Can essential fatty acids reduce the burden of disease(s)?

Identification of alpha-linolenic acid as a broad-spectrum antiviral against zika, dengue, herpes simplex, influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) has garnered global attention due to its association with severe congenital defects including microcephaly. However, there are no licensed vaccines or drugs against ZIKV infection. Pregnant women have the greatest need for treatment, making drug safety crucial. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acid, has been used as a health-care product and dietary supplement due to its potential medicinal properties. Here, we demonstrated that ALA inhibits ZIKV infection in cells without loss of cell viability. Time-of-addition assay revealed that ALA interrupts the binding, adsorption, and entry stages of ZIKV replication cycle. The mechanism is probably that ALA disrupts the membrane integrity of the virions to release ZIKV RNA, inhibiting viral infectivity. Further examination revealed that ALA inhibits DENV-2, HSV-1, influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection dose-dependently. ALA is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral agent.

Hydrolysis of Edible Oils by Fungal Lipases: An Effective Tool to Produce Bioactive Extracts with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential

Hydrolysis of olive, rapeseed, linseed, almond, peanut, grape seed and menhaden oils was performed with commercial lipases of Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, Rhizopus niveus, Rhizomucor miehei and Candida rugosa. In chromogenic plate tests, olive, rapeseed, peanut and linseed oils degraded well even after 2 h of incubation, and the R. miehei, A. niger and R. oryzae lipases exhibited the highest overall action against the oils. Gas chromatography analysis of vegetable oils hydrolyzed by R. miehei lipase revealed about 1.1 to 38.4-fold increases in the concentrations of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids after the treatment, depending on the fatty acids and the oil. The major polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by R. miehei lipase treatment from menhaden oil were linoleic, α-linolenic, hexadecanedioic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, with yields from 12.02 to 52.85 µg/mL reaction mixture. Folin-Ciocalteu and ferric reducing power assays demonstrated improved antioxidant capacity for most tested oils after the lipase treatment in relation to the concentrations of some fatty acids. Some lipase-treated and untreated samples of oils, at 1.25 mg/mL lipid concentration, inhibited the growth of food-contaminating bacteria. The lipid mixtures obtained can be reliable sources of extractable fatty acids with health benefits.

Beneficial Actions of Essential Fatty Acids in Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The essential fatty acids (EFA), n3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and n6 linoleic acid (LA) are of benefit in diabetes mellitus, but their mechanisms of action are unknown. We, therefore, examined the effects of EFAs on the metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammatory and retinal histopathology indices in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) animals, and we assessed the levels of vitreal lipoxin A4 (LXA4)-derived from LA-in subjects with diabetic retinopathy (DR). STZ-induced T1DM rats received LA or ALA 100 μg/day intraperitoneally on alternate days for 21 days, and their blood glucose; lipid profile; plasma, hepatic, and retinal fatty acid profiles (by gas chromatography); retinal histology; activities of hepatic and retinal desaturases; and inflammatory markers (by qRT-PCR) were evaluated. Gut microbiota composition was assayed by 16S rDNA sequencing technology of the fecal samples, and their short-chain fatty acids and bile acids were assayed by gas chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The human vitreal fatty acid profiles of subjects with proliferative DR and LXA4 levels were measured. LA and ALA significantly improved the plasma glucose and lipid levels; increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae (the ALA-treated group), Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_010, and Ruminococcus_1 (the LA-treated group) bacteria; enhanced acetate and butyrate levels; and augmented fecal and hepatic concentrations of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and tauro ursodeoxycholic acid in ALA- and LA-treated animals. Significant STZ-induced decreases in plasma LA, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and ALA levels reverted to near normal, following LA and ALA treatments. Significant changes in the expression of desaturases; COX-2, 5-LOX, and 12-LOX enzymes; and cytokines in T1DM were reverted to near normal by EFAs. DR subjects also had low retinal LXA4 levels. The results of the present study show that ALA and LA are of significant benefit in reversing metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammatory and retinal index changes seen in T1DM, suggesting that EFAs are of benefit in diabetes mellitus.

Use of Intravenous Soybean and Fish Oil Emulsions in Pediatric Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease: A Multicenter Integrated Analysis Report on Extrahepatic Adverse Events

OBJECTIVE

To compare extrahepatic adverse events during fish oil lipid emulsion (FOLE) or soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) treatment in children with intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD).

STUDY DESIGN

In this multicenter integrated analysis, bleeding, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), infections, and signs of lipid emulsion intolerance were compared between FOLE recipients (1 g/kg/d) (n = 189) and historical controls who received SOLE (≤3 g/kg/d) (n = 73).

RESULTS

When compared with SOLE recipients, FOLE recipients had a lower gestational age (30.5 vs 33.0 weeks; P = .0350) and higher baseline direct bilirubin (DB) (5.8 vs 3.0 mg/dL; P < .0001). FOLE recipients had a decreased incidence of bleeding (P < .0001), BPD (P < .001), ROP (P < .0156), bacterial and fungal infections (P < .0001), and lipid intolerance signs (P < .02 for all). Patients with bleeding vs patients without bleeding had higher baseline DB; the ORs for baseline DB (by mg/dL) and treatment (FOLE vs SOLE) were 1.20 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.31; P ≤ .0001) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.46; P ≤ .0001), respectively. In preterm infants, a higher BPD (P < .0001) and ROP incidence (P = .0071) was observed in SOLE recipients vs FOLE recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with IFALD who received FOLE had fewer extrahepatic adverse events, including a decreased incidence of bleeding, preterm comorbidities, and lipid intolerance signs compared with children with IFALD who received SOLE. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT00910104 and NCT00738101.

Potential Dietary Interventions for COVID-19 Infection Based on the Gut-Immune Axis: An Update Review on Bioactive Component of Macronutrients

Recently emerged coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2 or Covid-19 is considered as a serious threat for human health. Due to unavailable specific drugs for this virus, there is an urgent need for supportive cares. Epigenetic immune boosting approaches and developing anti-inflammatory agents by gut-associated bioactive macronutrients can be plausible protective cares for COVID-19. Suitable intake of bioactive macronutrients including prebiotics, fatty acids, proteins and branched-chain amino acids may result in anti-viral responses through modulating macrophages and dendritic cells via Toll-like receptors, decreasing viral load, inactivating the enveloped viruses, increasing the anti-inflammatory metabolites and inhibiting the proliferation of microbial organisms. Bioactive macronutrients may help in promotion of immunological responses and recovery acceleration against Covid-19. This review focuses on the mechanisms of bioactive macronutrients and related clinical trials on enveloped viruses with emphasis on gut-microbiome-immune axis. Macronutrients and this axis may be conducive strategies to protect host against the viral infection.

Use of somatic cell count as an indicator of colostrum quality

The impact of cow mammary gland diseases on the quality of colostrum is not conclusively defined; research results are conflicting. However, it is widely believed that mastitis lowers the level of immunoglobulins and the quality of the colostrum produced. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of somatic cell counts (SCC) on the colostrum immunostimulating and chemical components. The experiment was conducted on an experimental organic dairy farm in which a herd of approximately 250 cows was kept in a freestall housing system, with the average performance exceeding 6,000 kg of milk per lactation. Colostrum and milk samples were taken individually from each cow seven times during the experiment: from the first to second day after calving–twice per day, and from the third to fifth day after calving–once per day. Therefore, after preliminary analyses, the cows were divided into two groups based on the cytological quality of their colostrum at the first collection: 1. SCC ≤400,000 cells/ml (good quality colostrum; GCC– 18 cows), 2. SCC ≥ 400,000 cells/ml (low quality colostrum; LCC– 22 cows). The study found almost double the concentration of immunoglobulins and essential fatty acids in first milking colostrum in the GCC group than in colostrum from the LCC group. In addition, an increase in the concentration of lysozyme in first milking colostrum was associated with a decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulins. In addition, the increase in the level of lysozyme was associated with a decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulins. In conclusion, the SCC of first milking colostrum can be used as an indicator of colostrum quality.

Partial replacement of pork fat by Echium oil in reduced sodium bologna sausages: technological, nutritional and stability implications

BACKGROUND

The present research aimed to evaluate the nutritional, technological, microstructural and sensory characteristics of bologna sausages made with pork fat replaced with Echium oil. Three different treatments were processed, all of them with approximately 35% less sodium than a regular bologna-type sausage: Control (only pork backfat addition) and T25 and T50 (replacement of 25 and 50% of the added animal fat with Echium oil respectively).

RESULTS

Proximate composition, texture profile analysis, fatty acid profile and microstructure were evaluated to characterize the products. In refrigerated storage, the following characteristics were assessed: thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) index, objective color, pH value, microbiological counts and sensory acceptance. Both samples with Echium oil (T25 and T50) showed a healthier lipid profile, with high omega-3 content, mainly from α-linolenic and stearidonic fatty acids, consequently presenting better (P ≤ 0.05) values of nutritional indices than the Control. However, the replacement of 50% animal fat with Echium oil negatively affected (P ≤ 0.05) most of the technological characteristics and the sensory acceptance of bolognas. In contrast, the treatment with 25% replacement did not show significant differences in most of the evaluated parameters compared with the Control sample.

CONCLUSION

Thus the replacement of 25% of pork backfat with Echium oil in bologna sausages can be recommended, representing a good balance between nutritional gains and sensory impairment. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Association between Plasma N-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Levels and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in a Community-based Cohort Study

Most studies support that saturated fatty acid replacement with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and put emphasis on the effects of N-3 PUFAs. The reported relationships between N-6 PUFAs and CVD risks vary. We aimed to examine the associations between N-6 PUFA concentrations and CVD risks. In this community-based prospective cohort study on CVD-free patients at baseline (N = 1835, age: 60.6 ± 10.5 years, women: 44.5%), we measured the fatty acid concentrations in the blood using gas chromatography. Four hundred twenty-four participants developed CVDs during follow up. The total N-6 PUFA concentration was inversely associated with the CVD risk, with a 48% lower risk in the highest N-6 PUFA concentration quartile (hazard ratio = 0.52; P for trend <0.001). The estimated population attributable risk of N-6 PUFAs indicated that approximately 20.7% of CVD events would have been prevented if the plasma N-6 PUFA concentration had been higher than the median value. The total N-6 PUFA concentration presented the highest net reclassification improvement (NRI = 7.2%, P = 0.03) for predicting incident CVD. Further studies on N-6 PUFAs, diet habits, and their relationships with healthcare are warranted.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids administered as monotherapy or combined with artemether on experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosomiasis is on the top list of endemic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of human schistosomiasis. Yet, the sole dependence on the drug raises concerns about the potential for increased drug resistance, which would subsequently result in searching for alternative preventive chemotherapy options, ideally among natural compounds. Therefore, we conducted this work to assess the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [(ω-3) PUFAs] monotherapy or combined therapy with artemether (ART) against Schistosoma mansoni infection in a mouse model. A total of 42 mice were divided into 4 groups and infected with 50 ± 5 S. mansoni cercariae for 10 weeks. Mice were treated orally with either (ω-3) PUFAs as 273 mg/ kg, 4 times/ week throughout the experiment, ART as a single dose of 400 mg/ kg, 3 weeks post-infection, or combined ART + (ω-3) PUFAs using the same respective treatment regimen, while infected untreated mice were served as controls. The study explored that combined administration of (ω-3) PUFAs and ART has the best schistosomicidal efficacy as it significantly reduced liver and spleen indices, worm count, egg burdens, and granulomas count as well as diameter. Besides, the combined regimen was associated with a significant decrease in both hepatic nitric oxide and serum interleukin-4 level. The results highlighted the possibility of using (ω-3) PUFA combined with ART as a novel anti-schistosomal combination therapy. However, further researches should be conducted to clarify the possible synergistic mechanism/s between the two natural compounds.

Effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids against microbial pathogens

Microorganisms provide both beneficial and harmful effects to human beings. Beneficial effects come from the symbiotic relationship that exists between humans and microbiota, but then several human illnesses have turned some friendly microbes into opportunistic pathogens, causing several microbial-related diseases. Various efforts have been made to create and utilize antimicrobial agents in the treatment and prevention of these infections, but such efforts have been hampered by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Despite extensive studies on drug discovery to alleviate this problem, issues with the toxicity and tolerance of certain compounds and continuous microbial evolution have forced researchers to focus on screening various phytochemical dietary compounds for antimicrobial activity. Linolenic acid and its derivatives (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) are omega-3 fatty acids that have been studied due to their role in human health, being important for the brain, the eye, the cardiovascular system, and general human growth. However, their utilization as antimicrobial agents has not been widely appreciated, perhaps due to a lack of understanding of antimicrobial mechanisms, toxicity, and route of administration. Therefore, this review focuses on the efficacy, mechanism, and toxicity of omega-3 fatty acids as alternative therapeutic agents for treating and preventing diseases associated with pathogenic microorganisms.

Paradigm shift - Metabolic transformation of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids to bioactives exemplify the promise of fatty acid drug discovery

Fatty acid drug discovery (FADD) is defined as the identification of novel, specialized bioactive mediators that are derived from fatty acids and have precise pharmacological/therapeutic potential. A number of reports indicate that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and limited intake of omega-6 promotes overall health benefits. In 1929, Burr and Burr indicated the significant role of essential fatty acids for survival and functional health of many organs. In reference to specific dietary benefits of differential omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (DHA and EPA) are transformed to monohydroxy, dihydroxy, trihydroxy, and other complex mediators during infection, injury, and exercise to resolve inflammation. The presented FADD approach describes the metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA in response to injury, infection, and exercise to govern uncontrolled inflammation. Metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA into a number of pro-resolving molecules exemplifies a novel, inexpensive approach compared to traditional, expensive drug discovery. DHA and EPA have been recommended for prevention of cardiovascular disease since 1970. Therefore, the FADD approach is relevant to cardiovascular disease and resolution of inflammation in many injury models. Future research demands identification of novel action targets, receptors for biomolecules, mechanism(s), and drug-interactions with resolvins in order to maintain homeostasis.

Implications of telomeres and telomerase in endometrial pathology

BACKGROUND

Eukaryotic chromosomal ends are linear and are protected by nucleoprotein complexes known as telomeres. The complex structural anatomy and the diverse functions of telomeres as well as the unique reverse transcriptase enzyme, telomerase that maintains telomeres are under intensive scientific scrutiny. Both are involved in many human diseases including cancer, but also in ageing and chronic disease such as diabetes. Their intricate involvement in many cellular processes and pathways is being dynamically deciphered in many organs including the endometrium. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the topic of telomeres and telomerase and their potential role in providing plausible explanations for endometrial aberrations related to common gynaecological pathologies.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review outlines the recent major findings in telomere and telomerase functions in the context of endometrial biology. It highlights the contemporary discoveries in hormonal regulation, normal endometrial regeneration, stem cells and common gynaecological diseases such as endometriosis, infertility, recurrent reproductive failure and endometrial cancer (EC).

SEARCH METHODS

The authors carried out systematic PubMed (Medline) and Ovid searches using the key words: telomerase, telomeres, telomere length, human telomerase reverse transcriptase, telomeric RNA component, with endometrium, hormonal regulation, endometrial stem/progenitor cells, endometrial regeneration, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, infertility, endometrial hyperplasia, EC and uterine cancer. Publications used in this review date from 1995 until 31st June 2016.

OUTCOMES

The human endometrium is a unique somatic organ, which displays dynamic telomerase activity (TA) related to the menstrual cycle. Telomerase is implicated in almost all endometrial pathologies and appears to be crucial to endometrial stem cells. In particular, it is vital for normal endometrial regeneration, providing a distinct route to formulate possible curative, non-hormonal therapies to treat chronic endometrial conditions. Furthermore, our current understanding of telomere maintenance in EC is incomplete. Data derived from other malignancies on the role of telomerase in carcinogenesis cannot be extrapolated to EC because unlike in other cancers, TA is already present in proliferating healthy endometrial cells.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Since telomerase is pivotal to endometrial regeneration, further studies elucidating the role of telomeres, telomerase, their associated proteins and their regulation in normal endometrial regeneration as well as their role in endometrial pathologies are essential. This approach may allow future development of novel treatment strategies that are not only non-hormonal but also potentially curative.

Enhancing the DHA content in milk from dairy cows by feeding ALL-G-RICH™

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of 6 g/kg dry matter intake of an unextracted Aurantiochytrium limacinum algae (AURA) in mid-lactation Italian Friesian cows under commercial conditions on milk yield, milk composition and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. Cows were allocated to two groups (n = 18; 108.2 ± 66.1 and 104.4 ± 54.6 days in milk, control and treated groups, respectively). Feeding AURA for 84 d had no effect on dry matter intake, body condition score or weight gain, but did improve milk yield by 1.9 kg/cow/d (+5.4%; P < 0.1) over the course of the experiment. Milk fat concentration declined by 12% (P < 0.0001) without any significant change in 4% fat corrected milk, protein or lactose. Supplementing AURA for 12 weeks substantially altered the fatty acid profile of milk compared with milk from CON-fed cows such that the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids increased, omega-3 fatty acid content increased by 73.1% (P < 0.0001) and was accompanied by a favourable increase in the omega-3:6 fatty acid ratio by 75.0% (P < 0.0001). The AURA supplement, during day 7–84, increased the DHA concentration to 0.37 g /100 g milk total fatty acids (P < 0.0001) with a mean transfer efficiency of 18.1% from feed to milk. Together these results indicated that supplementing a dairy cow diet with DHA-rich microalgae is a feasible and efficient means for creating DHA-enriched milk for human consumption.

Inhibition of lipid oxidation in frozen farmed ovate pompano (Trachinotus ovatus L.) fillets stored at -18 °C by chitosan coating incorporated with citric acid or licorice extract

BACKGROUND

Lipid oxidation can occur in fish fillets during long-term frozen storage and cause quality and nutrition loss, which is a major concern in the seafood industry. Our previous study showed that chitosan combined with citric acid or licorice extract can have a preserving effect on fresh fish fillets stored at 4 °C. It is of interest to further study their antioxidant effects on fish fillets during frozen storage.

RESULTS

Chitosan, chitosan and citric acid, chitosan and licorice extract can inhibit primary and secondary lipid oxidation, as indicated by lower peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values compared to the control samples. In addition, drip loss was decreased in the treatment samples. Both citric acid and licorice extract enhanced the antioxidant effects of chitosan. Among all the three treatments, chitosan and licorice extract showed the best antioxidant effects, reducing both PV and TBARS significantly at the end of storage.

CONCLUSION

The combination of chitosan and citric acid or licorice extract showed significant antioxidant effects on ovate pompano fillets at -18 °C during 6 months of storage. They could be applied as natural antioxidant preservatives for use in seafood products or other meat products. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Standardized Chinese Formula Xin-Ke-Shu inhibits the myocardium Ca(2+) overloading and metabolic alternations in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction rats

Xin-Ke-Shu (XKS) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine used for treatment of coronary heart diseases in China. However, its mechanism of action is still unclear. In this paper, the mediation of XKS on the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) rat were evaluated based on a tissue-targeted metabonomics in vitro/vivo. The result indicated that twelve metabolic pathways were involved in the therapeutic effect of XKS in vivo, where seven pathways were associated with the Ca²⁺ overloading mechanism. In agreement with regulation on metabolic variations, XKS markedly reversed the over-expressions of three involved proteins including phospholipase A2 IIA (PLA2 IIA), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) and Pro-Caspase-3. The metabolic regulations of XKS on H9c2 cell also partially confirmed its metabolic effect. These metabolic characteristics in vitro/vivo and western blotting analysis suggested that XKS protected from MI metabolic perturbation major via inhibition of Ca²⁺ overloading mechanism. Furthermore, 11 active ingredients of XKS exerted steady affinity with the three proteins through the molecular docking study. Our findings indicate that the metabonomics in vitro/vivo combined with western blotting analysis offers the opportunity to gain insight into the comprehensive efficacy of TCMs on the whole metabolic network.

Deregulated balance of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following infection by the zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis is an important swine pathogen and an emergent zoonotic pathogen. Excessive inflammation caused by S. suis is responsible for early high mortality in septic shock-like syndrome cases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may contribute to regulating inflammatory processes. This study shows that mouse infection by S. suis is accompanied by an increase of arachidonic acid, a proinflammatory omega-6 (ω-6) PUFA, and by a decrease of docosahexaenoic acid, an anti-inflammatory ω-3 PUFA. Macrophages infected with S. suis showed activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and cyclooxygenase-2 upregulation. Fenretinide, a synthetic vitamin A analog, reduced in vitro expression of inflammatory mediators. Pretreatment of mice with fenretinide significantly improved their survival by reducing systemic proinflammatory cytokines during the acute phase of an S. suis infection. These findings indicate a beneficial effect of fenretinide in diminishing the expression of inflammation and improving survival during an acute infection by a virulent S. suis strain.

Different dietary fatty acids are associated with blood lipids in healthy South African men and women: the PURE study

BACKGROUND

Preliminary data from the baseline Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study in South Africa indicated a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia than previous South African studies. The intake of specific individual dietary fatty acids may affect blood lipids differently than sub-groups of fat (i.e. polyunsaturated fatty acids). We investigated the dietary intake of different individual fatty acids and their associations with blood lipids, in relation to urbanization and gender.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data analysis within the PURE baseline study of healthy subjects (n=1950, 35-70 years) from rural and urban areas. Dietary data were collected and blood lipid analysis performed.

RESULTS

Intake of individual fatty acids was significantly higher in urban than rural dwellers. However, the intake of n-3 PUFAs was below recommendations in all groups. Total cholesterol and LDL were higher in females than in males, with no rural‒urban differences. Intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was positively associated with total cholesterol (β=0.143) and triglycerides (β=0.256) in males. The risk for having elevated LDL also increased with increased intake of ALA (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04, 2.14) in males. In females, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were positively associated with total cholesterol and arachidonic acid was also positively associated with LDL, whereas docosahexaenoic acid was negatively associated with total cholesterol and LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that specific individual dietary fatty acids may affect blood lipids in males differently than in females irrespective of rural or urban dwelling. The positive association between ALA and total cholesterol and triglycerides in males is a concern, because current advice aims to improve the dietary linoleic acid to ALA ratio by increasing ALA intake.

Cognitive and motor perturbations in elderly with longstanding diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by insulin resistance; inflammation; oxidative stress; vascular damage; and dysfunction of glucose, protein, and lipid metabolisms. However, comparatively less attention has been paid to neurologic alterations seen in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes. We review clinical, metabolic, and biochemical aspects of diabetic encephalopathy (DE) and propose that quality of dietary lipids is closely linked to DE. This implies that preventive nutritional interventions may be designed to improve DE.

Crosstalk among dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, urolithiasis, chronic inflammation, and urinary tract tumor risk

Based on a consistent bulk of experimental and epidemiologic works, we proposed that abnormal metabolism and/or dietary deprivation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids by inducing a chronic and subclinical essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) in urothelial cell membranes may enhance the risk for urinary tract tumor (UTT) development. This threat may be enhanced by the unusual fact that the fatty-acid profile of the normal urothelium is similar to that reported in EFAD. The risk for UTT may be worsened when coexisting with a low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) state induced by urolithiasis or disbalance management of peroxides, free radical molecules, and their quenchers. There is cumulative evidence linking the LGCI of the urinary tract mucosa, calculi, and UTT, due to the long-standing release of promitotic, promutagen, and pro-inflammatory antiapoptotic cytokines in these conditions. The dual role played by pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and bioactive lipids, cytokines, and the disbalance of lipid peroxidation is discussed, concluding that the moderate, long-standing consumption or dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs may improve the chances of avoiding UTT development.

Overweight and obesity: a review of their relationship to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in South America

Socioeconomic and demographic transformations are occurring very rapidly in some areas of the world, especially in South America, and are accompanied by changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, and the epidemiological profile of prevalent diseases. This review examines whether obesity and overweight are related to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in South America. Research carried out in more than 6,000 cases and controls was evaluated, along with most of the available publications related to South America. In South America, obesity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease are related mainly to aging, ethnicity effects, and preventable risky lifestyle conditions. Most of the studies that found an association between cancer and obesity are from the Southern Cone, the geographic area most affected by this pathology. Overall, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was highest in Chile, followed in decreasing order by Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador, with differences noted between urban and rural areas or between urban and periurban areas. Obesity and cancer may be preventable, at least in part, by healthy behavior; hence, exercise, weight control, and healthy dietary habits are important to reduce the risk of these major chronic diseases.

Maternal dietary DHA supplementation to improve inflammatory outcomes in the preterm infant

Dietary DHA (22:6n-3) is a long-chain PUFA that has provocative effects on inflammatory signal events that could potentially affect preterm infant health. It is well known that the essential fatty acid of the (n-3) series; α-linolenic acid (18:3n:3) can be desaturated and elongated in the liver endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisome to produce the 22-carbon DHA. Nevertheless, concern exists as to the efficiency of this mechanism in providing the preterm infant with adequate DHA. Activity of the δ-6-desaturase and the δ-5-desaturase necessary for DHA synthesis is decreased by protein deprivation. The combined effects of suboptimal intake of both DHA and protein in the preterm infants could have substantial clinical consequences.

Basic aspects of tumor cell fatty acid-regulated signaling and transcription factors

This article reviews the current knowledge and experimental research about the mechanisms by which fatty acids and their derivatives control specific gene expression involved during carcinogenesis. Changes in dietary fatty acids, specifically the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω-3 and ω-6 families and some derived eicosanoids from lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases, and cytochrome P-450, seem to control the activity of transcription factor families involved in cancer cell proliferation or cell death. Their regulation may be carried out either through direct binding to DNA as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors or via modulation in an indirect manner of signaling pathway molecules (e.g., protein kinase C) and other transcription factors (nuclear factor kappa B and sterol regulatory element binding protein). Knowledge of the mechanisms by which fatty acids control specific gene expression may identify important risk factors for cancer and provide insight into the development of new therapeutic strategies for a better management of whole body lipid metabolism.

Multiple roles of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid against proliferation diseases

Considerable arguments remain regarding the diverse biological activities of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). One of the most interesting but controversial dietary approaches focused on the diverse function of dihomo-dietary γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) in anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation diseases, especially for cancers. This strategy is based on the ability of DGLA to interfere in cellular lipid metabolism and eicosanoid (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase) biosynthesis. Subsequently, DGLA can be further converted by inflammatory cells to 15-(S)-hydroxy-8,11,13-eicosatrienoic acid and prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁). This is noteworthy because these compounds possess both anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. PGE1 could also induce growth inhibition and differentiation of cancer cells. Although the mechanism of DGLA has not yet been elucidated, it is significant to anticipate the antitumor potential benefits from DGLA.

Inhibitory potential of omega-3 fatty and fenugreek essential oil on key enzymes of carbohydrate-digestion and hypertension in diabetes rats

Background

diabetes is a serious health problem and a source of risk for numerous severe complications such as obesity and hypertension. Treatment of diabetes and its related diseases can be achieved by inhibiting key digestives enzymes-related to starch digestion secreted by pancreas.

Methods

The formulation omega-3 with fenugreek terpenenes was administrated to surviving diabetic rats. The inhibitory effects of this oil on rat pancreas α-amylase and maltase and plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) were determined.

Results

the findings revealed that administration of formulation omega-3 with fenugreek terpenenes (Om3/terp) considerably inhibited key enzymes-related to diabetes such as α-amylase activity by 46 and 52% and maltase activity by 37 and 35% respectively in pancreas and plasma. Moreover, the findings revealed that this supplement helped protect the β-Cells of the rats from death and damage. Interestingly, the formulation Om3/terp modulated key enzyme related to hypertension such as ACE by 37% in plasma and kidney. Moreover administration of fenugreek essential oil to surviving diabetic rats improved starch and glucose oral tolerance additively. Furthermore, the Om3/terp also decreased significantly the glucose, triglyceride (TG) and total-cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) rates in the plasma and liver of diabetic rats and increased the HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-Ch) level, which helped maintain the homeostasis of blood lipid.

Conclusion

overall, the findings of the current study indicate that this formulation Om3/terp exhibit attractive properties and can, therefore, be considered for future application in the development of anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and hypolipidemic foods.

Current and emerging strategies for the treatment and management of systemic lupus erythematosus based on molecular signatures of acute and chronic inflammation

Lupus is a chronic, systemic inflammatory condition in which eicosanoids, cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), a deranged immune system, and genetics play a significant role. Our studies revealed that an imbalance in the pro- and antioxidants and NO and an alteration in the metabolism of essential fatty acids exist in lupus. The current strategy of management includes administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids. Investigational drugs include the following: 1) belimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator, also known as B-cell-activation factor of the TNF family; 2) stem cell transplantation; 3) rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, which is primarily found on the surface of B-cells and can therefore destroy B-cells; and 4) IL-27, which has potent anti-inflammatory actions. Our studies showed that a regimen of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and methods designed to enhance endothelial NO synthesis and augment antioxidant defenses, led to induction of long-lasting remission of the disease. These results suggest that methods designed to modulate molecular signatures of the disease process and suppress inflammation could be of significant benefit in lupus. Some of these strategies could be vagal nerve stimulation, glucose-insulin infusion, and administration of lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and nitrolipids by themselves or their stable synthetic analogs that are known to suppress inflammation and help in the resolution and healing of the inflammation-induced damage. These strategies are likely to be useful not only in lupus but also in other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, ischemia-reperfusion injury to the myocardium, ischemic heart disease, and sepsis.

Effect of ω-3 and ω-9 fatty acid rich oils on lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases enzymes and on the growth of a mammary adenocarcinoma model

BACKGROUND

Nutritional factors play a major role in cancer initiation and development. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have the ability to induce modifications in the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that affect tumour growth. We studied the effect of two diets enriched in 6% Walnut and Peanut oils that are rich in ω-3 and ω9 PUFAs respectively on a murine mammary gland adenocarcinoma as compared with the control (C) that received commercial diet.

RESULTS

Peanut oil enriched diet induced an increase in membrane arachidonic acid (AA) content and the cyclooxygenase enzyme derived 12-HHT (p < 0.05) and simultaneously showed decrease in 12-LOX, 15-LOX-2, 15-LOX-1 and PGE activities (p < 0.05) that corresponded to higher apoptosis and lower mitosis seen in this group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Peanut oil group showed lower T-cell infiltration (p < 0.05), number of metastasis (p < 0.05) and tumour volume (p < 0.05) and longer survival rate compared to other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study showed that Peanut oil-enriched diet protects against mammary cancer development by modulating tumour membrane fatty acids composition and LOX and COX enzyme activities.

Correlation of omega-3 levels in serum phospholipid from 2053 human blood samples with key fatty acid ratios

BACKGROUND

This research was conducted to explore the relationships between the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in serum phospholipid and key fatty acid ratios including potential cut-offs for risk factor assessment with respect to coronary heart disease and fatal ischemic heart disease.

METHODS

Blood samples (n = 2053) were obtained from free-living subjects in North America and processed for determining the levels of total fatty acids in serum phospholipid as omega-3 fatty acids including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5 n-3) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6 n-3) by combined thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatographic analyses. The omega-3 levels were correlated with selected omega-6: omega-3 ratios including AA (arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6): EPA and AA:(EPA+DHA). Based on previously-published levels of omega-3 fatty acids considered to be in a 'lower risk' category for heart disease and related fatality, 'lower risk' categories for selected fatty acid ratios were estimated.

RESULTS

Strong inverse correlations between the summed total of omega-3 fatty acids in serum phospholipid and all four ratios (omega-6:omega-3 (n-6:n-3), AA:EPA, AA:DHA, and AA:(EPA+DHA)) were found with the most potent correlation being with the omega-6:omega-3 ratio (R(2) = 0.96). The strongest inverse relation for the EPA+DHA levels in serum phospholipid was found with the omega-6: omega-3 ratio (R(2) = 0.94) followed closely by the AA:(EPA+DHA) ratio at R(2) = 0.88. It was estimated that 95% of the subjects would be in the 'lower risk' category for coronary heart disease (based on total omega-3 >or= 7.2%) with omega-6:omega-3 ratios <4.5 and AA:(EPA+DHA) ratios <1.4. The corresponding ratio cut-offs for a 'lower risk' category for fatal ischemic heart disease (EPA+DHA >or= 4.6%) were estimated at < 5.8 and < 2.1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong inverse correlations between the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in serum (or plasma) phospholipid and omega-6: omega-3 ratios are apparent based on this large database of 2053 samples. Certain fatty acid ratios may aid in cardiovascular disease-related risk assessment if/when complete profiles are not available.

Resolvins and protectins: mediating solutions to inflammation

Resolution of inflammation has historically been viewed as a passive process, occurring as a result of the withdrawal of pro-inflammatory signals, including lipid mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Thus, most anti-inflammatory drugs have traditionally targeted primarily mediator pathways that are engaged at the onset of inflammation. Only recently has it been established that inflammation resolution is an active process with a distinct set of chemical mediators. Several clinical and epidemiological studies have identified beneficial effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for a variety of inflammatory diseases, yet without mechanistic explanations for these beneficial effects. Resolvins and protectins are recently identified molecules that are generated from omega-3 PUFA precursors and can orchestrate the timely resolution of inflammation in model systems. Dysregulation of pro-resolving mediators is associated with diseases of prolonged inflammation, so designing pharmacological mimetics of naturally occurring pro-resolving mediators offers exciting new targets for drug design. This review describes the discovery and synthesis of these novel lipid mediators, their receptors and mechanisms of action, and summarizes the studies to date that have uncovered roles for resolvins and protectins in disease states.

n-3 PUFA fortification of high n-6 PUFA farmed tilapia with linseed could significantly increase dietary contribution and support nutritional expectations of fish

Farmed fish high in n-6 PUFA may undermine fish nutritional expectations and intake recommendations for n-3 PUFA requirements and exacerbate rather than improve already high n-6/n-3 PUFA diets. Dietary contribution of fish fortification by linseed-based n-3 PUFA was evaluated. Mango tilapia (12 months old) with high n-6 PUFA (21.8 FA%, n-6/n-3 ratio 4.6:1) were fed standard/control (T(C)) or linseed-supplemented (5%, T(5%); 7%, T(7%)) feed for 61 days regular-growth and 120 days stock-growth (to 650 g). Compared to T(C), n-3 PUFA increased in T(5%) 46% and T(7%) 58%; ALA in T(5%) increased 100% and T(7%) 167%; EPA+DHA in T(5%) increased 14% and T(7%) 23% (p < 0.05); n-6 PUFA/LCPUFA were unchanged. T(7%) EPA+DHA 168 mg/100 g of raw fillet is comparable to current American intake and Dietary Reference Intakes; controlled cooking preserved approximately 90% EPA+DHA. n-6/n-3 ratios decreased 16-38% in total PUFA to 2.3:1 and in LCPUFA to 0.61:1. Linseed supplementation could improve tilapia n-3 PUFA/LCPUFA, ameliorating n-3 PUFA scarcity and unexpectedly high fish n-6 PUFA content, potentially making a significant nutritional contribution.

Essential fatty acids and their metabolites could function as endogenous HMG-CoA reductase and ACE enzyme inhibitors, anti-arrhythmic, anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective molecules

Lowering plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), blood pressure, homocysteine, and preventing platelet aggregation using a combination of a statin, three blood pressure lowering drugs such as a thiazide, a beta blocker, and an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor each at half standard dose; folic acid; and aspirin-called as polypill- was estimated to reduce cardiovascular events by approximately 80%. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their long-chain metabolites: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-GLA (DGLA), arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and other products such as prostaglandins E1 (PGE1), prostacyclin (PGI2), PGI3, lipoxins (LXs), resolvins, protectins including neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) prevent platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure, have anti-arrhythmic action, reduce LDL-C, ameliorate the adverse actions of homocysteine, show anti-inflammatory actions, activate telomerase, and have cytoprotective properties. Thus, EFAs and their metabolites show all the classic actions expected of the "polypill". Unlike the proposed "polypill", EFAs are endogenous molecules present in almost all tissues, have no significant or few side effects, can be taken orally for long periods of time even by pregnant women, lactating mothers, and infants, children, and adults; and have been known to reduce the incidence cardiovascular diseases including stroke. In addition, various EFAs and their long-chain metabolites not only enhance nitric oxide generation but also react with nitric oxide to yield their respective nitroalkene derivatives that produce vascular relaxation, inhibit neutrophil degranulation and superoxide formation, inhibit platelet activation, and possess PPAR-gamma ligand activity and release NO, thus prevent platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Based on these evidences, I propose that a rational combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the co-factors that are necessary for their appropriate action/metabolism is as beneficial as that of the combined use of a statin, thiazide, a beta blocker, and an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, folic acid, and aspirin. Furthermore, appropriate combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may even show additional benefits in the form of protection from depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and enhances cognitive function; and serve as endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules; and could be administered from childhood for life long.

Can endogenous lipid molecules serve as predictors and prognostic markers of coronary heart disease?

Dyslipidemia, and inflammatory markers: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipoprotein associated phospholipase A₂(Lp-PLA₂), and lipid peroxides (LP) are insufficient to predict the onset, extent, and prognosis of CHD. Lipoxins (LXs), resolvins, and protectins are derived from ω-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and ω-6 arachidonic acid in the presence of aspirin; whereas nitrolipids are formed due to the interaction between polyunsaturated fatty acids and nitric oxide (NO). LXs, resolvins, protectins, and nitrolipids are endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid molecules that inhibit production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), suppress free radical generation, enhance NO generation; and accelerate tissue repair. Thus, beneficial actions of EPA/DHA and aspirin in CHD could be attributed to the formation of LXs, resolvins, protectins, and nitrolipids and suggest that their plasma levels aid in the prediction and prognosis of CHD.