1
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Rotarescu RD, Mathur M, Bejoy AM, Anderson GH, Metherel AH. Serum measures of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synthesis underestimates whole body DHA synthesis in male and female mice. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 131:109689. [PMID: 38876393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Females have higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels than males, proposed to be a result of higher DHA synthesis rates from α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, DHA synthesis rates are reported to be low, and have not been directly compared between sexes. Here, we apply a new compound specific isotope analysis model to determine n-3 PUFA synthesis rates in male and female mice and assess its potential translation to human populations. Male and female C57BL/6N mice were allocated to one of three 12-week dietary interventions with added ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or DHA. The diets included low carbon-13 (δ13C)-n-3 PUFA for four weeks, followed by high δ13C-n-3 PUFA for eight weeks (n=4 per diet, time point, sex). Following the diet switch, blood and tissues were collected at multiple time points, and fatty acid levels and δ13C were determined and fit to one-phase exponential decay modeling. Hepatic DHA synthesis rates were not different (P>.05) between sexes. However, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3) synthesis from dietary EPA was 66% higher (P<.05) in males compared to females, suggesting higher synthesis downstream of DPAn-3 in females. Estimates of percent conversion of dietary ALA to serum DHA was 0.2%, in line with previous rodent and human estimates, but severely underestimates percent dietary ALA conversion to whole body DHA of 9.5%. Taken together, our data indicates that reports of low human DHA synthesis rates may be inaccurate, with synthesis being much higher than previously believed. Future animal studies and translation of this model to humans are needed for greater understanding of n-3 PUFA synthesis and metabolism, and whether the higher-than-expected ALA-derived DHA can offset dietary DHA recommendations set by health agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxandra D Rotarescu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahima Mathur
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley M Bejoy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - G Harvey Anderson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam H Metherel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Metherel AH, Valenzuela R, Klievik BJ, Cisbani G, Rotarescu RD, Gonzalez-Soto M, Cruciani-Guglielmacci C, Layé S, Magnan C, Mutch DM, Bazinet RP. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) downregulates liver DHA synthesis by inhibiting eicosapentaenoic acid elongation. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100548. [PMID: 38649096 PMCID: PMC11126934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
DHA is abundant in the brain where it regulates cell survival, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. DHA can be obtained from the diet or synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) via a series of desaturation and elongation reactions occurring in the liver. Tracer studies suggest that dietary DHA can downregulate its own synthesis, but the mechanism remains undetermined and is the primary objective of this manuscript. First, we show by tracing 13C content (δ13C) of DHA via compound-specific isotope analysis, that following low dietary DHA, the brain receives DHA synthesized from ALA. We then show that dietary DHA increases mouse liver and serum EPA, which is dependant on ALA. Furthermore, by compound-specific isotope analysis we demonstrate that the source of increased EPA is slowed EPA metabolism, not increased DHA retroconversion as previously assumed. DHA feeding alone or with ALA lowered liver elongation of very long chain (ELOVL2, EPA elongation) enzyme activity despite no change in protein content. To further evaluate the role of ELOVL2, a liver-specific Elovl2 KO was generated showing that DHA feeding in the presence or absence of a functional liver ELOVL2 yields similar results. An enzyme competition assay for EPA elongation suggests both uncompetitive and noncompetitive inhibition by DHA depending on DHA levels. To translate our findings, we show that DHA supplementation in men and women increases EPA levels in a manner dependent on a SNP (rs953413) in the ELOVL2 gene. In conclusion, we identify a novel feedback inhibition pathway where dietary DHA downregulates its liver synthesis by inhibiting EPA elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Metherel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Brinley J Klievik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Melissa Gonzalez-Soto
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Layé
- INRA, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - David M Mutch
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Metherel AH, Klievik BJ, Cisbani G, Smith ME, Cumberford G, Bazinet RP. Blood and tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) turnover rates from Ahiflower® oil are not different than from DHA ethyl ester oil in a diet switch mouse model. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2024; 1869:159422. [PMID: 37977491 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Ahiflower® oil is high in α-linolenic and stearidonic acids, however, tissue/blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) turnover from dietary Ahiflower oil has not been investigated. In this study, we use compound-specific isotope analysis to determine tissue DHA synthesis/turnover from Ahiflower, flaxseed and DHA oils. Pregnant BALB/c mice (13-17 days) were placed on a 2 % algal DHA oil diet of high carbon-13 content (δ13C) and pups (n = 132) were maintained on the diet until 9 weeks old. Mice were then randomly allocated to a low δ13C-n-3 PUFA diet of either: 1) 4 % Ahiflower oil, 2) 4.35 % flaxseed oil or 3) 1 % fish DHA ethyl ester oil for 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60 or 120 days (n = 6). Serum, liver, adipose and brains were collected and DHA levels and δ13C were determined. DHA concentrations were highest (p < 0.05) in the liver and adipose of DHA-fed animals with no diet differences in serum or brain (p > 0.05). Based on the presence or absence of overlapping 95 % C.I.'s, DHA half-lives and synthesis/turnover rates were not different between Ahiflower and DHA diets in the liver, adipose or brain. DHA half-lives and synthesis/turnover rates from flaxseed oil were significantly slower than from the DHA diet in all serum/tissues. These findings suggest that the distinct Ahiflower oil n-3 PUFA composition could support tissue DHA needs at a similar rate to dietary DHA, making it a unique plant-based dietary option for maintaining DHA turnover comparably to dietary DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Metherel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Brinley J Klievik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mackenzie E Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg Cumberford
- Natures Crops International, Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Duro MV, Van Valkenburgh J, Ingles DE, Tran J, Cai Z, Ebright B, Wang S, Kerman BE, Galvan J, Hwang SH, Sta Maria NS, Zanderigo F, Croteau E, Cunnane SC, Rapoport SI, Louie SG, Jacobs RE, Yassine HN, Chen K. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of 22-[ 18F]Fluorodocosahexaenoic Acid as a Positron Emission Tomography Probe for Monitoring Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid Uptake Kinetics. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:4409-4418. [PMID: 38048230 PMCID: PMC10739598 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3), DHA], a polyunsaturated fatty acid, has an important role in regulating neuronal functions and in normal brain development. Dysregulated brain DHA uptake and metabolism are found in individuals carrying the APOE4 allele, which increases the genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and are implicated in the progression of several neurodegenerative disorders. However, there are limited tools to assess brain DHA kinetics in vivo that can be translated to humans. Here, we report the synthesis of an ω-radiofluorinated PET probe of DHA, 22-[18F]fluorodocosahexaenoic acid (22-[18F]FDHA), for imaging the uptake of DHA into the brain. Using the nonradiolabeled 22-FDHA, we confirmed that fluorination of DHA at the ω-position does not significantly alter the anti-inflammatory effect of DHA in microglial cells. Through dynamic PET-MR studies using mice, we observed the accumulation of 22-[18F]FDHA in the brain over time and estimated DHA's incorporation coefficient (K*) using an image-derived input function. Finally, DHA brain K* was validated using intravenous administration of 15 mg/kg arecoline, a natural product known to increase the DHA K* in rodents. 22-[18F]FDHA is a promising PET probe that can reveal altered lipid metabolism in APOE4 carriers, AD, and other neurologic disorders. This new probe, once translated into humans, would enable noninvasive and longitudinal studies of brain DHA dynamics by guiding both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon
Vincent V. Duro
- Department
of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Juno Van Valkenburgh
- Department
of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Diana E. Ingles
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Jenny Tran
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Zhiheng Cai
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Brandon Ebright
- Alfred
E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Shaowei Wang
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Bilal E. Kerman
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Jasmin Galvan
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Sung Hee Hwang
- Department
of Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Naomi S. Sta Maria
- Zilkha
Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Francesca Zanderigo
- Department
of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
- Molecular
Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York
State Psychiatric Institute, New
York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Etienne Croteau
- Sherbrooke
Center for Molecular Imaging, University
of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada
| | - Stephen C. Cunnane
- Research
Center on Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C4, Canada
| | - Stanley I. Rapoport
- National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9304, United States
| | - Stan G. Louie
- Alfred
E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Russell E. Jacobs
- Zilkha
Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Hussein N. Yassine
- Department
of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Kai Chen
- Department
of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
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5
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Klievik BJ, Tyrrell AD, Chen CT, Bazinet RP. Measuring brain docosahexaenoic acid turnover as a marker of metabolic consumption. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108437. [PMID: 37201738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) accretion in brain phospholipids is critical for maintaining the structural fluidity that permits proper assembly of protein complexes for signaling. Furthermore, membrane DHA can by released by phospholipase A2 and act as substrate for synthesis of bioactive metabolites that regulate synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Thus, brain DHA is consumed through multiple pathways including mitochondrial β-oxidation, autoxidation to neuroprostanes, as well as enzymatic synthesis of bioactive metabolites including oxylipins, synaptamide, fatty-acid amides, and epoxides. By using models developed by Rapoport and colleagues, brain DHA loss has been estimated to be 0.07-0.26 μmol DHA/g brain/d. Since β-oxidation of DHA in the brain is relatively low, a large portion of brain DHA loss may be attributed to synthesis of autoxidative and bioactive metabolites. In recent years, we have developed a novel application of compound specific isotope analysis to trace DHA metabolism. By the use of natural abundance in 13C-DHA in food supply, we are able to trace brain phospholipid DHA loss in free-living mice with estimates ranging from 0.11 to 0.38 μmol DHA/g brain/d, in reasonable agreement with previous methods. This novel fatty acid metabolic tracing methodology should improve our understanding of the factors that regulate brain DHA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brinley J Klievik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Aidan D Tyrrell
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Chuck T Chen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8.
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6
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Klievik BJ, Metherel AH, Cisbani G, Valenzuela R, Bazinet RP. Novel 13C enrichment technique reveals early turnover of DHA in peripheral tissues. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100357. [PMID: 36948271 PMCID: PMC10154972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is rich in DHA, which plays important roles in regulating neuronal function. Recently, using compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) that takes advantage of natural differences in carbon-13 content (13C/12C ratio or δ13C) of the food supply, we determined the brain DHA half-life. However, due to methodological limitations, we were unable to capture DHA turnover rates in peripheral tissues. In the current study, we applied CSIA via high-precision gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) to determine half-lives of brain, liver, and plasma DHA in mice following a dietary switch experiment. To model DHA tissue turnover rates in peripheral tissues, we added earlier timepoints within the diet switch study and took advantage of natural variations in the δ13C-DHA of algal and fish DHA sources to maintain DHA pool sizes and used an enriched (uniformly labeled 13C) DHA treatment. Mice were fed a fish-DHA diet (control) for 3 months, then switched to an algal-DHA treatment diet, the 13C enriched-DHA treatment diet, or they stayed on the control diet for the remainder of the study time course. In mice fed the algal and 13C enriched-DHA diets, the brain DHA half-life was 47 and 46 days, the liver half-life was 5.6 and 7.2 days, and the plasma half-life was 4.7 and 6.4 days respectively. By using improved methodologies, we calculated DHA turnover rates in the liver and plasma, and our study for the first time, by using an artificially enriched DHA source (very high δ13C), validated its utility in diet switch studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brinley J Klievik
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Adam H Metherel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Rodrigo Valenzuela
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1A8.
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7
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Lacombe RJS, Smith ME, Perlman K, Turecki G, Mechawar N, Bazinet RP. Quantitative and carbon isotope ratio analysis of fatty acids isolated from human brain hemispheres. J Neurochem 2023; 164:44-56. [PMID: 36196762 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge surrounding the overall fatty acid profile of the adult human brain has been largely limited to extrapolations from brain regions in which the distribution of fatty acids varies. This is especially problematic when modeling brain fatty acid metabolism, therefore, an updated estimate of whole-brain fatty acid concentration is necessitated. Here, we sought to conduct a comprehensive quantitative analysis of fatty acids from entire well-characterized human brain hemispheres (n = 6) provided by the Douglas-Bell Canada Brain Bank. Additionally, exploratory natural abundance carbon isotope ratio (CIR; δ13 C, 13 C/12 C) analysis was performed to assess the origin of brain fatty acids. Brain fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified by gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection and minor n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid pentafluorobenzyl esters by GC-mass spectrometry. Carbon isotope ratio values of identifiable FAMEs were measured by GC-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Overall, the most abundant fatty acid in the human brain was oleic acid, followed by stearic acid (STA), palmitic acid (PAM), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (ARA). Interestingly, cholesterol as well as saturates including PAM and STA were most enriched in 13 C, while PUFAs including DHA and ARA were most depleted in 13 C. These findings suggest a contribution of endogenous synthesis utilizing dietary sugar substrates rich in 13 C, and a combination of marine, animal, and terrestrial PUFA sources more depleted in 13 C, respectively. These results provide novel insights on cerebral fatty acid origin and concentration, the latter serving as a valuable resource for future modeling of fatty acid metabolism in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Scott Lacombe
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mackenzie E Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Perlman
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Závorka L, Blanco A, Chaguaceda F, Cucherousset J, Killen SS, Liénart C, Mathieu-Resuge M, Němec P, Pilecky M, Scharnweber K, Twining CW, Kainz MJ. The role of vital dietary biomolecules in eco-evo-devo dynamics. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:72-84. [PMID: 36182405 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The physiological dependence of animals on dietary intake of vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids is ubiquitous. Sharp differences in the availability of these vital dietary biomolecules among different resources mean that consumers must adopt a range of strategies to meet their physiological needs. We review the emerging work on omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, focusing predominantly on predator-prey interactions, to illustrate that trade-off between capacities to consume resources rich in vital biomolecules and internal synthesis capacity drives differences in phenotype and fitness of consumers. This can then feedback to impact ecosystem functioning. We outline how focus on vital dietary biomolecules in eco-eco-devo dynamics can improve our understanding of anthropogenic changes across multiple levels of biological organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libor Závorka
- WasserCluster Lunz - Biologische Station, Inter-university Centre for Aquatic Ecosystem Research, A-3293 Lunz am See, Austria.
| | - Andreu Blanco
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, EcoCost, Campus de Vigo, As Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Fernando Chaguaceda
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julien Cucherousset
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique (UMR 5174 EDB), CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier - Toulouse III, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Shaun S Killen
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Camilla Liénart
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, J.A. Palménin tie 260, Hanko, 10900, Finland
| | - Margaux Mathieu-Resuge
- WasserCluster Lunz - Biologische Station, Inter-university Centre for Aquatic Ecosystem Research, A-3293 Lunz am See, Austria; Université de Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzané, Brittany, France; UMR DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), Ifremer, INRAE, Institut Agro, Plouzané, France
| | - Pavel Němec
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, CZ-12844 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matthias Pilecky
- WasserCluster Lunz - Biologische Station, Inter-university Centre for Aquatic Ecosystem Research, A-3293 Lunz am See, Austria; Danube University Krems, Dr. Karl Dorrek Straße 30, A-3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Kristin Scharnweber
- University of Potsdam, Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Am Mühlenberg 3, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cornelia W Twining
- Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Seestrasse 79, CH-6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Kainz
- WasserCluster Lunz - Biologische Station, Inter-university Centre for Aquatic Ecosystem Research, A-3293 Lunz am See, Austria; Danube University Krems, Dr. Karl Dorrek Straße 30, A-3500 Krems, Austria
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9
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Sinclair AJ, Wang Y, Li D. What Is the Evidence for Dietary-Induced DHA Deficiency in Human Brains? Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010161. [PMID: 36615819 PMCID: PMC9824463 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major constituent of neural and visual membranes and is required for optimal neural and visual function. DHA is derived from food or by endogenous synthesis from α-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid. Low blood levels of DHA in some westernised populations have led to speculations that child development disorders and various neurological conditions are associated with sub-optimal neural DHA levels, a proposition which has been supported by the supplement industry. This review searched for evidence of deficiency of DHA in human populations, based on elevated levels of the biochemical marker of n-3 deficiency, docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6). Three scenarios/situations were identified for the insufficient supply of DHA, namely in the brain of new-born infants fed with high-linoleic acid (LA), low-ALA formulas, in cord blood of women at birth who were vegetarians and in the milk of women from North Sudan. Twenty post-mortem brain studies from the developed world from adults with various neurological disorders revealed no evidence of raised levels of 22:5n-6, even in the samples with reduced DHA levels compared with control subjects. Human populations most likely at risk of n-3 deficiency are new-born and weanling infants, children and adolescents in areas of dryland agriculture, in famines, or are refugees, however, these populations have rarely been studied. This is an important topic for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Sinclair
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3152, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-(0)414-906-341
| | - Yonghua Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Duo Li
- Institute of Nutrition & Health, College of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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Chen CT, Shao Z, Fu Z. Dysfunctional peroxisomal lipid metabolisms and their ocular manifestations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:982564. [PMID: 36187472 PMCID: PMC9524157 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.982564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retina is rich in lipids and dyslipidemia causes retinal dysfunction and eye diseases. In retina, lipids are not only important membrane component in cells and organelles but also fuel substrates for energy production. However, our current knowledge of lipid processing in the retina are very limited. Peroxisomes play a critical role in lipid homeostasis and genetic disorders with peroxisomal dysfunction have different types of ocular complications. In this review, we focus on the role of peroxisomes in lipid metabolism, including degradation and detoxification of very-long-chain fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids, dicarboxylic acids, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, glyoxylate, and amino acids, as well as biosynthesis of docosahexaenoic acid, plasmalogen and bile acids. We also discuss the potential contributions of peroxisomal pathways to eye health and summarize the reported cases of ocular symptoms in patients with peroxisomal disorders, corresponding to each disrupted peroxisomal pathway. We also review the cross-talk between peroxisomes and other organelles such as lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuck T Chen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhuo Shao
- Post-Graduate Medical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Genetics Program, North York General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhongjie Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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11
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Furse S, Virtue S, Snowden SG, Vidal-Puig A, Stevenson PC, Chiarugi D, Koulman A. Dietary PUFAs drive diverse system-level changes in lipid metabolism. Mol Metab 2022; 59:101457. [PMID: 35150907 PMCID: PMC8894240 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements have been trialled as a treatment for a number of conditions and produced a variety of results. This variety is ascribed to the supplements, that often comprise a mixture of fatty acids, and to different effects in different organs. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the supplementation of individual PUFAs has system-level effects that are dependent on the molecular structure of the PUFA. METHODS We undertook a network analysis using Lipid Traffic Analysis to identify both local and system-level changes in lipid metabolism using publicly available lipidomics data from a mouse model of supplementation with FA(20:4n-6), FA(20:5n-3), and FA(22:6n-3); arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively. Lipid Traffic Analysis is a new computational/bioinformatics tool that uses the spatial distribution of lipids to pinpoint changes or differences in control of metabolism, thereby suggesting mechanistic reasons for differences in observed lipid metabolism. RESULTS There was strong evidence for changes to lipid metabolism driven by and dependent on the structure of the supplemented PUFA. Phosphatidylcholine and triglycerides showed a change in the variety more than the total number of variables, whereas phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol showed considerable change in both which variables and the number of them, in a highly PUFA-dependent manner. There was also evidence for changes to the endogenous biosynthesis of fatty acids and to both the elongation and desaturation of fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS These results show that the full biological impact of PUFA supplementation is far wider than any single-organ effect and implies that supplementation and dosing with PUFAs require a system-level assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Furse
- Core Metabolomics and Lipidomics Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK.
| | - Samuel Virtue
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Stuart G Snowden
- Biology Department, Royal Holloway College, University of London, UK; Centro de Investigacion Principe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Vidal-Puig
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Philip C Stevenson
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE, UK; Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Davide Chiarugi
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Albert Koulman
- Core Metabolomics and Lipidomics Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre, Keith Day Road Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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12
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Simonato M, Visentin S, Verlato G, Cosmi E, Correani A, Cogo P, Carnielli VP. DHA turnover in pregnant women using the natural abundance variation of 13C: a pilot study. Br J Nutr 2022; 129:1-19. [PMID: 35403583 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522001088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The importance of DHA intake to support fetal development and maternal health is well established. In this pilot study we applied the natural abundance approach to determine the contribution of 200 mg/day of DHA supplement to the plasma DHA pool in 19 healthy pregnant women on a free diet.Women received DHA, from pregnancy week 20 until delivery, from an algal source (N=13, Algae group) or from fish oil (N=6, Fish group) with slightly different content of 13C.We measured plasma phospholipids DHA 13C:12C ratio (reported as δ13C) prior to supplementation (T0), after 10 (T1) and 90 days (T2) and prior to delivery (T3).The δ13C of DHA in algae and fish supplements were -15.8±0.2 mUr and -25.3±0.2 mUr (p<0.001).DHA δ13C in the Algae group increased from -27.7±1.6 mUr (T0) to -21.9±2.2 mUr (T3) (p<0.001), whereas there were not significant changes in the Fish group (-27.8±0.9 mUr at T0 and -27.3±1.1 mUr at T3, p=0.09).In the Algae group 200 mg/day of DHA contributed to the plasma phospholipid pool by a median value of 53% (31-75% minimum and maximum). This estimation was not possible in the fish group.Our results demonstrate the feasibility of assessing the contribution of DHA from an algal source to the plasma DHA pool in pregnant women by the natural abundance approach. Plasma δ13C DHA did not change when consuming DHA of fish origin, with almost the same δ13C value of that of the pre-supplementation plasma δ13C DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Simonato
- PCare laboratory, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, "Citta' della Speranza", Corso Stati Uniti, 4F, 35127 Padova, Italy
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova; Via Giustiniani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova; Via Giustiniani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanna Verlato
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova; Via Giustiniani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Erich Cosmi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova; Via Giustiniani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessio Correani
- Division of Neonatology, Polytechnic University of Marche and "G. Salesi" Children's Hospital, Via Filippo Corridoni, 11, 60123 Ancona, Italy
| | - Paola Cogo
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital S Maria della Misericordia, University of Udine, Piazzale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Virgilio P Carnielli
- Division of Neonatology, Polytechnic University of Marche and "G. Salesi" Children's Hospital, Via Filippo Corridoni, 11, 60123 Ancona, Italy
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13
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Yoshinaga K, Usami Y, Yoshinaga-Kiriake A, Shikano H, Taira S, Nagasaka R, Tanaka S, Gotoh N. Visualization of dietary docosahexaenoic acid in whole-body zebrafish using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 100:108897. [PMID: 34748923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish models have been developed for several studies involving lipid metabolism and lipid-related diseases. In the present study, the migration of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in whole-body zebrafish was estimated by stable-isotope tracer and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging. Administration of 1-13C-2,2-D2-labeled DHA ((+3)DHA) ethyl ester to male zebrafish was conducted to evaluate its accumulation, migration, and distribution in the body. The (+3)DHA content in the body of zebrafish after administering (+3)DHA for 10 and 15 d was significantly higher than that in the control group. (+3)DHA was observed as a constituent of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the intestine of zebrafish that were administered (+3)DHA for 5 and 10 d. (+3)DHA-containing PC tended to accumulate in the intestines of zebrafish administered (+3)DHA for 1 d, indicating that recombination of (+3)DHA from ethyl ester to PC occurs quickly at intestine. After administration for 15 d, (+3)DHA-containing PC accumulated in the intestine, liver, and muscle of whole-body zebrafish. In contrast, (+3)DHA-containing PC was not detected in the brain. These results showed that dietary DHA is initially constructed into PC as a structural component of intestinal cell membranes and gradually migrates into peripheral tissues such as muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Yoshinaga
- Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuka Usami
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hitomi Shikano
- Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shu Taira
- Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Reiko Nagasaka
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiya Tanaka
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Gotoh
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
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14
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Metherel AH, Rezaei K, Lacombe RJS, Bazinet RP. Plasma unesterified eicosapentaenoic acid is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the liver and supplies the brain with DHA in the presence or absence of dietary DHA. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158942. [PMID: 33845223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent meta-analyses suggest that high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) supplements may be beneficial in managing the symptoms of major depression. However, brain EPA levels are hundreds-fold lower than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), making the potential mechanisms of action of EPA in the brain less clear. Using a kinetic model the goal of this study was to determine how EPA impacts brain DHA levels. Following 8 weeks feeding of a 2% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) or DHA diet (2% ALA + 2% DHA), 11-week-old Long Evans rats were infused with unesterified 13C-EPA at steady-state for 3 h with plasma collected at 30 min intervals and livers and brains collected after 3 h for determining DHA synthesis-accretion kinetics in multiple lipid fractions. Most of the newly synthesized liver 13C-DHA was in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 37%-56%), however, 75-80% of plasma 13C-DHA was found in triacylglycerols (TAG) at 14 ± 5 and 46 ± 12 nmol/g/day (p < 0.05) in the ALA and DHA group, respectively. In the brain, PE and phosphatidylserine (PS) accreted the most 13C-DHA, and DHA compared to ALA feeding shortened DHA half-lives in most lipid fractions, resulting in total brain DHA half-lives of 32 ± 6 and 96 ± 24 (days/g ± SEM), respectively (p < 0.05). EPA was predominantly converted and stored as PE-DHA in the liver, secreted to plasma as TAG-DHA and accumulated in brain as PE and PS-DHA. In conclusion, EPA is a substantial source for brain DHA turnover and suggests an important role for EPA in maintaining brain DHA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Metherel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Kimia Rezaei
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - R J Scott Lacombe
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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15
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Holland P, Hagopian WM, Jahren AH, Rusten TE. Natural abundance isotope ratios to differentiate sources of carbon used during tumor growth in vivo. BMC Biol 2021; 19:85. [PMID: 33966633 PMCID: PMC8108461 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radioactive or stable isotopic labeling of metabolites is a strategy that is routinely used to map the cellular fate of a selected labeled metabolite after it is added to cell culture or to the circulation of an animal. However, a labeled metabolite can be enzymatically changed in cellular metabolism, complicating the use of this experimental strategy to understand how a labeled metabolite moves between organs. These methods are also technically demanding, expensive and potentially toxic. To allow quantification of the bulk movement of metabolites between organs, we have developed a novel application of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Results We exploit natural differences in 13C/12C ratios of plant nutrients for a low-cost and non-toxic carbon labeling, allowing a measurement of bulk carbon transfer between organs in vivo. IRMS measurements were found to be sufficiently sensitive to measure organs from individual Drosophila melanogaster larvae, giving robust measurements down to 2.5 μg per sample. We apply the method to determine if carbon incorporated into a growing solid tumor is ultimately derived from food or host tissues. Conclusion Measuring tumor growth in a D. melanogaster larvae tumor model reveals that these tumors derive a majority of carbon from host sources. We believe the low cost and non-toxic nature of this methodology gives it broad applicability to study carbon flows between organs also in other animals and for a range of other biological questions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01012-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petter Holland
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, N-0379, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379, Oslo, Norway.
| | - William M Hagopian
- Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics, University of Oslo, Blindern, N-0315, Oslo, Norway
| | - A Hope Jahren
- Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics, University of Oslo, Blindern, N-0315, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tor Erik Rusten
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, N-0379, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379, Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Lacombe RJS, Bazinet RP. Natural abundance carbon isotope ratio analysis and its application in the study of diet and metabolism. Nutr Rev 2020; 79:869-888. [PMID: 33141222 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to differences in carbon assimilation pathways between plants, there are subtle but distinct variations in the carbon isotope ratios of foods and animal products throughout the food supply. Although it is well understood that the carbon isotope ratio composition of the diet influences that of the consumers' tissues, the application of natural abundance carbon isotope ratio analysis in nutrition has long been underappreciated. Over the past decade, however, several studies have investigated the utility of carbon isotope ratio analysis for evaluation of nutritional biomarker status, primarily focusing on its application as an objective indicator of sugar and animal protein intake. More recently, research investigating the application of natural abundance measurements has been extended to study fatty acid metabolism and has yielded encouraging results. Collectively, data from large-scale observational studies and experimental animal studies highlight the potential for carbon isotope ratio analysis as an additional and effective tool to study diet and metabolism. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of natural abundance carbon isotope ratio analysis, its application to studying nutrition, and an update of the research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Scott Lacombe
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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