Unsaturated Fatty Acid Intakes During Midlife Are Positively Associated with Later Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Modulating Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS strategy to analyze fatty acids composition and lipid profiles of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira)

The Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) is a highly nutritious deep-sea fish, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). This study comprehensively investigated fatty acids composition and lipid profiles of different parts of Pacific saury based on an untargeted lipidomic strategy. Results suggested that the crude fat content of meat, head and viscera were 5.81%, 10.90%, and 19.46%, respectively. The contents of PUFAs were 41.08%, 34.96% and 33.14%, respectively. Among them, the n-3 PUFAs in the head (34.58%) were significantly higher than meat (29.40%) and viscera (27.95%). Moreover, 5752 lipid molecules were identified, where glycerophospholipids (GP) were the most numerous lipid type (45.58%), with phosphatidylcholine (PC) being main differential subclass. PC (20:3_22:6) was the most abundant molecule in the head (14.59%) and meat (19.60%). Head_vs_viscera group had higher characteristic PC abundance. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the physiological activity and lipid high-value utilization of Pacific saury.

Arachidonic acid in aging: New roles for old players

BACKGROUND

Arachidonic acid (AA), one of the most ubiquitous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), provides fluidity to mammalian cell membranes. It is derived from linoleic acid (LA) and can be transformed into various bioactive metabolites, including prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxanes (TXs), lipoxins (LXs), hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), leukotrienes (LTs), and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), by different pathways. All these processes are involved in AA metabolism. Currently, in the context of an increasingly visible aging world population, several scholars have revealed the essential role of AA metabolism in osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many other aging diseases.

AIM OF REVIEW

Although there are some reviews describing the role of AA in some specific diseases, there seems to be no or little information on the role of AA metabolism in aging tissues or organs. This review scrutinizes and highlights the role of AA metabolism in aging and provides a new idea for strategies for treating aging-related diseases.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

As a member of lipid metabolism, AA metabolism regulates the important lipids that interfere with the aging in several ways. We present a comprehensivereviewofthe role ofAA metabolism in aging, with the aim of relieving the extreme suffering of families and the heavy economic burden on society caused by age-related diseases. We also collected and summarized data on anti-aging therapies associated with AA metabolism, with the expectation of identifying a novel and efficient way to protect against aging.

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet for the Aging Brain: A Systematic Review

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet seems a promising approach to preserve brain function during aging. Previous systematic reviews have demonstrated benefits of the MIND diet for cognition and dementia, though an update is needed. Additionally, other outcomes relevant to brain aging have not been summarized. Therefore, this systematic review aims to give an up-to-date and complete overview on human studies that examined the MIND diet in relation to brain aging outcomes in adults aged ≥40 y. Ovid Medline, Web of Science core collection, and Scopus were searched up to July 25, 2023. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool. We included 40 articles, of which 32 were unique cohorts. Higher MIND diet adherence was protective of dementia in 7 of 10 cohorts. Additionally, positive associations were demonstrated in 3 of 4 cohorts for global cognition and 4 of 6 cohorts for episodic memory. The protective effects of the MIND diet on cognitive decline are less apparent, with only 2 of 7 longitudinal cohorts demonstrating positive associations for global decline and 1 of 6 for episodic memory decline. For other brain outcomes (domain-specific cognition, cognitive impairments, Parkinson's disease, brain volume, and pathology), results were mixed or only few studies had been performed. Many of the cohorts demonstrating protective associations were of North American origin, raising the question if the most favorable diet for healthy brain aging is population-dependent. In conclusion, this systematic review provides observational evidence for protective associations between the MIND diet and global cognition and dementia risk, but evidence for other brain outcomes remains mixed and/or limited. The MIND diet may be the preferred diet for healthy brain aging in North American populations, though evidence for other populations seems less conclusive. This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022254625.

A Systematic Review of Omega-3 Consumption and Neuroprotective Cognitive Outcomes

Context

While a great deal of interest has been accorded to the cognitive effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFAs), there is a need for systematic review data that assess this outcome across the lifespan, accounting for population differences and highlighting methodological limitations of extant studies.

Objective

This systematic review addresses the effects of n-3s on human cognition and provides an overview on the current state of research and recommendations for future efforts.

Data Sources

Based on a thorough review of highly powered articles from PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and ProQuest Central, the authors evaluated articles published between 2000 and 2020 assessing LC PUFA status on cognition as a primary outcome measure. Using the PRISMA guidelines, the researchers' primary aim was to provide a comprehensive overview of the articles.

Conclusions

The results indicate inconsistent effects of intervention, with benefits for specific groups on specific outcomes. Although results were rarely definitive across cognitive domains, and the majority of studies indicated the presence of a possible threshold effect in which LC PUFA needs were already being met, and supplementation did not have an additional effect, there is evidence for trends towards benefit in cognitive functions, in those experiencing early cognitive decline.

The association between adherence to a plant-based diet and cognitive ageing

PURPOSE

While the benefits of adopting a more plant-based diet for sustainability and animal welfare are clear, its long-term health impacts, including the impact on cognitive ageing, are limited studied. Therefore, we investigated the associations between plant-based diet adherence and cognitive ageing.

METHODS

Data from a previous intervention study involving community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 65 years were analysed at baseline (n = 658) and after 2-year follow-up (n = 314). Global and domain-specific cognitive functioning were assessed at both timepoints. Overall, healthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary indices were calculated from a 190-item food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate-adjusted linear regression models were applied to test for associations.

RESULTS

After full-adjustment, higher overall adherence to a plant-based diet was not associated with global cognitive function (difference in Z-score, tertile 1 versus 3 [95% CI]: 0.04 [- 0.05, 0.13] p = 0.40) or cognitive change (- 0.04 [- 0.11, 0.04], p = 0.35). Similarly, healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet indices were not associated with cognitive functioning (respectively p = 0.48; p = 0.87) or change (respectively p = 0.21, p = 0.33). Interestingly, we observed fish consumption to influence the association between plant-based diet adherence and cognitive functioning (p-interaction = 0.01), with only individuals with a fish consumption of ≥ 0.93 portion/week benefitting from better overall plant-based diet adherence (β per 10-point increment [95% CI]: 0.12 [0.03, 0.21] p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We did not demonstrate associations of a more plant-based diet with cognitive ageing. However, possibly such association exists in a subpopulation with higher fish intake. This would be in line with earlier observations that diets rich in plant foods and fish, such as the Mediterranean diet, may be beneficial for cognitive ageing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00696514) on June 12, 2008.

Kaniwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule)'s Nutritional Composition and Its Applicability as an Elder-Friendly Food with Gelling Agents

(1) Background: This study attempted to develop an elder-friendly food suitable to the Korean Industrial Standard (KS) after identifying the nutritional characteristics of Kaniwa; (2) Methods: The nutrient composition and physiological activity of Kaniwa were analyzed, and the concentration of the gelling agent (guar gum, locust bean gum, and xanthan gum) to be added to Kaniwa mousse was derived through regression analysis to suit KS hardness level 1 to 3; (3) Results: It was found that Kaniwa not only had a good fatty acid composition but also had good antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Moreover, it was found that in order to have the hardness to chew Kaniwa mousse with the tongue, it was necessary to add less than 1.97% guar gum, 4.03% locust bean gum, and 8.59% xanthan gum. In order to have a hardness that can be chewed with the gum, it was found that 2.17~4.97% guar gum, 4.45~10.28% locust bean gum, and 9.48~21.96% xanthan gum should be added; (4) Conclusions: As the aging rate and life expectancy increase, support for developmental research related to the elder-friendly industry should be continuously expanded in preparation for the upcoming super-aging society.

Circulating Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia in Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Comprising nearly 35% of brain lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential for optimal brain function. However, the role of PUFA on cognitive health outcomes later in life is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated prospective associations of plasma phospholipid omega-3 (ALA [18 : 3], EPA [20 : 5], DPA [22 : 5], DHA [22 : 6]) and omega-6 (LA [18 : 2], AA [20 : 4]) PUFA with cognitive decline, risk of cognitive impairment and dementia among adults aged≥65 years in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

METHODS

Circulating fatty acid concentrations were measured serially at baseline (1992/1993), 6 years, and 13 years later. Cognitive decline and impairment were assessed using the 100-point Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) up to 7 times. Clinical dementia was identified using adjudicated neuropsychological tests, and ICD-9 codes.

RESULTS

Among 3,564 older adults free of stroke and dementia at baseline, cognitive function declined annually by approximately -0.5 3MSE points; 507 participants developed cognitive impairment and 499 dementia over up to 23 years of follow-up. In multivariable models, higher circulating arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations were associated with slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, with associations growing stronger with greater length of follow-up (hazard ratio [HR,95% CI] of dementia per interquintile range, 0.74 [0.56-0.97] at 5 years, and 0.53 [0.37-0.77] at 15 years). Circulating docosapentaenoic (DPA) concentrations were associated with slower cognitive decline and lower risk of cognitive impairment (extreme-quintile HR, 0.72 [95% CI: 0.55, 0.95]). Findings were generally null or inconsistent for other omega-3 or omega-6 PUFA.

CONCLUSION

Circulating AA and DPA, but not other PUFA, are associated with slower rate of cognitive decline and lower risk of dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.

Oxidative Stress Mediates the Association Between Dietary Fat Intake and Cognition in US Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

Dietary fat intake was considered as a modifiable factor influencing cognitive performance. The objective was to 1) examine the associations between different types of dietary fat intakes and cognitive outcomes among elder adults (≥60 years old); 2) assess whether peripheral oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers are potential mediators of dietary fat intake and cognitive impairment relationship.

METHODS

Using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014, total fat, saturated fatty acid (SFAT), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), cholesterol, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids were used to evaluate dietary fat intakes. Cognitive outcomes were assessed by word learning and recall modules from the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), animal fluency test, and digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Antioxidant biomarkers were assessed by gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin, uric acid, and vitamin D levels. Linear regression models and causal mediation analysis were applied to quantify the associations.

RESULTS

A total of 2,253 elder adults were included in the data analyses. Dietary intake of PUFA and ω-6 fatty acid were positively associated with DSST [β (95% CI): 0.06 (0.01,0.10), t statistic = 2.39, df= 2238, p = 0.02; β (95% CI): 0.06 (0.01,0.11), t statistic = 2.54, df= 2238, p = 0.01, respectively]. GGT was negatively associated with DSST [β (95% CI): -0.04 (-0.07, -0.01), t statistic = -2.73, df= 2239, p = 0.01], whereas uric acid was positively associated with CERAD total score [β (95% CI): 0.04 (0.00,0.08), t statistic = 2.03, df= 2233, p = 0.04]. The association between dietary intake of PUFA/ω -3/ω -6 and DSST performance was partially mediated by GGT level.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support that PUFAs in dietary sources were associated with lower risks for cognitive impairment partially via lowering oxidative stress. Dietary PUFA supplementation may potentially reduce risk of cognitive impairment via antioxidative mechanism.

Protective effects of camellia and olive oils against cognitive impairment via gut microbiota-brain communication in rats

Food intake influences neurofunction via the gut microbiota-brain axis. Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) consumption is highly associated with neuroprotection; the mechanism behind the effects of olive oil and camellia oil on gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, the objective was to compare the neuroprotective role of oleic acid-rich camellia oil and olive oil against AlCl₃-induced mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in rats. Morris water maze tests revealed that learning and memory capacities improved in AlCl₃-induced rats subjected to camellia oil administration better than olive oil treatment. Moreover, the results showed that the camellia oil- and olive oil-treated AlCl₃-induced rat groups had significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Notably, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the inflammatory cytokines negatively correlated with the microbial strains (Bacteroides pectinophilus_group and Blautia) in response to camellia oil administration. Furthermore, Ruminococcaceae_UCG014 abundance was significantly enhanced by camellia oil intake, which was highly positively associated with antioxidant activity expression. In conclusion, the novel data suggest that the outcomes of camellia oil consumption were superior to those of olive oil intake as camellia oil may have a beneficial effect on MCI protection and improvement through the gut microbiota-brain communication.

Are dietary patterns becoming more processed? The effects of different dietary patterns on cognition: A review

Background: Identifying dietary patterns that promote healthy aging has become increasingly important due to changes in food processing and consumption of processed foods. Recently, the effects of these foods and unhealthy dietary patterns on cognitive function have become more widely recognized. Aim: The aim of this review is to discuss the association between various dietary patterns and cognition in older age, while also highlighting growing evidence that ultra processed food (UPF) may negatively impact healthy aging. Methods: We have performed a non-systematic literature review searches in Google Scholar electronic database with pre-defined terms relating to UPF, diet, dietary patterns, cognition and ageing. Results: The most prevalent diets in the literature include the Western, Mediterranean, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Delay (MIND), Japanese, Nordic, and plant-based diets. Based on the findings, higher intakes of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and oily fish are common components of dietary patterns that are positively associated with better cognitive function. In contrast, the characteristics of a Western style dietary pattern, consisting of high amounts of UPF's, are increasing in many countries even where the staple dietary pattern was identified as healthy (i.e. Japan). Conclusion: The consumption of UPF, classified by the NOVA food classification system as industrially manufactured foods containing high levels of starches, vegetable oils, sugar, emulsifiers, and foods additives, has a negative impact on the overall nutritional quality of individual diets.

DHA status influences effects of B-vitamin supplementation on cognitive ageing: a post-hoc analysis of the B-proof trial

PURPOSE

Trials aiming to lower homocysteine by B-vitamin supplementation have reported mixed results on slowing cognitive decline. We investigated if efficacy of B-vitamin supplementation is affected by baseline plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels.

METHODS

This post-hoc analysis of the B-proof trial included 191 adults aged 65 years or older with baseline plasma total homocysteine ≥ 12 μmol/L, randomly assigned to 400 µg folic acid and 500 µg vitamin B12 or placebo daily for 2 years. Global and domain-specific cognitive functioning were assessed at baseline and after 2 years. The effect of B-vitamin supplementation was analyzed according to tertiles of baseline plasma omega-3 fatty acids concentrations combined, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) individually using multiple linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD age of the participants was 71.6 ± 5.9 years and median [IQR] Mini-Mental State Examination was 29 [28-30]. The treatment effect of B-vitamins on global cognition was larger in participants in the high compared to the middle DHA tertile (difference in z-score, mean ± SE 0.22 ± 0.10, p = 0.03). There was no significant interaction between B-vitamin supplementation and combined omega-3 fatty acid (p = 0.49) and EPA (p = 0.99) tertiles. Similarly, the efficacy of B-vitamin treatment on domain-specific cognitive functioning did not link to omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, or EPA plasma levels.

CONCLUSION

This post-hoc analysis indicated that efficacy of B-vitamin supplementation in slowing cognitive decline relates to DHA status, with individuals with higher plasma DHA levels benefitting more from vitamin B12 and folic acid use. The results support earlier observations that positive effects of B-vitamins in cognitive ageing may be subgroup-specific.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00696514) on June 12, 2008.

Determination of genetic effects and functional SNPs of bovine HTR1B gene on milk fatty acid traits

BACKGROUND

Our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) on milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein cows revealed, the SNP, BTB-01556197, was significantly associated with C10:0 at genome-wide level (P = 0.0239). It was located in the down-stream of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (HTR1B) gene that has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation. Hence, we considered it as a promising candidate gene for milk fatty acids in dairy cattle. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the HTR1B gene had significant genetic effects on milk fatty acid traits.

RESULTS

We re-sequenced the entire coding region and 3000 bp of 5' and 3' flanking regions of HTR1B gene. A total of 13 SNPs was identified, containing one in 5' flanking region, two in 5' untranslated region (UTR), two in exon 1, five in 3' UTR, and three in 3' flanking region. By performing genotype-phenotype association analysis with SAS9.2 software, we observed that 13 SNPs were significantly associated with medium-chain saturated fatty acids such as C6:0, C8:0 and C10:0 (P < 0.0001 ~ 0.042). With Haploview 4.1 software, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was performed. Two haplotype blocks formed by two and ten SNPs were observed. Haplotype-based association analysis indicated that both haplotype blocks were strongly associated with C6:0, C8:0 and C10:0 as well (P < 0.0001 ~ 0.0071). With regards to the missense mutation in exon 1 (g.17303383G > T) that reduced amino acid change from alanine to serine, we predicted that it altered the secondary structure of HTR1B protein with SOPMA. In addition, we predicted that three SNPs in promoter region, g.17307103A > T, g.17305206 T > G and g.17303761C > T, altered the binding sites of transcription factors (TFs) HMX2, PAX2, FOXP1ES, MIZ1, CUX2, DREAM, and PPAR-RXR by Genomatix. Of them, luciferase assay experiment further confirmed that the allele T of g.17307103A > T significantly increased the transcriptional activity of HTR1B gene than allele A (P = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our findings provided first evidence that the HTR1B gene had significant genetic effects on milk fatty acids in dairy cattle.

Healthy Lifestyle and Cognition: Interaction between Diet and Physical Activity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses current research on the impact of specific dietary patterns and exercise, both individually and combined, on cognitive function in older adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

Observational evidence generally supports a relationship between diet adherence and positive cognitive outcomes related to memory, executive function, and risk for cognitive impairment; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited. Exercise research is more extensive, showing improvements in cognitive performance after exercise interventions regardless of baseline cognitive status and noting lower incidences of cognitive impairment in people who engage in regular physical activity. Evidence supports adherence to specific dietary patterns and a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise as an effective approach to mitigate age-associated cognitive decline. Further research on older adults at various stages of cognitive decline, as well as longer-term RCTs, will help determine the best clinical markers of early cognitive dysfunction, and the effectiveness of early lifestyle intervention on cognitive function.

Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Guarani-Kaiowá indigenous knowledge and pharmacological activities

Zootherapy is a traditional secular practice among the Guarani-Kaiowá indigenous ethnic group living in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. My people use the oil extracted from larvae of the snout beetle Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1758) to treat and heal skin wounds and respiratory diseases. Based on this ethnopharmacological knowledge, the chemical composition and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and healing properties of R. palmarum larvae oil (RPLO) were investigated, as well as possible toxic effects, through in vitro and in vivo assays. The chemical composition of the RPLO was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of RPLO was investigated through the direct 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that are pathogenic to humans. The healing properties of RPLO were investigated by performing a cell migration assay using human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5), and the toxicity was analyzed, in vivo, using a Caenorhabditis elegans model and MRC-5 cells, in vitro. RPLO contains 52.2% saturated fatty acids and 47.4% unsaturated fatty acids, with palmitic acid (42.7%) and oleic acid (40%) representing its major components, respectively. RPLO possesses direct antioxidant activity, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 46.15 mg.ml-1. The antimicrobial activity of RPLO was not observed at a concentration of 1% (v/v). RPLO did not alter the viability of MRC-5 cells and did not exert toxic effects on C. elegans. Furthermore, MRC-5 cells incubated with 0.5% RPLO showed a higher rate of cell migration than that of the control group, supporting its healing properties. Taken together, RPLO possesses direct antioxidant activity and the potential to aid in the healing process and is not toxic toward in vitro and in vivo models, corroborating the safe use of the oil in traditional Guarani-Kaiowá medicine.

Edible Plant Oil: Global Status, Health Issues, and Perspectives

Edible plant oil (EPO) is an indispensable nutritional resource for human health. Various cultivars of oil-bearing plants are grown worldwide, and the chemical compositions of different plant oils are diverse. The extremely complex components in oils lead to diverse standards for evaluating the quality and safety of different EPOs. The environment poses great challenges to the EPO safety and quality during the entire industrial chain, including plant cultivation, harvesting, oil processing, and storage. Environmental risk factors include heavy metal or pesticide residue pollution, insect or harmful microbial infestation, and rancidity. Here, the diverse components in oil and various oil-producing processes are discussed, including plant species, oil yield, and composition complexity, environmental factors that degrade oil quality. Additionally, we propose a whole-industrial-chain monitoring system instead of current single-link-monitoring approach by monitoring and tracking the quality and safety of EPOs during the entire process of plant cultivation, raw materials harvest, oil process, and EPOs storage. This will provide guidance for monitoring the quality and safety of EPOs, which were challenged by the deteriorating environment.

Expert Opinion on Benefits of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) in Aging and Clinical Nutrition

Life expectancy is increasing and so is the prevalence of age-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Consequently, older people and patients present with multi-morbidities and more complex needs, putting significant pressure on healthcare systems. Effective nutrition interventions could be an important tool to address patient needs, improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Inflammation plays a central role in NCDs, so targeting it is relevant to disease prevention and treatment. The long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LCPUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are known to reduce inflammation and promote its resolution, suggesting a beneficial role in various therapeutic areas. An expert group reviewed the data on omega-3 LCPUFAs in specific patient populations and medical conditions. Evidence for benefits in cognitive health, age- and disease-related decline in muscle mass, cancer treatment, surgical patients and critical illness was identified. Use of DHA and EPA in some conditions is already included in some relevant guidelines. However, it is important to note that data on the effects of omega-3 LCPUFAs are still inconsistent in many areas (e.g., cognitive decline) due to a range of factors that vary amongst the trials performed to date; these factors include dose, timing and duration; baseline omega-3 LCPUFA status; and intake of other nutrients. Well-designed intervention studies are required to optimize the effects of DHA and EPA in specific patient populations and to develop more personalized strategies for their use.

Feasibility study of a docosahexaenoic acid optimized nutraceutical formulation on the macular levels of lutein in a healthy Mediterranean population

INTRODUCTION

Macular pigment optical density plays a pivotal role in maintaining macular structure and functioning. Research shows that daily consumption of lutein reduces the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzes the influence of a supplementation containing lutein and antioxidant vitamins either with or without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with the main objective of identifying macular pigment optical density (MPOD) changes in both eyes at the end of the follow-up using the Visucam® retinograph. The secondary endpoint was to determine variation in the lutein and DHA levels in plasma and red blood cell membranes respectively.

METHODS

One hundred healthy participants (200 eyes) aged 40-70 years (mean age 49.3 years, SEM=13.7) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily one of the following supplements for 3 months: Lutein group (LT-G, n=49), Lutein /Docosahexaenoic acid group (LT/DHA-G, n= 51). The MPOD was measured at baseline and end of the follow-up by retinography (Visucam® retinograph). Lutein in plasma was determined by HPLC and DHA in red blood cell membranes was analyzed by gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

From baseline, macular pigment optical density showed significantly higher values in the Lutein/DHA group than in the Lutein group at the end of the study (p<0.0001). Significantly higher Lutein in plasma (p<0.0001) and DHA (p<0.0001) levels in the red blood cell membrane were seen in the Lutein/DHA group than in the Lutein group at the 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Lutein supplementation improves macular pigment optical density in healthy subjects from a Mediterranean population being significantly increased in the presence of DHA. Therefore, our findings highlight the relevance of the adjunctive role of DHA for a better Lutein availability.

Identification of genetic effects and potential causal polymorphisms of CPM gene impacting milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein

Our previous GWAS revealed 83 significant SNPs and 20 promising candidate genes associated with milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. Out of them, the carboxypeptidase M (CPM) gene contains a genome-wide significant SNP, Hapmap49848-BTA-106779, which is strongly associated with myristic acid (C14:0; P = 0.0064). Herein, we aimed to confirm the genetic effects of CPM on milk fatty acids in Chinese Holstein. Seven SNPs were detected by re-sequencing the sequences of entire exons and 3000 bp of up-/downstream flanking regions of the CPM gene, of which three were in 5' flanking region, one in the 3' UTR and three were in the 3' flanking region. Using the Haploview 4.1, we estimated the LD among the identified SNPs and found two haplotype blocks. With the animal model, we performed the SNP- and haplotype-based association analyses, and observed that these SNPs and haplotype blocks mainly had strong genetic associations with medium-chain saturated fatty acids (caproic acid, C6:0; caprylic acid, C8:0; capric acid, C10:0; and lauric acid, C12:0) (P < 0.0001-0.0257). In addition, using the Genomatix software, we predicted that three SNPs in the 5' flanking region of CPM (g.45079507A>G, g.45080228C>A and g.45080335C>G) changed the transcription factor binding sites for PREF (progesterone receptor biding site), ZBRK1 (transcription factor with eight central zinc fingers and an N-terminal KRAB domain), SOX9 (sex-determining region Y-box 9, dimeric binding sites), SOX6 (sex-determining region Y-box 6) and FOXP1-ES (alternative splicing variant of FOXP1, activated in ESCs). Further, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed these three SNPs altered the transcriptional activity of CPM gene (P ≤ 0.0006). In summary, using the post-GWAS strategy, we first confirmed the significant genetic effects of CPM with milk fatty acids in dairy cattle, and identified three potential causal mutations.

Midlife Dietary Intakes of Monounsaturated Acids, n-6 Polyunsaturated Acids, and Plant-Based Fat Are Inversely Associated with Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Older Singapore Chinese Adults

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown inconsistent results for the relation between dietary fat intake and cognitive function in the elderly. Furthermore, prospective studies on this topic among the Chinese population are scarce.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the association between midlife dietary fat intake and risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly.

METHODS

Prospective cohort analysis was conducted among 16,736 participants from the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Dietary information was assessed by a validated FFQ at baseline (1993-1998) when participants aged 45-74 y (mean: 53.5; SD: 6.22). Cognitive impairment was identified using the Singapore modified Mini-Mental State Examination at the third follow-up visit (2014-2016) when participants aged 61-96 y (mean: 73.2; SD: 6.41). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Cognitive impairment was presented in 2397 participants. When substituted for total carbohydrate, dietary fat intake was inversely related to cognitive impairment (OR comparing extreme quartiles: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.94; P-trend = 0.003). The OR (95% CI) comparing extreme quartiles of specific dietary fats was 1.08 (0.89, 1.31; P-trend = 0.51) for SFAs, 0.80 (0.64, 0.99; P-trend = 0.02) for MUFAs, 0.84 (0.72, 0.99; P-trend = 0.02) for PUFAs, 0.92 (0.77, 1.09; P-trend = 0.49) for n-3 PUFAs, and 0.83 (0.70, 0.98; P-trend = 0.01) for n-6 PUFAs. An inverse association was found for plant-based fat (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.98; P-trend = 0.02), but not for animal-based fat (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.15; P-trend = 0.76). When substituted for SFAs, the OR (95% CI) was 0.77 (0.61, 0.97; P-trend = 0.02) for MUFAs and 0.82 (0.70, 0.95; P-trend = 0.003) for PUFAs.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that substitution of total carbohydrate or SFAs with MUFAs and PUFAs, particularly n-6 PUFAs, was related to a lower risk of cognitive impairment in elderly Chinese participants. In addition, an inverse association with cognitive impairment was found for plant-based fat.