Omega-3 fatty acids: a comprehensive review of their role in health and disease

Effects of Perilla Seed Oil on Blood Lipids, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Hyperlipidemic Rats

A high-fat diet is a key factor contributing to hyperlipidemia. Perilla seed oil, a plant-based source of omega-3, has the potential to reduce this risk. However, its effects have not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of perilla seed oil on blood lipid levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats induced with hyperlipidemia through a high-fat diet. Male Wistar rats were administered perilla seed oil at a dosage of 0.67 g/kg body weight per day for 8 weeks. The results showed that perilla seed oil significantly reduced triglyceride levels by 38.00% and 41.88% and total cholesterol levels by 17.16% and 15.91% in the high-fat diet and normal diet groups, respectively (p < 0.05). However, perilla seed oil had no significant effect on HDL and LDL levels. Additionally, perilla seed oil supplementation significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress, by 68.18% in the high-fat diet group and 29.72% in the normal diet group. Regarding its anti-inflammatory effects, perilla seed oil reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels by 15.21% and 64.27% in the high-fat diet and normal diet groups, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that perilla seed oil has the potential to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Dietary supplements and prevention of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and end-organ dysfunction. However, to date, no effective treatment has been established other than iatrogenic delivery, and the importance of prevention as an alternative approach to addressing PE has been emphasized. There is growing evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological prophylaxis in preventing PE. In this review, we focused on dietary supplements as non-pharmacological prophylaxis for PE. Calcium is a well-documented supplement for the prevention of PE. Daily 500 mg calcium supplementation can roughly halve the risk of PE in settings where calcium intake is low, including in Japan. According to recent systematic reviews and network meta-analyses, current evidence on the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation is inconsistent. Although vitamin D is a candidate for the prevention of PE, future large-scale randomized control trials are necessary to draw definitive conclusions. We also reviewed other dietary supplements, including vitamins (vitamins A, B6, C, and E, folic acid, and multivitamins), minerals (magnesium, zinc, and iron), amino acids (l-arginine and l-carnitine), anti-oxidants (lycopene, resveratrol, and astaxanthin), and other agents (omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, and s-equol). In this study, we provide a comprehensive approach to help develop better preventive strategies and ultimately reduce the burden of PE.

Temporal changes in plasma and milk lipids in response to an esophageal bolus of rumen-protected fish oil in lactating Holstein dairy cows

Feeding very-long-chain omega-3 (VLC n-3) fatty acids (FA), which are found in fish oil, may have beneficial effects on health, fertility, and milk production in the dairy cow. Rumen-protected technologies aim to prevent the ruminal biohydrogenation of VLC n-3 FA. To test the effects of these technologies on circulating FA and phospholipid concentrations, and milk FA concentrations, six mid-lactation, multiparous, pregnant Holstein dairy cows (mean ± SD: 155 ± 19 days in milk; 3.0 ± 0.5 body condition score; 3.2 ± 1.1 lactations; 644 ± 23 kg BW) were randomly assigned to treatments in a study with a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Cows were unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with a single esophageal bolus of a gelatin capsule containing a fish oil product coated in palm oil triglycerides or modified starch (TAG and STR, respectively). The provision of either fish oil product provided 10 g equivalent of VLC n-3 FA including 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3. Cows were fed a total mixed ration to meet or exceed nutrient requirements and were milked thrice daily. Blood was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 36 h, relative to bolus administration. A 7-d washout period was utilized between each bolus delivery. Extracted plasma was analyzed for individual FA and phospholipid concentrations using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Separated milk fat was analyzed for individual milk FA using gas-liquid chromatography and a flame-ionization detector. Data were analyzed under a mixed model with the random effect of cow, and the fixed effects of treatment, hour, and period. Plasma concentrations of 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3 increased over time by TAG and STR, relative to control. Plasma concentrations of lysophophatidylcholine-20:5, -22:5 and -22:6, and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-38:5 and -38:6 were higher in TAG and STR by h 10, relative to control. Plasma PC-40:5 and -40:6 concentrations were greater in cows administered STR by h 10, relative to TAG. Total milk n-3 increased over time in treated cows compared to control. We conclude that triglyceride- or starch-encapsulated fish oil increases the plasma and milk concentrations of VLC n-3 FA and phospholipids containing these acyl chains in lactating cows.

Enhancing Rats' Diet with Ethyl Esters Derived from Linseed Oil and Examining the Resulting Changes in Their Blood Fatty Acid Profile

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important factor contributing to the prevention and cure of numerous diseases, and therefore their supplementation with diet is a significant issue. There are numerous supplements on the market containing omega-3 acids, of both plant and animal origin. In our study, we compared an effect of linseed oil, ethyl esters of linseed oil and fish oil supplementation to rats' diet on their blood serum and erythrocyte fatty acid profile. The animals were divided into nine groups, three groups did not receive supplements and differed in dietary fat content, three were fed a high-fat diet for the whole experiment and supplemented, three were fed a high-fat diet and then the control one together with supplements. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. Significant changes in the profile of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the ration of omega-6 to omega-3, were found in supplemented groups compared to the controls, the changes were more beneficial in groups supplemented with ethyl esters of linseed oil. The results were also more beneficial in groups where in addition to supplementation, there was also a dietary change from high fat to control during the supplementation period. In the case of the erythrocytes, the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content in ethyl ester-supplemented groups increased (p < 0.05) by about 60-120%, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by 80%, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 41-60% compared to the control. In turn, in the blood serum, this increase (p < 0.05) was about 70-125%, 26-40%, and 38-54%, respectively. In the case of ethyl esters, except for an increase in EPA and DHA acids, higher values of ALA were found, which can be further used in the process of conversion to longer-chain omega-3.

Phytochemicals, promising strategies combating Cutibacterium acnes

The excessive proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is an important reason for the occurrence of acne vulgaris, and genetic detection ratio of C. acnes in acne is as high as 60.5%. Until now, the treatment of C. acnes is mainly limited to antibiotics, but some strains of C. acnes produce antimicrobial resistances, making it difficult for clinical treatment. Additionally, antibiotics can cause severe adverse effects. Therefore, more and more people are paying attention to phytochemicals. It is well known that plants can synthesize a range of secondary metabolites, named phytochemicals, part of which have antibacterial properties. Additionally, the main advantages of phytochemicals are that they have good efficacies and less side effects, so they are suitable choices for medical treatment. This review mainly discusses the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals against C. acnes.

Effects of Different Technological Forms of the Perilla frutescens in the Diet on Ruminal Fermentation, Milk and Plasma Fatty Acid Composition, Ruminal Biohydrogenation and Milk Quality in Dairy Goats

BACKGROUND

Fatty acids can be protected by changing their structure or form against microbial activity, and the different forms of fatty acids can modulate the ruminal biohydrogenation rate and contribute to the desired fatty acid profile in milk fat.

OBJECTIVES

The study investigated the effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens) dietary supplementation in the diet in different technological forms (seed, oil and formaldehyde-treated oil) on milk, plasma and ruminal fatty acid composition, and milk quality in lactating goats.

METHODS

The four dietary treatments consisted of (1) no supplementation, basal diet (CON); (2) perilla supplementation as seed at 44.7 g/kg (consisting of 20 g/kg oil (PS)); (3) perilla supplementation as oil at 20 g/kg (PO); (4) perilla supplementation as formaldehyde treated oil at 20 g/kg (protected perilla oil [PPO]). The experiment was implemented in a double 4 × 4 Latin square trial design, and sampling was carried out for 7 days after 21 days of adaptation.

RESULTS

Performance parameters were not affected by P. frutescens supplementation to the diet. PO decreased milk fat, whereas PPO increased milk fat. Milk cholesterol was not affected by P. frutescens dietary supplementation. Perilla oil supplementation in different forms to the diet did not affect ruminal pH, VFA and methane production. Perilla oil supplementation in different forms to the diet did not also affect the concentration of blood serum glucose, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids. Perilla supplementation to the diet increased the milk conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), C18:3n-3, C22:5n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations, and PPO group showed the greatest values. Ruminal palmitic (C16:0) acid was decreased, and in perilla groups, stearic acid (C18:0) concentration had the lowest, and ruminal c-9, t-11 CLA concentration had the highest value in PPO.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been found that the most effective form of perilla oil in increasing milk quality is that with formaldehyde treatment (protected form). Perilla oil, which is a rich source of omega 3 in the diet, can be used to increase milk quality in goats without adversely affecting performance, ruminal fermentation and blood parameters.

Nutritional factors and physical frailty: Highlighting the role of functional nutrients in the prevention and treatment

Physical frailty, an age-related decline in the physiological capacity and function of various organs, is associated with higher vulnerability to unfavorable health outcomes. The mechanisms proposed for physical frailty including increased inflammation and oxidative stress are closely related to nutritional status. In addition to traditional nutritional factors such as protein malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, emerging evidence has focused on the role of functional nutrients including polyphenols, carotenoids, probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and L-carnitine in modifying the risk of physical frailty syndrome. Although several clinical trials have suggested the beneficial effects of supplementation with polyphenols, HMB, and prebiotics on frailty indices, the current evidence is still not robust to support recommendations on the routine clinical use of such functional nutrients for the management of frailty. Similarly, the association between CoQ10 and frailty was mainly assessed in observational studies, and more randomized controlled trials are needed in this regard. A limited number of studies have reported the beneficial effect of L-carnitine supplementation on frailty indices. Since carnitine is mainly found in skeletal muscle and its measurement is thus challenging due to ethical constraints, it is necessary to examine the effect of different doses of L-carnitine on frailty and its indices in future studies. A large number of interventional studies evaluated the impact of n-3 PUFA supplementation on physical frailty in the elderly and many of them reported improved physical performance following supplementation, especially when combined with resistance training programs. Although promising findings from experimental and observational studies have been reported on functional nutrients, high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials as well as detailed mechanistic studies are still required to affirm their role in the prevention and/or treatment of physical frailty. This review aims to describe the current state of research on functional nutrients that may modify the development or prognosis of frailty syndrome.

Causes of Chromosome Breakage and Mis-segregation Affecting Pregnancy and Newborn Health: An Insight into Developing Reproductive Health Preventive Strategies

Chromosome abnormalities are a leading cause of pregnancy loss, developmental delays, and birth defects. These abnormalities arise from errors in chromosome structure (breakage) or number (missegregation) during cell division. Understanding the causes of these errors is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies to improve reproductive health. This paper aims to review the known causes of chromosome breakage and mis-segregation, emphasizing their impact on pregnancy and newborn health. It further explores potential preventive strategies for mitigating these risks. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using relevant databases, focusing on studies investigating the causes of chromosome abnormalities, their impact on pregnancy and newborn health, and potential preventive measures. Several factors contribute to chromosome breakage and mis-segregation, including Genetic Predisposition, Environmental Factors (environmental toxins, radiation), Maternal age, Lifestyle Factors (Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity), and Cellular Mechanisms. These abnormalities can manifest as various pregnancy complications, including Miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, and developmental Delays. The causes of chromosome breakage and mis-segregation are complex and multifactorial. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies. These strategies may include genetic counseling, pre-conception health optimization, environmental hazard mitigation, and advancements in assisted reproductive technologies. Further research is needed to identify specific interventions and personalize strategies based on individual risk factors. Addressing these causes and implementing preventive measures can significantly improve reproductive health outcomes and reduce the incidence of chromosome abnormalities affecting pregnancy and newborn health.

Role of Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Psoriatic Arthritis

PURPOSE

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with complex and heterogenous manifestations. Although a myriad of treatment options including biologic medications are available to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression, there is currently no cure for this condition. There has been a recent emergence of understanding about the relationship between the gut microbiome and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. This has generated interest in the potential role of dietary interventions, particularly anti-inflammatory diets, and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as novel therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the role of an anti-inflammatory diet and FMT in turn and whether their combination may offer alternate approaches for the management of PsA.

METHODS

Our non-systematic narrative review was informed by a literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar using the terms anti-inflammatory diet, FMT, nutrition supplements, and PsA. Preclinical studies and non-English language articles were excluded when synthesizing the narrative review.

FINDINGS

Current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational evidence suggest that a hypocaloric diet or Mediterranean diet can help achieve weight loss among PsA patients who are overweight or obese, which in turn reduces inflammation and improves disease activity. However, there is no strong data to support the beneficial effects of intermittent fasting, vitamin supplements, turmeric supplements, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acid supplements in PsA. Current evidence on the use of FMT in PsA is limited as only one small RCT has been conducted which did not demonstrate efficacy for improving clinical symptoms.

IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians can consider recommending hypocaloric or Mediterranean diets as an adjunct to standard management of PsA, possibly under the guidance of a dietician. Further research is needed to explore the beneficial effects of the synergistic role of combining an anti-inflammatory diet with FMT in PsA.

Biochemical characterization of lipid metabolic genes of Aurantiochytrium limacinum

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known to have numerous health benefits and immense dietary value. There is a pressing need to have a deeper understanding of DHA metabolism. Acyl CoA: Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase (DGAT) is an important enzyme of lipid anabolism and an essential piece of the puzzle. Aurantiochytrium limacinum, a primary producer of DHA, is a good model for studying DHA metabolism. Thus, we aimed to investigate important lipid metabolic genes from A. limacinum. We cloned four putative DGATs (DGAT2a, DGAT2b, DGAT2c, and DGAT2d) from A. limacinum and performed detailed in vivo and in vitro characterization. Functional characterization showed that not all the studied genes exhibited DGAT activity. DGAT2a and DGAT2d conferred DGAT activity whereas DGAT2b showed wax synthase (WS) activity and DGAT2c showed dual function of both WS and DGAT. Based on their identified function, DGAT2b and DGAT2c were renamed as AlWS and AlWS/DGAT respectively. DGAT2a was found to exhibit a preference for DHA as a substrate. DGAT2d was found to have robust activity and emerged as a promising candidate for genetic engineering aimed at increasing oil yield. The study enriches our knowledge of lipid biosynthetic enzymes in A. limacinum, which can be utilized to design suitable application strategies.

Different Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation vs. Blood Lipid Profiles-A Study on a Rat Model

Dyslipidemia is a serious condition affecting an increasing number of people, and thus, preventive measures, including supplementation, are being developed. We aimed to compare the effect of linseed oil, its ethyl esters and fish oil supplementation on the serum lipid profiles of rats fed a high-fat diet. Wistar rats were divided into nine groups. Four of them were fed a high-fat diet for the whole experiment, four groups were fed a high-fat diet before the supplementation period and then the control one with supplements, and one was fed a control diet without supplements. The whole experiment lasted 12 weeks. A significant reduction in blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and the LDL fraction was noted in supplemented groups compared to the controls, especially in groups supplemented with ethyl esters of linseed oil and linseed oil compared to fish oil groups. The results were also more beneficial in groups where, in addition to supplementation, there was also a diet change from a high-fat diet to a control diet during the supplementation period. We may conclude that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, combined with a healthy diet, may be a good way of preventing or alleviating dyslipidemia.

Potential impacts of reduced seafood consumption on myocardial infarction among coastal First Nations in British Columbia, Canada

The objective of this study is to examine the potential cardiovascular risk of climate-related declines in seafood consumption among First Nations in British Columbia by assessing the combined effects of reduced omega-3 fatty acids and mercury intake from seafood on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in 2050 relative to 2009. The data were derived from the First Nations Food, Nutrition, and Environment Study. Seafood consumption among 369 randomly selected participants was estimated, and hair mercury concentrations were measured. Declines in seafood consumption were modelled based on previously projected climate change scenarios, and the associated changes in nutrients and contaminants were used to estimate the cardiovascular risk. Reduced seafood consumption was projected to increase the risk of MI by 4.5%–6.5% among older individuals (≥50 years), by 1.9%–2.6% in men, and by 1.3%–1.8% in women under lower and upper climate change scenarios, respectively. Reduced seafood consumption may have profound cardiovascular implications. Effective strategies are needed to promote sustainable seafood harvests and access to seafood for coastal First Nations.

Biomarker-based validation of a food frequency questionnaire for the assessment of omega-3 fatty acid status in a healthy Iranian population

There is no valid instrument to assess n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) intake in Iran. This study aims to develop a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that estimates the intake of n-3 PUFA and validate it in a healthy Iranian population based on the n-3 PUFA content of red blood cells (RBCs) and a 3-day food record (FR). A healthy population (n = 221) was recruited between February and July 2021. Participants completed the new FFQ and 3-day FR to evaluate the average intake of n-3 PUFAs. We used gas chromatography to assess the n-3 PUFA content of RBCs. To validate the FFQ based on FR and biomarker as references, the correlation coefficient was calculated. According to the Bland-Altman plots, a good agreement was found between the new FFQ and FR. Moreover, absolute intake values of ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA, and total n-3 PUFAs based on FFQ were positively correlated to their respective RBC membrane levels (coefficients between 0.205 and 0.508, p < 0.005) and FR (coefficients between 0.771 and 0.827, p < 0.001). This new FFQ is a valid instrument that can be applied to estimate the n-3 PUFA status of healthy Iranian adults.

The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids on health outcomes in women with breast cancer: A systematic review

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on the health outcomes of women with breast cancer in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for interventional studies. The risk of bias and the quality of the included articles were assessed by Cochrane Collaboration Handbook guidance. The statistical analyses were not conducted because of the heterogeneity of the included studies. Of 3676 identified articles, 11 articles were included in this study. The majority of the included studies were not of high quality. Median progression time and overall survival significantly improved. Additionally, surgical site healing complications and infection rates decreased. There was a significant decrease in perceived stress, sleep disturbance, depression, pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue throughout the intervention. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids consumption significantly increased the total serum omega-3, EPA, and DHA, and decreased the omega-6: omega-3 ratio, total leukocytes, lymphocytes, leptin, and CRP, accordingly. Mild gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in only two studies without clinically relevant adverse events. Omega-3 fatty acids may cause improvement in physical, mental, and some inflammatory and metabolic indices during treatment or posttreatment course of breast cancer patients. Due to the possibility of free radical formation, omega-3 FAs supplementation and consumption must be done very carefully.

Functional roles and novel tools for improving-oxidative stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids: A comprehensive review

Polyunsaturated fatty acids may be derived from a variety of sources and could be incorporated into a balanced diet. They protect against a wide range of illnesses, including cancer osteoarthritis and autoimmune problems. The PUFAs, ω-6, and ω-3 fatty acids, which are found in both the marine and terrestrial environments, are given special attention. The primary goal is to evaluate the significant research papers in relation to the human health risks and benefits of ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acid dietary resources. This review article highlights the types of fatty acids, factors affecting the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids, methods used for the mitigation of oxidative stability, health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and future perspectives in detail.

Dietary fatty acids differentially affect secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human THP-1 monocytes

Monocytes are a major population of circulating immune cells that play a crucial role in producing pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. The actions of monocytes are known to be influenced by the combinations and concentrations of certain fatty acids (FAs) in blood and dietary fats. However, systemic comparisons of the effects of FAs on cytokine secretion by monocytes have not be performed. In this study, we compared how six saturated FAs (SFAs), two monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), and seven polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) modulate human THP-1 monocyte secretion of TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide. SFAs generally stimulated resting THP-1 cells to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, with stearic acid being the most potent species. In contrast, MUFAs and PUFAs inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, the inhibitory potentials of MUFAs and PUFAs followed U-shaped (TNF and IL-1β) or inverted U-shaped (IL-6) dose-response curves. Among the MUFAs and PUFAs that were analyzed, docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3) exhibited the largest number of double bonds and was found to be the most potent anti-inflammatory compound. Together, our findings reveal that the chemical compositions and concentrations of dietary FAs are key factors in the intricate regulation of monocyte-mediated inflammation.

Combined Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Vitamin D 3 on Oxidized LDL-C and Non-HDL-C Levels in People With Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

The present randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on Jordanian participants with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) with no other medical conditions, to evaluate the combined effect of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 3 (Vit.D 3 ) and omega-3 fatty acid (n-3FA) supplements (D+) on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels as common predictors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Participants were randomized into 4 groups as follows: a control group (C) that received no supplementations, a Vit.D 3 group that received 50,000 IU of Vit.D 3 every week, an n-3FA group that received 300 mg of omega-3 fatty acid every day, and a D+ group that received a combination of both supplements, with the same dosage administered by the previous groups but with a 4-6-hour time interval between Vit.D 3 and n-3FA administration to avoid any possible interaction. All supplementations were administered orally for 8 weeks. Forty-seven participants were allocated to each group. Twenty-six in the control group, 37 participants in the Vit.D 3 group, 37 participants in the n-3FA group, and 46 participants in the D+ group completed the study to the end. The D+ supplementations significantly increased non-HDL-C (118.99 ± 60.98 to 155.26 ± 43.36 mg/dL, P << 0.05) but decreased Ox-LDL-C levels (69.29 ± 37.69 to 52.81 ± 17.30 pg/mL, P = 0.03). The stepwise regression showed that the serum LDL-C level was the main independent variable involved in the elevation of non-HDL levels (R 2 = 0.837) observed at the end of the trial in the D+ group. The groups that were supplemented with either Vit.D 3 alone or n-3FA alone had an insignificant decrease in the level of Ox-LDL-C. In conclusion, despite the observed hyperlipidemic effect, the combination treatment is recommended by the research team because the decrease in Ox-LDL may offset the hyperlipidemic effect.

Effect of Modified-Hen-Egg-Yolk-Lipid-Composition Diet on Plasma Lipids in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with modified-hen-egg-yolk on plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles in rats. During the four-week-experiment, 64 Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 16 (eight of both sexes), and fed commercial rat food (group C); food containing 70% commercial rat mixture and 30% freshly cooked egg yolk originating from laying hen eggs fed with 3% fish oil (group F); 3% palm olein (group P), or 3% lard (group L). The cooked egg yolk in the rat diet affected the concentrations of plasma total and LDL-cholesterol in males of the P and L groups. Cholesterol and total fat in the diet did not have a hypercholesterolemic effect on their own, but when in combination with fatty acid composition, they could contribute to an increase in plasma total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in rats. HDL-cholesterol was the most resilient plasma lipoprotein of rats to dietary treatments in our experiment. Compared to the control group, the addition of hen egg yolk to the rat diet regardless of its quality, adversely affected the values of HDL-C/TC and HDL-C/LDL-C in both males and females.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Novel Targets of Chemosensitizing Polyphenols and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with typically poorer outcomes due to its aggressive clinical behavior and lack of targeted treatment options. Currently, treatment is limited to the administration of high-dose chemotherapeutics, which results in significant toxicities and drug resistance. As such, there is a need to de-escalate chemotherapeutic doses in TNBC while also retaining/improving treatment efficacy. Dietary polyphenols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been demonstrated to have unique properties in experimental models of TNBC, improving the efficacy of doxorubicin and reversing multi-drug resistance. However, the pleiotropic nature of these compounds has caused their mechanisms to remain elusive, preventing the development of more potent mimetics to take advantage of their properties. Using untargeted metabolomics, we identify a diverse set of metabolites/metabolic pathways that are targeted by these compounds following treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these chemosensitizers do not all target the same metabolic processes, but rather organize into distinct clusters based on similarities among metabolic targets. Common themes in metabolic targets included amino acid metabolism (particularly one-carbon and glutamine metabolism) and alterations in fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, doxorubicin treatment alone generally targeted different metabolites/pathways than chemosensitizers. This information provides novel insights into chemosensitization mechanisms in TNBC.

Polymorphisms in Lymphotoxin-Alpha as the "Missing Link" in Prognosticating Favourable Response to Omega-3 Supplementation for Dry Eye Disease: A Narrative Review

Elements of inflammation are found in almost all chronic ocular surface disease, such as dry eye disease. The chronicity of such inflammatory disease speaks to the dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity. There has been a rising interest in omega-3 fatty acids to attenuate inflammation. While many cell-based (in vitro) studies verify the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3, different human trials report discordant outcomes after supplementation. This may be due to underlying inter-individual differences in inflammatory cytokine metabolism (such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), in which genetic differences might play a role, such as polymorphisms in the lymphotoxin alpha (LT-α) gene. Inherent TNF-α production affects omega-3 response and is also associated with LT-α genotype. Therefore, LT-α genotype might predict omega-3 response. Using the NIH dbSNP, we analyzed the relative frequency of LT-α polymorphisms among various ethnicities, each weighted by the genotype's probability of positive response. While the probability of response for unknown LT-α genotypes are 50%, there is greater distinction in response rates between various genotypes. Hence, there is value in genetic testing to prognosticate an individual's response to omega-3.

Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Marine Organisms: Focus on the Future Perspectives for Pharmacological, Biomedical and Regenerative Medicine Applications of Marine Collagen

Marine environments cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are among the richest and most complex ecosystems. In terms of biodiversity, the ocean represents an important source, still not widely exploited, of bioactive products derived from species of bacteria, plants, and animals. However, global warming, in combination with multiple anthropogenic practices, represents a serious environmental problem that has led to an increase in gelatinous zooplankton, a phenomenon referred to as jellyfish bloom. In recent years, the idea of "sustainable development" has emerged as one of the essential elements of green-economy initiatives; therefore, the marine environment has been re-evaluated and considered an important biological resource. Several bioactive compounds of marine origin are being studied, and among these, marine collagen represents one of the most attractive bio-resources, given its use in various disciplines, such as clinical applications, cosmetics, the food sector, and many other industrial applications. This review aims to provide a current overview of marine collagen applications in the pharmacological and biomedical fields, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy.

Strategies for producing healthier chicken nuggets - a review

Abstract The aim of this review was to address some alternatives that can be applied to turn chicken nuggets into healthier products. One of the alternatives is to reduce the sodium content in nuggets by replacing sodium chloride with other salts, without affecting their sensory and technological properties, and to balance the consumption of mineral salts in the body. The addition of fibres can improve nutritional and functional properties when incorporated into meat products because they increase water and oil retention capacities. Reformulation of meat products by adding vegetable oils with low saturated and high unsaturated fatty acids contents makes breaded meat products healthier. The oil absorption by foods during frying can be reduced by the use of coating systems that serve as a barrier to protect the product. Therefore, different strategies have been used with the aim of making chicken nuggets healthier, due to the addition of functional compounds, the reduction in the fat content, the improviment in the lipid profile, the reduction of the sodium content in the nuggets and the increasing in the consumption of minerals. It is expected that new studies can be evaluated and applied within the industrial scale that can serve the entire population, even though it is a fried meat product, but that has a reduced sodium content and high functional compounds.

Desaturases: Structural and mechanistic insights into the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids

This review highlights the key role of fatty acid desaturases in the synthesis of naturally occurring, more common and not unsaturated fatty acids. The three major classes of fatty acid desaturases, such as acyl-lipid, acyl-acyl carrier protein and acyl-coenzyme A, are described in detail, with particular attention to the cellular localisation, the structure, the substrate and product specificity and the expression and regulation of desaturase genes. The review also gives an insight into the biocatalytic reaction of fatty acid desaturation by covering the general and more class-specific mechanistic studies around the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids Finally, we conclude the review by looking at the numerous novel applications for desaturases in order to meet the very high demand for polyunsaturated fatty acids, taking into account the opportunity for the development of new, more efficient, easily reproducible, sustainable bioengineering advances in the field.

Glucosinolates and Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Mustard Seeds: Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Seeds from mustard (genera Brassica spp. and Sinapsis spp.), are known as a rich source of glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds are widely known for their health benefits that include reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This review presented a synthesis of published literature from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, and Web of Science regarding the different glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids isolated from mustard seeds. We presented an overview of extraction, isolation, purification, and structure elucidation of glucosinolates from the seeds of mustard plants. Moreover, we presented a compilation of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies showing the potential health benefits of glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids. Previous studies showed that glucosinolates have antimicrobial, antipain, and anticancer properties while omega-3 fatty acids are useful for their pharmacologic effects against sleep disorders, anxiety, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. Further studies are needed to investigate other naturally occurring glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids, improve and standardize the extraction and isolation methods from mustard seeds, and obtain more clinical evidence on the pharmacological applications of glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids from mustard seeds.

Increasing levels of microalga supplementation in diet on

Context In recent years, microalgae have been used in the diet to improve the quality of animal products due to their oil content and quality, but determining the optimum dose is very important to prevent some fermentation and economic losses in animal production. Aims The study investigated the effects of microalga (DHA-gold) supplementation in the diet at different levels in in vitro ruminal biohydrogenation and fermentation. Methods The treatments were control (no additional oil, forage:concentrate ratio 60:40 on a dry-matter (DM) basis) or the addition of 1%, 2%, and 3% of microalga in the diet on a DM basis. Four rumen-cannulated goats were used as donors for the in vitro experiment. The treatments were incubated using a batch culture technique, and the fatty acid profile and fermentation parameters were determined after 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Key results Total conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-11 C18:1 fatty acids increased with supplementation of microalgae. The 24-h biohydrogenation rate of unsaturated fatty acids varied between 61% and 98%. In addition, the highest CLA content was obtained from the 3% algae group. Biohydrogenation of C18:3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acids was decreased with the 2% microalga supplementation. The microalga supplementation had no effect on ruminal pH, ruminal acetate, propionate, and butyrate proportions, or the acetate:propionate ratio. Conclusion Under the current in vitro study conditions, 2% microalga supplementation to diet increased the ruminal biohydrogenation intermediate products, such as total CLA and trans-11 C18:1 fatty acid and decreased the ruminal biohydrogenation ratio of n-3 fatty acids (C18:3, EPA, and DHA). Implications Increasing the bioactive and beneficial fatty acids (e.g. CLAs) that are absorbed in the rumen by ruminants and then transferred to animal products (meat, milk) is important. From the results of this in vitro study, dietary microalga increased the ruminal CLA, C18:3, EPA, and DHA concentrations. However, dietary fat level should be evaluated in terms of improving an animal’s performance (growth rate, digestibility, milk yield, carcass, and milk quality).

Enhancement of nutritional value of fried fish using an artificial intelligence approach

Frying affects the nutritional quality of fish detrimentally. In this study, using Catla catla and mustard oil, experiments were carried out in varying temperatures (140-240 °C), times (5-20 min), and oil amounts (25-100 ml/kg of fish) which established drastic reduction of 44.97% and 99.40% for polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) and index of atherogenicity (IA) profile, respectively. Artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented successfully to provide an association between the independent inputs with dependent outputs (values of R² were 0.99 and 0.98; RMSE were 0.038 and 0.046; and performance were 0.038 and 0.067 for PUFA/SFA and IA, respectively) by exhaustive search of various algorithms and activation functions available in literature. ANN model-based meta-heuristic, stochastic optimization formalisms, genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), were applied to optimize the combination of cooking parameters for improving the nutritional quality of food which improved the nutritional value by maximizing the PUFA/SFA profile up to 63.05% and minimizing the IA profile to 99.64%. Multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was also employed to tune the inputs by maintaining a balance between the contrasting outputs and enhance the overall food value simultaneously with multi-objective (beneficial for health, economic, and environment-friendly) proposal. MOGA was able to improve the PUFA/SFA profile up to 44.76% and reduce the IA profile to 92.94% concurrently with the reduction of wastage of culinary media and energy consumption, following the optimized cooking condition (118.92 °C, 6.06 min, 40 ml oil/kg of fish).

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis in obesity: Potential relationship with gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a worldwide public health problem characterized by fat tissue accumulation, favouring adipose tissue and metabolic alterations. Increasing energy expenditure (EE) through brown adipose tissue activation and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has gained relevance as a therapeutic approach. Different bioactive compounds, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), have been shown to induce those thermogenic effects. This process is regulated by the gut microbiota as well. Nevertheless, obesity is characterized by gut microbiota dysbiosis, which can be restored by weight loss and n-3 PUFA intake, among other factors. Knowledge gap: However, the role of the gut microbiota on the n-3 PUFA effect in inducing thermogenesis in obesity has not been fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to elucidate the potential implications of this interrelation on WAT browning adiposw sittue (BAT), BAT activity, and EE regulation in obesity models.

Assessment of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on COVID-19-Associated Risk Reduction

Pooled evidence conveys the association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and infectious disease. SARS-CoV-2, an enveloped mRNA virus, was also reported to interact with polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present review explores the possible mode of action, immunology, and consequences of these polyunsaturated fatty acids during the viral infection. Polyunsaturated fatty acids control protein complex formation in lipid rafts associated with the function of two SARS-CoV-2 entry gateways: angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and cellular protease transmembrane protease serine-2. Therefore, the viral entry can be mitigated by modulating polyunsaturated fatty acids contents in the body. α-Linolenic acid is the precursor of two clinically important eicosanoids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the members of ω-3 fats. Resolvins, protectins, and maresins derived from docosahexaenoic acid suppress inflammation and augment phagocytosis that lessens microbial loads. Prostaglandins of 3 series, leukotrienes of 5 series, and thromboxane A₃ from eicosapentaenoic acid exhibit anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and platelet anti-aggregatory effects that may also contribute to the control of pre-existing pulmonary and cardiac diseases. In contrast, ω-6 linoleic acid-derived arachidonic acid increases the prostaglandin G₂, lipoxins A₄ and B₄, and thromboxane A₂. These cytokines are pro-inflammatory and enhance the immune response but aggravate the COVID-19 severity. Therefore, the rational intake of ω-3-enriched foods or supplements might lessen the complications in COVID-19 and might be a preventive measure.

Graphic Abstract

Hepatoprotective and Anti-Obesity Properties of Sardine By-Product Oil in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Excess lipid intake can trigger liver lipid accumulation and oxidative responses, which can lead to metabolic disturbances and contribute to hepatic steatosis and obesity and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Production of fish oil rich in omega-3 is a good opportunity for valorizing fish by-products in the therapeutic field. In this study, we explored the effects of oil from Sardina pilchardus by-products on cardiometabolic and oxidative disorders caused by toxic effects of excess lipids in obese rats. Three groups of obese rats received either 20% sardine by-product oil (SBy-Ob-HS; experimental group), 20% fillet oil (SF-Ob-HS; positive control group), or a high-fat diet (Ob-HS). Normal weight rats received a standard diet (normal). There was a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TG), and insulin concentrations in the SBy-Ob-HS group compared with the SF-Ob-HS group. Compared with the Ob-HS group, TC and TG, glycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulinemia were decreased in the SBy-Ob-HS (more notably) and SF-Ob-HS groups. Furthermore, hepatic lipids, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (C), the non-esterified cholesterol/phos-pholipids ratio, serum transaminases activities and lipid peroxidation were lower and serum high density lipoproteins-C were higher in the SBy-Ob-HS and SF-Ob-HS groups compared with the Ob-HS group. Serum isoprostane concentrations were reduced in the SBy-Ob-HS (more notably) and SF-Ob-HS groups compared with the Ob-HS and normal groups. The activities of antioxidant enzymes in tissues were enhanced, particularly in the by-product oil group. The oil extracted from by-products demonstrate anti-obesity properties (hypolipemiant, hepatoprotective, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant) that may be beneficial for the management of obesity and its complications, such as hepatic steatosis.

Nannochloropsis oceanica as a Sustainable Source of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Enrichment of Hen Eggs

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica as a sustainable source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) for hen eggs enrichment. During 4 weeks, hens were fed with 3% (w/w) of Nannochloropsis oceanica supplemented diet. Throughout the assay, eggs were analyzed according to several nutritional and physical parameters, namely: (i) protein, fat, and ash content; (ii) fatty acid profile; (iii) thickness and colour of the shell; (iv) total egg weight; (v) protein quality (HU) and (vi) yolk colour. A remarkable increase in eicosapentaenoic (EPA), from 2.1 ± 0.1 to 5.2 ± 1.2 mg/100 g, and docosahexaenoic (DHA), from 50.3 ± 4.0 to 105 ± 18 mg/100 g, fatty acids was observed. Yolk colour also changed significantly according to the La Roche scale, from 9.6 ± 0.8 to 11.4 ± 0.8 (more orange). Feed supplementation did not lead to changes in the remaining analyzed parameters. A shelf life study, carried out for 28 days at room temperature, showed a decrease in eggs protein quality. In conclusion, eggs from hens fed with Nannochloropsis oceanica had a yolk colour more appealing to consumers and higher levels of EPA and DHA, allowing its classification as high in n-3 PUFA (CE nº 1924/2006).

A Brief Journey into the History of and Future Sources and Uses of Fatty Acids

Fats and lipids have always had a primary role in the history of humankind, from ancient civilisations to the modern and contemporary time, going from domestic and cosmetic uses, to the first medical applications and later to the large-scale industrial uses for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and biofuel production. Sources and uses of those have changed during time following the development of chemical sciences and industrial technological advances. Plants, fish, and animal fats have represented the primary source of lipids and fats for century. Nowadays, the use of fatty acid sources has taken a turn: industries are mainly interested in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have beneficial properties in human health; and also, for high-value fatty acids product for innovative and green production of biofuel and feedstocks. Thus, the constant increase in demand of fatty acids, the fact that marine and vegetable sources are not adequate to meet the high level of fatty acids required worldwide and climate change, have determined the necessity of the search for renewable and sustainable sources for fatty acids. Biotechnological advances and bioengineering have started looking at the genetic modification of algae, bacteria, yeasts, seeds, and plants to develop cell factory able to produce high value fatty acid products in a renewable and sustainable manner. This innovative approach applied to FA industry is a peculiar example of how biotechnology can serve as a powerful mean to drive the production of high value fatty acid derivatives on the concept of circular bioeconomy, based on the reutilisation of organic resources for alternative and sustainable productive patterns that are environmentally friendly.

Choline and methionine supplementation in layer hens fed flaxseed: effects on hen production performance, egg fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, and oxidative stability

Choline is an essential nutrient in laying hen diets and is needed for the formation of phosphatidylcholine (PC), that serves as a rich source of long chain (≥20 C) n-3 fatty acids (FA) in eggs. Methionine (Met) is the first limiting amino acid in layer hen diets and serves as a lipotropic agent with antioxidant properties. The objectives of the current study is based on the hypothesis that choline and Met supplementation will enhance egg PC and n-3 FA status, lipid stability, and production indices in layer hens fed flaxseed. Ninety-six, 40-wk-old laying hens (W-36 White Leghorns) were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing four hens per cage. Hens were fed corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0% flaxseed (Control), 15/100 g flaxseed (Flax), Flax+50% more methionine requirement for W-36 White Leghorns (Flax+Met), or Flax+0.15g/100g choline chloride (Cho) (Flax+Cho). All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed for a period of 120 d. Egg production and egg mass (g/hen/d) was higher for Flax+Met and Flax+Cho when compared to Flax and Control (P < 0.05). Egg weight was greater (P < 0.05) among hens fed the Control and Flax+Cho diets compared to Flax diet. Feeding flaxseed to hens led to over 6-fold increase in total n-3 FA. Choline supplementation increased egg α-tocopherol content (P < 0.05) while reducing lipid oxidation products measured as thiobarituric acid reactive substances in egg yolk (P < 0.05). Neither Met nor Cho had any impact on docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3) acid concentration in eggs from hens fed flaxseed. However, addition of Met and Cho to layer diets increased docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) levels in eggs from hens fed flaxseed (P < 0.05). The PC content was lower in Control and Flax+Met (P < 0.05) when compared to Flax+Cho group. No difference was found in total lipid or phosphatidylethanolamine content of eggs (P > 0.05). The results from the current study suggest that n-3 FA content of egg yolk can be greatly increased by feeding flaxseed but reduced egg production. However, dietary Met and Cho can improve production performance in hens fed flaxseed-containing diets. Addition of Cho to flaxseed increased in egg weight, yolk α-tocopherol levels, PC content and oxidative stability of eggs when compared to hens fed flaxseed. Met and choline could be used in flaxseed (>15%) to increase egg production and egg mas.

Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Uses and Potential Health Benefits

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are obtained from various sources, which can be incorporated in the routine diet to maintain the health. They provide protection from several diseases like osteoarthritis, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Major focus is given to the PUFAs omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids which are available in both terrestrial and in the marine environment. The main concern of this article is to review the key scientific reports in context with the human health consequences and advantages of the food sources of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids.

RECENT FINDINGS

ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids are consumed by the population globally in the form of foods that are rich in fatty acids. Their nutritional effects have the capability to improve the physical functioning and metabolic rate of the body. These PUFAs contribute in various cellular activities like cell signaling, structural integrity and fluidity of cell membrane, the regulation of blood pressure, glucose level, the nervous system, inflammatory reactions, and hematic clotting. Animal and cell-based models represent that ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs can regulate the skeletal muscle metabolism. The main concern of this article is to review the key scientific reports in context with the human health consequences and advantages of the food sources of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids.

Long Chain Fatty Acids as Modulators of Immune Cells Function: Contribution of FFA1 and FFA4 Receptors

Long-chain fatty acids are molecules that act as metabolic intermediates and constituents of membranes; however, their novel role as signaling molecules in immune function has also been demonstrated. The presence of free fatty acid (FFA) receptors on immune cells has contributed to the understanding of this new role of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) in immune function, showing their role as anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory molecules and elucidating their intracellular mechanisms. The FFA1 and FFA4 receptors, also known as GPR40 and GPR120, respectively, have been described in macrophages and neutrophils, two key cells mediating innate immune response. Ligands of the FFA1 and FFA4 receptors induce the release of a myriad of cytokines through well-defined intracellular signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the cellular responses and intracellular mechanisms activated by LCFAs, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in T-cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, as well as the role of the FFA1 and FFA4 receptors in immune cells.

Fatty acids: facts vs. fiction

During the last 100 years official dietary guidelines have recommended an increased consumption of fats derived from seeds while decreasing the consumption of traditional fats, especially saturated fats. These recommendations are being challenged by recent studies. Furthermore, the increased use of refining processes in fat production had deleterious health effects. Today, the number of high-quality studies on fatty acids is large enough to make useful recommendations on clinical application and everyday practice. Saturated fats have many beneficial functions and palmitic acid appears to be problematic only when it is synthesized due to excess fructose consumption. Trans fatty acids were shown to be harmful when they are manmade but beneficial when of natural origin. Conjugated linoleic acid has many benefits but the isomer mix that is available in supplement form differs from its natural origin and may better be avoided. The ω3 fatty acid linolenic acid has rather limited use as an anti-inflammatory agent - a fact that is frequently overlooked. On the other hand, the targeted use of long chain ω3 fatty acids based on blood analysis has great potential to supplement or even be an alternative to various pharmacological therapies. At the same time ω6 fatty acids like linoleic acid and arachidonic acid have important physiological functions and should not be avoided but their consumption needs to be balanced with long chain ω3 fatty acids. The quality and quantity of these fats together with appropriate antioxidative protection are critical for their positive health effects.

Fish Oil Microcapsules as Omega-3 Enrichment Strategy: Changes in Volatile Compounds of Meat Products during Storage and Cooking

This work aims to analyze the effects of processing and storage on the volatile compound profile of different meat products enriched in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Monolayered (Mo) and multilayered (Mu) microcapsules of fish oil were tested. The profiles of volatile compounds were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The enrichment with Mo significantly increases the abundance of volatile compounds from lipid oxidation and markers of ω-3 PUFA oxidation, which may be related to the multilayer structure of chitosan–maltodextrin in Mu that achieves greater fish oil protection than the simple coating of maltodextrin in Mo. Besides, the changes in volatile compounds during storage depends on the type of fish oil microcapsules and the meat products, having an increased abundance of ω-3 PUFA oxidation markers in dry-cured sausages added with Mo. However, the enrichment of these meat products with Mo and Mu does not modify the usual variations in the volatile compound profile during culinary cooking. Thus, the addition of multilayer fish oil microcapsules may be a suitable option for enrichment of meat products in ω-3 PUFA without modifying the abundance of volatile compounds, including oxidation markers.

The Marine Microalga, Tisochrysis lutea, Protects against Metabolic Disorders Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 series and especially docosahexaenoic acid are known to exert preventive effects on metabolic disturbances associated with obesity and decrease cardiovascular disease risk. n-3 LC-PUFAs are mainly consumed in the form of fish oil, while other sources, such as certain microalgae, may contain a high content of these fatty acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tisochrysis lutea (Tiso), a microalga rich in DHA, on metabolic disorders associated with obesity. Three male Wistar rat groups were submitted for eight weeks to a standard diet or high-fat and high fructose diet (HF), supplemented or not with 12% of T. lutea (HF-Tiso). The supplementation did not affect plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALAT). Bodyweight, glycemia and insulinemia decreased in HF-Tiso rats (ANOVA, p < 0.001), while total plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (ANOVA, p < 0.001) without change of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels. Tiso supplementation decreased fat mass and leptinemia as well as liver TAG, cholesterol and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (ANOVA, p < 0.001) while it did not affect interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-4 and lipopolysaccharides levels. HF-Tiso rats showed an increase of IL-10 level in abdominal adipose tissue (ANOVA, p < 0.001). In conclusion, these results indicated that DHA-rich T. lutea might be beneficial for the prevention of obesity and improvement of lipid and glucose metabolism.