Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits

The adjuvant treatment role of ω-3 fatty acids by regulating gut microbiota positively in the acne vulgaris

Objectives:We aimed to explore the potential role of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids on acne vulgaris by modulating gut microbiota.Materials and Methods:We randomly divided the untreated acne patients into two groups with or without ω-3 fatty acids intervention for 12 weeks. The Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with acne model were given isotretinoin, ω-3 fatty acids or their combination respectively. Then the colonic contents samples of the drug intervention SD rats were transferred to the pseudo sterile rats with acne model. The severity of the disease was assessed by the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score of the patients, and the swelling rate of auricle and the pathological section of the rat with acne model. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing was performed to detect the alteration of the gut microbiota.Results:ω-3 fatty acids could increase the diversity of the gut microbiota and regulate the flora structure positively both in the patients and rats, increase the abundance of butyric acid producing bacteria and GAGS score in the patients, and alleviate the inflammation and comedones of rats.Conclusion:Supplementation of ω-3 fatty acids could alleviate the inflammation of acne vulgaris by increasing the abundance of butyric acid producing bacteria.

Dietary Chinese herbal formula supplementation improves yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens

Chinese herbal formula (CHF) has the potential to improve the performance of aged laying hens through integrated regulation of various physiological functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CHF supplementation on the yolk fatty acid profile in aged laying hens. A total of 144 healthy 307-day-old Xinyang black-feather laying hens were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group (CON, fed a basal diet) and a CHF group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 1% CHF; contained 0.30% Leonurus japonicus Houtt., 0.20% Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., 0.25% Ligustrum lucidum Ait., and 0.25% Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. for 120 days). The fatty acid concentrations in egg yolks were analyzed using a targeted metabolomics technology at days 60 and 120 of the trial. The results showed that dietary CHF supplementation increased (p < .05) the concentrations of several saturated fatty acids (SFA, including myristic acid and stearic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, including petroselinic acid, elaidic acid, trans-11-eicosenoic acid, and cis-11-eicosenoic acid), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, including linolelaidic acid, linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, 11c,14c-eicosadienoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, homo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid), and fatty acid indexes (total MUFA, n-3 and n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA, hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio, health promotion index, and desirable fatty acids) in egg yolks. Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary CHF supplementation could improve the nutritional value of fatty acids in egg yolks of aged laying hens, which would be beneficial for the production of healthier eggs to meet consumer demands.

Unveiling the neurolipidome of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A scoping review navigating future diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) poses a multifaceted challenge in psychiatry, with various subtypes and severities greatly impacting well-being. Recent scientific attention has turned towards lipid metabolism, particularly the neurolipidome, in response to clinical demands for cost-effective diagnostics and therapies. This scoping review integrates recent animal, translational, and clinical studies to explore impaired neurolipid metabolism mechanisms in OCD's pathogenesis, aiming to enhance future diagnostics and therapeutics. Five key neurolipids - endocannabinoids, lipid peroxidation, phospholipids, cholesterol, and fatty acids - were identified as relevant. While the endocannabinoid system shows promise in animal models, its clinical application remains limited. Conversely, lipid peroxidation and disruptions in phospholipid metabolism exhibit significant impacts on OCD's pathophysiology based on robust clinical data. However, the role of cholesterol and fatty acids remains inconclusive. The review emphasises the importance of translational research in linking preclinical findings to real-world applications, highlighting the potential of the neurolipidome as a potential biomarker for OCD detection and monitoring. Further research is essential for advancing OCD understanding and treatment modalities.

Fatty acid profile, physicochemical composition and carcass traits of young Nellore bulls fed Acacia mearnsii extract

Fatty acid profile, physicochemical composition, and carcass traits of 32 young Nellore bulls were assessed following the supplementation of Acacia mearnsii extract at levels of 0, 10, 30, and 50 g/kg of total dry matter (DM) in a completely randomized experiment with four treatments and eight replicates. Adding 50 g/kg DM of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii in the bulls' diet reduced DM intake, average daily gain, and meat lipid oxidation (P ≤ 0.05). The pH, centesimal composition, collagen, and meat color indexes of the longissimus muscle were not altered by the addition of Acacia mearnsii (P > 0.05). Cooling loss increased (P = 0.049) linearly. Including Acacia mearnsii in diet reduced the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF, P = 0.018) of longissimus muscle of the bulls. The concentration of C16:0, C17:0, C24:0, t9,10,11,16-18:1, c9t11-18:2, C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3, and 22:6n-3 in the muscle increased due to the addition of Acacia in the diet (P ≤ 0.05), with the highest muscle concentrations caused by the addition of 10 to 30 g Acacia. c9-18:1 and t16-18:1 reduced linearly. ƩSFA, ƩBI, Ʃcis- and ƩMUFA, Ʃn-3, Ʃn-6, and ƩPUFA (P ≤ 0.05) quadratically increased at higher concentrations of addition of Acacia, above 30 g/kg DM. It is recommended to include Acacia mearnsii extract up to 30 g/kg total DM in diets for young bulls as it improves CLA, PUFA and TI and reduces lipid oxidation. Acacia mearnsii extract as source of CT at 50 g/kg DM negatively impacted the young bulls performance.

Effects of different lipid sources on performance, blood lipid parameters, immune system activity, and expression of TNFα and TLR4 genes in broiler chickens

This study aimed to explore the effects of different lipid sources on the performance, blood lipid parameters, immune system activity, and the expression of TNFα and TLR4 genes in broiler chickens. A total of 500 one-day-old male chicks of the ROSS 308 commercial strain were allocated into four treatment groups with five replicates each (each replicate comprised of 25 chickens), following a randomized design. The treatments were as follows: (1) a diet incorporating palm oil (PO, a source of saturated fatty acids); (2) a diet incorporating flaxseed oil (FO, a source of omega-3); (3) a diet incorporating soybean oil (SO, a source of omega-6); and (4) a diet incorporating olive oil (OO, a source of omega-9). According to the findings, the broiler chickens exhibited a significant increase in body weight gain (BWG) throughout the study when their diet consisted of unsaturated oils, as opposed to a diet including PO. Conversely, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased (P<0.01). The treatment with FO resulted in the highest percentage of lymphocytes and antibody titers against Newcastle and Gumboro diseases, showing a significant difference compared to the treatment with PO (P<0.01). Moreover, the relative expression of TNFα and TLR4 genes was the lowest following the FO treatment, indicating a significant decrease compared to the treatment with PO. Overall, the present findings demonstrated that incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet was more effective in enhancing the growth performance, immune system, and health of broiler chickens.

Omega-3 Attenuates Disrupted Neurotransmission and Partially Protects Metabolic Dysfunction Caused by Obesity in Wistar Rats

Omega-3 (n3) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid well known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation that disrupts metabolism, the intestine physiology and the central nervous system functioning. This study aims to determine if n3 supplementation can interfere with the effects of obesity on the mitochondrial activity, intestinal barrier, and neurotransmitter levels in the brain of Wistar rats that received cafeteria diet (CAF). We examined adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, plasma, intestine, and the cerebral cortex of four groups: CT (control diet), CTn3 (control diet with n3 supplementation), CAF, and CAFn3 (CAF and n3). Diets were offered for 13 weeks, with n3 supplementation in the final 5 weeks. Adipose tissue Electron Transport Chain complexes I, II, and III showed higher activity in CAF groups, as did complexes III and IV in skeletal muscle. Acetate levels in plasma were reduced in CAF groups, and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was higher in the CAF group but reduced in CAFn3 group. Claudin-5 in the intestine was lower in CAF groups, with no n3 supplementation effect. In the cerebral cortex, dopamine levels were decreased with CAF, which was reversed by n3. DOPAC, a dopamine metabolite, also showed a supplementation effect, and HVA, a diet effect. Serotonin levels increased in the CAF group that received supplementation. Therefore, we demonstrate disturbances in mitochondria, plasma, intestine and brain of rats submitted to CAF and the potential benefit of n3 supplementation in endotoxemia and neurotransmitter levels.

Protective effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on hepatorenal syndrome in rats

BACKGROUND

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the most prevalent form of acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients. It is characterized by reduced renal blood flow and represents the most severe complication in cirrhotic patients with advanced disease. Previous research has indicated that antioxidants can delay the onset of a hyperdynamic circulatory state in cirrhosis and improve renal function in HRS patients. Regular omega-3 supplementation has significantly reduced the risk of liver disease. This supplementation could represent an additional therapy for individuals with HRS.

AIM

To evaluated the antioxidant effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the kidneys of cirrhotic rats.

METHODS

Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced in rats by biliary duct ligation (BDL) for 28 d. We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into the following groups: I (control); II (treated with omega-3, 1 g/kg of body weight); III (BDL treated with omega-3, 1 g/kg of body weight); and IV (BDL without treatment). The animals were killed by overdose of anesthetic; the kidneys were dissected, removed, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored in a freezer at -80℃ for later analysis. We evaluated oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, DNA damage by the comet assay, cell viability test, and apoptosis in the kidneys. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Tukey test, with P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Omega-3 significantly decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.001) and lipoperoxidation in the kidneys of cirrhotic rats treated with omega-3 (P < 0.001). The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase increased in the BDL+omega-3 group compared to the BDL group (P < 0.01). NO production, DNA damage, and caspase-9 cleavage decreased significantly in the omega-3-treated BDL group. There was an increase in mitochondrial electrochemical potential (P < 0.001) in BDL treated with omega-3 compared to BDL. No changes in the cell survival index in HRS with omega-3 compared to the control group (P > 0.05) were observed.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that omega-3 can protect cellular integrity and function by increasing antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting the formation of free radicals, and reducing apoptosis.

Improving Undernutrition with Microalgae

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

Effects and Mechanisms of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Age-Related Musculoskeletal Diseases: Sarcopenia, Osteoporosis, and Osteoarthritis-A Narrative Review

Background: The process of the globally aging population has been accelerating, leading to an increasing social burden. As people age, the musculoskeletal system will gradually go through a series of degenerative and loss of function and eventually develop age-related musculoskeletal diseases, like sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. On the other hand, several studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess various important physiological functions on the health of muscles, bones, and joints. Objective: This narrative review paper provides a summary of the literature about the effects and mechanisms of PUFAs on age-related musculoskeletal diseases for the prevention and management of these diseases. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases have been searched to select the relevant literature on epidemiological, cellular, and animal experiments and clinical evidence in recent decades with keywords "polyunsaturated fatty acids", "PUFAs", "omega-3", "omega-6", "musculoskeletal diseases", "sarcopenia", "osteoporosis", "osteoarthritis", and so on. Results: PUFAs could prevent and treat age-related musculoskeletal diseases (sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis) by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and controlling the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of cells. This review paper provides comprehensive evidence of PUFAs on age-related musculoskeletal diseases, which will be helpful for exploitation into functional foods and drugs for their prevention and treatment. Conclusions: PUFAs could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.

Investigating the Impact of Nutrition and Oxidative Stress on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background/Objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While the cause of this disorder is still unclear, recent studies have stated that heredity is important in the development of ADHD. This is linked to a few comorbidities, including depression, criminal behavior, and anxiety. Although genetic factors influence ADHD symptoms, there are also non-genetic factors, one of which is oxidative stress (OS), which plays a role in the pathogenesis and symptoms of ADHD. This review aims to explore the role of OS in ADHD and its connection to antioxidant enzyme levels, as well as the gut-brain axis (GBA), focusing on diet and its influence on ADHD symptoms, particularly in adults with comorbid conditions. Methods: The literature search included the main available databases (e.g., Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar). Articles in the English language were taken into consideration and our screening was conducted based on several words such as "ADHD", "oxidative stress", "diet", "gut-brain axis", and "gut microbiota." The review focused on studies examining the link between oxidative stress and ADHD, the role of the gut-brain axis, and the potential impact of dietary interventions. Results: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development and manifestation of ADHD symptoms. Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD exhibit reduced levels of key antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as a diminished total antioxidant status (TOS) compared to healthy controls. Additionally, there is evidence of a close bidirectional interaction between the nervous system and gut microbiota, mediated by the gut-brain axis. This relationship suggests that dietary interventions targeting gut health may influence ADHD symptoms and related comorbidities. Conclusions: Oxidative stress and the gut-brain axis are key factors in the pathogenesis of ADHD, particularly in adults with comorbid conditions. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to more targeted treatments, including dietary interventions, to mitigate ADHD symptoms. Further research is required to explore the therapeutic potential of modulating oxidative stress and gut microbiota in the management of ADHD.

The LimoFish Circular Economy Process for the Marine Bioeconomy

The outcomes of applying the zero-waste extraction "LimoFish" process based on defatting fish processing waste with limonene to leftovers of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), compared to conventional extraction with oil-derived solvents such as n-hexane and with petroleum ether, show that the process has general applicability. Meeting the principles of green extraction and those of the marine biorefinery requiring high process efficiency, the process establishes an "innovation through integration" circular economy production route enabling the marine bioeconomy.

Association of EPA and DHA with age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

Purpose

This cross-sectional study conducted in the general US population investigated the association between dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the prevalence of AMD.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized, including 4,842 participants aged 40 years and older. Dietary EPA and DHA intake data were collected through two 24-h dietary recall interviews and adjusted for weight. AMD was determined by a standardized grading system based on the presence of key features of AMD in color photographs of the macula. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models evaluated the associations between dietary EPA and DHA intake and AMD. Subgroup analysis and interaction analysis explored the influence of covariates.

Results

A total of 4,842 participants were included. In the multivariate-adjusted model 2, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AMD were 0.86 (0.75, 0.99) and 0.88 (0.80, 0.97) per unit increase in dietary EPA and DHA intake, respectively. Interaction testing revealed significant effect modification by age, education, and BMI on the EPA-AMD association, indicating these factors significantly impacted this inverse relationship (p-interaction < 0.05). Similarly, age, education, BMI, and cataract surgery history modified the inverse DHA-AMD association (p-interaction < 0.05). Dose-response analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between dietary EPA and DHA intake with AMD prevalence (p-nonlinearity = 0.184 and 0.548, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that higher dietary EPA and DHA intake could be associated with lower AMD risk in older US adults. Age, education level, BMI, and history of cataract surgery may influence this inverse association.

The Role of Omega- 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic illnesses characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream as a result of abnormalities in the generation or function of insulin. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an essential component of diabetes management. Dietary fats are essential in both the prevention and progression of chronic diseases. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are recognized for their advantageous impact on health. They assist in controlling blood sugar levels and lipid profile in patients with all types of diabetes. Furthermore, they reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events and death linked to DM.

RECENT FINDINGS

After evaluating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and antidiabetic mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, as well as the results from randomized controlled studies, it is clear that these supplements have positive effects in both preventing and treating diabetes, as well as preventing and treating complications related to diabetes, specifically cardiovascular diseases. However, current evidence does not support the use of omega-3 supplementation in people with diabetes for the purpose of preventing or treating cardiovascular events. People with all types of diabetes are suggested to include fatty fish and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids in their diet twice a week, as is prescribed for the general population.

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

BACKGROUND & AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Omega-3 PUFAs slow organ aging through promoting energy metabolism

Energy metabolism disorder, mainly exhibiting the inhibition of fatty acid degradation and lipid accumulation, is highly related with aging acceleration. However, the intervention measures are deficient. Here, we reported Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 PUFAs), especially EPA, exerted beneficial effects on maintaining energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis to slow organ aging. As the endogenous agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), Omega-3 PUFAs significantly boosted fatty acid β-oxidation and ATP production in multiple aged organs. Consequently, Omega-3 PUFAs effectively inhibited age-related pathological changes, preserved organ function, and retarded aging process. The beneficial effects of Omega-3 PUFAs were also testified in mfat-1 transgenic mice, which spontaneously generate abundant endogenous Omega-3 PUFAs. In conclusion, our study innovatively demonstrated Omega-3 PUFAs administration in diet slow aging through promoting energy metabolism. The supplement of Omega-3 PUFAs or fat-1 transgene provides a promising therapeutic approach to promote healthy aging in the elderly.

A New Generation of Postbiotics for Skin and Scalp: In Situ Production of Lipid Metabolites by Malassezia

Effects of pre- and probiotics on intestinal health are well researched and microbiome-targeting solutions are commercially available. Even though a trend to appreciate the presence of certain microbes on the skin is seeing an increase in momentum, our understanding is limited as to whether the utilization of skin-resident microbes for beneficial effects holds the same potential as the targeted manipulation of the gut microflora. Here, we present a selection of molecular mechanisms of cross-communication between human skin and the skin microbial community and the impact of these interactions on the host's cutaneous health with implications for the development of skin cosmetic and therapeutic solutions. Malassezia yeasts, as the main fungal representatives of the skin microfloral community, interact with the human host skin via lipid mediators, of which several are characterized by exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory activities. This review therefore puts a spotlight on Malassezia and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge about these fungal-derived lipid mediators and their capability to reduce aesthetical and sensory burdens, such as redness and itching, commonly associated with inflammatory skin conditions. Finally, several examples of current skin microbiome-based interventions for cosmetic solutions are discussed, and models are presented for the use of skin-resident microbes as endogenous bio-manufacturing platforms for the in situ supplementation of the skin with beneficial metabolites.

Dietary Quality and Nutrient Intakes of Elite Paracyclists

Nutrient requirements for para-athletes will be influenced by a variety of factors secondary to their impairment and, therefore, recommendations for para-athletes cannot be drawn directly from that of able-bodied athletes. Information on the dietary intakes of para-athletes is lacking and therefore needs to be examined. This study assessed the nutrient intakes and diet quality of 31 paracyclists via food frequency questionnaires. Based on the dietary reference intakes, most paracyclists consumed intakes above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake (AI). Recommendations were not met for iodine (males = 87% RDA; females = 62% RDA) or fibre in males (84% AI). A 26% risk of inadequacy was noted for vitamins D and E in females. A total of 42% of females and 75% of males did not meet fibre recommendations (14 g/1000 kcal), and only three athletes (all females) consumed fatty acids in the recommended omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1 or less. Athletes consumed grains, fruits, and vegetables frequently, though whole grains, pulses, and oily fish were generally consumed less often. Paracyclists appear to be consuming intakes at or above recommendations for most nutrients, though several nutrients were consumed below the recommended amounts; therefore, increasing the variety of foods consumed is suggested.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Depression

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have received considerable attention in the field of mental health, in particular regarding the treatment of depression. This review presents an overview of current research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. The existing body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have antidepressant effects that can be attributed to their modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms following omega-3 treatment, whereas others have shown minimal to no beneficial impact. A range of factors, encompassing dosage, the ratio of EPA to DHA, and baseline nutritional status, have been identified as having a potential impact on the noted results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may act as an adjunctive treatment for those undergoing antidepressant treatment. Notwithstanding these encouraging findings, discrepancies in study designs and variability in individual responses underscore the necessity of further research in order to establish uniform, standardized guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of depressive disorders.

Fatty acid metabolism-related enzymes in colorectal cancer metastasis: from biological function to molecular mechanism

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly aggressive and life-threatening malignancy that metastasizes in ~50% of patients, posing significant challenges to patient survival and treatment. Fatty acid (FA) metabolism regulates proliferation, immune escape, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance in CRC. FA metabolism consists of three pathways: de novo synthesis, uptake, and FA oxidation (FAO). FA metabolism-related enzymes promote CRC metastasis by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Mechanistically, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, wnt/β-catenin pathway, and non-coding RNA signaling pathway are regulated by crosstalk of enzymes related to FA metabolism. Given the important role of FA metabolism in CRC metastasis, targeting FA metabolism-related enzymes and their signaling pathways is a potential strategy to treat CRC metastasis.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of animal studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The primary pathological features of PD include the presence of α-synuclein aggregates and Lewy bodies, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Recently, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have been under investigation as a preventive and/or therapeutic strategy for PD, primarily owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature, focusing on studies that assessed the effects of ω-3 PUFAs in rodent models mimicking human PD. The search was performed using the terms "Parkinson's disease," "fish oil," "omega 3," "docosahexaenoic acid," and "eicosapentaenoic acid" across databases PUBMED, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar. Following analysis based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 studies were included. Considering behavioral parameters, pathological markers of the disease, quantification of ω-3 PUFAs in the brain, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, it can be observed that ω-3 PUFAs exhibit a potential neuroprotective effect in PD. In summary, this systematic review presents significant scientific evidence regarding the effects and mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of ω-3 PUFAs, offering valuable insights for the development of future clinical investigations.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Omega-3 possesses anti-inflammatory and lipid metabolism modifying effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but inconsistency exists among previous studies. This meta-analysis intended to explore the effects of omega-3 supplementation on fatty acid distribution, blood lipid profiles, inflammation, and disease activity in RA patients.

METHODS

This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched until August 31, 2023.

RESULTS

Eighteen randomized controlled trials with 1018 RA patients were included. Regarding fatty acid distribution, omega-3 supplementation increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 1.01; P < 0.001] and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) (SMD: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.89; P < 0.001), but reduced omega-6:omega-3 ratio (SMD: -1.06; 95% CI: -1.39, -0.73; P < 0.001) in RA patients. Regarding blood lipid, omega-3 supplementation decreased triglyceride (TG) in RA patients (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.78, -0.16; P = 0.003). Regarding clinical symptoms, omega-3 supplementation reduced tender joint count (TJC) in RA patients (SMD: -0.59; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.39; P < 0.001). Notably, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and disease activity score on 28 joints (DAS28) score were slightly decreased by omega-3 supplementation but without statistical significance (all P > 0.05). Publication bias was low, and stability assessed by sensitivity analysis was good.

CONCLUSION

Omega-3 supplementation increases EPA and DHA, but reduces the omega-6:omega-3 ratio, TG, and TJC in RA patients.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Alleviate Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Obstructive Jaundice Rats

Obstructive jaundice (OJ) can cause multiple pathophysiological consequences including intestinal barrier dysfunction. Omega-3 has been indicated to have a promising therapeutic effect on OJ. This study aimed to further investigate the functions of omega-3 on OJ-induced intestinal injury. A rat OJ model was established by bile duct ligation with or without omega-3 administration. ELISA was utilized for measuring serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining were employed for detecting the morphological changes and cell apoptosis in rat intestine. Western blotting was utilized for evaluating expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal tissues. Omgea-3 offset the reduction in body weight of OJ rats. Omega-3 alleviated inflammatory response, pathological damages and cell apoptosis in the intestine of OJ rats. Additionally, omega-3 enhanced levels of tight junction proteins in the intestinal tissues of OJ rats. Omega-3 ameliorates OJ-triggered impairment of intestinal barrier function in rats.

Enzymatically produced acylglycerol and glycerin monostearate additives improved the characteristics of gelatin-stabilized omega-3 emulsions and microcapsules

The impacts of enzymatically produced acylglycerol and glycerin monostearate on the characteristics of gelatin-stabilized omega-3 emulsions and microcapsules were investigated. Tuna oil was enzymatically produced and the resulting acylglycerol was mixed with tuna oil at 12.5% (w/w) to prepare a novel oil phase. This oil phase was stabilized by gelatin to prepare oil-in-water emulsions and subsequent microcapsules via complex coacervation. The tuna oil with glycerin monostearate (GMS) at 1 and 2% (w/w) were used as controls. Results showed that both acylglycerol and GMS significantly reduced the emulsion droplet size and zeta potential, while increasing the viscoelasticity and stability. The diacylglycerol/monoacylglycerol were involved in the oil/water interfacial layer formation by lowering interfacial tension and increasing droplet surface hydrophobicity. Overall, the changed emulsion properties promoted the complex coacervation and contributed to the formation of microcapsules with improved oxidative stability. Therefore, enzymatically produced acylglycerol can develop high-quality stable omega-3 microencapsulated novel food ingredients.

Transgenerational hormesis in healthy aging and antiaging medicine from bench to clinics: Role of food components

Neurodegenerative diseases have multifactorial pathogenesis, mainly involving neuroinflammatory processes. Finding drugs able to treat these diseases, expecially because for most of these diseases there are no effective drugs, and the current drugs cause undesired side effects, represent a crucial point. Most in vivo and in vitro studies have been concentrated on various aspects related to neurons (e.g. neuroprotection), however, there has not been focus on the prevention of early stages involving glial cell activation and neuroinflammation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that nutritional phytochemicals including polyphenols, the main active constituents of the Mediterranean diet, maintain redox balance and neuroprotection through the activation of hormetic vitagene pathway. Recent lipidomics data from our laboratory indicate mushrooms as strong nutritional neuronutrients with strongly activity against neuroinflammation in Meniere' diseaseas, a model of cochleovestibular neural degeneration, as well as in animal model of traumatic brain injury, or rotenone induced parkinson's disease. Moreover, Hidrox®, an aqueous extract of olive containing hydroxytyrosol, and Boswellia, acting as Nrf2 activators, promote resilience by enhancing the redox potential, and thus, regulate through hormetic mechanisms, cellular stress response mechanisms., Thus, modulation of cellular stress pathways, in particular vitagenes system, may be an innovative approach for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.

The biomolecules of Euglena gracilis: Harnessing biology for natural solutions to future problems

Over the past decade, the autotrophic and heterotrophic protist Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis) has gained popularity across the studies of environmental science, biosynthesis experiments, and nutritional substitutes. The unique physiology and versatile metabolism of E. gracilis have been a recent topic of interest to many researchers who continue to understand the complexity and possibilities of using E. gracilis biomolecule production. In this review, we present a comprehensive representation of recent literature outlining the various uses of biomolecules derived from E. gracilis across the fields of natural product biosynthesis, as a nutritional substitute, and as bioremediation tools. In addition, we highlight effective strategies for altering metabolite production using abiotic stressors and growth conditions. To better understand metabolite biosynthesis and its role in E. gracilis, integrated studies involving genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics should be considered. Together, we show how the ongoing advancements in E. gracilis related research continue to broaden applications in the biosynthetic sector and highlight future works that would strengthen our understanding of overall Euglena metabolism.

Efficacy and Safety of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Ameliorating Pruritus in Adult Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) represents a common distressing problem in patients with end-stage renal disease. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of CKD-aP. MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Scopus databases were searched systematically for articles published from inception until May 21, 2024. Outcomes were pruritus severity at the end of the study or its change from baseline (primary) and intervention-related adverse effects (secondary). Results were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) for numeric and dichotomous outcomes, respectively, along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eight studies were included. Treatment with omega-3 fatty acids showed a significantly lower severity of CKD-aP at the end of treatment (pooled SMD (95% CI) = -1.03 (-1.85, -0.22), p = 0.024) and changed from baseline (pooled SMD (95% CI) = -0.93 (-1.57, -0.28), p = 0.014). Omega-3 supplementation reduced the risk of CKD-aP (pooled RR (95% CI) = 0.68 (0.12, 3.81), p = 0.661). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation appears to be a promising effective and safe treatment for CKD-aP. However, the included studies had several limitations that warrant further high-quality studies to elucidate its effect and investigate the causes of non-response in patients who did not improve.

The effects of fatty acids on psoriasis: A two-sample mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Some studies indicated an association between fatty acids (FA) and psoriasis. While definitive correlation between FA and psoriasis is still unclear. Therefore, our objective is to ascertain whether fatty acid levels are causally related to psoriasis using a Mendelian randomization approach.

METHOD

We investigated the causal relationship between psoriasis and multiple types of FA by mendelian randomization. All data were acquired from Genome-Wide Association Study. We also performed additional analysis to assess the validity of the causal connection.

RESULTS

Our mendelian analysis suggests that n-3 fatty acid levels are associated with a lower risk of psoriasis. [IVW, OR/95% CI: 0.998/(0.997, 0.999), p (2.479 × 10-4)] Complementary analyses returned similar results, indicating consistency in our findings. No horizontal pleiotropy was found in our analysis. There was no indication of causal effects from other varieties of FA on psoriasis.

CONCLUSION

Our studies found that n-3 FA may lower the likelihood of developing psoriasis. We also need well-designed prospective studies and related large-scale, multicenter RCTs to confirm our findings.

Effectiveness of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation without alcohol intake. It can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in treating NAFLD. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted including studies published from January 2018 to June 2023. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials and cohort studies involving human subjects or animal models with NAFLD. Data were extracted and analyzed to assess the impact of omega-3 PUFAs on liver fat, hepatic enzymes, and serum lipid profiles using RevMan 5.4. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (mean difference = -2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.36, -0.87) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (mean difference = -1.50, 95% CI = -2.59, -0.42). Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels showed a trend toward reduction (mean difference = -0.82, 95% CI = -1.66, 0.02). Serum lipid profiles improved significantly with reductions in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol along with significant reductions in AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase in animal models. Omega-3 PUFAs appear to offer beneficial effects on liver enzymes, serum lipid profiles, and anthropometric indices in NAFLD patients. While their impact on liver fat content remains uncertain, omega-3 supplementation could serve as a valuable adjunct treatment for enhancing metabolic profiles and liver function in NAFLD patients.

Macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds for functional food and pharmaceutical applications-a critical review

The rising demand for global food resources, combined with an overreliance on land-based agroecosystems, poses a significant challenge for the sustainable production of food products. Macroalgae cultivation is a promising approach to mitigate impending global food insecurities due to several key factors: independence from terrestrial farming, rapid growth rates, unique biochemical makeup, and carbon capture potential. Furthermore, macroalgae are rich in vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber, demonstrating significant potential as sustainable alternatives for enhancing dietary diversity and fulfilling nutritional requirements. This review provides an overview of the nutritional composition and functional properties of commercially cultivated macroalgae species, with emphasis on their viability as value additions to the functional food market. Furthermore, the review discusses the technological aspects of integrating macroalgae into food products, covering both innovative solutions and existing challenges. Macroalgae, beyond being nutritional powerhouses, contain a plethora of bioactive compounds with varied biological activities, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties, making them excellent candidates in developing novel pharmaceuticals. Thus, this review also summarizes the pharmaceutical applications of macroalgae, identifies research gaps and proposes potential strategies for incorporating macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds into therapeutic products.

High methionine intake alters gut microbiota and lipid profile and leads to liver steatosis in mice

Methionine is an important sulfur-containing amino acid. Health effects of both methionine restriction (MR) and methionine supplementation (MS) have been studied. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a high-methionine diet (HMD) (1.64% methionine) on both the gut and liver functions in mice through multi-omic analyses. Hepatic steatosis and compromised gut barrier function were observed in mice fed the HMD. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of liver gene expression patterns revealed the upregulation of lipid synthesis and degradation pathways, cholesterol metabolism and inflammation-related nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway. Metagenomic sequencing of cecal content demonstrated a shift in gut microbial composition with an increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens and gut microbial functions with up-regulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis in mice fed HMD. Metabolomic study of cecal content showed an altered gut lipid profile and the level of bioactive lipids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), linoleoyl ethanolamide (LEA) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA), that carry anti-inflammatory effects significantly reduced in the gut of mice fed the HMD. Correlation analysis demonstrated that gut microbiota was highly associated with liver and gut functions and gut bioactive lipid content. In conclusion, this study suggested that the HMD exerted negative impacts on both the gut and liver, and an adequate amount of methionine intake should be carefully determined to ensure normal physiological function without causing adverse effects.

Functional Lipids and Cardiovascular Disease Reduction: A Concise Review

Functional lipids are dietary substances that may have an impact on human health by lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and enhancing the quality of life. Numerous functional lipids have been reported to have potential health benefits in the prevention, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, there is still insufficient and contradictory information in the literature about their effectiveness and associated mechanisms of action. The objective of this review, therefore, is to evaluate available literature regarding these functional lipids and their health benefits. Various studies have been conducted to understand the links between functional lipids and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Recent studies on phytosterols have reported that CLA, medium-chain triglycerides, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids have positive effects on human health. Also, eicosanoids, which are the metabolites of these fatty acids, are produced in relation to the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and may modulate disease conditions. These functional lipids are available either in dietary or supplement forms and have been proven to be efficient, accessible, and inexpensive to be included in the diet. However, further research is required to properly elucidate the dosages, dietary intake, effectiveness, and their mechanisms of action in addition to the development of valid disease biomarkers and long-term effects in humans.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Quinoa Induce Ferroptosis of Colon Cancer by Suppressing Stemness

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients for the human body, playing crucial roles in reducing blood lipids, anti-inflammatory responses, and anticancer effect. Quinoa is a nutritionally sound food source, rich in PUFAs. This study investigates the role of quinoa polyunsaturated fatty acids (QPAs) on quelling drug resistance in colorectal cancer. The results reveal that QPA downregulates the expression of drug-resistant proteins P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of colorectal cancer drug-resistant cells to the chemotherapy drug. QPA also inhibits the stemness of drug-resistant colorectal cancer cells by reducing the expression of the stemness marker CD44. Consequently, it suppresses the downstream protein SLC7A11 and leads to ferroptosis. Additionally, QPA makes the expression of ferritin lower and increases the concentration of free iron ions within cells, leading to ferroptosis. Overall, QPA has the dual-function reversing drug resistance in colorectal cancer by simultaneously inhibiting stemness and inducing ferroptosis. This study provides a new option for chemotherapy sensitizers and establishes a theoretical foundation for the development and utilization of quinoa.

Integrative Geriatric Oncology: A Review of Current Practices

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article aims to offer a comprehensive review of optimal integrative medicine practices for geriatric oncology patients. Given the aging population and the global rise in cancer incidence, it is crucial to identify evidence-based modalities and employ an integrated approach to enhance cancer outcomes and quality of life in older adults.

RECENT FINDINGS

It has been predicted that 20.5% (6.9 million) of new cancer cases in 2050 will occur in adults over 80 years old.1 The increasing focus on lifestyle factors in healthy aging has shed light on various overlooked areas of significance. Notably, anti-inflammatory diets and the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome have demonstrated significant impacts on overall health outcomes, bolstering the body's innate capacity to combat disease. This review delves into further evidence and extrapolation concerning integrative approaches and their influence on cancer outcomes and older adults quality of life. The complexity and unique nature of cancer in older adults requires a wide range of support from medical providers. Incorporating various integrative techniques as part of cancer treatment and side effect support can improve health outcomes and patient's quality of life. Familiarity with the lifestyle interventions and other topics explored in this review equips healthcare providers to offer tailored and holistic care to geriatric patients navigating cancer.

Comprehensive lipidomics study of basa catfish and sole fish using ultra-performance liquid chromatography Q-extractive orbitrap mass spectrometry for fish authenticity

The authenticity of fish products has become a widespread issue in markets due to substitution and false labeling. Lipidomics combined with chemometrics enables the fraudulence identification of food through the analysis of a large amount of data. This study utilized ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-QE Orbitrap MS technology to comprehensively analyze the lipidomics of commercially available basa catfish and sole fish. In positive and negative ion modes, a total of 779 lipid molecules from 21 lipid subclasses were detected, with phospholipid molecules being the most abundant, followed by glycerides molecules. Significant differences in the lipidome fingerprinting between the two fish species were observed. A total of 165 lipid molecules were screened out as discriminative features to distinguish between basa catfish and sole fish, such as TAG(16:0/16:0/18:1), PC(14:0/22:3), and TAG(16:1/18:1/18:1), etc. This study could provide valuable insights into authenticating aquatic products through comprehensive lipidomics analysis, contributing to quality control and consumer protection in the food industry.

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

Introduction

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity: results from a Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Obesity has been linked to various detrimental health consequences. While there is established evidence of a negative correlation between seafood consumption and obesity in adults, the current research on the association between seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity is lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the association between seafood intake in childhood/adolescence and the risk of obesity in a Chinese nationwide cohort.

METHODS

We utilized data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from the year of 1997 to 2015. Seafood consumption was evaluated through 3-day 24-hour recalls. In our study, overweight/obesity status was determined based on the Chinese Criteria of Overweight and Obesity in School-age Children and Adolescents (WS/T 586-2018), while abdominal obesity status was determined according to the Chinese Criteria of Waist Circumference Screening Threshold among Children and Adolescents (WS/T 611-2018).

RESULTS

During an average follow-up of 7.9 years, 404 cases developed overweight/obesity among 2206 participants in the seafood-overweight/obesity analysis, while 381 cases developed abdominal obesity among 2256 participants in the seafood-abdominal-obesity analysis. The high-consumer group was associated with 35% lower risk of overweight/obesity risk and 26% lower risk of abdominal obesity after fully adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, compared with the non-consumer group. Considering different cooking methods, boiled seafood consumption was associated with 43% lower risk of overweight/obesity and 23% lower risk of abdominal obesity in the fully adjusted model, while stir-fried seafood did not demonstrate a statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Higher intake of seafood in childhood/adolescents, particularly in a boiled way, was associated with lower obesity risk.

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

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

Oleaginous fungi: a promising source of biofuels and nutraceuticals with enhanced lipid production strategies

Oleaginous fungi have attracted a great deal of interest for their potency to accumulate high amounts of lipids (more than 20% of biomass dry weight) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have a variety of industrial and biological applications. Lipids of plant and animal origin are related to some restrictions and thus lead to attention towards oleaginous microorganisms as reliable substitute resources. Lipids are traditionally biosynthesized intra-cellularly and involved in the building structure of a variety of cellular compartments. In oleaginous fungi, under certain conditions of elevated carbon ratio and decreased nitrogen in the growth medium, a change in metabolic pathway occurred by switching the whole central carbon metabolism to fatty acid anabolism, which subsequently resulted in high lipid accumulation. The present review illustrates the bio-lipid structure, fatty acid classes and biosynthesis within oleaginous fungi with certain key enzymes, and the advantages of oleaginous fungi over other lipid bio-sources. Qualitative and quantitative techniques for detecting the lipid accumulation capability of oleaginous microbes including visual, and analytical (convenient and non-convenient) were debated. Factors affecting lipid production, and different approaches followed to enhance the lipid content in oleaginous yeasts and fungi, including optimization, utilization of cost-effective wastes, co-culturing, as well as metabolic and genetic engineering, were discussed. A better understanding of the oleaginous fungi regarding screening, detection, and maximization of lipid content using different strategies could help to discover new potent oleaginous isolates, exploit and recycle low-cost wastes, and improve the efficiency of bio-lipids cumulation with biotechnological significance.

Fish Oil Supplementation Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity: Exploring Epigenetic Modulation and Genes Associated with Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Mice

This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) treatment, particularly enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. The investigation focused on elucidating the impact of FO on epigenetic modifications in white adipose tissue (WAT) and the involvement of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). C57BL/6j mice were divided into two groups: control diet and HFD for 16 weeks. In the last 8 weeks, the HFD group was subdivided into HFD and HFD + FO (treated with FO). WAT was removed for RNA and protein extraction, while ASCs were isolated, cultured, and treated with leptin. All samples were analyzed using functional genomics tools, including PCR-array, RT-PCR, and Western Blot assays. Mice receiving an HFD displayed increased body mass, fat accumulation, and altered gene expression associated with WAT inflammation and dysfunction. FO supplementation attenuated these effects, a potential protective role against HFD-induced obesity. Analysis of H3K27 revealed HFD-induced changes in histone, which were partially reversed by FO treatment. This study further explored leptin signaling in ASCs, suggesting a potential mechanism for ASC dysfunction in the obesity-rich leptin environment of WAT. Overall, FO supplementation demonstrated efficacy in mitigating HFD-induced obesity, influencing epigenetic and molecular pathways, and shedding light on the role of ASCs and leptin signaling in WAT dysfunction associated with obesity.

Nutrition of aging people with diabetes mellitus: Focus on sarcopenia

As populations age, chronic diseases accumulate, and new health conditions emerge. One noteworthy pair that warrants further evaluation is diabetes mellitus and sarcopenia, given that the latter occurs in 28 % of the population aged over 50 who have diabetes mellitus. The management of both entails nutritional interventions, making the development of unified dietary recommendations an alluring strategy. This review aims to elucidate the current recommendations for the combined management of sarcopenia and diabetes, while featuring elements that require further research. The goal of nutritional management is to improve muscle mass and strength while regulating metabolic risk and glucose levels. To ensure muscle synthesis in the elderly, recommendations align at daily calorie intake that exceeds 30 kcal/kg, with adjustments based on comorbidities. Additionally, a protein intake of at least 1-1.2 g/kg/d is essential, emphasizing both daily and per-meal intake, and can be achieved through diet or branched-amino-acids supplements. Specific considerations for diabetes include restricted protein intake in diabetic nephropathy and exploring the potential link between branched amino acids and insulin resistance. Further recommendations that both promote metabolic health and have demonstrated at least a potential to increase muscle strength include prioritizing polyunsaturated fatty acids as a fat source and maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D. Clinicians should consult their patients on dietary optimization, but evidence is insufficient to recommend additional supplementation. Lastly, an emerging challenge of diabetes and sarcopenia is sarcopenic obesity, which requires the combination of a hypocaloric diet with increased protein intake.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

BACKGROUND

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) have attracted the attention of researchers because of their influence on circulatory levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our objective was to review systematically and Meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of omega-3 FAs supplementation on serum BDNF concentration.

METHODS

Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched until April 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was utilized to evaluate the quality of the studies. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the overall effect size of BDNF levels, using the Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using chi-squared and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies involving 587 subjects were included. The supplementation of PUFA was found to be associated with a significant increase in serum levels of BNDF in the group receiving the supplements, as compared to the placebo group (SMD: 0.72 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.15; P < 0.001) (I2 = 84.39%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analyses revealed similar findings in trials with fewer than 10 weeks, which utilized both animal (fish oil) and herbal (flaxseed) forms of omega-3 supplements with a high daily dosage of 2000mg.

CONCLUSION

The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate the efficacy of omega-3 FAs in increasing the serum concentration of BDNF. Therefore, omega-3 FAs should be prioritized as agents for increasing BDNF in interventions.

Use of olive and sunflower protein hydrolysates for the physical and oxidative stabilization of fish oil-in-water emulsions

BACKGROUND

Olive and sunflower seeds are by-products generated in large amounts by the plant oil industry. The technological and biological properties of plant-based substrates, especially protein hydrolysates, have increased their use as functional ingredients for food matrices. The present study evaluates the physical and oxidative stabilities of 50 g kg-1 fish oil-in-water emulsions where protein hydrolysates from olive and sunflower seeds were incorporated at 20 g kg-1 protein as natural emulsifiers. The goal was to investigate the effect of protein source (i.e. olive and sunflower seeds), enzyme (i.e. subtilisin and trypsin) and degree of hydrolysis (5%, 8% and 11%) on the ability of the hydrolysate to stabilize the emulsion and retard lipid oxidation over a 7-day storage period.

RESULTS

The plant protein hydrolysates displayed different emulsifying and antioxidant capacities when incorporated into the fish oil-in-water emulsions. The hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) of 5%, especially those from sunflower seed meal, provided higher physical stability, regardless of the enzymatic treatment. For example, the average D [2, 3] values for the emulsions containing sunflower subtilisin hydrolysates at DH 5% only slightly increased from 1.21 ± 0.02 μm (day 0) to 2.01 ± 0.04 μm (day 7). Moreover, the emulsions stabilized with sunflower or olive seed hydrolysates at DH 5% were stable against lipid oxidation throughout the storage experiment, with no significant variation in the oxidation indices between days 0 and 4.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study support the use of sunflower seed hydrolysates at DH 5% as natural emulsifiers for fish oil-in-water emulsions, providing both physical and chemical stability against lipid oxidation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Casual relationships between circulating metabolites and rheumatoid arthritis: A mendelian randomization study

Background

Blood metabolites serve as pivotal indicators in identifying and predicting the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, empirical substantiation of a direct causal link between these serum biomarkers and the development of RA is still lacking comprehensive support.

Method

In pursuit of a thorough exploration of the causal links between circulating blood metabolites and RA, we deployed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach during our initial investigative phase. This method was utilized to examine the potential connections between 249 distinct circulating metabolites and the prevalence of RA. In the validation phase, we conducted replication analyses with a new metabolic dataset consisting of 123 metabolites. Furthermore, we employed the Mendelian randomization based on Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA) technique to pinpoint key metabolic characteristics that have significant causal implications.

Results

In our primary analysis, we found that acetate, acetoacetate and pyruvate exhibited a consistent protective causal association with rheumatoid arthritis, while lactate demonstrated a positive correlation with rheumatoid arthritis risk. It is also noteworthy that a substantial subset of traits related to both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids showed causal influences. Subsequent secondary analyses substantiated these observations, revealing that traits associated with the average number of methylene groups in a fatty acid chain exhibited protective effects. Ultimately, our MR-BMA analyses unveiled that the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to total fatty acids assumes a paramount role in increasing the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusions

By employing systemic MR analyses, our study has successfully generated an all-encompassing atlas elucidating the intricate connections between circulating metabolites and the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. Our results indicate the high unsaturation degree is a dominant risk factors correlated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Marine-Derived Lipases for Enhancing Enrichment of Very-Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids with Reference to Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are not synthesised by the human body and have been linked with the prevention of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the current dietary habits of the majority of the population include lower omega-3 content compared to omega-6, which does not promote good health. To overcome this, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies aim to produce omega-3-fortified foods. For this purpose, various approaches have been employed to obtain omega-3 concentrates from sources such as fish and algal oil with higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among these techniques, enzymatic enrichment using lipase enzymes has gained tremendous interest as it is low in capital cost and simple in operation. Microorganism-derived lipases are preferred as they are easily produced due to their higher growth rate, and they hold the ability to be manipulated using genetic modification. This review aims to highlight the recent studies that have been carried out using marine lipases for the enrichment of omega-3, to provide insight into future directions. Overall, the covalent bond-based lipase immobilization to various support materials appears most promising; however, greener and less expensive options need to be strengthened.

Efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is uncertainty about the optimum dose of omega-3 fatty acids for anxiety symptoms. We aimed to find the dose-dependent effect of omega-3 supplementation on anxiety symptoms.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2022 to find randomized trials that assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on anxiety symptoms in adults. Investigators performed the literature search and screened the titles/abstracts and full-texts and between-reviewer agreement was assessed as Cohen's kappa coefficient. We conducted a random-effects dose-response meta-analysis to estimate standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.

RESULTS

A total of 23 trials with 2189 participants were included. Each 1 gram per day supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a moderate decrease in anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.70, 95%CI: -1.17, -0.22; GRADE = low). The non-linear dose-response analysis indicated the greatest improvement at 2 g/d (SMD: -0.93, 95%CI: -1.85, -0.01), and that supplementation in a dose lower than 2 g/d did not affect anxiety symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids did not increase adverse events (odds ratio: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.89, 1.61; GRADE = moderate).

CONCLUSIONS

The present dose-response meta-analysis suggested evidence of very low certainty that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly improve anxiety symptoms, with the greatest improvements at 2 g/d. More trials with better methodological quality are needed to reach more robust evidence.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42022309636).

Cognition of diet quality and dietary management in elderly patients with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease in western China, a qualitative research study

BACKGROUND

Healthy eating is one of the most important nonpharmacologic treatments for patients with atherosclerosis(AS). However, it is unclear how elderly AS patients in western China perceive their dietary status and which type of nutritional assistance they would be willing to receive. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to understand the level of knowledge about current dietary habits and healthy eating habits among elderly AS patients in western China, and the secondary purpose was to identify acceptable nutritional assistance measures or pathways for those patients to help them manage disease progression.

METHODS

An implementation study approach was used to recruit elderly patients with AS-related diseases in western China for semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

14 participants were included in the study, and the following three themes were identified from the interviews:(1) the diet with regional characteristics; (2) low nutrition-related health literacy; (3) complex attitudes towards nutritional assistance. Most participants had misconceptions about healthy eating, and the sources of their knowledge might not be trustworthy. Participants expressed a preference for personalized nutritional assistance, especially that provided by medical-nursing combined institutions.

CONCLUSION

Patients in western China need nutritional assistance for their regional dietary habits; therefore, healthy dietary patterns consistent with the regional culture are proposed to improve the prevailing lack of knowledge about healthy diets, improve the dietary structure of patients, and control the development of the disease.

Gut Microbiota Fermentation of Digested Almond-Psyllium-Flax Seed-Based Artisan Bread Promotes Mediterranean Diet-Resembling Microbial Community

Different modifications of the standard bread recipe have been proposed to improve its nutritional and health benefits. Here, we utilized the in vitro Human Gut Simulator (HGS) to assess the fermentation of one such artisan bread by human gut microbiota. Dried and milled bread, composed of almond flour, psyllium husks, and flax seeds as its three main ingredients, was first subjected to an in vitro protocol designed to mimic human oro-gastro-intestinal digestion. The bread digest was then supplied to complex human gut microbial communities, replacing the typical Western diet-based medium (WM) of the GHS system. Switching the medium from WM to bread digest resulted in statistically significant alterations in the community structure, encoded functions, produced short-chain fatty acids, and available antioxidants. The abundances of dietary fiber degraders Enterocloster, Mitsuokella, and Prevotella increased; levels of Gemmiger, Faecalibacterium, and Blautia decreased. These community alterations resembled the previously revealed differences in the distal gut microbiota of healthy human subjects consuming typical Mediterranean vs. Western-pattern diets. Therefore, the consumption of bread high in dietary fiber and unsaturated fatty acids might recapitulate the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on the gut microbiota.

Genetically determined dietary habits and risk of Alzheimer's disease: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Emerging evidence have suggested that dietary habits have potential implication on the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, elucidating the causal relationship between specific dietary factors and AD risk remains a challenge. Therefore, our study endeavors to investigate the causal association between dietary habits and the risk of AD.

Materials and methods

We analyzed data on 231 dietary habits sourced from the UK Biobank and MRC-IEU, and AD data obtained from the FinnGen database. Employing a framework based on the classic two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, we utilized the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analysis. Additionally, we conducted Steiger filtering and other methods to mitigate horizontal pleiotropy. The robustness of our overall findings was confirmed through multiple sensitivity analysis methods, and forward MR and reverse MR to address potential reverse causality bias.

Results

Our study evaluated the causal effect between 231 dietary habits involving over 500,000 participants of European ancestry, and 10,520 AD cases. Only oily fish intake demonstrated a significant protective causal relationship with AD following FDR correction (raw p-value = 1.28e-4, FDR p-value = 0.011, OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.47-0.78). Additionally, six dietary habits potentially influenced AD risk, with protective causal effects observed for average monthly intake of other alcoholic drinks (raw p-value = 0.024, FDR p-value = 0.574, OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.35-0.93) and tea intake (raw p-value = 0.047, FDR p-value = 0.581, OR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.603-1.00). Conversely, detrimental causal effects were observed for the average weekly champagne plus white wine intake (raw p-value = 0.006, FDR p-value = 0.243, OR = 2.96, 95%CI: 1.37-6.38), Danish pastry intake (raw p-value = 0.036, FDR p-value = 0.574, OR = 13.33, 95%CI: 1.19-149.69), and doughnut intake (raw p-value = 0.039, FDR p-value = 0.574, OR = 7.41, 95%CI: 1.11-49.57). Moreover, the protective effect of goat's cheese intake phenotype exhibited statistical significance only in the IVW method (raw p-value<0.05).

Conclusion

Our results provide genetic support for a protective causal effect of oily fish intake on AD risk. Additionally, average monthly intake of other alcoholic drinks and tea consumption were also related with a lower risk of AD. Conversely, average weekly champagne plus white wine intake, Danish pastry intake, and doughnut intake were causally associated with increased risk of AD.

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels of patients with ESRD condition undergoing dialysis

Background

Concomitant inflammation may boost the cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Omega-3 fatty acids may have certain health benefits in HD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB) level and platelet (PLT) counts of HD patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a private dialysis center in Rasht, Iran. Three omega-3 fatty acid supplement capsules (3 g/d) were administered daily for two months to patients in the intervention group (n = 55). The control group (n = 60) were given three placebo capsules containing medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, similar to the supplemental dose of the intervention group at the same period. Three parameters of HCT, HB and PLT were measured at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

The PLT count decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group (173.38 ± 74.76 vs. 227.68 ± 86.58 103/mm3, F = 4.83, P = 0.03). No significant change was found on the levels of HCT and HB parameters between the two groups after the intervention.

Conclusion

Omega-3 supplementation in HD patients may decrease the risk of forming blood clots in the blood vessels. Further studies are warranted.

Innovation in precision fermentation for food ingredients

A transformation in our food production system is being enabled by the convergence of advances in genome-based technologies and traditional fermentation. Science at the intersection of synthetic biology, fermentation, downstream processing for product recovery, and food science is needed to support technology development for the production of fermentation-derived food ingredients. The business and markets for fermentation-derived ingredients, including policy and regulations are discussed. A patent landscape of fermentation for the production of alternative proteins, lipids and carbohydrates for the food industry is provided. The science relating to strain engineering, fermentation, downstream processing, and food ingredient functionality that underpins developments in precision fermentation for the production of proteins, fats and oligosaccharides is examined. The production of sustainably-produced precision fermentation-derived ingredients and their introduction into the market require a transdisciplinary approach with multistakeholder engagement. Successful innovation in fermentation-derived ingredients will help feed the world more sustainably.