The clinical relevance of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of hypertriglyceridemia

Lipid profile in the aqueous humor of patients with myopia

We examined the lipid profiles in the aqueous humor (AH) of myopic patients to identify differences and investigate the relationships among dissertating lipids. Additionally, we assessed spherical equivalents and axial lengths to explore the pathogenesis of myopia. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the lipid composition of samples from myopic patients with axial lengths <26 mm (Group A) and >28 mm (Group B). Differences in lipid profiles between the two groups were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify discriminating lipids. Spearman correlation analysis explored the associations between lipid concentrations and biometric parameters. Three hundred and nine lipids across 21 lipid classes have been identified in this study. Five lipids showed significant differences between Group B and Group A (VIP >1, P < 0.05): BMP (20:3/22:3), PG (22:1/24:0), PS (14:1/22:4), TG (44:2)_FA18:2, and TG (55:3)_FA18:1. The area under the curve (AUC) for these lipids was >0.75. Notably, the concentrations of BMP (20:3/22:3), PS (14:1/22:4), and TG (55:3)_FA18:1 were correlated with spherical equivalents, while BMP (20:3/22:3) and PS (14:1/22:4) correlated with axial lengths. Our study identified five differential lipids in myopic patients, with three showing significant correlations with the degree of myopia. These findings enhance our understanding of myopia pathogenesis through lipidomic alterations, emphasizing changes in cell membrane composition and function, energy metabolism and storage, and pathways involving inflammation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), and metabolic processes related to phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, triglycerides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol.

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

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

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

RECENT FINDINGS

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

Nutraceuticals in the management of autonomic function and related disorders: A comprehensive review

Nutraceuticals have been described as phytocomplexes when derived from foods of plant origin or a pool of secondary metabolites when derived from foods of animal origin, which are concentrated and administered in an appropriate form and can promote beneficial health effects in the prevention/treatment of diseases. Considering that pharmaceutical medications can cause side effects, there is a growing interest in using nutraceuticals as an adjuvant therapeutic tool for several disorders involving autonomic dysfunction, such as obesity, atherosclerosis and other cardiometabolic diseases. This review summarizes and discusses the evidence from the literature on the effects of various nutraceuticals on autonomic control, addressing the gut microbiota modulation, production of secondary metabolites from bioactive compounds, and improvement of physical and chemical properties of cell membranes. Additionally, the safety of nutraceuticals and prospects are discussed. Probiotics, resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, nitrate, inositol, L-carnosine, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are among the nutraceuticals most studied to improve autonomic dysfunction in experimental animal models and clinical trials. Further human studies are needed to elucidate the effects of nutraceuticals formulated of multitarget compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action, which could benefit conditions involving autonomic dysfunction.

Functional Lipids and Cardiovascular Disease Reduction: A Concise Review

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

Lipid-Lowering Medications for Managing Dyslipidemia: A Narrative Review

Dyslipidemia refers to the change in the normal levels of one or more lipid components in the bloodstream, which include triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Dyslipidemia represents a substantial source of danger for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Effectively managing dyslipidemia involves a thorough strategy that includes changing one's lifestyle and using medications that are specifically designed to target the complex processes involved in lipid metabolism. Lipid-lowering treatments play a crucial role in this approach, providing a wide range of medications that are developed to specifically target different components of dyslipidemia. Statins are the main drug among these medications. Other drugs that are used with statin or as monotherapy include fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FAs), ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, and bempedoic acid. Using the PubMed database, we reviewed the literature about dyslipidemia, drugs used for treating dyslipidemia, their efficacy parameters, and common adverse events. We also reviewed the international guidelines for treating dyslipidemia and discussed the future of lipid-lowering medications. More trials and experiments are still required to verify the effectiveness of many lipid-lowering drugs and to know their common adverse events to be able to manage them properly.

Inhibitory mechanisms of docosahexaenoic acid on carbachol-, angiotensin II-, and bradykinin-induced contractions in guinea pig gastric fundus smooth muscle

We studied the inhibitory actions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the contractions induced by carbachol (CCh), angiotensin II (Ang II), and bradykinin (BK) in guinea pig (GP) gastric fundus smooth muscle (GFSM), particularly focusing on the possible inhibition of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs). DHA significantly suppressed the contractions induced by CCh, Ang II, and BK; the inhibition of BK-induced contractions was the strongest. Although all contractions were greatly dependent on external Ca2+, more than 80% of BK-induced contractions remained even in the presence of verapamil, a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel inhibitor. BK-induced contractions in the presence of verapamil were not suppressed by LOE-908 (a receptor-operated Ca2+ channel (ROCC) inhibitor) but were suppressed by SKF-96365 (an SOCC and ROCC inhibitor). BK-induced contractions in the presence of verapamil plus LOE-908 were strongly inhibited by DHA. Furthermore, DHA inhibited GFSM contractions induced by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) in the presence of verapamil plus LOE-908 and inhibited the intracellular Ca2+ increase due to Ca2+ addition in CPA-treated 293T cells. These findings indicate that Ca2+ influx through SOCCs plays a crucial role in BK-induced contraction in GP GFSM and that this inhibition by DHA is a new mechanism by which this fatty acid inhibits GFSM contractions.

Classical and Novel Lipid-Lowering Therapies for Diabetic Patients with Established Coronary Artery Disease or High Risk of Coronary Artery Disease-A Narrative Clinical Review

Diabetic atherosclerosis is a complex process that is characterized by diffuse and unstable lesions increasing 2-4-fold the risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Diabetic dyslipidemia has a predominant role in coronary artery disease (CAD) and has been the target of classical and emerging pharmaceutical agents with established or promising CV benefits. The aim of the present narrative review was to summarize the effects of classical and novel lipid-lowering pharmaceutical agents on lipid profile and CV outcomes in diabetic patients with established CAD or high risk of CAD. Statins remain the first-line treatment for all diabetic patients since they considerably ameliorate lipid parameters and non-lipid CV risk factors, leading to reduced CV morbidity and mortality. Complementary to statins, ezetimibe exerts lipid-lowering properties with modest but significant reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and CV mortality. PCSK9 inhibitors considerably reduce LDL-C levels and lower MACEs in diabetic patients. On the other hand, fibrates may confer a very modest decline in MACE incidence, while the CV impact of omega-3 fatty acids is promising but remains questionable. Bempedoic acid and inclisiran have a potential therapeutic role in the management of diabetic dyslipidemia, but this is still not adequately documented. Given the heightened CV risk among individuals with diabetes, more decisive results would be of great importance in the utility of all these drugs.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on the prognosis of coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids (ɷ-3 FAs) supplementation can improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of ɷ-3 FAs on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CAD. The language was restricted to English. The risk ratio was pooled. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate whether study-level variables might act as effect modifiers. A total of 12 studies involving 29913 patients were included. ɷ-3 FAs had no effects on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (RR, 0.93; 95 % CI: 0.85 to 1.01, P = 0.09). While ɷ-3 FAs reduced the incidences of all-cause death (RR, 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.83 to 0.97, P = 0.005), cardiovascular death (RR, 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.75 to 0.90, P < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.77; 95 % CI: 0.68 to 0.86, P < 0.0001), revascularization (RR, 0.80; 95 % CI: 0.69 to 0.93, P = 0.003), sudden cardiac death (RR, 0.67; 95 % CI: 0.52 to 0.86, P = 0.002) and hospitalization for heart failure or unstable angina pectoris (RR, 0.75; 95 % CI: 0.58 to 0.97, P = 0.03) in CAD. It did not statistically reduce the risk of stroke (RR, 0.96; 95 % CI: 0.77 to 1.21, P = 0.76). The favorable effects of ɷ-3 FAs on MACEs were significant in subgroups of intervention with EPA and baseline triglyceride ≥1.7 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

ɷ-3 FAs supplementation, especially EPA, appears to be an effective adjunct therapy for improving the prognosis of CAD.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42022311237.

Diabetes management, dietary supplements use and the effect of coronavirus pandemic on diabetes patients in Serbia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health challenge in Serbia, mirroring the situation in other European middle-income countries. The aims of this study were to examine the disease-related characteristics and management of diabetes, as well as the prevalence of use of dietary supplements (DS) among diabetes patients in Serbia, and to analyze the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on DM patients in Serbia.

METHODS

The study was carried out as an online, observational, cross-sectional study involving 422 adult diabetes type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) patients residing in Serbia.

RESULTS

DM1 patients were more likely than DM2 patients to self-control glucose levels (p < 0.001). Almost one-third of DM2 patients (31.4%) did not know their HbA1c value. Polypharmacy has been reported by 9.7% of DM1 patients and 23.5% of DM2 patients. During the coronavirus pandemic increased anxiety levels for one-third of respondents was noticed. The prevalence of DS use among DM patients was very high (95.3%), with vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and magnesium being the most commonly used. Women were more likely to use vitamin D (p = 0.001) and magnesium DS (p = 0.005) than men. Most patients (76.9%) faced limited access to healthcare services during the coronavirus pandemic with, sometimes, detrimental consequences. A significant portion of respondents (41.2%) consulted a pharmacist more often in 2021 than in previous years.

CONCLUSIONS

Special caution is needed regarding the potential interactions of DS with chronic therapy. To enhance diabetes care, Serbia needs more accessible mental health support, improved diabetes education, expanded CGM availability, and carefully planned emergency healthcare measures for chronic patients.

Comparison of the efficacy of fish oil and probiotic supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism contribute to the progression and exacerbation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fish oil and probiotics are dietary supplements that have the potential to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. However, their efficacy remains unclear in T2DM patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of fish oil or probiotic supplementation in T2DM patients from the database inception to December 13, 2023. Primary outcome indicators encompassed glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and blood lipid profile (triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Secondary outcome indicators included inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and adipocytokine (including leptin and adiponectin). The R software was used for statistical analysis, and GraphPad Prism was used for figure rendering.

RESULTS

A total of 60 RCTs involving 3845 T2DM patients were included in the analysis. The results showed that the probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Propionibacterium, etc.) were more effective in reducing HOMA-IR than fish oil (Surca = 0.935). Bifidobacterium demonstrated the highest efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels (Surca = 0.963). Regarding lipid metabolism, fish oil was superior to probiotics in lowering TG and TC levels (Surca values of 0.978 and 0.902, respectively). Furthermore, fish oil outperformed probiotics in reducing TNF-α (Surca = 0.839) and leptin (Surca = 0.712), and increasing adiponectin levels (Surca = 0.742). Node-splitting analysis showed good consistency (P > 0.05 for direct, indirect, and network comparison across various interventions).

CONCLUSIONS

In T2DM patients, fish oil was more effective than probiotics in regulating lipid metabolism. Probiotics outperformed fish oil in regulating glucose metabolism particularly; specifically, Bifidobacterium showed higher efficacy in reducing blood glucose.

A Preliminary Study on Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic and Aortic Morphometric Effects of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oil in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and aortic morphometric effects of fish oil rich in omega-3 in hypercholesterolemic BALB/c mice. This is an experimental model that included 16 male BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) divided into three groups (G1 (standard commercial chow and 0.9% saline solution), G2 (hypercholesterolemic diet and 0.9% saline solution) and G3 (hypercholesterolemic diet and fish oil)) for 8 weeks. There was no significant difference in the treatment with omega-3-rich fish oil in the lipid profile (p > 0.05). In the histological analysis, group G2 detected the presence of hepatitis and liver tissue necrosis, but this was not observed in group G3. As for the morphometry in the light area of the vessel, the G1 group had a higher score (2.62 ± 0.36 mm2) when compared to G2 (2.10 ± 0.16 mm2) and G3 (2.26 ± 0.25 mm2) (p < 0.05). The vessel wall thickness did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). It is concluded that supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 carried out in this study may have a protective effect on liver tissue, but it has not yet improved the lipid and morphometric profile. Despite this research being preliminary, it is a relevant study with future prospects for improving the doses of EPA and DHA in order to better elucidate the benefits of fish oil in models of dyslipidemia.

A review of recent studies on the enrichment of eggs and poultry meat with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: novel findings and unanswered questions

Studies from our laboratory over the past decade have yielded new information with regard to the dietary enrichment of eggs and poultry meat with omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) but have also generated a number of unanswered questions. In this review, we summarize the novel findings from this work, identify knowledge gaps, and offer possible explanations for some perplexing observations. Specifically discussed are: 1) Why feeding laying hens and broilers an oil rich in stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4 n-3), which theoretically bypasses the putative rate-limiting step in the hepatic n-3 PUFA biosynthetic pathway, does not enrich egg yolks and tissues with very long-chain (VLC; ≥20 C) n-3 PUFA to the same degree as obtained by feeding birds oils rich in preformed VLC n-3 PUFA; 2) Why in hens fed an SDA-rich oil, SDA fails to accumulate in egg yolk but is readily incorporated into adipose tissue; 3) How oils rich in oleic acid (OA; 18:1 n-9), when co-fed with various sources of n-3 PUFA, attenuates egg and tissue n-3 PUFA contents or rescues egg production when co-fed with a level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3) that causes severe hypotriglyceridemia; and 4) Why the efficiency of VLC n-3 PUFA deposition into eggs and poultry meat is inversely related to the dietary content of α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3 n-3), SDA, or DHA.

Intracellular Cholesterol Trafficking

Cholesterol is an essential lipid species of mammalian cells. Cells acquire it through synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and uptake from lipoprotein particles. Newly synthesized cholesterol is efficiently distributed from the ER to other organelles via lipid-binding/transfer proteins concentrated at membrane contact sites (MCSs) to reach the trans-Golgi network, endosomes, and plasma membrane. Lipoprotein-derived cholesterol is exported from the plasma membrane and endosomal compartments via a combination of vesicle/tubule-mediated membrane transport and transfer through MCSs. In this review, we provide an overview of intracellular cholesterol trafficking pathways, including cholesterol flux from the ER to other membranes, cholesterol uptake from lipoprotein donors and transport from the plasma membrane to the ER, cellular cholesterol efflux to lipoprotein acceptors, as well as lipoprotein cholesterol secretion from enterocytes, hepatocytes, and astrocytes. We also briefly discuss human diseases caused by defects in these processes and therapeutic strategies available in such conditions.

Indications for omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in prevention of cardiovascular disease: From fish to pharmaceuticals

OBJECTIVE

To explore the evidence for omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) supplementation in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

PubMed, Cochrane reviews, and Google Scholar were searched for meta-analyses and reviews related to O3FAs and CVD. Salient, recent randomized controlled trials referenced in these reviews were retrieved. Current lipid guidelines were reviewed.

MAIN MESSAGE

Most O3FAs are derived from marine or aquatic microalgae, which are consumed by fish. The essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are mainly sourced from fish, with a small fraction coming from plants. Omega-3 fatty acids modestly lower triglyceride levels, but the major impact on CVD is through a variety of other mechanisms related to cell membrane function, antioxidant properties, and reduction of atherogenic small low-density lipoprotein cholesterol particles. Guidelines continue to recommend eating 2 servings of fish per week. There is little evidence of benefit of O3FAs in primary prevention of CVD. Given that 40% of Canadians have insufficient levels and that these low levels may be associated with other chronic diseases over time, supplementation with O3FAs could be considered, particularly in those with hypertriglyceridemia, in those who eat no fish, or for vegetarians or vegans. Doses up to 1 g daily are considered safe. For secondary prevention after statin optimization, if triglyceride levels are between 1.5 and 5.6 mmol/L, guidelines recommend with level 1A evidence taking 2 g of icosapent ethyl twice a day. This is also recommended in primary prevention for patients with diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia and additional CVD risk factors. As fish stocks dwindle over time, preserving fisheries for developing countries and obtaining O3FA from microalgal or genetically modified plant sources may become important.

CONCLUSION

All guidelines recommend at least 2 servings of oily fish per week, although benefit from O3FAs is mostly seen in secondary prevention. Fish oil and combination preparations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have failed to show benefit at any dose at any level of prevention in patients who are appropriately prescribed statins. High-dose eicosapentaenoic acid shows substantial benefit in selected patients taking statins who have high triglyceride levels.

Indications relatives à un supplément d’acides gras oméga-3 pour prévenir les maladies cardiovasculaires

Objectif

Explorer les données probantes en faveur d’un supplément d’acides gras oméga-3 (AGO3) en prévention primaire et secondaire des maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV).

Sources de l’information

Une recherche documentaire a été effectuée dans PubMed, la bibliothèque Cochrane et Google Scholar pour trouver des méta-analyses et des revues portant sur les AGO3 et les MCV. Les études randomisées contrôlées récentes et pertinentes qui ont été citées dans ces revues ont été retenues. Les lignes directrices actuelles sur les lipides ont été examinées.

Message principal

La plupart des AGO3 dérivent des microalgues marines ou aquatiques qui sont consommées par le poisson. Les acides gras essentiels, notamment l’acide eicosapentaénoïque et l’acide docosahexaénoïque, sont principalement tirés du poisson, et une petite fraction vient des végétaux. Les acides gras oméga-3 abaissent modestement les taux de triglycérides, mais l’effet le plus important sur les MCV se produit par l’intermédiaire de divers autres mécanismes liés au fonctionnement des membranes cellulaires, aux propriétés antioxydantes et à la réduction des petites particules de cholestérol à lipoprotéines de basse densité athérogènes. Les lignes directrices continuent de recommander de consommer 2 portions de poisson par semaine. Il existe peu de données probantes sur les bienfaits des AGO3 en prévention primaire des MCV. Étant donné que 40 % des Canadiens en ont des taux insuffisants et que ces faibles taux peuvent être associés à d’autres maladies chroniques avec le temps, des suppléments d’AGO3 pourraient être envisagés, surtout pour ceux qui ont une hypertriglycéridémie ou qui ne mangent pas de poisson, ou pour les végétariens et les végans. Des doses allant jusqu’à 1 g par jour sont jugées sécuritaires. Pour la prévention secondaire après l’optimisation des statines, si les taux de triglycérides se situent entre 1,5 et 5,6 mmol/L, les lignes directrices recommandent, sur la base de données probantes de niveau 1A, de prendre 2 g d’icosapent éthyle 2 fois par jour. Cette même recommandation s’applique en prévention primaire pour les patients qui ont le diabète, une hypertriglycéridémie et un facteur de risque additionnel de MCV. À mesure que les stocks de poisson diminuent avec le temps, la préservation des pêches pour les pays en développement et l’obtention des AGO3 à partir des microalgues ou de sources végétales génétiquement modifiées pourraient prendre de l’importance.

Conclusion

Toutes les lignes directrices recommandent au moins 2 portions de poisson gras par semaine, même si les bienfaits des AGO3 sont principalement observés en prévention secondaire. Les huiles de poisson et les préparations composées d’acide eicosapentaénoïque et d’acide docosahexaénoïque n’ont pas démontré de bienfaits, quels que soient la dose et le niveau de prévention, chez les patients à qui on a prescrit des statines de manière appropriée. L’acide eicosapentaénoïque à forte dose procure des bienfaits considérables chez certains patients qui prennent des statines et ont des taux élevés de triglycérides.

The Potential Cardiometabolic Effects of Long-Chain ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Recent Updates and Controversies

Various health-related effects of long-chain (LC) ω-3 PUFAs, EPA, and DHA have been suggested. LC ω-3 PUFAs reduce TG concentrations and have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiplatelet, and vascular protective effects. Controversially, they might help in restoring glucose homeostasis via the gut microbiota. However, previous studies have not shown the clear benefits of LC ω-3 PUFAs for CVDs. REDUCE-IT and STRENGTH-representative randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined whether LC ω-3 PUFAs would prevent major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (MACE)-showed conflicting results with differences in the types, doses, or comparators of LC ω-3 PUFAs and study populations. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis using major RCTs to address this inconsistency and assess the clinical and biological effects of LC ω-3 PUFAs. We included RCTs that involved ≥500 participants with ≥1 y follow-up. Of 17 studies involving 143,410 people, LC ω-3 PUFA supplementation showed beneficial effects on CV death (RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99; P = 0.029) and fatal or nonfatal MI (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.95; P = 0.010). RCTs on EPA alone showed better results for 3-point MACE, CV death, and fatal or nonfatal MI. However, the benefits were not found for fatal or nonfatal stroke, all-cause mortality, and hospitalization for heart failure. Of note, studies of both the EPA/DHA combination and EPA alone showed a significant increase in risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Thus, well-designed studies are needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved in the distinct effects of EPA compared with DHA on cardiometabolic diseases. This review discusses the potential benefits and safety of LC ω-3 PUFAs from a cardiometabolic perspective focusing on recent updates and controversies.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Arterial Hypertension: Is There Any Good News?

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and its derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are "essential" fatty acids mainly obtained from diet sources comprising plant oils, marine blue fish, and commercially available fish oil supplements. Many epidemiological and retrospective studies suggested that ω-3 PUFA consumption decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but results of early intervention trials have not consistently confirmed this effect. In recent years, some large-scale randomized controlled trials have shed new light on the potential role of ω-3 PUFAs, particularly high-dose EPA-only formulations, in cardiovascular prevention, making them an attractive tool for the treatment of "residual" cardiovascular risk. ω-3 PUFAs' beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes go far beyond the reduction in triglyceride levels and are thought to be mediated by their broadly documented "pleiotropic" actions, most of which are directed to vascular protection. A considerable number of clinical studies and meta-analyses suggest the beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFAs in the regulation of blood pressure in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. These effects occur mostly through regulation of the vascular tone that could be mediated by both endothelium-dependent and independent mechanisms. In this narrative review, we summarize the results of both experimental and clinical studies that evaluated the effect of ω-3 PUFAs on blood pressure, highlighting the mechanisms of their action on the vascular system and their possible impact on hypertension, hypertension-related vascular damage, and, ultimately, cardiovascular outcomes.

Nutritional Factors: Benefits in Glaucoma and Ophthalmologic Pathologies

Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy that can lead to irreversible functional and morphological damage if left untreated. The gold standard therapeutic approaches in managing patients with glaucoma and limiting progression include local drops, laser, and/or surgery, which are all geared at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, organic compounds, and micronutrients have been gaining increasing interest in the past decade as integrative IOP-independent strategies to delay or halt glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell degeneration. In our minireview, we examine the various nutrients and compounds proposed in the current literature for the management of ophthalmology diseases, especially for glaucoma. With respect to each substance considered, this minireview reports the molecular and biological characteristics, neuroprotective activities, antioxidant properties, beneficial mechanisms, and clinical studies published in the past decade in the field of general medicine. This study highlights the potential benefits of these substances in glaucoma and other ophthalmologic pathologies. Nutritional supplementation can thus be useful as integrative IOP-independent strategies in the management of glaucoma and in other ophthalmologic pathologies. Large multicenter clinical trials based on functional and morphologic data collected over long follow-up periods in patients with IOP-independent treatments can pave the way for alternative and/or coadjutant therapeutic options in the management of glaucoma and other ocular pathologies.

Comprehensive Approach to Medical Nutrition Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: From Diet to Bioactive Compounds

In the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diet plays a key role. Individualized medical nutritional therapy, as part of lifestyle optimization, is one of the cornerstones for the management of T2DM and has been shown to improve metabolic outcomes. This paper discusses major aspects of the nutritional intervention (including macro- and micronutrients, nutraceuticals, and supplements), with key practical advice. Various eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean-style, low-carbohydrate, vegetarian or plant-based diets, as well as healthy eating plans with caloric deficits have been proven to have beneficial effects for patients with T2DM. So far, the evidence does not support a specific macronutrient distribution and meal plans should be individualized. Reducing the overall carbohydrate intake and replacing high glycemic index (GI) foods with low GI foods have been shown as valid options for patients with T2DM to improve glycemic control. Additionally, evidence supports the current recommendation to reduce the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, since their excessive intake promotes weight gain. The quality of fats seems to be rather important and the substitution of saturated and trans fatty acids with foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats lowers cardiovascular risk and improves glucose metabolism. There is no benefit of supplementation with antioxidants, such as carotene, vitamins E and C, or other micronutrients, due to the lack of consistent evidence showing efficacy and long-term safety. Some studies suggest possible beneficial metabolic effects of nutraceuticals in patients with T2DM, but more evidence about their efficacy and safety is still needed.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with gestational diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

We assessed whether omega-3 supplementation could improve glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory factors in individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

In this meta-study, we used a random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis model to analyze the mean differences (MD) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) before and after omega-3 and placebo supplementation, thus evaluating the effects of omega-3 on glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (331 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD = -0.25 mmol/L; 95 % CI: -0.38, -0.12), fasting insulin (WMD = -17.13 pmol/L; 95 % CI: -27.95, -6.30), and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (WMD = -0.51; 95 % CI: -0.89, -0.12) were lower in the omega-3 group compared to their levels in the placebo group. The results of the analysis of lipid metabolism showed that triglycerides (WMD = -0.18 mmol/L; 95 % CI: -0.29, -0.08) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = -0.1 mmol/L; 95 % CI: -0.16, -0.03) decreased in the omega-3 group, while high-density lipoproteins (WMD = 0.06 mmol/L; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.10) increased. Compared to the placebo group, inflammatory factor serum C-reactive protein (SMD = -0.68 mmol/L; 95 % CI: -0.96, -0.39) decreased in the omega-3 group.

CONCLUSION

Omega-3 supplementation can decrease the levels of FPG and inflammatory factors, enhance blood lipid metabolism, and reduce insulin resistance in patients with GDM.

The effects of pemafibrate and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl on apoB-48 in dyslipidemic patients treated with statin: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel group trial in Japan (PROUD48 study)

Background

We compared the lowering effects of pemafibrate and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl on fasting apolipoprotein (apo) B-48 (apoB-48), a marker that reflects postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, which is one of the residual risks for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with statin treatment.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel group trial was conducted at 4 medical institutions between April 2020 and May 2022. A total of 126 ambulatory patients with dyslipidemia receiving statin treatment for more than 4 weeks, aged 20-79 years with fasting triglyceride (TG) levels of ≥177 mg/dl were randomly assigned to 16-week pemafibrate 0.4 mg per day treatment group (PEMA, n = 63) or omega-3 fatty acid ethyl 4 g per day treatment group (OMEGA-3, n = 63). The primary endpoint was the percentage change in fasting apoB-48 from baseline to week 16.

Results

The percentage changes in fasting apoB-48 in PEMA and OMEGA-3 were -50.8% (interquartile range -62.9 to -30.3%) and -17.5% (-38.3 to 15.3%) (P < 0.001), respectively. As the secondary endpoints, the changes in fasting apoB-48 in PEMA and OMEGA-3 were -3.10 μg/ml (-5.63 to -1.87) and -0.90 μg/ml (-2.95 to 0.65) (P < 0.001), respectively. Greater decreases with significant differences in the percentage changes in TG, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, apoC-III, fasting plasma glucose, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase were observed in PEMA, compared with OMEGA-3. Greater increases with significant differences in those in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apoA-I, and apoA-II were observed in PEMA, compared with OMEGA-3. PEMA showed anti-atherosclerotic lipoprotein profiles in gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography analyses, compared with OMEGA-3. Although adverse events occurred in 9 of 63 (14.3%) patients in PEMA and 3 of 63 (4.8%) patients in OMEGA-3, no serious adverse events associated with drug were observed in either group.

Conclusions

This is the first randomized trial to compare the lowering effects of pemafibrate and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl on fasting apoB-48. We concluded that pemafibrate was superior to omega-3 fatty acid ethyl in lowering effect of fasting apoB-48. Pemafibrate is expected to reduce the residual risk for ASCVD with statin treatment.

Clinical trial registration

https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/en, identifier jRCTs071200011.

Associations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intakes with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes: Result from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2008

Introduction

The evidence on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake status and long-term mortality among people with diabetes is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between EPA and DHA intakes with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in adults with diabetes.

Methods

This study included 2,991 adults with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2008. Death outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the database records through 31 December 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with diabetes.

Results

Among 2,991 patients with diabetes, the mean age was 61.9 years (55.2% males). During the mean follow-up duration of 9.4 years, a total of 1,091 deaths were documented, of which 273 were due to CVD, including 227 CHD deaths. EPA and DHA intakes were associated with lower mortality risks, especially that of CVD. After adjusting for demographic, major lifestyle factors, overall dietary intake patterns, and history of hypertension and dyslipidemia, the multivariable HRs (95% CIs) of mortality risk comparing Q4 to Q1 of EPA intake were 0.55 (0.33-0.92; P-trend = 0.019) for CHD, 0.55 (0.36-0.83; P-trend = 0.005) for CVD, and 0.91 (0.70-1.18; P-trend = 0.264) for all-cause. The respective HRs (95% CIs) comparing Q4 to Q1 of DHA were 0.60 (0.37-0.98; P-trend = 0.051) for CHD, 0.58 (0.38-0.89; P-trend = 0.014) for CVD, and 0.92 (0.72-1.18; P-trend = 0.481) for all-cause. In subgroup analysis, we found that the association trends of EPA and DHA intakes with death risk remained robust among patients with diabetes, especially among those who are old, female, those with higher BMI, and dyslipidemia patients with CVD and CHD.

Discussion

In the USA, higher EPA and DHA intakes were associated with a lower risk of CHD and CVD mortality in patients with diabetes. Our study supports the benefits of adequate EPA and DHA intakes in promoting the health of patients with diabetes.

The Role of VEGF Family in Lipid Metabolism

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family plays a major role in tumors and ophthalmic diseases. However, increasingly more data reported its potential in regulating lipids. With its biological functions mainly expressed in lymphatic vessels, some factors in the families, like VEGF-A and VEGF-C, have been proved to regulate intestinal absorption of lipids by affecting chylous ducts. Other effects, including regulating lipoprotein lipase (LPL), endothelial lipase (EL), and recombinant syndecan 1 (SDC1), have also been confirmed. However, given the scant-related studies, further research should be conducted to examine the concrete mechanisms and provide pragmatic ways to apply them in the clinic. The VEGF family may treat dyslipidemia in specific ways that are different from common methods and concurrently contribute to the treatment of other metabolic diseases, like diabetes and obesity.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with hypertriglyceridemia in Japan: a 3-year post-marketing surveillance study (OCEAN3 survey)

BACKGROUND

Studies on the efficacy of prescription omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular events have produced conflicting results.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This 3-year prospective post-marketing surveillance study evaluated the effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters (O3AEE; usual dosage 2 g/day) on cardiovascular events in high-risk statin-treated Japanese patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Statin-treated patients not receiving O3AEE were included as a reference cohort. The composite primary endpoint was cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, angina requiring coronary revascularization, or peripheral arterial disease requiring surgery or peripheral arterial intervention.

RESULTS

At 3 years, Kaplan-Meier estimated cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 2.1%-2.9%) in O3AEE-treated patients (N = 6,580) and 2.7% (2.4%-3.1%) in non-O3AEE-treated patients (N = 7,784; hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.23). Incidence of heart failure requiring hospitalization was 0.4% with O3AEE versus 0.8% in non-O3AEE-treated patients (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.78; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients receiving statins, cardiovascular event incidence did not differ significantly between O3AEE-treated patients and non-O3AEE-treated patients. Further studies are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn on the effect of O3AEE on cardiovascular event incidence in high-risk patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02285166.

Habitual Fish Oil Supplementation and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

To explore the relation of habitual fish oil use with the risk of chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

METHODS

408,023 participants (54.2% female) without prior CKD and with completed information regarding their consumption of major food groups and fish oil in the UK Biobank were enrolled. Fish oil use and dietary intakes were assessed by touch screen questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire, respectively. Incident CKD was recorded from hospital inpatient records.

RESULTS

At baseline, 128,843 (31.6%) participants reported taking fish oil supplements. During a median follow-up period of 12.0 years, a total of 10,782 (2.6%) participants developed CKD. With adjustments for important confounders, habitual fish oil use was associated with a significantly lower hazard of incident CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.95), compared with non-use. Consistently, participants reporting ≥2 servings/week of oily fish (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.94) and nonoily fish (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.97) consumption had a lower hazard of incident CKD compared to those reporting no consumption ever. Additionally, among the 97,914 participants with data on plasma fatty acid, there were significant inverse relationships of plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (per SD increment, HR, 0.89, 95% CI, 0.84-0.94) and eicosatetraenoic acid (per SD increment, HR, 0.91, 95% CI, 0.87-0.96) with incident CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

Habitual fish oil use was associated with a lower hazard of CKD, which was further confirmed by the consistent inverse relations between fish consumption and circulating omega-3 PUFA concentration with incident CKD.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic of Curcuminoids Formulations with an Omega-3 Fatty Acids Monoglyceride Carrier: A Randomized Cross-Over Triple-Blind Study

There is a growing interest for curcuminoids in the general population and the scientific research community. Curcuminoids, derived from turmeric spice, are lipophiles and therefore have a low solubility in water which hence have a low bioavailability in the human plasma. To circumvent this issue, a natural product developed by Biodroga Nutraceuticals combined curcuminoids with omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) esterified in monoglycerides (MAG). The objective was to perform a 24 h pharmacokinetics in humans receiving a single dose of curcuminoid formulated by three different means, and to compare their plasma curcuminoids concentration. Sixteen males and fifteen females tested three formulations: 400 mg of curcuminoids powder extract, 400 mg of curcuminoids in rice oil and 400 mg of curcuminoids with 1 g MAG-OM3. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h post dose intake. Plasma samples were analyzed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Twenty-four hours after a single dose intake, the total plasma curcuminoids area under the curve (AUC) reached 166.8 ± 17.8 ng/mL*h, 134.0 ± 12.7 ng/mL*h and 163.1 ± 15.3 ng/mL*h when curcuminoids were provided with MAG-OM3, with rice oil or in powder, respectively. The C_max of total curcuminoids reached between 11.9-17.7 ng/mL at around 4 h (T_max). One-hour post-dose, the curcuminoids plasma concentration was 40% higher in participants consuming the MAG-OM3 compared to the other formulations. Thus, in a young population, plasma curcuminoids 24 h pharmacokinetics and its increase shortly after the single dose intake were higher when provided with MAG-OM3 than rice oil.

Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular Diseases: A consensus statement from the Experts' Committee Of National Society Of Cardiometabolic Medicine

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been considered as the primary target for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, there are still residual cardiovascular risks in some patients even if LDL-C achieves the target level. Emerging evidence suggestes that elevated triglyceride (TG) level or triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) cholesterol (TRL-C) is one of the important components of the residual cardiovascular risks. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be one of the effective drugs for reducing TG. However, its efficacy in reducing the risk of ASCVD is inconsistent in large randomized clinical trials. There is lack of consensus among Experts regarding the application of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and sudden death. Hence, the current consensus will comprehensively and scientifically present the detailed knowledge about the omega-3 fatty acids from a variety of aspects to provide a reference for its management of omega-3 fatty acids application in the Chinese population.

Age‐related features of the content of substrates of energy metabolism and body mass index in women residing in the S ubarctic and A rctic regions of R ussia

OBJECTIVES

Age is associated with a number of health risks linked to obesity caused by an imbalance in the main energy substrates-fatty acids (FA) and glucose (Glu). Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify age-related features of the metabolism of fatty acids and Glu, their correlations and the relation with the body mass index (BMI) in women of the local Caucasoid population from two northern regions of Russia with different nature, climate, and geography.

METHODS

We examined women aged 21-60 years born and permanently residing in the Subarctic region (SR) and the Arctic region (AR). The participants were divided into three age groups: 21-35, 36-45, and 46-60 years. The levels of FAs, Glu, and triglycerides (TG) in the blood serum were determined by spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic methods; the values of BMI and TyG (triglyceride glucose) index were calculated. To analyze data, we used the descriptive and correlation analyses by nonparametric methods, as well as multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

With age, the surveyed women demonstrated elevated levels of triglyceride, the majority of the studied fatty acids, BMI and TyG index. For three fatty acids, age-related changes were noted in one of the regions only: stearic and linoleic acids in the SR, and docosahexaenoic acid in the AR; no significant changes were observed for dihomo-γ-linolenic and arachidonic acids. We found elevated Glu levels in women aged 46-60 years residing in the SR. Regional differences were due to higher concentrations of FAs and Glu in the AR. All identified correlations were positive. BMI values were associated with FAs and TG, and in women aged 46-60 years, they were additionally associated with Glu. The latter also correlated with some FAs and TG in this group. TyG index associations with saturated FAs (SFAs) became stronger with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Age has a significant impact on the homeostasis of key energy substrates (Glu, TG, SFAs, monounsaturated FAs), on BMI and TyG index, which are indicators of obesity and insulin resistance. Depending on the region of residence (Subarctic or Arctic), we found changes in the FA profile undersaturation (especially long-chain polyunsaturated FAs) and some specific features of Glu homeostasis (for the age groups of 21-35 and 46-60 years) in women of Caucasoid race in the Russian North. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI, as well as the region of residence and age, are significant predictors for almost all biochemical parameters, especially for TG and TyG index.

Feeding laying hens docosa hexaenoic acid-rich microalgae oil at 40 g/kg diet causes hypotriglyceridemia, depresses egg production, and attenuates expression of key genes affecting hepatic triglyceride synthesis and secretion, but is rescued by dietary co-supplementation of high-oleic sunflower oil

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding White Leghorn hens graded levels of a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich microalgae oil (MAO) on productive performance and enrichment of eggs with very long-chain (VLC) omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Forty-nine-week-old hens (8 per diet) were fed the following diets for 28 d: 1) A corn-soybean meal-based diet with no supplemental oil (CON); 2) CON + 10 g/kg MAO; 3) CON + 20 g/kg MAO; 4) CON + 30 g/kg MAO; 5) CON + 40 g/kg MAO; 6) CON + 40 g/kg MAO + 20 g/kg high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO); and 7) CON + 40 g/kg MAO + 40 g/kg HOSO. Diets 6 and 7 were included because we previously reported that co-feeding high-oleic acid oils with n-3 PUFA-containing oils attenuated egg yolk n-3 PUFA contents vs. feeding hens the n-3 oils alone. All data were collected on an individual hen basis. Egg VLC n-3 PUFA enrichment plateaued, in terms of statistical significance, at the 30 g/kg MAO level (266 mg/yolk). Hens fed 40 g/kg MAO had greatly attenuated measures of hen performance, marked liver enlargement, an altered ovarian follicle hierarchy, greatly lowered circulating triglyceride levels, and depressed hepatic expression of key genes involved in triglyceride synthesis and secretion. As compared to hens fed 40 g/kg MAO alone, feeding hens 40 g/kg MAO co-supplemented with HOSO (Diets 6 and 7) restored egg production, ovarian morphology, and all other measures of hen productive performance to CON levels, elevated plasma triglyceride levels, prevented liver enlargement, and increased the hepatic expression of key genes involved in triglyceride synthesis and secretion. In conclusion, MAO can greatly enrich hens' eggs with VLC n-3 PUFA, but its recommended dietary inclusion should not exceed 20 g/kg. This would allow for near-maximal yolk VLC n-3 PUFA enrichment without impairing hen productive performance, altering the ovarian follicle hierarchy or, based on the work of others, presumably imparting off-flavors in the egg.

Comparative efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on major cardiovascular events: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in primary and secondary prevention on major cardiovascular events (MCE) is inconclusive due to the potential heterogeneity in study designs of formulas, dosages, and ratios of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the findings of previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Here we conducted a comprehensive narrative review of pre-clinical studies and updated a network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the comparative efficacy against MCE with different EPA/DHA dosages and formulas. We found that pure EPA was ranked the best option in the secondary prevention (hazard ratio: 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.65 to 0.81) from the NMA of 39 RCTs with 88,359 participants. There was no evidence of omega-3 PUFAs' efficacy in primary prevention. The mechanisms of omega-3 PUFAs' cardiovascular protection might link to the effects of anti-inflammation and stabilization of endothelial function from PUFA's derivatives including eicosanoids and the special pre-resolving mediators (SPMs).

Marine Natural Products in Clinical Use

Marine natural products are potent and promising sources of drugs among other natural products of plant, animal, and microbial origin. To date, 20 drugs from marine sources are in clinical use. Most approved marine compounds are antineoplastic, but some are also used for chronic neuropathic pain, for heparin overdosage, as haptens and vaccine carriers, and for omega-3 fatty-acid supplementation in the diet. Marine drugs have diverse structural characteristics and mechanisms of action. A considerable increase in the number of marine drugs approved for clinical use has occurred in the past few decades, which may be attributed to increasing research on marine compounds in laboratories across the world. In the present manuscript, we comprehensively studied all marine drugs that have been successfully used in the clinic. Researchers and clinicians are hopeful to discover many more drugs, as a large number of marine natural compounds are being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies.

Lipoprotein Lipase: Is It a Magic Target for the Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia

High levels of triglycerides (TG) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs) confer a residual risk of cardiovascular disease after optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering therapy. Consensus has been made that LDL-C is a non-arguable primary target for lipid lowering treatment, but the optimization of TGRL for reducing the remnant risk of cardiovascular diseases is urged. Omega-3 fatty acids and fibrates are used to reduce TG levels, but many patients still have high TG and TGRL levels combined with low high-density lipoprotein concentration that need to be ideally treated. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key regulator for TGs that hydrolyzes TGs to glycerol and free fatty acids in lipoprotein particles for lipid storage and consumption in peripheral organs. A deeper understanding of human genetics has enabled the identification of proteins regulating the LPL activity, which include the apolipoproteins and angiopoietin-like families. Novel therapeutic approach such as antisense oligonucleotides and monoclonal antibodies that regulate TGs have been developed in recent decades. In this article, we focus on the biology of LPL and its modulators and review recent clinical application, including genetic studies and clinical trials of novel therapeutics. Optimization of LPL activity to lower TG levels could eventually reduce incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in conjunction with successful LDL-C reduction.

Successful treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia with icosapent ethyl in a case of congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4

OBJECTIVES

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 (CGL4) is a rare autosomal recessive condition with high rates of morbidity and mortality. It is a multisystem condition associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmia, congenital myopathy, hepatitis, and metabolic profile of severe hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance. Metreleptin is the first line treatment, however it is unavailable in several countries. Herein, we describe a unique presentation and treatment of CGL4.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 16-year-old female presented with insulin resistant diabetes, and was later found to have myopathy, hypertriglyceridemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, ventricular arrhythmias, and genetic confirmation of CGL4 due to homozygous change in CAVIN1 gene. She had severe hypertriglyceridemia, frequently >17 mmol/L, requiring several hospital admissions. To better control hypertriglyceridemia, in context of known congenital myopathy, we opted for treatment with icosapent ethyl, an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which reduces synthesis and enhances clearance of triglycerides. On this treatment, she was able to maintain stable triglyceride levels of 4 mmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the first case report of a patient with CGL4, successfully treated for hypertriglyceridemia, with icosapent ethyl.

Dietary and serum n-3 PUFA and polycystic ovary syndrome: a matched case-control study

The results of epidemiological studies involving n-3 PUFA and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This matched case-control study assessed the associations between n-3 PUFA and PCOS prevalence in 325 pairs of PCOS cases and healthy controls. Dietary information was assessed using a 102-item FFQ. Fatty acids in serum phospholipids were measured with a GC method. We found that n-3 PUFA in serum phospholipids were inversely associated with PCOS prevalence, including total, long-chain and individual PUFA (e.g. docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), EPA and DHA). Compared with the lowest tertile (T1), the adjusted OR and their 95% CI for the highest tertile (T3) were 0·63 (0·40, 0·93) for total n-3 PUFA, 0·60 (0·38, 0·92) for long-chain n-3 PUFA, 0·68 (0·45, 1·01) for DHA, 0·70 (0·45, 1·05) for EPA and 0·72 (0·45, 1·08) for DPA. For dietary intake of n-3 PUFA, significant inverse associations were found only for long-chain n-3 PUFA (P_trend = 0·001), EPA (P_trend = 0·047) and DHA (P_trend = 0·030). Both dietary and serum n-3 PUFA, mainly EPA and DPA, were negatively correlated with PCOS-related parameters, such as BMI, fasting insulin, total testosterone and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, but positively correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone and sex hormone-binding globulin. These results indicated inverse associations between n-3 PUFA, especially long-chain n-3 PUFA, and PCOS prevalence. Higher intakes of n-3 PUFA might be considered a protective factor for PCOS among Chinese females.

Multimodality Imaging Trials Evaluating the Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Coronary Artery Plaque Characteristics and Burden

Treatment of established risk factors, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is the cornerstone of preventing atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Despite reducing LDL cholesterol, there remains a significant risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways contribute to recurrence of cardiovascular events, and are often missed in clinical practice. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may play a crucial role in reducing residual risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review we discuss the clinical applications of omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FAs), their mechanism of action, the difference between pure EPA and docosahexaenoic acid components, and the latest cardiovascular outcome trials and imaging trials evaluating coronary plaque. PubMed and EMBASE were searched to include all the remarkable clinical trials investigating OM3FAs and cardiovascular disease. Beyond statins, additional medications are required to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. EPA has shown cardiovascular benefit in addition to statins in large outcome trials. Additionally, multiple serial-imaging studies have demonstrated benefits on plaque progression and stabilization. Due to its pleotropic properties, icosapent ethyl outperforms other OM3FAs in decreasing cardiovascular disease risk in both patients with and without high triglycerides, and is currently recommended as an adjunct to statins. To further strengthen the current evidence, additional research is required to elucidate the inconsistencies between the effects of pure EPA and EPA plus docosahexaenoic acid.

Effects of Vine Tea Extract on Meat Quality, Gut Microbiota and Metabolome of Wenchang Broiler

This study investigates the effects of vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) extract (AGE) on meat quality, gut microbiota and cecal content metabolites of Wenchang broilers. A total of 240 female Wenchang broilers aged 70 days were randomly allocated into four groups with five replicates of twelve broilers each. Broilers were fed a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with AGE at 0 (T1), 0.2% (T2), 0.4% (T3) and 0.6% (T4) until 124 days of age. The whole feeding trial lasted 54 days. Results suggest that the content of total triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of broilers are linearly reduced with dietary AGE supplementation (p < 0.05). The T3 and T4 groups had higher (p < 0.05) a* value in thigh and breast muscles than the T1 group. Additionally, the dietary supplementation of AGE decreased the shear force and drip loss of both thigh and breast muscles linearly (p < 0.05). Compared with the T1 group, AGE supplementation increased the levels of inosine monophosphate (IMP) significantly (p < 0.05) in both the thigh and breast muscles. Furthermore, an increase (p < 0.05) in the total unsaturated fatty acid (USFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acid (USFA: SFA) in both the thigh and breast muscles in the T3 group was observed. Higher abundance of Bacteroidota (p < 0.05) and lower abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05) were observed in the T3 group. The abundance of Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the T3 group compared with the T1 group. Cholesterol sulfate and p-cresol sulfate were identified as differential metabolites between the T1 and T3 groups. It suggested that 0.4% of AGE supplementation significantly downregulated the levels of p-cresol sulfate and cholesterol sulfate (p < 0.05) and the hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity compared with the control. Our present study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with AGE can improve the quality and flavor by increasing the IMP and PUFA content in the muscle of Wenchang broilers. Furthermore, dietary AGE supplementation with 0.4% can regulate the cholesterol metabolism of Wenchang broilers.

Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid strongly inhibit prostanoid TP receptor-dependent contractions of guinea pig gastric fundus smooth muscle

The inhibitory effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and linoleic acid (LA) on the contractions induced by five prostanoids and U46619 (a TP receptor agonist) were examined in guinea pig gastric fundus smooth muscle (GFSM). Tension changes were isometrically measured, and the mRNA expression of prostanoid receptors was measured by RT‐qPCR. DHA and EPA significantly inhibited contractions induced by the prostanoids and U46619, whereas LA inhibited those induced by prostaglandin D₂ and U46619. The mRNA expression levels of the prostanoid receptors were TP ≈ EP₃ >> FP > EP₁. The inhibition by DHA, EPA, and LA was positively correlated with that by SQ 29,548 (a TP receptor antagonist) but not with that by L‐798,106 (an EP₃ receptor antagonist). DHA and EPA suppressed high KCl‐induced contractions by 35% and 25%, respectively, and the contractions induced by the prostanoids and U46619 were suppressed by verapamil, a voltage‐dependent Ca²⁺ channel (VDCC) inhibitor, by 40%–85%. Although LA did not suppress high KCl‐induced contractions, it suppressed U46619‐induced contractions in the presence of verapamil. However, LA did not show significant inhibitory effects on U46619‐induced Ca²⁺ increases in TP receptor‐expressing cells. In contrast, LA inhibited U46619‐induced contractions in the presence of verapamil, which was also suppressed by SKF‐96365 (a store‐operated Ca²⁺ channel [SOCC] inhibitor). These findings suggest that the TP receptor and VDCC are targets of DHA and EPA to inhibit prostanoid‐induced contractions of guinea pig GFSM, and SOCCs play a significant role in LA‐induced inhibition of U46619‐induced contractions.

Was It a Case of “Flatbush Diabetes” with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia?

We present a case of a morbidly obese 27 years male patient who was admitted with sudden onset abdominal pain and crashed into diabetic ketoacidosis as new-onset diabetes and discuss the possible etiology of this combined picture of acute pancreatitis and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Flatbush diabetes was, meanwhile, thought of due to his morbid obesity that in turn raised our suspicion of acute insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes mellitus versus T1 diabetes mellitus. Ketosis-prone diabetes or Flatbush diabetes is a syndrome in which diabetes commences with ketoacidosis in patients who are glutamic acid decarboxylase and antiislet cell antibody negative and have no known precipitating causes. They are usually middle-aged, overweight, or mildly obese, and in many reports, they are likely to be male with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus; they present with new-onset severe hyperglycemia and ketosis or frank diabetic ketoacidosis. After intensive initial insulin therapy, many patients become insulin-independent and can be well controlled on diet plus oral medications or, more rarely, diet alone.

Associations of dietary PUFA with dyslipidaemia among the US adults: the findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2016

Dyslipidaemia, a significant risk factor of CVD, is threatening human health worldwide. PUFA are crucial long-chain fatty acids for TAG synthesis and removal, potentially decreasing dyslipidaemia risk. We examined dyslipidaemia prevalence among 15 244 adults aged ≥ 20 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016. Dyslipidaemia was defined as total cholesterol ≥ 240 mg/dl, or HDL-cholesterol < 40 mg/dl/50 mg/dl for males/females, respectively, or LDL-cholesterol ≥ 160 mg/dl, or TAG ≥ 200 mg/dl, or taking lipid-modifying medications. We measured the daily PUFA intake using a 24-h dietary recall. Demographics, social economics, and lifestyle factors were collected using questionnaires/interviews. Additionally, we measured Se and Hg levels in the whole blood. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between PUFA and dyslipidaemia. The unweighted and weighted dyslipidaemia prevalences were 72·4% and 71·0 %, respectively. When grouped into tertiles, PUFA intake above 19·524 g/d was associated with an independent 19 % decrease in dyslipidaemia risk (OR = 0·81 (95 % CI 0·71, 0·94)) compared with the lowest tertile (PUFA intake ≤ 12·349 g/d). A threshold inverse association was further determined by the restricted cubic spline analysis. When PUFA intake was increased to its turning point, that is, 19 g/d, the lower nadir risk for dyslipidaemia was obtained (OR = 0·72 (95 % CI 0·56, 0·89)). When the exposure was the sum of α-linolenic acid and octadecatetraenoic acid, the inverse linear association remained. Dietary PUFA intake is a beneficial factor for dyslipidaemia among American adults, independent of many potential confounders, including Hg and Se.

LatitudeTM Oil as a Sustainable Alternative to Dietary Fish Oil in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Effects on Filet Fatty Acid Profiles, Intestinal Histology, and Plasma Biochemistry

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Latitude™ oil (transgenic canola) fed to rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, for 52 weeks on growth performance, non-specific immune responses, histology, and filet omega-3 fatty acid content. Latitude™ oil (LO) has high lipid digestibility (93%), and contains omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3). Three isonitrogenous (49%), isolipidic (20%) and isocaloric (24.2 MJ kg−1) diets differing by lipid source (0, 8, or 16% LO, replacing fish oil and poultry fat) were fed over an entire production cycle beginning with 19 g juvenile fish. At the end of the 52-week feeding trial, final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed 8% LO (LO-8) and 16% LO (LO-16) diets were significantly higher than those fed the 0% LO (LO-0) diet (P &lt; 0.05). Phagocytic respiratory burst in fish fed the LO-16 diet was significantly higher than those fish fed the other 2 diets (P &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in superoxide dismutase, catalase and lysozyme. Histological examination of the distal intestine indicated reduced inflammation in fish fed the LO-8 diet but not the LO-0 and LO-16 diets. Filet DHA content of fish fed the LO-8 and LO-16 diets were similar to those of fish fed the LO-0 diet. As these diets had lower DHA content, this suggests dietary EPA and DPA from LO was converted to DHA and deposited in the filet. This is supported by increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid elongation, desaturation and beta oxidation in both liver and muscle of fish fed LO (P &lt; 0.05). Total EPA+DHA content of the edible filet ranged between 1,079–1,241 mg 100 g−1 across treatments, each providing the recommended daily intake for human consumption (500–1,000 mg day−1). Overall, this study demonstrated that LO fed over an entire production period is a highly digestible lipid source suitable and sustainable for meeting the fatty acid requirements of rainbow trout, as well as consumer expectations for filet omega-3 fatty acid content.

Supplementation of Enriched Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and CLA Cheese on High Fat Diet: Effects on Lipid Metabolism and Fat Profile

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between dietary fat intake and the onset of several metabolic diseases. This association is particularly evident in a diet rich in saturated fatty acids, typical of animal foods, such as dairy products. However, these foods are the main source of fatty acids with a proven nutraceutical effect, such as the ω-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) and the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which have demonstrated important roles in the prevention of various diseases. In the present study, the effect of a supplementation with cheese enriched with ω-3 fatty acids and CLA on the metabolism and lipid profiles of C57bl/6 mice was evaluated. In particular, the analyses were conducted on different tissues, such as liver, muscle, adipose tissue and brain, known for their susceptibility to the effects of dietary fats. Supplementing cheese enriched in CLA and ω-3 fats reduced the level of saturated fat and increased the content of CLA and ALA in all tissues considered, except for the brain. Furthermore, the consumption of this cheese resulted in a tissue-specific response in the expression levels of genes involved in lipid and mitochondrial metabolism. As regards genes involved in the inflammatory response, the consumption of enriched cheese resulted in a reduction in the expression of inflammatory genes in all tissues analyzed. Considering the effects that chronic inflammation associated with a high-calorie and high-fat diet (meta-inflammation) or aging (inflammaging) has on the onset of chronic degenerative diseases, these data could be of great interest as they indicate the feasibility of modulating inflammation (thus avoiding/delaying these pathologies) with a nutritional and non-pharmacological intervention.

Multimodality Imaging Trials Evaluating the Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Coronary Artery Plaque Characteristics and Burden

Treatment of established risk factors, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is the cornerstone of preventing atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Despite reducing LDL cholesterol, there remains a significant risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammatory and metabolic pathways contribute to recurrence of cardiovascular events, and are often missed in clinical practice. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may play a crucial role in reducing residual risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review we discuss the clinical applications of omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FAs), their mechanism of action, the difference between pure EPA and docosahexaenoic acid components, and the latest cardiovascular outcome trials and imaging trials evaluating coronary plaque. PubMed and EMBASE were searched to include all the remarkable clinical trials investigating OM3FAs and cardiovascular disease. Beyond statins, additional medications are required to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. EPA has shown cardiovascular benefit in addition to statins in large outcome trials. Additionally, multiple serial-imaging studies have demonstrated benefits on plaque progression and stabilization. Due to its pleotropic properties, icosapent ethyl outperforms other OM3FAs in decreasing cardiovascular disease risk in both patients with and without high triglycerides, and is currently recommended as an adjunct to statins. To further strengthen the current evidence, additional research is required to elucidate the inconsistencies between the effects of pure EPA and EPA plus docosahexaenoic acid.

From Life in the Sea to the Clinic: The Marine Drugs Approved and under Clinical Trial

In the last decades Blue Growth policy in european and non-european countries produced a great impulse in applied marine sciences, comprehending the research of new bioactive molecules in marine organisms. These organisms are a great source of natural compounds with unique features resulting from the huge variability of marine habitats and species living in them. Most of the marine compounds in use and in clinical trials are drugs for cancer therapy and many of them are conjugated to antibody to form antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Severe pain, viral infections, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, Alzheimer's and other CNS diseases are further target conditions for these pharmaceuticals. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art marine drugs focusing on the most successful results in the fast expanding field of marine pharmacology.

Omega-3 supplementation during unilateral resistance exercise training in older women: A within subject and double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background & aims

The skeletal muscle anabolic effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) appear favoured towards women; a property that could be exploited in older women who typically exhibit poor muscle growth responses to resistance exercise training (RET). Here we sought to generate novel insights into the efficacy and mechanisms of n-3 PUFA alongside short-term RET in older women.

Methods

We recruited 16 healthy older women (Placebo n = 8 (PLA): 67±1y, n-3 PUFA n = 8: 64±1y) to a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial (n-3 PUFA; 3680 mg/day versus PLA) of 6 weeks fully-supervised progressive unilateral RET (i.e. 6 × 8 reps, 75% 1-RM, 3/wk⁻¹). Strength was assessed by knee extensor 1-RM and isokinetic dynamometry ∼ every 10 d. Thigh fat free mass (TFFM) was measured by DXA at 0/3/6 weeks. Bilateral vastus lateralis (VL) biopsies at 0/2/4/6 weeks with deuterium oxide (D₂O) dosing were used to determine MPS responses for 0–2 and 4–6 weeks. Further, fibre cross sectional area (CSA), myonuclei number and satellite cell (SC) number were assessed, alongside muscle anabolic/catabolic signalling via immunoblotting.

Results

RET increased 1-RM equally in the trained leg of both groups (+23 ± 5% n-3 PUFA vs. +25 ± 5% PLA (both P < 0.01)) with no significant increase in maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) (+10 ± 6% n-3 PUFA vs. +13 ± 5% PLA). Only the n-3 PUFA group increased TFFM (3774 ± 158 g to 3961 ± 151 g n-3 PUFA (P < 0.05) vs. 3406 ± 201 g to 3561 ± 170 PLA) and type II fibre CSA (3097 ± 339 μm² to 4329 ± 264 μm² n-3 PUFA (P < 0.05) vs. 2520 ± 316 μm² to 3467 ± 303 μm² in PL) with RET. Myonuclei number increased equally in n-3 PUFA and PLA in both type I and type II fibres, with no change in SC number. N-3 PUFA had no added benefit on muscle protein synthesis (MPS), however, during weeks 4–6 of RET, absolute synthesis rates (ASR) displayed a trend to increase with n-3 PUFA only (5.6 ± 0.3 g d⁻¹ to 7.1 ± 0.5 g d⁻¹ n-3 PUFA (P = 0.09) vs. 5.5 ± 0.5 g d⁻¹ to 6.5 ± 0.5 g d⁻¹ PLA). Further, the n-3 PUFA group displayed greater 4EBP1 activation after acute RE at 6 weeks.

Conclusion

n3-PUFA enhanced RET gains in muscle mass through type II fibre hypertrophy, with data suggesting a role for MPS rather than via SC recruitment. As such, the present study adds to a literature base illustrating the apparent enhancement of muscle hypertrophy with RET in older women fed adjuvant n3-PUFA.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.): An emerging source of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acid and phytochemicals

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) (SI) is an oleaginous plant producing oil and protein-rich seeds. It has been cultivated for centuries and is native to the tropical rainforest of the Amazon region of South America including parts of Peru and northwestern Brazil. At present, SI seeds are emerging as a potential source of macro- and micronutrients, α-linolenic acid and phytochemicals. This review attempts to elucidate the nutrients, phytonutrients, safety, toxicity, health benefits and food applications of SI seed. Recent scientific studies have associated the consumption of SI seed/oil with reduced risk of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, lack of awareness and in-depth understanding has resulted in it being neglected both at the consumer and industrial level. In all, SI is an underutilized and undervalued oleaginous crop which not only has the potential to mitigate food and nutritional insecurity but also offers humongous opportunities for the development of novel value-added food products.