 0.16 (±0.26) servings per day and 61.5% (n = 59) consuming 0 servings per day. The mean daily combined dietary and supplement consumption of multiple micronutrients was below the Recommended Daily Allowance for Vitamin D (30%), Calcium (52.6%), Magnesium (42.1%), and Vitamin E (80%).

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer survivors 0.5-2 years post-treatment are not meeting recommended nutrition consumption guidelines for a number of nutrients. Findings suggested that nutrition therapy targeting weight loss through reduced sugar, total and saturated fat, while increasing foods rich in omega-3, and ensuring adequate micronutrient consumption would promote better nutritional consumption patterns and improve overall health during survivorship.

The bioconversion of dietary α-linolenic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid in Bombyx mori

n-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are essential multifunctional nutrients in animals. Microorganisms such as microalgae are known to be n-3 LC-PUFA producers in aquatic environments. Various aquatic invertebrates, including Harpacticoida copepods, and a few terrestrial invertebrates, such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, possess n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic enzymes. However, the capacity for n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms in terrestrial insects are largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in the silkworm Bombyx mori and found that EPA was present in silkworms throughout their development. Stable isotope tracing revealed that dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) was metabolized to EPA in silkworm larvae. These results indicated that silkworms synthesize EPA from ALA. Given that EPA is enriched in the central nervous system, we propose that EPA confers optimal neuronal functions, similar to docosahexaenoic acid, in the mammalian nervous system.

The nutritional metabolic risk index as a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: A national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies show that malnutrition increases all-cause mortality by 1.11 times and cardiovascular mortality by 2.60 times. Similarly, metabolic syndrome raises overall mortality by 40% and cardiovascular mortality by 37%. This research assesses the Nutritional Metabolic Risk Index (NMRI) for predicting these mortality risks.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 14,209 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018, where the NMRI was calculated based on the ratio of GNRI to TyG-WHtR. The relationship between NMRI and mortality was investigated using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models, with restricted cubic splines (RCS) employed to examine non-linear associations. The predictive capabilities of NMRI, GNRI, and TyG-WHtR for mortality were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 89 months, there were 1358 all-cause deaths and 345 cardiovascular deaths recorded. Cox regression analysis indicated that each unit increase in NMRI was associated with an 8% reduction in all-cause mortality risk and a 15% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk. RCS analysis found a nonlinear negative correlation between NMRI and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. NMRI demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality (AUC: 0.696, 95% CI: 0.682-0.710) and cardiovascular mortality (AUC: 0.713, 95% CI: 0.689-0.737) compared to GNRI and TyG-WHtR (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The NMRI is inversely associated with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in American adults.

Smartphone-Assisted Nanozyme Colorimetric Sensor Array Combined "Image Segmentation-Feature Extraction" Deep Learning for Detecting Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Conventional methods for detecting unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) pose challenges for rapid analyses due to the need for complex pretreatment and expensive instruments. Here, we developed an intelligent platform for facile and low-cost analysis of UFAs by combining a smartphone-assisted colorimetric sensor array (CSA) based on MnO2 nanozymes with "image segmentation-feature extraction" deep learning (ISFE-DL). Density functional theory predictions were validated by doping experiments using Ag, Pd, and Pt, which enhanced the catalytic activity of the MnO2 nanozymes. A CSA mimicking mammalian olfactory system was constructed with the principle that UFAs competitively inhibit the oxidization of the enzyme substrate, resulting in color changes in the nanozyme-ABTS substrate system. Through linear discriminant analysis coupled with the smartphone App "Quick Viewer" that utilizes multihole parallel acquisition technology, oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), and their mixtures were clearly discriminated; various edible vegetable oils, different camellia oils (CAO), and adulterated CAOs were also successfully distinguished. Furthermore, the ISFE-DL method was combined in multicomponent quantitative analysis. The sensing elements of the CSA (3 × 4) were individually segmented for single-hole feature extraction containing information from 38,868 images of three UFAs, thereby allowing for the extraction of more features and augmenting sample size. After training with the MobileNetV3 small model, the determination coefficients of OA, LA, and ALA were 0.9969, 0.9668, and 0.7393, respectively. The model was embedded in the smartphone App "Intelligent Analysis Master" for one-click quantification. We provide an innovative approach for intelligent and efficient qualitative and quantitative analysis of UFAs and other compounds with similar characteristics.

Effect of a High Linoleic Acid Diet on Pregnant Women and Their Offspring

Nutritional intake during pregnancy can affect gestational length, fetal development, and impact postnatal growth and health in offspring. Perturbations in maternal nutrition with either an excess or deficiency in nutrients during pregnancy may have harmful effects on the offspring's development and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. In pregnancy, nutrients transfer from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linoleic acid (ALA), can only be obtained in the diet. In Western countries, the ratio of LA and ALA in the diet has increased dramatically in recent decades. Some animal and human studies have found a correlation between maternal intake of LA and birth weight; however, the association varies. In contrast, some human studies have demonstrated inconclusive findings regarding the correlation between cord blood levels of LA and birth outcomes. In addition, high dietary LA intake in animal studies in pregnancy increased the production of inflammatory markers such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. This review aims to highlight the effect of high dietary LA intake during pregnancy on birth outcomes, obesity, maternal inflammatory markers, and the transfer of fatty acids across the placenta.

Factors affecting the quality and nutritional value of donkey meat: a comprehensive review

Donkey meat is characterized by a high content of proteins, essential amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids and is low in fat, cholesterol, and calories. Thus, it is considered a high-quality source of meat. Based on the data from PubMed and Web of science within past 10 years, this review summarizes the factors affecting the quality of donkey meat and its nutritional value, including breed, genetics, gender, age, muscle type, feeding regimen, storage and processing conditions. Breed, gender, age, and feeding regimen mainly affect the quality of donkey meat by influencing its intramuscular fat content and carcass quality. Meanwhile, the tenderness and flavor of donkey meat depend on the muscle type, storage and processing conditions. Genetics, on the other hand, fundamentally affect donkey meat quality by influencing the polymorphism of genes. These findings provide valuable insights and guidance for producers, consumers, and decision-makers in the donkey meat industry, promoting the development of more effective marketing strategies and the improvement of meat quality, thereby enabling the expansion and progress of the entire industry.

Diet Modulates the Gut Microbiome, Metabolism, and Mammary Gland Inflammation to Influence Breast Cancer Risk

Several studies indicate a strong link between obesity and the risk of breast cancer. Obesity decreases gut microbial biodiversity and modulates Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes phyla proportional abundance, suggesting that increased energy-harvesting capacity from indigestible dietary fibers and elevated lipopolysaccharide bioavailability may promote inflammation. To address the limited evidence linking diet-mediated changes in gut microbiota to breast cancer risk, we aimed to determine how diet affects the microbiome and breast cancer risk. For ten weeks, female 3-week-old BALB/c mice were fed six different diets (control, high-sugar, lard, coconut oil, lard + flaxseed oil, and lard + safflower oil). Fecal 16S sequencing was performed for each group. Diet shifted fecal microbiome populations and modulated mammary gland macrophage infiltration. Fecal-conditioned media shifted macrophage polarity and inflammation. In our DMBA-induced breast cancer model, diet differentially modulated tumor and mammary gland metabolism. We demonstrated how dietary patterns change metabolic outcomes and the gut microbiota, possibly contributing to breast tumor risk. Furthermore, we showed the influence of diet on metabolism, inflammation, and macrophage polarity. This study suggests that dietary-microbiome interactions are key mediators of breast cancer risk. Prevention Relevance: Our study demonstrates the impact of diet on breast cancer risk, focusing on the interplay between diet, the gut microbiome, and mammary gland inflammation.

Profile of Polyphenols, Fatty Acids, and Terpenes in Henola Hemp Seeds Depending on the Method of Fertilization

Botanical varieties of hemp differ in chemical composition, plant morphology, agronomy, and industrial suitability. Hemp is popular for cultivation for the production of cannabinoid oil, fiber production, biomass, etc. The fertilization process is one of the most important factors affecting the plant, both its condition and chemical composition. So far, research has been carried out proving that hemp is a valuable source of, among others: fatty acids, amino acids, acids, vitamins, numerous micro- and macroelements, and antioxidant compounds. In this experiment, it was decided to check the possibility of harvesting hemp panicles twice in one year. The purpose of this treatment is to use one plant to produce cannabidiol oil and grain. The main aim of the research was to determine bioactive compounds in hemp seeds and to determine whether the cultivation method affects their content and quantity. Based on the research conducted, it was observed that hemp can be grown in two directions at the same time and harvested twice because its health-promoting properties do not lose their value. It was found that regardless of whether hemp is grown solely for seeds or to obtain essential oils and then seeds, the type of fertilization does not affect the content of phenolic acids (e.g., syringic acid: 69.69-75.14 μg/100 g, vanillic acid: 1.47-1.63 μg/100 g). Based on the conducted research, it was found that essential oils can be obtained from one plant in the summer and seeds from Henola hemp cultivation in the autumn, because such a treatment does not affect the content of the discussed compounds.

The potential of Pavlovophyceae species as a source of valuable carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids for human consumption

Microalgae are a group of microorganisms, mostly photoautotrophs with high CO2 fixation capacity, that have gained increased attention in the last decades due to their ability to produce a wide range of valuable metabolites, such as carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, for application in food/feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries. Their increasing relevance has highlighted the importance of identifying and culturing new bioactive-rich microalgae species, as well as of a thorough understanding of the growth conditions to optimize the biomass production and master the biochemical composition according to the desired application. Thus, this review intends to describe the main cell processes behind the production of carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, in order to understand the possible main triggers responsible for the accumulation of those biocompounds. Their economic value and the biological relevance for human consumption are also summarized. In addition, an extensive review of the impact of culture conditions on microalgae growth performance and their biochemical composition is presented, focusing mainly on the studies involving Pavlovophyceae species. A complementary description of the biochemical composition of these microalgae is also presented, highlighting their potential applications as a promising bioresource of compounds for large-scale production and human and animal consumption.

Altered lipidomics biosignatures in schizophrenia: A systematic review

Multiomics approaches have significantly aided the identification of molecular signatures in complex neuropsychiatric disorders. Lipidomics, one of the newest additions in the -omics family, sheds light on lipid profiles and is an emerging methodological tool to study schizophrenia pathobiology, as lipid dysregulation has been repeatedly observed in schizophrenia. In this review, we performed a detailed literature search for lipidomics studies in schizophrenia. Following elaborate inclusion/exclusion criteria, we focused on human studies in schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related diagnoses in brain and blood specimens, including serum plasma, platelets and red blood cells. Eighteen studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria, of which five were conducted in the brain, 12 in peripheral material and one in both. Here, we first provide background on lipidomics and the main lipid categories addressed, review in detail the included literature and look for common lipidomics patterns in brain and the periphery that emerge from these studies. Furthermore, we highlight current limitations in schizophrenia lipidomics research and underline the need for following up on lipidomics results with complementary molecular approaches.

Nonlinear relationships of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids with the complications of liver cirrhosis: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The role of circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in preventing liver cirrhosis complications remains unclear.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2010, 273,834 UK Biobank participants with plasma PUFA quantification data were enrolled and followed up until October 31, 2022. Plasma PUFAs were quantified using a high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolic profiling platform. Liver cirrhosis complications were defined as hospitalization for liver cirrhosis or presentation with hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 13.9 years, 2026 participants developed liver cirrhosis complications. Total plasma PUFAs, omega-3 PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-6 PUFAs, and linoleic acid (LA) were inversely associated with the risk of liver cirrhosis complications, whereas the plasma omega-6/omega-3 ratio was positively associated. Nonparametrically restricted cubic spline regression showed nonlinear associations of plasma PUFAs with liver cirrhosis complications. The inflection points were 4.78 mmol/L for total PUFAs, 0.73 mmol/L for omega-3 PUFAs, 0.25 mmol/L for DHA, 4.07 mmol/L for omega-6 PUFAs, and 2.99 mmol/L for LA. Plasma omega-3 PUFAs were negatively associated with the risk of liver cirrhosis complications when omega-3 PUFAs were <0.73 mmol/L (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.11 [0.08-0.16]), whereas the association was inverted when omega-3 PUFAs were ≥0.73 mmol/L (adjusted HR, 1.87 [1.20-2.92]).

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of plasma omega-3 PUFAs on liver cirrhosis complications is reversed after passing the corresponding inflection point, suggesting an optimal dietary omega-3 PUFA supplementation dose.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulate immunity and eicosanoid production in Drosophila melanogaster

Eicosanoids are a class of molecules derived from C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play a vital role in mammalian and insect biological systems, including development, reproduction, and immunity. Recent research has shown that insects have significant but lower levels of C20 PUFAs in circulation in comparison to C18 PUFAs. It has been previously hypothesized in insects that eicosanoids are synthesized from C18 precursors, such as linoleic acid (LA), to produce downstream eicosanoids. In this study, we show that introduction of arachidonic acid (AA) stimulates production of cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids. Downstream immune readouts showed that LA stimulates phagocytosis by hemocytes, while both LA and AA stimulate increased antimicrobial peptide production when D. melanogaster is exposed to a heat-killed bacterial pathogen. In totality, this work identifies PUFAs that are involved in insect immunity and adds evidence to the notion that Drosophila utilizes immunostimulatory lipid signaling to mitigate bacterial infections. Our understanding of immune signaling in the fly and its analogies to mammalian systems will increase the power and value of Drosophila as a model organism in immune studies.

Targeted metabolomic analysis of serum free fatty acids: Lipidomics disturbance in patients with superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis

This study aimed to identify and quantify free fatty acids (FFAs), secretory phospholipase A2 group IIa (sPLA2-IIa) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in serum of superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) patients and explored the association between FFAs, sPLA2-IIa and cPLA2 variations and SLK. Targeted metabolomic analysis of FFAs in serum was performed by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis on 16 SLK patients (43.88 ± 7.88 years; female: 62.50%) and 25 healthy controls (43.12 ± 7.88 years; female: 64.00%). Qualitative and absolute quantitative results of FFAs were obtained and classified according to gender and thyroid tests. Differential lipid metabolites, metabolomic pathways and biomarkers were further evaluated. The serum sPLA2-IIa and cPLA2 were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among 40 FFAs identified, 6 FFAs showed significant changes (P < 0.05) in SLK patients, including 4 decreased and 2 increased. They were mainly related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. When dividing the data by gender or abnormal thyroid tests, some comparable FFAs alterations displayed in SLK patients. The ROC analysis revealed that the AUC values of linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, were all greater than 0.8. The serum concentrations of sPLA2-IIa and cPLA2 in patients with SLK were significantly higher than that in healthy controls. Lipidomics disturbance might be the potential mechanism of SLK. Serum FFA biomarkers associated with SLK have potential for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Potential Impact of Omega 6/3 Ratio and CD68+ Macrophage Infiltration on Survival in NSCLC Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Resection

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. The stage of detection significantly influences survival rates with early-stage diagnosis offering the best prognosis. This study investigates the prognostic impact of the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and tumor infiltration by CD8+ lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in NSCLC patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 53 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection between September 2017 and January 2020. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio was quantified using gas chromatography and spectrometry. Tumor infiltration by CD8 and CD68 was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results: An increased omega-6/omega-3 ratio and higher CD68+ macrophage infiltration were associated with a trend towards worse OS and DFS in NSCLC patients, though these results did not reach statistical significance. CD8+ T-cell infiltration was associated with improved survival outcomes, confirming its role as a favorable prognostic marker. Comparative analysis with existing datasets revealed similar demographic and clinical characteristics, reinforcing the generalizability of our findings. Conclusions: The omega-6/omega-3 ratio and CD68+ macrophage infiltration serve as important factors potentially influencing prognosis in NSCLC patients undergoing pulmonary resection. These findings highlight the need for further research to refine the prognostic utility of these biomarkers and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and immune cell infiltration.

Pasture-finishing of cattle in Western U.S. rangelands improves markers of animal metabolic health and nutritional compounds in beef

As environmental and health concerns of beef production and consumption mount, there is growing interest in agroecological production methods, including finishing beef cattle on pastures with phytochemically diverse grasses, forbs, and/or shrubs. The goal of this metabolomics, lipidomics, and fatty acid methyl ester profiling study was to compare meat (pectoralis profundus) of Black Angus cattle from two commercial US beef finishing systems (pasture-finished on Western U.S. rangeland; n = 18 and grain-finished in a Midwest U.S. feedlot; n = 18). A total of 907 out of 1575 compounds differed in abundance between pasture-finished and grain-finished beef samples (all, false discovery rate adjusted P < 0.05). Pasture-finished beef contained higher levels of phenolic antioxidants (2.6-fold), alpha-tocopherol (3.1-fold), nicotinate/vitamin B3 (9.4-fold), choline (1.2-fold), myo-inositol (1.8-fold), and omega-3 fatty acids (4.1-fold). Grain-finished beef contained higher levels of gamma-tocopherol (14.6-fold), nicotinamide/vitamin B3 (1.5-fold), pantothenate/vitamin B5 (1.3-fold), and pyridoxine/vitamin B6 (1.3-fold); indicating that feeding some grain (by-products) could be beneficial to increase levels of certain B-vitamins. Pasture-finished beef samples also displayed lower levels of oxidative stress (homocysteine, 0.6-fold; and 4-hydroxy-nonenal-glutathione, 0.4-fold) and improved mitochondrial function (1.3-fold) compared to grain-finished animals. Two potential metabolites of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, 2,8-quinolinediol and 2,8-quinolinediol sulfate, were only observed in grain-finished beef, though the source remains unknown. While pasture-finished cattle displayed improved markers of metabolic health and concentrated additional, potentially health-promoting compounds in their meat, our findings should not be interpreted as that grain-finished beef is unhealthy to consume. Randomized controlled trials in humans are required to further assess whether observed differences between pasture-finished and feedlot-finished beef have an appreciable effect on human health.

Feeding sows milk biofortified with n-6 and n-3 modulates immune status of sows and drives positive transgenerational effects

The risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation, obesity, and autoimmune disease is linked to the quality of dietary fats, with lower intake of saturated and higher intake of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) considered beneficial to health. This study investigated the effect of supplementing sows' diets with cow's milk biofortified with n-6 or n-3 PUFA, at varying n-6/n-3 ratios (8.26, 7.92, and 2.72) during their growing phase and throughout gestation and lactation on their reproductive performance and immune-inflammatory status. Specifically, we analyzed circulating cholesterol and fatty acid profiles of serum, colostrum and milk, sow body weight, and neonate colostrum intake, Apgar scores, muscle composition, and embryo viability. Analysis of circulating immunoglobulins (Ig), interleukins, and eicosanoids and complement system hemolytic activity were used to evaluate inflammatory and immune responses of sows and piglets. Expression of lipolysis and lipogenic genes in the liver were investigated in sows and piglets, with additional investigation of hypothalamus genes regulating appetite in sows. Feeding sows milk biofortified with n-6 and n-3 PUFA altered serum fatty acid profiles, reduced triglycerides (TG), increased embryo total number, increased early gestation backfat, and reduced colostrum IgG. Piglets of biofortified sow had higher circulating IgA, IgM and TNF-α, and lower IL-10. Sows fed n-3 biofortified milk had higher very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and TNF-α in circulation. Offspring from sows fed n-6 versus n-3 biofortified milk had lower IL-10 and expression levels of SREBP-1. N-3 versus n-6 also lowered arachidonic acid (ARA) levels in sow's milk and piglet viability 1. Findings offer insights into the potential health benefits of dietary supplementation with biofortified milk in swine, which serve as good model of diet-nutrition studies of humans, and therefore can potentially be considered in dietary recommendations both human and animal populations.

Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Clinical Outcome of Atopic Dermatitis in Children

The use of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 FA can help manage symptoms of AD by reducing lesion severity, skin inflammation, dryness and itching, while others show no significant beneficial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FA from fish oil in combination with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from blackcurrant seed oil in children with AD. This is a longitudinal, prospective, randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial. The study was conducted during the 2-year period throughout autumn, winter, and spring, avoiding the summer when AD usually improves. Children were randomized to receive the active study product (Mega Kid®) containing a specific blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo. The primary outcomes were changes in severity of AD measured using SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), patient-oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) and the difference in topical corticosteroid (TCS) use. The secondary outcomes were changes in itch intensity, sleep quality and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). Data were analyzed for 52 children (26 in the intervention group and 26 in the placebo group). In children receiving the active product, intention-to-treat analysis showed that after 4 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the SCORAD index (from median 42 to 25, p < 0.001) and the use of topical corticosteroids (from median 30 to 10 mg/month, p < 0.001), but also significant improvements in itch, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids in combination with GLA and vitamin D may decrease symptoms and were associated with an improvement clinical picture of AD in children. Therefore, we can conclude that supplementation with this specific combination could be considered a safe and effective intervention that may significantly reduce the severity of AD in pediatric patients.

Valorization of fish from the Adriatic Sea: nutritional properties and shelf life prolongation of Aphia minuta through essential oils

This study aimed to exploit the nutritional and microbiological qualities of Aphia minuta, which are still largely unknown; they are collected from Golfo di Manfredonia (Adriatic Sea). Chemical composition, fatty acids, and amino acid profiles were evaluated during winter, spring, and summer (two samples each season). The protein content was highest in spring, while no significant differences were found for fat and ash contents across all sampling periods. Fatty acid profile analyses revealed that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were affected by the sampling season. Notably, the value of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased in spring and summer compared to the winter season. The highest content of essential amino acids was measured during the spring and summer seasons (P < 0.01), with leucine and lysine being the most dominant. Regardless of the fishing season, from a nutritional point of view, this species is an excellent source of bioactive compounds. This study also focused on the microbiological quality and shelf life of Aphia minuta. Initially, the bioactivity of three different essential oils (thymol, lemon, and citrus extract) was tested on Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. These essential oils were then combined with various packaging materials (conventional, maize starch, and polylactate) and packaging atmosphere (air, vacuum, and a modified atmosphere with reduced oxygen content). The results indicated that combining citrus extract with vacuum packaging significantly reduced the psychrotrophic viable count to undetectable levels after 7 days. This study suggests some important considerations for exploiting and expanding the market of the Aphia minuta.

Development and Evaluation of a Dry Emulsion of Ostrich Oil as a Dietary Supplement

This study aimed to develop a high-quality dry emulsion incorporating omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acid-rich ostrich oil for use as a dietary supplement. Extracted from abdominal adipose tissues using a low-temperature wet rendering method, the ostrich oil exhibited antioxidant properties, favorable physicochemical properties, microbial counts, heavy metal levels, and fatty acid compositions, positioning it as a suitable candidate for an oil-in-water emulsion and subsequent formulation as a dry emulsion. Lecithin was employed as the emulsifier due to its safety and health benefits. The resulting emulsion, comprising 10% w/w lecithin and 10% w/w ostrich oil, was stable, with a droplet size of 3.93 ± 0.11 μm. This liquid emulsion underwent transformation into a dry emulsion to preserve the physicochemical stability of ostrich oil, utilizing Avicel® PH-101 or Aerosil® 200 through a granulation process. Although Aerosil® 200 exhibited superior adsorption, Avicel® PH-101 granules surpassed it in releasing the ostrich oil emulsion. Consequently, Avicel® PH-101 was selected as the preferred adsorbent for formulating the ostrich oil dry emulsion. The dry emulsion, encapsulated with a disintegration time of 3.11 ± 0.14 min for ease of swallowing, maintained microbial loads and heavy metal contents within acceptable limits. Presented as granules containing butylated hydroxytoluene, the dry emulsion showcased robust temperature stability, suggesting the potential incorporation of animal fat into dry emulsions as a promising dietary supplement.

Assessment of Changes in the Fat Profile of House Cricket Flour during 12 Months of Storage in Various Conditions

Considering Acheta domecticus flour's growing importance and utilization as an ingredient in many food products, research on its storage is essential. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and nutritional fat profile of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour during storage for 12 months under different storage temperatures (-18 °C, +4 °C, and +20 °C in two variants, with and without access to light). Insect flour was studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The fatty acids content was determined, and dietary indicators were calculated. The acid value, peroxide value, and anisidine value were also determined, and differential scanning calorimetry was performed. The results obtained from spectroscopic analysis of Acheta domesticus flour were consistent with the biochemical data. During the 12-month period of flour storage, the storage temperature significantly influenced the percentage composition of identified groups of fatty acids and the values of all presented ratios and dietary indices. During storage at refrigerated temperatures (-18 °C and +4 °C), no changes were observed in the fatty acid content and dietary indices, indicating that refrigerated temperatures provide oxidative stability to flour during 12 months of storage. Samples stored at 20 °C had higher acid values (AV), peroxide values (PV), and anisidine values (p-AV) compared to samples stored at lower temperatures (4 °C and -18 °C). Simultaneously, an increase in SFA and MUFA, as well as a decrease in PUFA and UFA, was noted in samples stored at room temperature. Storing cricket flour at lower temperatures when the storage period will be more than 12 months is essential to restrict the occurrence of fat oxidation. Elevated temperatures and exposure to light have a notable effect in hastening oxidation mechanisms, reducing thermal resilience, and inducing more pronounced alterations in the quality of fats.

Lipid Profile of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives (PBMAs) and Cow's Milk: A Comparison

Some consumers are replacing cow's milk with plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs). The present study aimed to characterize the lipid profiles of cow's milk (n = 60) and PBMA types (soya, oat, rice, almond, coconut, and hazelnut; n = 10 per type). Significant differences were found in the fatty acid (FA) profiles of PBMAs and milk, particularly in FA diversity (15 FAs in PBMAs vs 54 FAs in milk) and the proportion of prime FA groups. The FA profile of coconut was dominated by saturated FAs (SFA), whereas monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) or polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA) were dominant in the remaining PBMA types. Cholesterol was not detected in any PBMA type. The FA profile of milk FAs was dominated by SFA; however, different individual SFA have varying health outcomes. Additionally, milk contains some FA groups with health-promoting properties, such as methyl-branched-chain FAs (BCFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), both of which are absent in PBMAs.

Extraction of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Atlantic Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) Viscera Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

This study explores the potential of Cucumaria frondosa (C. frondosa) viscera as a natural source of omega-3 FAs using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction. The extraction conditions were optimized using a response surface design, and the optimal parameters were identified as 75 °C and 45 MPa, with a 20 min static and a 30 min dynamic extraction, and a 2:1 ethanol to feedstock mass ratio. Under these conditions, the scCO2 extraction yielded higher FAs than the solvent-based Bligh and Dyer method. The comparative analysis demonstrated that scCO2 extraction (16.30 g of FAs/100 g of dried samples) yielded more fatty acids than the conventional Bligh and Dyer method (9.02 g, or 13.59 g of FAs/100 g of dried samples with ultrasonic assistance), indicating that scCO2 extraction is a viable, green alternative to traditional solvent-based techniques for recovering fatty acids. The pre-treatment effects, including drying methods and ethanol-soaking, were investigated. Freeze-drying significantly enhanced FA yields to almost 100% recovery, while ethanol-soaked viscera tripled the FA yields compared to fresh samples, achieving similar EPA and DHA levels to hot-air-dried samples. These findings highlight the potential of sea cucumber viscera as an efficient source of omega-3 FA extraction and offer an alternative to traditional extraction procedures.

Utilizing Supercritical CO2 for Bee Brood Oil Extraction and Analysis of Its Chemical Properties

To obtain oil from bee brood, which was dried using a tray drying method, this study used the supercritical CO2 extraction method. Extraction occurred at temperatures between 40-60 °C and low pressures of 180-220 bar for 1.5 h, with a high pressure of 600 bar for 1 h. The study investigated both the yield and chemical properties of the extracted bee brood oils. Supercritical CO2 extraction of tray-dried bee brood at 600 bar pressure demonstrated higher oil extraction efficiency compared to lower pressures (180-220 bar). At temperatures of 40-60 °C, total phenolic compounds increased while total flavonoids decreased. The extracted oil exhibited antioxidant activity, primarily due to quercetin. Despite decreased acid, iodine, and saponification values, peroxide value slightly increased but remained below 12 meqO2/kg of oil. The make-up of the fatty acids changed. At 600 bar, palmitic and oleic acids were the most common, while myristic, linoleic, and docosadienoic acids decreased. At 600 bar, eicosadienoic acid was absent. The defatted bee brood retained significant essential and non-essential amino acids, indicating its potential for further development as a protein source.

Fish oil supplementation during pregnancy decreases liver endocannabinoid system and lipogenic markers in newborn rats exposed to maternal high-fat diet

PURPOSE

Maternal high-fat diet (HF) programs obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia associated with increased endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the liver of adult male rat offspring. We hypothesized that maternal HF would induce sex specific ECS changes in the liver of newborn rats, prior to obesity onset, and maternal fish oil (FO) supplementation would reprogram the ECS and lipid metabolism markers preventing liver triglycerides (TG) accumulation.

METHODS

Female rats received a control (CT) (10.9% fat) or HF (28.7% fat) diet 8 weeks prior to mating and during pregnancy. A subgroup of HF dams received 3% FO supplementation in the HF diet (35.4% fat) during pregnancy (HFFO). Serum hormones and liver TG, ECS, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and autophagy markers were assessed in male and female newborn offspring.

RESULTS

Maternal HF diet increased liver cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in males and decreased CB2 in females, with no effect on liver TG. Maternal FO supplementation reduced liver CB1 regardless of the offspring sex, but reduced TG liver content only in females. FO reduced the liver content of the endocannabinoid anandamide in males, and the content of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in both sexes. Maternal HF increased lipogenic and decreased lipid oxidation markers, and FO induced the opposite regulation in the liver of offspring.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal HF and FO differentially modulate liver ECS in the offspring before obesity and MASLD development. These results suggest that maternal nutrition at critical stages of development can modulate the offspring's ECS, predisposing or preventing the onset of metabolic diseases.

Changes in the fatty acid profiles and health indexes of bovine colostrum during the first days of lactation and their impact on human health

Our objective was to analyze the changes in fatty acid (FA) profiles of bovine colostrum and immature milk during the first four days of lactation and assess their potential impact on human health. Colostrum and immature milk samples were collected from Czech Fleckvieh cows during their first to third lactation and the FA profiles were analyzed using multidimensional gas chromatography with a vacuum ultraviolet detector (GC×GC-VUV). The colostrum of primiparous cows contained lower levels of medium-chain and saturated fatty acids, and higher levels of mono- and unsaturated fatty acids compared to that of multiparous cows. The atherogenic and thrombogenicity indexes, as well as the hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio, were more favourable in primiparous cows. This makes colostrum fat an attractive product for human nutrition. To obtain the maximum health benefits, we recommend collecting and processing the colostrum of primiparous cows and immature milk at the end of the milk transition separately.

GC-MS comparison of fatty acids profile of oils extracted from viscera of Tainha (Mugil liza) and Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

The commercial activity of the grey mullet (known as Tainha: TAI) and Tambaqui (TAM) generates tons of waste that can be turned into valuable resources. Therefore, this work aimed to chemically characterize and quantify the fatty acids profiles of the two fishes. GCMS quantification was performed by using calibration curves built from a standard that contains 19 FAME. The analysis revealed that visceral wastes from both fishes contain 16 fatty acids (FA) consisting of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA). However, their compositions were different as FA side chains in TAI and TAM contain 12 to 20 and 13 to 22 carbon atoms, respectively. Also, the SFA amount in TAI was greater than in TAM. On the other hand, TAM is richer in MUFA and PUFA compared to TAI. Both have similar chemical compositions of ω-3 and ω-6 in PUFA and ω-5, ω-7, and ω-9 in MUFA.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of cow's and sheep's dairy products: Impact of species and structure

Sheep's milk (SM) is known to differ from cow's milk (CM) in nutritional composition and physicochemical properties, which may lead to different digestion behaviours. This work aimed to investigate the impact of the species (cow vs sheep) and the structure (milk vs yogurt) on the digestion of dairy products. Using an in vitro static gastrointestinal digestion model, CM, SM, cow's milk yogurt (CY) and sheep's milk yogurt (SY) were compared on particle size evolution, microscopic observations, degree of lipolysis, degree of proteolysis, specific protein degradation and calcium bioaccessibility. Species and structure affected particle size evolution during the gastric phase resulting in smaller particles for yogurts compared to milks as well as for CM products compared to SM products. Species impacted lipid composition and lipolysis, with SM products presenting higher short/medium-chain fatty acids content and higher intestinal degree of lipolysis. Proteolysis was influenced by structure, with milks showing higher intestinal degree of proteolysis compared to yogurts. Caseins were digested faster in CM, ⍺-lactalbumin was digested faster in SM despite its higher concentration, and during gastric digestion β-lactoglobulin was more degraded in CM products compared to SM products and more in yogurts compared to milks. Lastly, SM products released more bioaccessible calcium than CM products. In conclusion, species (cow vs sheep) impacted more the digestion compared to the structure (milk vs yogurt). In fact, SM was different from CM mainly due to a denser protein network that might slow down the accessibility of the enzyme to its substrate which induce a delay of gastric disaggregation and thus lead to slower the digestion of the nutrients.

Omega-3 fatty acids and health of auditory and vestibular systems: a comprehensive review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively review animal and human studies that explore the role of omega-3 PUFAs in maintaining the health of the auditory organ across all life stages.

METHODS

This narrative review involved searching Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles from December 1980 to July 2023.

RESULTS

some animal and human studies suggest that both deficiency and excessive intake of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can lead to auditory neural conduction impairment and reduced hearing acuity from fetal development to old age (presbycusis). These effects are likely to be dependent on the dosage. Some research indicates that an excessive intake of omega-3, rather than a deficiency, can result in nutritional toxicity and hearing impairments. Animal studies highlight the positive impact of omega-3 supplements with high DHA content in addressing hearing damage, but human research on this subject is limited. Furthermore, certain studies propose that omega-3 PUFAs may prevent or delay age-related hearing loss, with high plasma omega-3 concentration, particularly long-chain omega-3 PUFA, linked to reduced hearing loss. Additionally, consuming fish more than twice a week may be associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in adulthood, with these effects potentially influenced by age and gender. However, the majority of studies have been conducted on animals, and clinical trials are scarce. Research on the influence of omega-3 PUFAs on the peripheral and central vestibular systems remains limited.

CONCLUSION

This article delves into the impact of omega-3 on the auditory-vestibular system, exploring its influence on neurodevelopment, protection, and treatment. It not only highlights specific research gaps but also offers valuable insights for potential future studies.

Short-term dietary changes are reflected in the cerebral content of adult ring-billed gulls

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-LCPUFAs) are produced primarily in aquatic ecosystems and are considered essential nutrients for predators given their structural role in vertebrates' cerebral tissues. Alarmingly, with urbanization, many aquatic animals now rely on anthropogenic foods lacking n3-LCPUFAs. In this study undertaken in Newfoundland (Canada), we tested whether recent or longer term diet explains the cerebral fatty acid composition of ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis), a seabird that now thrives in cities. During the breeding season, cerebral levels of n3-LCPUFAs were significantly higher for gulls nesting in a natural habitat and foraging on marine food (mean ± s.d.: 32 ± 1% of total identified fatty acids) than for urban nesters exploiting rubbish (27 ± 1%). Stable isotope analysis of blood and feathers showed that urban and natural nesters shared similar diets in autumn and winter, suggesting that the difference in cerebral n3-LCPUFAs during the breeding season was owing to concomitant and transient differences in diet. We also experimentally manipulated gulls' diets throughout incubation by supplementing them with fish oil rich in n3-LCPUFAs, a caloric control lacking n3-LCPUFAs, or nothing, and found evidence that fish oil increased urban nesters' cerebral n3-LCPUFAs. These complementary analyses provide evidence that the brain of this seabird remains plastic during adulthood and responds to short-term dietary changes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Dietary Inflammatory Index and the likelihood of multiple sclerosis/ demyelinating autoimmune disease

Diet and inflammation may contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between proinflammatory diet, as estimated by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), and the likelihood of developing MS or other demyelinating autoimmune diseases. A systematic search was performed of search engines and databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Embase) to identify relevant studies before 10th June 2023. The search identified 182 potential studies, from which 39 full-text articles were screened for relevance. Five articles with case-control design (n = 4,322, intervention group: 1714; control group: 2608) met the study inclusion criteria. The exposure variable was DII, with studies using two distinct models: quartile-based comparisons of DII and assessment of continuous DII. The meta-analysis of high versus low quartiles of DII with four effect sizes showed a significant association with MS/demyelinating autoimmune disease likelihood, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 9.10). The meta-analysis of four studies with DII fit as a continuous variable showed a 31% increased likelihood of MS per unit increment; which was not statistically significant at the nominal alpha equals 0.05 (OR 1.31; 95% CI 0.95, 1.81). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence of a positive association between higher DII scores with the likelihood of developing MS, highlighting that diet-induced inflammation could play a role in MS or other demyelinating autoimmune diseases risk.

Creation of a novel zebrafish model with low DHA status to study the role of maternal nutrition during neurodevelopment

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a dietary omega-3 fatty acid, is a major building block of brain cell membranes. Offspring rely on maternal DHA transfer to meet their neurodevelopmental needs, but DHA sources are lacking in the American diet. Low DHA status is linked to altered immune responses, white matter defects, impaired vision, and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders during development. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms involved are largely unknown, and advancements in the field have been limited by the existing tools and animal models. Zebrafish are an excellent model for studying neurodevelopmental mechanisms. Embryos undergo rapid external development and are optically transparent, enabling direct observation of individual cells and dynamic cell-cell interactions in a way that is not possible in rodents. Here, we create a novel DHA-deficient zebrafish model by 1) disrupting elovl2, a key gene in the DHA biosynthesis pathway, via CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and 2) feeding mothers a DHA-deficient diet. We show that low DHA status during development is associated with a small eye morphological phenotype and demonstrate that even the morphologically normal siblings exhibit dysregulated gene pathways related to vision and stress response. Future work using our zebrafish model could reveal the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which low DHA status leads to neurodevelopmental abnormalities and provide insight into maternal nutritional strategies that optimize infant brain health.

Association of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids with Sarcopenia in Liver Cirrhosis Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and Aims

Sarcopenia is associated with the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given their diverse physiological activities, we hypothesized that plasma fatty acids might influence the progression of sarcopenia. This study aimed to clarify the association between fatty acids and sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients with HCC.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study, we registered 516 cases and analyzed 414 cases of liver cirrhosis and HCC. The skeletal muscle mass index was measured using a transverse computed tomography scan image at the third lumbar vertebra. The cutoff value for sarcopenia followed the criteria set by the Japan Society of Hepatology. Fatty acid concentrations were measured by gas chromatography.

Results

Fatty acid levels, particularly omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), were lower in patients with poor liver function (Child-Pugh grade B/C) and were negatively correlated with the albumin-bilirubin score (p<0.0001). The prognosis of HCC patients with low PUFA levels was significantly worse. Among the different fatty acid fractions, only n-3 PUFAs significantly correlated with skeletal muscle mass index (p=0.0026). In the multivariate analysis, the n-3 PUFA level was an independent variable associated with sarcopenia (p=0.0006).

Conclusions

A low level of n-3 PUFAs was associated with sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC.

Brain Perception of Different Oils on Appetite Regulation: An Anorectic Gene Expression Pattern in the Hypothalamus Dependent on the Vagus Nerve

(1) Background: We examined the effect of the acute administration of olive oil (EVOO), linseed oil (GLO), soybean oil (SO), and palm oil (PO) on gastric motility and appetite in rats. (2) Methods: We assessed food intake, gastric retention (GR), and gene expression in all groups. (3) Results: Both EVOO and GLO were found to enhance the rate of stomach retention, leading to a decrease in hunger. On the other hand, the reduction in food intake caused by SO was accompanied by delayed effects on stomach retention. PO caused an alteration in the mRNA expression of NPY, POMC, and CART. Although PO increased stomach retention after 180 min, it did not affect food intake. It was subsequently verified that the absence of an autonomic reaction did not nullify the influence of EVOO in reducing food consumption. Moreover, in the absence of parasympathetic responses, animals that received PO exhibited a significant decrease in food consumption, probably mediated by lower NPY expression. (4) Conclusions: This study discovered that different oils induce various effects on parameters related to food consumption. Specifically, EVOO reduces food consumption primarily through its impact on the gastrointestinal tract, making it a recommended adjunct for weight loss. Conversely, the intake of PO limits food consumption in the absence of an autonomic reaction, but it is not advised due to its contribution to the development of cardiometabolic disorders.

Juvenile/Peripubertal Exposure to Omega-3 and Environmental Enrichment Differentially Affects CORT Secretion and Adulthood Stress Coping, Sociability, and CA3 Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Male and Female Rats

In adult rats, omega-3 supplementation through fish oil (FO) and environmental enrichment (EE) have shown beneficial effects on cognition and stress regulation. This study assessed sex-specific effects of FO and EE during adolescence, a period critical for brain maturation, on adulthood coping mechanisms, sociability, and glucocorticoid regulation. An amount of 64 Wistar rats [n = 32/sex; postnatal day (PND) 23] were assigned to supplementation of control soybean oil (CSO) or menhaden fish oil (FO; 0.3 mL/100 g) from PND28 to 47 and exposed to EE or regular cage (RC) housing from PND28 to 58, with their blood corticosterone (CORT) levels being assessed weekly. As adults, exposure to repeated forced swim tests (FSTs; PND90-91) enabled analysis of coping responses, while socioemotional and memory responses were evaluated using the OFT, EPM, SIT, and Y maze tests (PND92-94). Immunohistochemistry determined hippocampal CA1/CA3 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression (PND95). CORT secretion gradually increased as the supplementation period elapsed in female rats, while changes were minimal in males. Coping strategies in the FST differed between sexes, particularly in FO-fed rats, where females and males, respectively, favoured floating and tail support to minimise energy consumption and maintain immobility. In the SIT, FO/EE promoted sociability in females, while a CSO diet favoured social recognition in males. Reduced CA3 GR-ir expression was found in FO/RC and CSO/EE rat groups, supporting stress resilience and memory consolidation. Our findings support environment and dietary conditions to exert a sex-specific impact on biobehavioural responses.

Sex-Specific Changes to Brain Fatty Acids, Plasmalogen, and Plasma Endocannabinoids in Offspring Exposed to Maternal and Postnatal High-Linoleic-Acid Diets

Linoleic acid (LA) is required for neuronal development. We have previously demonstrated sex-specific changes in cardiovascular and hepatic function in rat offspring from mothers consuming a high-LA diet, with some effects associated with reduced LA concentration in the postnatal diet. At this time, the impact of a high-maternal-LA diet on offspring brain development and the potential for the postnatal diet to alter any adverse changes are unknown. Rat offspring from mothers fed low- (LLA) or high-LA (HLA) diets during pregnancy and lactation were weaned at postnatal day 25 (PN25) and fed LLA or HLA diets until sacrifice in adulthood (PN180). In the offspring's brains, the postnatal HLA diet increased docosapentaenoate in males. The maternal HLA diet increased LA, arachidonate, docosapentaenoate, C18:0 dimethylacetal (DMA), C16:0 DMA, C16:0 DMA/C16:0, and C18:0 DMA/C18:0, but decreased eoicosenoate, nervoniate, lignocerate, and oleate in males. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets reduced oleate and vaccenate and had an interaction effect on myristate, palmitoleate, and eicosapentaenoate in males. In females, maternal HLA diet increased eicosadienoate. Postnatal HLA diet increased stearate and docosapentaenoate. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets had an interaction effect on oleate, arachidate, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/omega (n)-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in females. Postnatal HLA diet decreased DHA/n-6 DPA in males and females. Postnatal HLA diet increased plasma endocannabinoids (arachidonoyl ethanolamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol), as well as other N-acyl ethanolamides and testosterone. HLA diet alters brain fatty acids, plasma endocannabinoids, and plasmalogen concentrations in a development-specific and sex-specific manner.

Relationships of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with esophageal diseases: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

Introduction

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been widely studied and used as nutritional supplements because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Previous studies have shown an association between polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs with the development of malignant tumors. However, the relationships of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs with esophageal diseases have not been characterized.

Methods

Mendelian randomization (MR) is a statistical method for identifying instrumental variables (IVs) from genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, and is associated with little confounding by environmental or other disease-related factors. We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from previously published studies on circulating concentrations of omega-3, omega-6, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and linoleic acid (LA), as well as esophageal cancer and other esophageal diseases, which were downloaded from the IEU OpenGwas database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/) and the GWAS Catalog database (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/). The inverse variance-weighted approach was used as the principal analysis, and the MR-Egger and weighted median methods were used alongside. A series of sensitivity analyses were used to ensure the robustness of the causality estimates.

Results

We found that the circulating omega-3 PUFAs concentration was positively associated with esophageal cancer (p = 8 × 10-4), and circulating DHA concentration (the main component of omega-3 in food), was also positively associated with esophageal cancer (p = 2 × 10-2), but no significant association was found between circulating omega-6 PUFAs and esophageal cancer (p = 0.17), and circulating LA concentration (the main component of omega-6 in food), was also no significant associated with esophageal cancer (p = 0.32). We found no significant relationships of circulating omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs concentration with four other esophageal diseases.

Conclusion

This study indicates that higher levels of circulating omega-3 PUFAs and DHA concentrations may be a risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer. Conversely, an increased omega-6/omega-3 ratio may serve as a protective factor against esophageal cancer. These findings have significant implications for the clinical application of omega-3 PUFAs and the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.

Association between oxidative balance score and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk: results from the NHANES database

Introduction

The oxidative balance score (OBS) is a holistic measure that represents the overall equilibrium between prooxidants and antioxidants in one's diet and lifestyle. Little research has been conducted on the correlation between OBS and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk (ASCVD). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the potential correlation between OBS and 10-year risk.

Methods

A total of 11,936 participants from the NHANES conducted between 2001 and 2016 were chosen for the study and their dietary and lifestyle factors were used to assess the OBS score. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed in the cross-sectional study to evaluate the correlation between OBS and the 10-year ASCVD risk. The cohort study utilized Cox proportional hazards models and RCS to assess the correlation between OBS and all-causes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in individuals with high ASCVD risk.

Results

The cross-sectional study found that the OBS (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98), as well as the dietary OBS (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.92-0.96) and lifestyle OBS (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.69-0.79), were inversely associated with the 10-year ASCVD risk. A significant linear relationship was observed between OBS, dietary OBS, lifestyle OBS, and the 10-year ASCVD risk. The cohort study found that the OBS was inversely associated with all-cause (aHRs = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99) and CVD (aHRs = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98) mortality in individuals with high ASCVD risk. A significant linear correlation was observed between OBS, dietary OBS, lifestyle OBS, and all-cause and CVD mortality in participants with high ASCVD risk.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that OBS, OBS related to diet, and OBS related to lifestyle were significantly inversely correlated with the 10-year ASCVD risk. Adopting a healthy eating plan and making positive lifestyle choices that result in increased OBS levels can help lower the likelihood of all-cause and CVD mortality in individuals with high ASCVD risk.

Maternal Preconception Omega-6, Omega-3, and Omega-6:Omega-3 Intake and Uterine Artery Indices in Mid-Gestation

OBJECTIVE

 Maternal preconception diet influences pregnancy health and fetal outcomes. We examined the relationship between preconception fatty acid (FA) intake and uterine artery indices in mid-gestation in a large, heterogeneous cohort of nulliparous individuals.

STUDY DESIGN

 This is a secondary analysis of the nuMom2b (Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be) study. Dietary ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires and uterine artery indices were obtained via Doppler studies in the second trimester. For our primary outcome of pulsatility index (PI) > 1.6, we compared proportions by each dichotomous FA exposure and tested differences with chi-square test.

RESULTS

 For PI > 1.6, odds ratio for the unfavorable FA quartile compared with remaining quartiles for the exposures were 0.96 to 1.25, p = 0.157 (ω-6 FA); 0.97 to 1.26, p = 0.124 (ω-3 FA); 0.87 to 1.14, p = 1.00 (ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio).

CONCLUSION

 No significant associations between self-reported maternal preconception ω-6 and ω-3 FA intake and uterine artery Doppler indices measured during the second trimester were observed.

KEY POINTS

· Maternal diet impacts pregnancy health/fetal outcomes.. · ω-3 and ω-6 FA intake influences cardiovascular health.. · FA intake may affect blood flow to fetoplacental unit.. · Results are limited by inadequate adherence to dietary recommendations..

From 'Farm to Fork': Exploring the Potential of Nutrient-Rich and Stress-Resilient Emergent Crops for Sustainable and Healthy Food in the Mediterranean Region in the Face of Climate Change Challenges

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and food science, incorporating emergent crops appears as a pioneering solution for diversifying agriculture, unlocking possibilities for sustainable cultivation and nutritional bolstering food security, and creating economic prospects amid evolving environmental and market conditions with positive impacts on human health. This review explores the potential of utilizing emergent crops in Mediterranean environments under current climate scenarios, emphasizing the manifold benefits of agricultural and food system diversification and assessing the impact of environmental factors on their quality and consumer health. Through a deep exploration of the resilience, nutritional value, and health impacts of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, moringa, buckwheat, millet, teff, hemp, or desert truffles, their capacity to thrive in the changing Mediterranean climate is highlighted, offering novel opportunities for agriculture and functional food development. By analysing how promoting agricultural diversification can enhance food system adaptability to evolving environmental conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience, we discuss recent findings that underscore the main benefits and limitations of these crops from agricultural, food science, and health perspectives, all crucial for responsible and sustainable adoption. Thus, by using a sustainable and holistic approach, this revision analyses how the integration of NUS crops into Mediterranean agrifood systems can enhance agriculture resilience and food quality addressing environmental, nutritional, biomedical, economic, and cultural dimensions, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices and bolstering local economies and livelihoods under new climate scenarios.