New insights into the health effects of dietary saturated and omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Association between gut microbiota at 3.5 years of age and body mass index at 5 years: results from two French nationwide birth cohorts

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The relationship between gut microbiota and changes in body mass index (BMI) or pediatric overweight in early life remains unclear, and information regarding the preterm population is scarce. This study aimed to investigate how the gut microbiota at 3.5 years of age is associated with (1) later BMI at 5 years, and (2) BMI z-score variations between 2 and 5 years in children from two French nationwide birth cohorts.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to profile the gut microbiota at 3.5 years of age in preterm children (n = 143, EPIPAGE 2 cohort) and late preterm/full-term children (n = 369, ELFE cohort). The predicted abundances of metabolic functions were computed using PICRUSt2. Anthropometric measurements were collected at 2 and 5 years of age during medical examinations or retrieved from children's health records. Statistical analyses included multivariable linear and logistic regressions, random forest variable selection, and MiRKAT.

RESULTS

The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio at 3.5 years was positively associated with the BMI z-score at 5 years. Several genera were positively ([Eubacterium] hallii group, Fusicatenibacter, and [Eubacterium] ventriosum group) or negatively (Eggerthella, Colidextribacter, and Ruminococcaceae CAG-352) associated with the BMI z-scores at 5 years. Some genera were also associated with variations in the BMI z-scores between 2 and 5 years of age. Predicted metabolic functions, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, biotin metabolism, glycosaminoglycan degradation, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, were associated with lower BMI z-scores at 5 years. The unsaturated fatty acids biosynthesis pathway was associated with higher BMI z-scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the gut microbiota at 3.5 years is associated with later BMI during childhood, independent of preterm or term birth, suggesting that changes in the gut microbiota that may predispose to adult obesity begin in early childhood.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids-induced ferroptosis suppresses pancreatic cancer growth

Despite recent advances in science and medical technology, pancreatic cancer remains associated with high mortality rates due to aggressive growth and no early clinical sign as well as the unique resistance to anti-cancer chemotherapy. Current numerous investigations have suggested that ferroptosis, which is a programed cell death driven by lipid oxidation, is an attractive therapeutic in different tumor types including pancreatic cancer. Here, we first demonstrated that linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (αLA) induced cell death with necroptotic morphological change in MIA-Paca2 and Suit 2 cell lines. LA and αLA increased lipid peroxidation and phosphorylation of RIP3 and MLKL in pancreatic cancers, which were negated by ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, restoring back to BSA control levels. Similarly, intraperitoneal administration of LA and αLA suppresses the growth of subcutaneously transplanted Suit-2 cells and ameliorated the decreased survival rate of tumor bearing mice, while co-administration of ferrostatin-1 with LA and αLA negated the anti-cancer effect. We also demonstrated that LA and αLA partially showed ferroptotic effects on the gemcitabine-resistant-PK cells, although its effect was exerted late compared to treatment on normal-PK cells. In addition, the trial to validate the importance of double bonds in PUFAs in ferroptosis revealed that AA and EPA had a marked effect of ferroptosis on pancreatic cancer cells, but DHA showed mild suppression of cancer proliferation. Furthermore, treatment in other tumor cell lines revealed different sensitivity of PUFA-induced ferroptosis; e.g., EPA induced a ferroptotic effect on colorectal adenocarcinoma, but LA or αLA did not. Collectively, these data suggest that PUFAs can have a potential to exert an anti-cancer effect via ferroptosis in both normal and gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer.

New Insights into Prospective Health Potential of ω-3 PUFAs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are the two essential long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) promoting human health which are obtained from diet or supplementation. The eicosanoids derived from ω-6 and ω-3 PUFAs have opposite characteristics of pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. The proinflammatory effects of ω-6 PUFAs are behind the pathology of the adverse health conditions of PUFA metabolism like cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and inflammatory diseases. A balanced ω-6 to ω-3 ratio of 1-4:1 is critical to prevent the associated disorders. But due to modern agricultural practices, there is a disastrous shift in this ratio to 10-20:1. This review primarily aims to discuss the myriad health potentials of ω-3 PUFAs uncovered through recent research. It further manifests the importance of maintaining a balanced ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA ratio.

RECENT FINDINGS

ω-3 PUFAs exhibit protective effects against diabetes mellitus-associated complications including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and proteinuria. COVID-19 is also not an exception to the health benefits of ω-3 PUFAs. Supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs improved the respiratory and clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. ω-3 PUFAs exhibit a variety of health benefits including anti-inflammatory property and antimicrobial property and are effective in protecting against various health conditions like atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, COVID-19, and neurological disorders. In the present review, various health potentials of ω-3 PUFAs are extensively reviewed and summarized. Further, the importance of a balanced ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA ratio has been emphasized besides stating the diverse sources of ω-3 PUFA.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on nutritional status and inflammatory response in patients with stage II-III NSCLC undergoing postoperative chemotherapy: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oral omega-3 fatty acids in lowering the risk of malnutrition and improving the inflammatory response in patients with stage II-III lung cancer receiving postoperative chemotherapy.

Methods

One hundred and three lung cancer patients identified as being at risk for malnutrition according to the 2002 nutritional risk screening criteria were randomized into either the omega-3 fatty acid supplementation group or the placebo group during postoperative chemotherapy. Data on anthropometric parameters, laboratory nutritional indicators, and inflammatory markers were collected, and changes and differences between the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

Sixty three patients were included in the final analysis. The baseline information of the two groups of patients was comparable (p > 0.05). After 12 weeks, patients in the treatment group exhibited significantly higher levels of hemoglobin (11.26 ± 1.25 vs.10.60 ± 0.94, p = 0.021) and serum albumin (45.38 ± 5.06 vs.42.66 ± 5.06, p = 0.036) compared with those in the placebo group. Meanwhile, the levels of inflammatory factors C-reactive protein (2.16 ± 1.06 vs. 4.11 ± 1.72, p < 0.001), interleukin-1 (6.61 ± 2.19 vs.10.85 ± 3.61, p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (2.48 ± 1.20 vs. 4.53 ± 0.98, p < 0.001), interleukin-8 (9.26 ± 2.69 vs. 39.01 ± 6.53, p < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor-α (1.88 ± 0.60 vs. 4.07 ± 0.97, p < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the treatment group. In contrast, differences in weight, BMI, upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, triglycerides, cholesterol, and IFN-γ between the two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Finally, in the treatment group, the levels of hemoglobin (10.89 ± 1.15 vs. 11.82 ± 1.21, p = 0.042), triglyceride (0.92 ± 0.29 vs. 1.03 ± 0.22, p = 0.043), and cholesterol (3.56 ± 0.82 vs. 4.23 ± 0.88, p = 0.045) were higher in stage II patients after the intervention compared with stage III patients.

Conclusion

Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improved nutritional status and reduced chronic inflammatory responses in patients with stage II-III non-small cell lung cancer undergoing postoperative chemotherapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

AEA RCT Registry, identifier AEARCTR-0007165.

Recent insights into the nutritional immunomodulation of cancer-related microRNAs

Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide, following cardiovascular diseases. Cancer is a multifactorial disease and many reasons such as physical, chemical, biological, and lifestyle-related factors. Nutrition, which is one of the various factors that play a role in the prevention, development, and treatment of many types of cancer, affects the immune system, which is characterized by disproportionate pro-inflammatory signaling in cancer. Studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of this effect have shown that foods rich in bioactive compounds, such as green tea, olive oil, turmeric, and soybean play a significant role in positively changing the expression of miRNAs involved in the regulation of genes associated with oncogenic/tumor-suppressing pathways. In addition to these foods, some diet models may change the expression of specific cancer-related miRNAs in different ways. While Mediterranean diet has been associated with anticancer effects, a high-fat diet, and a methyl-restricted diet are considered to have negative effects. This review aims to discuss the effects of specific foods called "immune foods," diet models, and bioactive components on cancer by changing the expression of miRNAs in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Underutilized plants increase biodiversity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being. Let's put them back on the plate!

The global food system depends on a limited number of plant species. Plants with unsatisfactory nutritional value are overproduced, whereas the wide variety of nutrient-rich plant species used in earlier times remains neglected. Basing our diet on a few crops has wide-ranging negative consequences on nutrition and food security. Although still under-researched, underutilized plants are slowly starting to receive increased recognition. These plants have superior nutritional content and immense potential to contribute to food and nutrition security and increased sustainability. This narrative review provides evidence to encourage the promotion, domestication, and commercialization of underutilized plants. The anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects of some of underutilized plants are presented in this review. The outstanding ability of forgotten plants to increase food and nutrition security, boost dietary diversity, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being is demonstrated. The main barriers and obstacles to reintroducing underutilized foods are reviewed and recommendations for overcoming nutrition and dietary-related challenges for re-establishing underutilized plants into the global food system are presented. The expansion of underutilized plants for human use is of paramount importance. The exceptional nutritional properties, bioactive potential, and proven health benefits of underutilized plants indicate that increased promotion, domestication, and commercialization of these plants should be strongly supported. Besides health benefits, marginalized plants have the potential to enhance human well-being and improve people's lives in many ways, retain biodiversity, and develop local economies. Therefore, underutilized plants should be used in the broader context of well-balanced and healthy diets.

Engineering Nutritionally Improved Edible Plant Oils

In contrast to traditional breeding, which relies on the identification of mutants, metabolic engineering provides a new platform to modify the oil composition in oil crops for improved nutrition. By altering endogenous genes involved in the biosynthesis pathways, it is possible to modify edible plant oils to increase the content of desired components or reduce the content of undesirable components. However, introduction of novel nutritional components such as omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids needs transgenic expression of novel genes in crops. Despite formidable challenges, significant progress in engineering nutritionally improved edible plant oils has recently been achieved, with some commercial products now on the market.

Dietary Fatty Acids and Inflammation: Focus on the n-6 Series

Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), those belonging to the n-3 (or ω3) series, i.e., alpha-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids have been studied for decades from a pharma-nutritional viewpoint, namely in relation to cardiovascular health. More recent research is focusing on n-6 PUFAs, e.g., linoleic acid (LA), whose levels of consumption are much higher than those of n-3 and that cannot be used "pharmacologically". Perhaps because of this, the biological actions of n-6 PUFAs have not been investigated in details as those of their n-3 counterparts. However, an increasing body of evidence underscores their healthful actions on the cardiovascular system. Among the critiques to n-6 PUFAs and, particularly, LA there is the fact that they are precursors of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Hence, the hypothesis posits that we should reduce their intakes precisely to avoid increasing systemic, low-grade inflammation, i.e., one of the major etiological agents in degenerative diseases. In this narrative review, we address the issue of whether n-6 PUFAs are indeed pro-inflammatory, we discuss the most recent evidence of their role(s) in human health and prognosis, and we conclude that adequate intakes of n-6 fatty acids are associated with better cardiovascular health and child development.

GmWRI1c Increases Palmitic Acid Content to Regulate Seed Oil Content and Nodulation in Soybean (Glycine max)

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important oil crop, but the regulatory mechanisms underlying seed oil accumulation remain unclear. We identified a member of the GmWRI1s transcription factor family, GmWRI1c, that is involved in regulating soybean oil content and nodulation. Overexpression of GmWRI1c in soybean hairy roots increased the expression of genes involved in glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis, the proportion of palmitic acid (16:0), and the number of root nodules. The effect of GmWRI1c in increasing the number of root nodules via regulating the proportion of palmitic acid was confirmed in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. GmWRI1c shows abundant sequence diversity and has likely undergone artificial selection during domestication. An association analysis revealed a correlation between seed oil content and five linked natural variations (Hap1/Hap2) in the GmWRI1c promoter region. Natural variations in the GmWRI1c promoter were strongly associated with the GmWRI1c transcript level, with higher GmWRI1c transcript levels in lines carrying GmWRI1c^Hap1 than in those carrying GmWRI1c^Hap2. The effects of GmWRI1c alleles on seed oil content were confirmed in natural and RIL populations. We identified a favourable GmWRI1c allele that can be used to breed new varieties with increased seed oil content and nodulation.

The Controlled Semi-Solid Fermentation of Seaweeds as a Strategy for Their Stabilization and New Food Applications

For centuries, macroalgae, or seaweeds, have been a significant part of East Asian diets. In Europe, seaweeds are not considered traditional foods, even though they are increasingly popular in Western diets in human food applications. In this study, a biological processing method based on semi-solid fermentation was optimized for the treatment of the seaweed Gracilaria gracilis. For the first time, selected lactic acid bacteria and non-conventional coagulase-negative staphylococci were used as starter preparations for driving a bio-processing and bio-stabilization of raw macroalga material to obtain new seaweed-based food prototypes for human consumption. Definite food safety and process hygiene criteria were identified and successfully applied. The obtained fermented products did not show any presence of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms, thereby indicating safety and good shelf life. Lactobacillus acidophilus-treated seaweeds revealed higher α-amylase, protease, lipase, endo-cellulase, and endo-xylanase activity than in the untreated sample. This fermented sample showed a balanced n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. SBM-11 (Lactobacillus sakei, Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus) and PROMIX 1 (Staphylococcus xylosus) treated samples showed fatty acid compositions that were considered of good nutritional quality and contained relevant amounts of isoprenoids (vitamin E and A). All the starters improved the nutritional value of the seaweeds by significantly reducing the insoluble indigestible fractions. Preliminary data were obtained on the cytocompatibility of G. gracilis fermented products by in vitro tests. This approach served as a valid strategy for the easy bio-stabilization of this valuable but perishable food resource and could boost its employment for newly designed seaweed-based food products.

Association Between Dietary Fatty Acid Pattern and Risk of Oral Cancer

Objective

To investigate the association between dietary fatty acid (FA) patterns and the risk of oral cancer.

Method

A case-control study which included 446 patients with oral cancer and 448 controls subjects was conducted in Southeast China. A structured food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary FA consumption before cancer diagnosis. FA patterns were identified using the principal component analysis, and the relationship between the dietary FA patterns and oral cancer was analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

General differences in FA intake were observed between the patient and control groups. The intakes of saturated FAs (SFAs) C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, and monounsaturated FA C18:1 were higher in the patient group than the control group (p < 0.001). Four FA patterns were derived by principal component analysis. The "SFA" pattern, "Polyunsaturated FA" pattern, "Monounsaturated FA" pattern, and "Medium- and long-chain FA" pattern, which could explain 75.7% of the variance of the dietary FA intake, were submitted to logistic regression analysis. A positive association was observed between the "SFA" pattern and oral cancer risk. Compared with the lowest quartile score, the OR of the highest quartile score was 3.71 (95%CI: 2.31, 5.94, P _trend < 0.001) in the multivariate logistic regression model. No significant association was found among the other three patterns and oral cancer risk.

Conclusions

General differences in dietary FA intake were observed between patients with oral cancer and controls. A positive association between the "SFA" pattern and risk of oral cancer was observed after adjusting for potential confounders.

Critical Review on Fatty Acid-Based Food and Nutraceuticals as Supporting Therapy in Cancer

Fatty acids have an important place in both biological and nutritional contexts and, from a clinical point of view, they have known consequences for diseases’ onset and development, including cancer. The use of fatty acid-based food and nutraceuticals to support cancer therapy is a multidisciplinary subject, involving molecular and clinical research. Knowledge regarding polyunsaturated fatty acids essentiality/oxidizability and the role of lipogenesis-desaturase pathways for cell growth, as well as oxidative reactivity in cancer cells, are discussed, since they can drive the choice of fatty acids using their multiple roles to support antitumoral drug activity. The central role of membrane fatty acid composition is highlighted for the application of membrane lipid therapy. As fatty acids are also known as biomarkers of cancer onset and progression, the personalization of the fatty acid-based therapy is also possible, taking into account other important factors such as formulation, bioavailability and the distribution of the supplementation. A holistic approach emerges combining nutra- and pharma-strategies in an appropriate manner, to develop further knowledge and applications in cancer therapy.

The role of nutrition in inflammaging

BACKGROUND

Old age is characterized by a peculiar low-grade, chronic, and "sterile" inflammatory state, which has been termed "inflammaging." This is believed to substantially contribute to the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases and to the progression of the ageing process. An adequate nutritional status is of great importance for maintaining proper immune system functionality and preventing frailty in the elderly.

METHODS

The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize what is known about the interaction between inflammaging and nutrition, focusing on the role of the Mediterranean diet, gut microbiota and calorie restriction (CR) in reducing systemic inflammation and improving clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary components may affect inflammation directly, counteracting the low grade age-related inflammation. In this regard, healthy diets, including the Mediterranean diet, are associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory mediators, like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), that are hallmarks of inflammaging. Among the components of a healthy diet, a higher intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts and fish are all associated with lower inflammation. One area of promising research is the microbiome-ageing interaction. Indeed, dysbiosis plays a role in sub-optimal metabolism, immune function and brain function and contributes to the poor health and impaired well-being associated with ageing. Modulation of the gut microbiota has shown promising results in some disorders. Additionally, the discovery of several molecular pathways associated with ageing, and the characterization of the beneficial effects of calorie restriction (CR) in modulating metabolic pathways and preventing inflammation, should encourage research on CR mimetics, drugs able to promote lifespan and extend healthspan.

Oocyte metabolic function, lipid composition, and developmental potential are altered by diet in older mares

Dietary supplementation is the most feasible method to improve oocyte function and developmental potential in vivo. During three experiments, oocytes were collected from maturing, dominant follicles of older mares to determine whether short-term dietary supplements can alter oocyte metabolic function, lipid composition, and developmental potential. Over approximately 8 weeks, control mares were fed hay (CON) or hay and grain products (COB). Treated mares received supplements designed for equine wellness and gastrointestinal health, flaxseed oil, and a proprietary blend of fatty acid and antioxidant support (reproductive support supplement (RSS)) intended to increase antioxidant activity and lipid oxidation. RSS was modified for individual experiments with additional antioxidants or altered concentrations of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids. Oocytes from mares supplemented with RSS when compared to COB had higher basal oxygen consumption, indicative of higher aerobic metabolism, and proportionately more aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. In the second experiment, oocytes collected from the same mares prior to (CON) and after approximately 8 weeks of RSS supplementation had significantly reduced oocyte lipid abundance. In the final experiment, COB was compared to RSS supplementation, including RSS modified to proportionately reduce n-3 fatty acids and increase n-6 fatty acids. The ability of sperm-injected oocytes to develop into blastocysts was higher for RSS, regardless of fatty acid content, than for COB. We demonstrated that short-term diet supplementation can directly affect oocyte function in older mares, resulting in oocytes with increased metabolic activity, reduced lipid content, and increased developmental potential.

Longitudinal Associations of Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids in Pregnancy with Neonatal Anthropometry: Results from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort

Despite increasing interest in the health effects of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), their roles in fetal and neonatal growth remain understudied. Within the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies—Singleton Cohort, we prospectively investigated the associations of individual and subclasses of plasma phospholipid PUFAs at gestational weeks (GW) 10−14, 15−26, 23−31, and 33−39 with neonatal anthropometric measures as surrogates for fetal growth among 107 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 214 non-GDM controls. Multivariable weighted linear regression models estimated the associations between plasma phospholipid PUFAs and neonatal anthropometric measures. Adjusted beta coefficients for phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per standard deviation (SD) increase at GW 23−31 in association with birthweight z-score, neonatal length, and neonatal fat mass were 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08−0.41), 0.57 (0.11−1.03) cm, and 54.99 (23.57−86.42) g, respectively; all false discovery rates (FDRs) < 0.05. Estimated Δ5-desaturase activity per SD increase at GW 33−39 but not at other time points was positively associated with birthweight z-score: 0.29 (95% CI: 0.08−0.33); neonatal length: 0.61 (0.29−0.94) cm; and neonatal fat mass: 32.59 (8.21−56.96) g; all FDRs < 0.05. Longitudinal analysis showed consistent results. Our findings suggest that mid-to-late pregnancy presented as critical windows for primarily diet-derived DHA and Δ5-desaturase activity in relation to neonatal anthropometric measures.

Anticancer Activity of Ω-6 Fatty Acids through Increased 4-HNE in Breast Cancer Cells

Simple Summary

Epidemiological evidence suggests that breast cancer risk is lowered by Ω-3 and increased by Ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Paradoxically, the Ω-6 PUFA metabolite 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) inhibits cancer cell growth. This duality prompted us to study whether arachidonic acid (AA) would enhance doxorubicin (dox) cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells. We found that supplementing AA or inhibiting 4-HNE metabolism potentiated doxorubicin (dox) toxicity toward Her2-dependent breast cancer but spared myocardial cells. Our results suggest that Ω-6 PUFAs could improve outcomes of dox chemotherapy in Her2-overexpressing breast cancer.

Abstract

Her2-amplified breast cancers resistant to available Her2-targeted therapeutics continue to be a challenge in breast cancer therapy. Dox is the mainstay of chemotherapy of all types of breast cancer, but its usefulness is limited by cumulative cardiotoxicity. Because oxidative stress caused by dox generates the pro-apoptotic Ω-6 PUFA metabolite 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), we surmised that Ω-6 PUFAs would increase the effectiveness of dox chemotherapy. Since the mercapturic acid pathway enzyme RALBP1 (also known as RLIP76 or Rlip) that limits cellular accumulation of 4-HNE also mediates dox resistance, the combination of Ω-6 PUFAs and Rlip depletion could synergistically improve the efficacy of dox. Thus, we studied the effects of the Ω-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA) and Rlip knockdown on the antineoplastic activity of dox towards Her2-amplified breast cancer cell lines SK-BR-3, which is sensitive to Her2 inhibitors, and AU565, which is resistant. AA increased lipid peroxidation, 4-HNE generation, apoptosis, cellular dox concentration and dox cytotoxicity in both cell lines while sparing cultured immortalized cardiomyocyte cells. The known functions of Rlip including clathrin-dependent endocytosis and dox efflux were inhibited by AA. Our results support a model in which 4-HNE generated by AA overwhelms the capacity of Rlip to defend against apoptosis caused by dox or 4-HNE. We propose that Ω-6 PUFA supplementation could improve the efficacy of dox or Rlip inhibitors for treating Her2-amplified breast cancer.

Distinct Impact of Natural Sugars from Fruit Juices and Added Sugars on Caloric Intake, Body Weight, Glycaemia, Oxidative Stress and Glycation in Diabetic Rats

Although fruit juices are a natural source of sugars, there is a controversy whether their sugar content has similar harmful effects as beverages’ added-sugars. We aimed to study the role of fruit juice sugars in inducing overweight, hyperglycaemia, glycation and oxidative stress in normal and diabetic animal models. In diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, we compared the effects of four different fruit juices (4-weeks) with sugary solutions having a similar sugar profile and concentration. In vitro, the sugary solutions were more susceptible to AGE formation than fruit juices, also causing higher postprandial glycaemia and lower erythrocytes’ antioxidant capacity in vivo (single intake). In GK rats, ad libitum fruit juice consumption (4-weeks) did not change body weight, glycaemia, oxidative stress nor glycation. Consumption of a matched volume of sugary solutions aggravated fasting glycaemia but had a moderate impact on caloric intake and oxidative stress/glycation markers in tissues of diabetic rats. Ad libitum availability of the same sugary solutions impaired energy balance regulation, leading to higher caloric intake than ad libitum fruit juices and controls, as well as weight gain, fasting hyperglycaemia, insulin intolerance and impaired oxidative stress/glycation markers in several tissues. We demonstrated the distinct role of sugars naturally present in fruit juices and added sugars in energy balance regulation, impairing oxidative stress, glycation and glucose metabolism in an animal model of type 2 diabetes.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and the Risk of Keratinocyte Cancer: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis

BACKGROUND

Keratinocyte cancer is the commonest cancer, imposing a high economic burden on the health care system. Observational studies have shown mixed associations between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and keratinocyte cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We explored whether genetically predicted PUFA levels are associated with BCC and SCC risks.

METHODS

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study using PUFA level genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium (n > 8,000), and the meta-analysis GWASs from UKB, 23andMe, and Qskin for BCC (n = 651,138) and SCC (n = 635,331) risk.

RESULTS

One SD increase in genetically predicted levels of linoleic acid [OR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.91-0.97, P = 1.4 × 10^-4] and alpha-linolenic acid (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86-0.96, P = 5.1 × 10^-4) was associated with a reduced BCC risk, while arachidonic acid (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02-1.06, P = 3.2 × 10^-4) and eicosapentaenoic acid (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04-1.16, P = 1.5 × 10^-3) were associated with an increased BCC risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher genetically predicted levels of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid were associated with a reduced BCC risk, but arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were associated with a higher BCC risk.

IMPACT

PUFA-related diet and supplementation could influence BCC etiology.

A sequence variant in the diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 gene influences palmitoleic acid content in pig muscle

The bulk of body fat in mammals is in the form of triacylglycerol. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) catalyses the terminal step in triacylglycerol synthesis. The proximity of DGAT2 with stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in the endoplasmic reticulum may facilitate provision of de novo SCD-mediated fatty acids as substrate for DGAT2. Here, we first searched for sequence variants in the DGAT2 gene to then validate their effect on fat content and fatty acid composition in muscle, subcutaneous fat and liver of 1129 Duroc pigs. A single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 9 (ss7315407085 G > A) was selected as a tag variant for the 33 sequence variants identified in the DGAT2 region. The DGAT2-G allele increased DGAT2 expression in muscle and had a positive impact on muscular C14 and C16 fatty acids at the expense of C18 fatty acids. Although there was no evidence for an interaction of DGAT2 with functional SCD genotypes, pigs carrying the DGAT2-G allele had proportionally more palmitoleic acid relative to palmitic acid. Our findings indicate that DGAT2 preferentially uptakes shorter rather than longer-chain fatty acids as substrate, especially if they are monounsaturated, and confirm that fatty acid metabolism in pigs is subjected to subtle tissue-specific genetic regulatory mechanisms.

Carob Pulp: A Nutritional and Functional By-Product Worldwide Spread in the Formulation of Different Food Products and Beverages. A Review

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pod is a characteristic fruit from the Mediterranean regions. It is composed by seeds, the valuable part due to the extraction of locust bean gum, and the pulp, considered a by-product of the fruit processing industry. Carob pulp is a mixture of macro- and micronutrients, such as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and secondary metabolites with functional properties. In the last few years, numerous studies on the chemical and biological characteristics of the pulp have been performed to encourage its commercial use. Its potential applications as a nutraceutical ingredient in many recipes for food and beverage elaborations have been extensively evaluated. Another aspect highlighted in this work is the use of alternative processes or conditions to mitigate furanic production, recognized for its toxicity. Furthermore, carob pulp’s similar sensorial, chemical and biological properties to cocoa, the absence of the stimulating alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, as well as its low-fat content, make it a healthier potential substitute for cocoa. This paper reviews the nutritional and functional values of carob pulp-based products in order to provide information on the proclaimed health-promoting properties of this interesting by-product.

The association between fatty acid intake and breast cancer based on the NHANES and Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have examined the association between fatty acid intake and breast cancer (BC), and the association might vary depending on menopausal status, but the results remain controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between fatty acid intake and BC.

METHODS

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2016 was used in the study, and stratified analysis by menopausal status was performed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between BC and intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), adjusting for covariates. Three two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods-inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and Mendelian randomization-Egger (MR-Egger) regression-were applied to further verify the associations between intake of fatty acids and BC.

RESULTS

Higher intake of MUFAs was associated with lower risk of BC in premenopausal women: ORs (95 %CI): 0.325 (0.110, 0.964). IVW showed that increased intake of MUFAs was associated with a reduced risk of BC: 0.997 (0.995, 1.000), p = 0.024. No associations between BC and SFAs, MUFAs or PUFAs were found in postmenopausal women or in the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing intake of MUFAs might reduce the risk of BC in premenopausal women. The protective effect of MUFAs on BC was also supported by MR study.

Probiotics for the Chemoprotective Role Against the Toxic Effect of Cancer Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The processes of chemo- and radiation therapy-based clinical management of different types of cancers are associated with toxicity and side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. So, there is always an unmet need to explore agents to reduce such risk factors. Among these, natural products have generated much attention because of their potent antioxidant and antitumor effects. In the past, some breakthrough outcomes established that various bacteria in the human intestinal gut are bearing growth-promoting attributes and suppressing the conversion of pro-carcinogens into carcinogens. Hence, probiotics integrated approaches are nowadays being explored as rationalized therapeutics in the clinical management of cancer.

METHODS

Here, published literature was explored to review chemoprotective roles of probiotics against toxic and side effects of chemotherapeutics.

RESULTS

Apart from excellent anti-cancer abilities, probiotics are bearing and alleviate toxicity and side effects of chemotherapeutics, with a high degree of safety and efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Preclinical and clinical evidence suggested that due to the chemoprotective roles of probiotics against side effects and toxicity of chemotherapeutics, their integration in chemotherapy would be a judicious approach.

An ω-3, but Not an ω-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Decreases Membrane Dipole Potential and Stimulates Endo-Lysosomal Escape of Penetratin

Although the largely positive intramembrane dipole potential (DP) may substantially influence the function of transmembrane proteins, its investigation is deeply hampered by the lack of measurement techniques suitable for high-throughput examination of living cells. Here, we describe a novel emission ratiometric flow cytometry method based on F66, a 3-hydroxiflavon derivative, and demonstrate that 6-ketocholestanol, cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol, saturated stearic acid (SA) and ω-6 γ-linolenic acid (GLA) increase, while ω-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) decreases the DP. These changes do not correlate with alterations in cell viability or membrane fluidity. Pretreatment with ALA counteracts, while SA or GLA enhances cholesterol-induced DP elevations. Furthermore, ALA (but not SA or GLA) increases endo-lysosomal escape of penetratin, a cell-penetrating peptide. In summary, we have developed a novel method to measure DP in large quantities of individual living cells and propose ALA as a physiological DP lowering agent facilitating cytoplasmic entry of penetratin.

Thyroid cancer and its associated factors: A population-based case-control study

Considering the rising incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer (TC) worldwide, the aim of our study was to determine the risk factors for TC in a province with the highest incidence of TC in the country located at the South of Iran. A population-based case-control study was performed on 708 participants (361 new cases and 347 controls). The case participants were selected from the Iranian National Cancer Registry database. Frequency matched for gender and age, and the control participants were selected randomly from the neighborhood of the cases. Based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, benign thyroid diseases (eg, hyperthyroidism OR_yes/no = 14.06, 95% CI: 5.13-38.51), family history of TC (OR_yes/no = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.51-8.26), radiation exposure of the head (OR_yes/no = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.03-3.60), family history of thyroid diseases (OR_yes/no = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.19-2.62) and family history of other types of cancer (OR_yes/no = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.01-2.74), significantly increased the risk of developing TC. On the other hand, high blood pressure (OR_yes/no = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19-0.64), higher education (OR_{college/illiterate} = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.96), consumption of unsaturated fat (OR_{unsaturated/saturated} = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.87) and being married (OR_{married/single} = 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.98) were found to be protective factors. Some community-based interventions, for example, reduction in radiation exposure and screening members of families with underlying thyroid diseases may help in preventing or early diagnosis of TC. More studies on the health effects of local herbs are highly recommended.

Overconsumption of Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) versus Deficiency of Omega-3 PUFAs in Modern-Day Diets: The Disturbing Factor for Their "Balanced Antagonistic Metabolic Functions" in the Human Body

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contain ≥2 double-bond desaturations within the acyl chain. Omega-3 (n-3) and Omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs are the two known important families in human health and nutrition. In both Omega families, many forms of PUFAs exist: α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the n-3 family and linoleic acid (LA), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), and arachidonic acid (AA) from the n-6 family are the important PUFAs for human health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFAs are competitively metabolized by the same set of desaturation, elongation, and oxygenase enzymes. The lipid mediators produced from their oxidative metabolism perform opposing (antagonistic) functions in the human body. Except for DGLA, n-6 PUFA-derived lipid mediators enhance inflammation, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction, while those of n-3 inhibit inflammation and platelet aggregation and enhance vasodilation. Overconsumption of n-6 PUFAs with low intake of n-3 PUFAs is highly associated with the pathogenesis of many modern diet-related chronic diseases. The volume of n-6 PUFAs is largely exceeding the volume of n-3PUFAs. The current n-6/n-3 ratio is 20-50/1. Due to higher ratios of n-6/n-3 in modern diets, larger quantities of LA- and AA-derived lipid mediators are produced, becoming the main causes of the formation of thrombus and atheroma, the allergic and inflammatory disorders, and the proliferation of cells, as well as the hyperactive endocannabinoid system. Therefore, in order to reduce all of these risks which are due to overconsumption of n-6 PUFAs, individuals are required to take both PUFAs in the highly recommended n-6/n-3 ratio which is 4-5/1.

Ligand Bound Fatty Acid Binding Protein 7 (FABP7) Drives Melanoma Cell Proliferation Via Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

PURPOSE

Fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) involved in intracellular lipid dynamics, is highly expressed in melanomas and associated with decreased patient survival. Several studies put FABP7 at the center of melanoma cell proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well deciphered. This study examines the effects of FABP7 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling that enhances proliferation in melanoma cells.

METHODS

Skmel23 cells with FABP7 silencing and Mel2 cells overexpressed with wild-type FABP7 (FABP7wt) and mutated FABP7 (FABP7mut) were used. Cell proliferation and migration were analyzed by proliferation and wound-healing assay, respectively. Transcriptional activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling was measured by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of a specific FABP7 inhibitor, MF6, on proliferation, migration, and modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were examined.

RESULTS

FABP7 siRNA knockdown in Skmel23 decreased proliferation and migration, cyclin D1 expression, as well as Wnt/β-catenin activity. Similarly, FABP7wt overexpression in Mel2 cells increased these effects, but FABP7mut abrogated these effects. Pharmacological inhibition of FABP7 function with MF6 suppressed FABP7-regulated proliferation of melanoma cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest the importance of the interaction between FABP7 and its ligands in melanoma proliferation modulation, and the beneficial implications of therapeutic targeting of FABP7 for melanoma treatment.

CRISPR/Cas9-Induced fad2 and rod1 Mutations Stacked With fae1 Confer High Oleic Acid Seed Oil in Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.)

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is being domesticated as an oilseed cash cover crop to be grown in the off-season throughout temperate regions of the world. With its diploid genome and ease of directed mutagenesis using molecular approaches, pennycress seed oil composition can be rapidly tailored for a plethora of food, feed, oleochemical and fuel uses. Here, we utilized Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 technology to produce knockout mutations in the FATTY ACID DESATURASE2 (FAD2) and REDUCED OLEATE DESATURATION1 (ROD1) genes to increase oleic acid content. High oleic acid (18:1) oil is valued for its oxidative stability that is superior to the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) linoleic (18:2) and linolenic (18:3), and better cold flow properties than the very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) erucic (22:1). When combined with a FATTY ACID ELONGATION1 (fae1) knockout mutation, fad2 fae1 and rod1 fae1 double mutants produced ∼90% and ∼60% oleic acid in seed oil, respectively, with PUFAs in fad2 fae1 as well as fad2 single mutants reduced to less than 5%. MALDI-MS spatial imaging analyses of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species in wild-type pennycress embryo sections from mature seeds revealed that erucic acid is highly enriched in cotyledons which serve as storage organs, suggestive of a role in providing energy for the germinating seedling. In contrast, PUFA-containing TAGs are enriched in the embryonic axis, which may be utilized for cellular membrane expansion during seed germination and seedling emergence. Under standard growth chamber conditions, rod1 fae1 plants grew like wild type whereas fad2 single and fad2 fae1 double mutant plants exhibited delayed growth and overall reduced heights and seed yields, suggesting that reducing PUFAs below a threshold in pennycress had negative physiological effects. Taken together, our results suggest that combinatorial knockout of ROD1 and FAE1 may be a viable route to commercially increase oleic acid content in pennycress seed oil whereas mutations in FAD2 will likely require at least partial function to avoid fitness trade-offs.

Associations Between Preconception Plasma Fatty Acids and Pregnancy Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although fatty acids are involved in critical reproductive processes, the relationship between specific fatty acids and fertility is uncertain. We investigated the relationship between preconception plasma fatty acids and pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

We included 1,228 women attempting pregnancy with one to two previous pregnancy losses from the EAGeR trial (2007-2011). Plasma fatty acids were measured at baseline. We used log-binomial regression to assess associations between fatty acids and pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and live birth, adjusting for age, race, smoking, BMI, physical activity, income, parity, treatment arm, and cholesterol.

RESULTS

Although total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were not associated with pregnancy outcomes, 14:0 (myristic acid; relative risk [RR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.19, per 0.1% increase) and 20:0 (arachidic acid; RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08, per 0.1% increase) were positively associated with live birth. Findings suggested a positive association between total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and pregnancy and live birth and an inverse association with loss. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were associated with lower probability of pregnancy (RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95, 1.00) and live birth (RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94, 0.99), and increased risk of loss (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.20), per 1% increase. Trans fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids were not associated with pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Preconception total plasma MUFAs were positively associated with pregnancy and live birth. PUFAs were inversely associated with pregnancy outcomes. Specific SFAs were associated with a higher probability of live birth. Our results suggest that fatty acids may influence pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of an Omega-3 and Vitamin D Supplement on Fatty Acids and Vitamin D Serum Levels in Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trials in Healthy and Crohn's Disease Populations

Two trials separately measured the bioavailability and impact on inflammation of a supplement taken daily containing 510 mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 344 mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and 1000 IU of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D; 25(OH)D), for healthy and Crohn’s disease (CD) populations. Both trials were double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled with cross-over. Participants were randomly allocated to groups A (placebo then supplement) or B (supplement then placebo). Both included a washout. Fatty acid (N-3 PUFAs) and vitamin D serum levels, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and stool calprotectin were measured before and after each treatment period. Outcome measures were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models, including terms for treatment, period, and a treatment-by-period interaction. The supplement significantly increased serum levels in healthy and CD groups for EPA (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), Docosapentaenoic acid (p < 0.001 and 0.005), DHA (p < 0.001 and 0.006), the omega-3 index (p < 0.001 and 0.001), and (vitamin D (p < 0.001 and 0.027). CRP and calprotectin measures showed no evidence of a treatment effect on inflammation; however, model estimation was imprecise for both outcomes, hence further research is required to elucidate potential inflammation effects. The nutrient supplement increased serum levels of key N-3 PUFAs and vitamin D in both populations, showing the preparation was readily bioavailable.

Modulating Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization by Synthetic and Natural PPARγ Ligands as a Potential Target in Breast Cancer

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) elicits anti-proliferative effects on different tumor cells, including those derived from breast cancer. PPARγ is also expressed in several cells of the breast tumor microenvironment, among which tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in tumor progression and metastasis. We explored the ability of synthetic and natural PPARγ ligands to modulate TAM polarization. The ligands included rosiglitazone (BRL-49653), and two docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) conjugates, N-docosahexaenoyl ethanolamine (DHEA) and N-docosahexaenoyl serotonin (DHA-5-HT). Human THP-1 monocytic cells were differentiated into M0, M1 and M2 macrophages that were characterized by qRT-PCR, ELISA and western blotting. A TAM-like phenotypic state was generated by adding two different breast cancer cell conditioned media (BCC-CM) to the cultures. Macrophages exposed to BCC-CM concomitantly exhibited M1 and M2 phenotypes. Interestingly, rosiglitazone, DHEA and DHA-5-HT attenuated cytokine secretion by TAMs, and this effect was reversed by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. Given the key role played by PPARγ in the crosstalk between cancer cells and TAMs in tumor progression, its activation via endogenous or synthetic ligands may lead to novel strategies that target both epithelial neoplastic cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Effects of long-term intake of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray on the organism health and gut microbiota in vivo

The relationship between diet, especially polyphenols, and health has been receiving increasing attention. Polyphenols were degraded by gut microbiota into metabolites and acted on the body to exert many bioactivities from several targets such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota modulation. After long-term treatment of mice with anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN), antioxidant status in liver (T-AOC, T-SOD, CAT, GSH and GSH-Px were increased and AST, ALT, ALP and MDA were decreased), anti-inflammatory status in colon (the expression of mRNA of iNos, Cox-2, Tnf-α, Il-6, Il-1β and Ifn-γ were significantly reduced), intestinal barrier (the expression of mRNA of Zo-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 and Muc1 were significantly increased) and gut microbiota (Barnesiella, Alistipes, Eisenbergiella, Coprobacter and Odoribacter were proliferated) were all regulated in ACN group. Meanwhile, the content of short-chain fatty acids in cecal contents and feces were increased. Taken together, long-term intake of ACN could promote organism healthy and these results have important implications for the development of ACN as a functional food ingredient.

Dietary linoleic acid and human health: Focus on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic effects

This narrative review aims to discuss the more relevant evidence on the role of linoleic acid (LA), a n-6 essential fatty acid that constitutes the predominant proportion of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in cardiovascular health. Although LA can be metabolized into Arachidonic Acid (AA), a 20 carbon PUFA which is the precursor of eicosanoids, including some with proinflammatory or prothrombotic-vasoconstrictor action, the large majority of experimental and clinical studies have assessed the potential benefit of increasing dietary intake of LA. Overall, data from clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest an association between high dietary intakes or tissue levels of n-6 PUFA, and specifically LA, and the improvement of cardiovascular risk (mainly of the plasma lipid profile), as well as long-term glycaemic control and insulin resistance. Most observational data show that elevated/increased dietary intake or tissue levels of LA is associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases (mainly coronary artery diseases) and of new onset metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. The effects of LA (or n-6 PUFA) in other physio-pathological areas are less clear. High quality clinical trials are needed to assess both the actual amplitude and the underlying mechanisms of the health effects related to dietary intake of this essential fatty acid.

Identification of key genes and pathways between type I and type II endometrial cancer using bioinformatics analysis

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common malignant neoplasm of the female reproductive tract. The malignant degree of type II EC is much greater than that of type I EC, usually presenting with a high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the principal genes associated with the degree of differentiation in type I and type II EC and reveal their potential mechanisms. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected from the gene expression profiles derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. In the present study, the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that 5,962 upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in the ‘p53 signaling pathway’ and involved in ‘lysine degradation’. In addition, 3,709 downregulated DEGs were enriched in ‘pathways in cancer’, as well as ‘tight junction regulation’, the ‘cell cycle’ and the ‘Wnt signaling pathway’. The 13 top hub genes MAPK1, PHLPP1, ESR1, MDM2, CDKN2A, CDKN1A, AURKA, BCL2L1, POLQ, PIK3R3, RHOQ, EIF4E and LATS2 were identified via the protein-protein interaction network. Furthermore, the OncoPrint algorithm from cBioPortal declared that 25% of EC cases carried genetic alterations. The altered DEGs (MAPK1, MDM2, AURKA, EIF4E and LATS2) may be involved in tumor differentiation and may be valuable diagnostic biomarkers. In conclusion, a number of principal genes were identified in the present study that may be determinants of poorly differentiated type II EC carcinogenesis, which may contribute to future research into potential molecular mechanisms. In addition, these genes may help identify candidate biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for type II EC.

Fatty acid intake and breast cancer in the Spanish multicase-control study on cancer (MCC-Spain)

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between dietary fat and fat subtype and breast cancer development.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study with 1181 cases of incident breast cancer, diagnosed between 2007 and 2012, and 1682 population controls frequency matched (by age, sex, and region) from the Spanish multicenter case-control study MCC-Spain.

RESULTS

We found a significant protective effect in premenopausal women of total fat intake [OR 0.51 95% CI (0.31-0.86) highest versus lowest tertile], but no effect was observed in menopausal women [OR 1.15 95% CI (0.83-1.60)]. Analyzing by type of fat, this protective effect persisted only for the monounsaturated fatty acids [OR 0.51 95% CI (0.32-0.82)]. In contrast, other fatty acids did not have a significant effect. In addition, a protection against risk of breast cancer was found when polyunsaturated fats were "substituted" by monounsaturated, maintaining the same total fat intake [OR 0.68 95% CI (0.47-0.99)]. Finally, analyzing by breast cancer subtype, we found no effect, except in premenopausal women where intake of moderate [OR 0.52 95% CI (0.33-0.82)] and high monounsaturated fatty acids [OR 0.47 95% CI (0.27-0.82)] maintains a protective effect against ER/PR + tumors. In contrast, in menopausal women, a high intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was associated with higher risk of HER2 + tumors [OR 2.00 95% CI (0.97-4.13)].

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a differential effect of monounsaturated fatty acids according to menopausal status and breast cancer subtype.

Studies on the effect of a nutritious vegetable, Telfairia occidentalis, on HbSS blood

Medicinal plants have been used traditionally in Africa, especially Nigeria, in the management of sickle cell disorder (SCD) whose treatment has been mainly palliative. The antisickling properties of ethanol extract of Telfairia occidentalis Hook, F. (TO) (Family Cucurbitaceae) leaf was tested in vitro at concentrations 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/mL using inhibitory and reversal models. Nitrogen gas was used to induce hypoxia for 1 h. The effect of TO on red cell density and cell membrane were also determined. The methanol sub fraction of TO extract was subjected to GC/MS to identify some of the active compounds. The TO gave antisickling activities of 78.84 ± 1.34% inhibition and 95.4 ± 0.81% reversal, which are significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of Ciklavit^®. The TO extract gave a change in density of 17.83 ± 0.77% and a dose dependent activity on RBC membrane. Methyl 9-cis 11- trans-octadecadienoate; 1, 4- benzenedicarboxylic acid; 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Linoleic acid); and hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (palmitic acid); were identified from TO ethanol leaf extract for the first time using GC/MS. This study authenticated the ethnomedicinal claims of the use of T. occidentalis in the management of sickle cell disorder.

The Effect of Oral Administration of PUFAs on the Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the fifth most common cancer globally. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered as functional ingredients that improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of PUFAs administration on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

METHODS

This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind trial. Thirty-four newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 17) and case group (n =17). Both groups received the same dose (75 mg/m²) of cisplatin. Control group received cisplatin plus placebo and the case group received cisplatin plus PUFAs [3600 mg/day, for three courses (each course included 3 weeks)]. The mRNA and protein expression of MMPs determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively.

RESULTS

The relative gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was significantly lower in case group than control. The protein expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was significantly lower in case group than control.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, PUFAs reduced the expression of MMPs in gastric cancer cells. It seems that PUFAs may have an inhibitory effect on invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, Pro-Resolving Mediators, and Clinical Outcomes in Maternal-Infant Pairs

Omega (n)-3 fatty acids are vital to neonatal maturation, and recent investigations reveal n-3 fatty acids serve as substrates for the biosynthesis of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) that have anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects. The role SPM play in the protection against negative maternal-fetal health outcomes is unclear, and there are no current biomarkers of n-3 fatty acid sufficiency. We sought to ascertain the relationships between n-3 fatty acid intake, SPM levels, and maternal-fetal health outcomes. We obtained n-3 fatty acid intake information from 136 mothers admitted for delivery using a food frequency questionnaire and measured docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-derived SPMs resolvin D1 (RvD1) and RvD2 in maternal and cord plasma. We found significantly elevated SPM in maternal versus cord plasma, and increased SPM levels were associated with at-risk outcomes. We also identified that increased DHA intake was associated with elevated maternal plasma RvD1 (p = 0.03; R² = 0.18) and RvD2 (p = 0.04; R² = 0.20) in the setting of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. These findings indicate that increased n-3 fatty acid intake may provide increased substrate for the production of SPM during high-risk pregnancy/delivery conditions, and that increased maternal plasma SPM could serve as a biomarker for negative neonatal outcomes.

Effect of Preharvest Abiotic Stresses on the Accumulation of Bioactive Compounds in Horticultural Produce

The quality of horticultural products is the result of the interaction of different factors, including grower's crop management ability, genotype, and environment. Sub-optimal environmental conditions during plant growth can induce abiotic stresses and reduce the crop performance with yield reduction and quality losses. However, abiotic stresses can induce several physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses in plants, aiming to cope with the stressful conditions. It is well known that these abiotic stresses are also elicitors of the biosynthesis of many metabolites in plants, including a wide range of bioactive compounds, which firstly serve as functional molecules for crop adaptation, but they have also a great interest for their beneficial effects on human health. Nowadays, the consumer is oriented to low-energy foods with low fat content, but at the same time, growing attention is paid to the presence of bioactive molecules, which are recognized as health-related compounds and concur to the nutraceutical value of plant-derived foods. In this context, fruit and vegetables play an important role as sources of bioactive ingredients in the diet. At the cultivation level, the understanding of crop responses to abiotic stresses and how they act in the biosynthesis/accumulation of these bioactive compounds is crucial. In fact, controlled abiotic stresses can be used as tools for improving the nutraceutical value of fruit and vegetables. This review focuses on the quality of vegetables and fruits as affected by preharvest abiotic stressors, with particular attention to the effect on the nutraceutical aspects.

Changes in Dietary Intake and Adherence to the NU-AGE Diet Following a One-Year Dietary Intervention among European Older Adults-Results of the NU-AGE Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean Diet has been proposed as an effective strategy to reduce inflammaging, a chronic low grade inflammatory status, and thus, to slow down the aging process. We evaluated whether a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern specifically targeting dietary recommendations of people aged over 65 years (NU-AGE diet) could be effective to shift dietary intake of older adults towards a healthful diet.

METHODS

Adults aged 65⁻80 years across five EU-centers were randomly assigned to a NU-AGE diet group or control group. The diet group followed one year of NU-AGE dietary intervention specifying consumption of 15 food groups plus the use of a vitamin D supplement. Participants in the diet group received counselling and individually tailored dietary advice, food products and a vitamin D supplement. Dietary intake was assessed by means of seven-day food records at baseline and one-year follow-up. A continuous NU-AGE index (0⁻160 points) was developed to assess NU-AGE diet adherence.

RESULTS

In total 1296 participants were randomized and 1141 participants completed the intervention (571 intervention, 570 control). After one year, the diet group improved mean intake of 13 out of 16 NU-AGE dietary components (p < 0.05), with a significant increase in total NU-AGE index (difference in mean change = 21.3 ± 15.9 points, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The NU-AGE dietary intervention, based on dietary recommendations for older adults, consisting of individual dietary counselling, free healthy foods and a vitamin D supplement, may be a feasible strategy to improve dietary intake in an aging European population.

Replacement of dietary saturated fat with unsaturated fats increases numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and decreases numbers of microparticles: findings from the randomized, controlled Dietary Intervention and VAScular function (DIVAS) study

Background

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and microparticles are emerging as novel markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, which could potentially be modified by dietary fat. We have previously shown that replacing dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with monounsaturated or n-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs or PUFAs, respectively) improved lipid biomarkers, blood pressure, and markers of endothelial activation, but their effects on circulating EPCs and microparticles are unclear.

Objective

The Dietary Intervention and VAScular function (DIVAS) Study investigated the replacement of 9.5-9.6% of total energy (%TE) contributed by SFAs with MUFAs or n-6 PUFAs for 16 wk on EPC and microparticle numbers in United Kingdom adults with moderate CVD risk.

Design

In this randomized, controlled, single-blind, parallel-group dietary intervention, men and women aged 21-60 y (n = 190) with moderate CVD risk (≥50% above the population mean) consumed 1 of three 16-wk isoenergetic diets. Target compositions for total fat, SFAs, MUFAs, and n-6 PUFAs (%TE) were as follows: SFA-rich diet (36:17:11:4; n = 64), MUFA-rich diet (36:9:19:4; n = 62), and n-6 PUFA-rich diet (36:9:13:10; n = 66). Circulating EPC, endothelial microparticle (EMP), and platelet microparticle (PMP) numbers were analyzed by flow cytometry. Dietary intake, vascular function, and other cardiometabolic risk factors were determined at baseline.

Results

Relative to the SFA-rich diet, MUFA- and n-6 PUFA-rich diets decreased EMP (-47.3%, -44.9%) respectively and PMP (-36.8%, -39.1%) numbers (overall diet effects, P < 0.01). The MUFA-rich diet increased EPC numbers (+28.4%; P = 0.023). Additional analyses that used stepwise regression models identified the augmentation index (measuring arterial stiffness determined by pulse-wave analysis) as an independent predictor of baseline EPC and microparticle numbers.

Conclusions

Replacement of 9.5-9.6%TE dietary SFAs with MUFAs increased EPC numbers, and replacement with either MUFAs or n-6 PUFAs decreased microparticle numbers, suggesting beneficial effects on endothelial repair and maintenance. Further studies are warranted to determine the mechanisms underlying the favorable effects on EPC and microparticle numbers after SFA replacement. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01478958.

Low omega-3 index values and monounsaturated fatty acid levels in early pregnancy: an analysis of maternal erythrocytes fatty acids

Background

It is unanimously recognized that the maternal nutritional status at the pregnancy onset influence both short-term and long-term health of the mother and offspring. Among several nutrients, LCPUFA, particularly from the omega-3 family, are of utmost importance. This study was carried out to determine fatty acids profile of maternal erythrocyte membranes in early pregnancy and to identify potential determinants impacting on this status.

Methods

A cohort of 122 healthy women with a singleton pregnancy was included. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. Because of the lack of cutoff values, reference ranges were used to determine fatty acids categories.

Results

Of concern, our data revealed low monounsaturated and long-chain omega-3 fatty acid status in most participants. More than 75% of Belgian pregnant women exhibited Pal, AO and EPA levels as well as IOM3 values below the laboratory reference ranges. Higher DHA concentrations and IOM3 values were found among foreign-nationality participants, non-smokers and physically active women. With regard to dietary factors, omega-3 supplements and diet seem to be complementary since DHA from supplements (but not from diet) and EPA from diet (but not from supplements) were found to be associated with higher concentrations of DHA and EPA, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study presents evidence demonstrating that the fatty acid status of most early pregnant women is far from being optimal based on the admitted general reference values. Clinicians should be advice to carefully evaluate and improve this status to guarantee the best possible outcome for both the mother and the baby.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-018-0716-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Factors associated with fruit and vegetable and total fat intake in university students: A cross-sectional explanatory study

AIM

This study assessed sociodemographics, general health, personal and environmental factors associated with fruit and vegetable (F&V) and total fat intake in Belgian university students.

METHODS

In total, 185 students completed a self-reported online questionnaire assessing daily F&V and fat intake, as well as sociodemographic, personal and environmental variables related to F&V and fat intake. Mean F&V and fat consumption were compared with Belgian recommendations. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with F&V and fat intake.

RESULTS

Respectively, 90.3 and 50.8% of students failed to meet the recommendations for F&V and fat consumption. Agreeing more with the fact that one should eat F&V on most days of the week (individual subjective norm), finding it less difficult to eat F&V at home or at university (perceived behavioural control) and experiencing more modelling were associated with higher F&V consumption. Increasing age, higher educational level of the father and higher individual subjective norm about eating low-fat foods were associated with lower fat intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Future interventions aiming to improve dietary intake among university students should focus on younger students with lower socioeconomic status and should enhance students' subjective norm and behavioural control concerning healthy eating.