The Role of n-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, and Interactions with Statins

Fatty Acid Profile and Dietary Value of Thigh Meat of Broiler Chickens Receiving Mineral or Organic Forms of Zn

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mineral (sulphate) or organic (glycine chelate) forms of Zn used in quantities covering 100% or 50% of the Zn requirement on the fatty acid profile of the thigh muscles of Ross 308 broiler chickens. We also analysed the dietary value of this meat based on its fatty acid profile. The experimental factors did not influence the content of basic chemical components and the meat's pH. Although, in terms of statistics, the presented study supports the statement that the form (sulphate vs. glycine chelate) and/or amount of Zn used (100% or 50% of the requirement) affects the fatty acid profile and dietary value of thigh meat, the results imply that the requirement of Ross 308 broiler chickens for Zn was also covered in full when in it was used in amounts covering 50% of the requirement, irrespective of the form in which Zn was used. However, it cannot be explicitly confirmed that the form of Zn affects the analysed parameters of thigh meat.

System biology approaches for drug repurposing

Drug repurposing, or drug repositioning, refers to the identification of alternative therapeutic applications for established medications that go beyond their initial indications. This strategy has becoming increasingly popular since it has the potential to significantly reduce the overall costs of drug development by around $300 million. System biology methodologies have been employed to facilitate medication repurposing, encompassing computational techniques such as signature matching and network-based strategies. These techniques utilize pre-existing drug-related data types and databases to find prospective repurposed medications that have minimal or acceptable harmful effects on patients. The primary benefit of medication repurposing in comparison to drug development lies in the fact that approved pharmaceuticals have already undergone multiple phases of clinical studies, thereby possessing well-established safety and pharmacokinetic properties. Utilizing system biology methodologies in medication repurposing offers the capacity to expedite the discovery of viable candidates for drug repurposing and offer novel perspectives for structure-based drug design.

Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acid-Statin Interaction: Evidence for a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications aiming to decrease the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The aim of this article is to discuss possible omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid-statin interactions in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD and to provide evidence to consider for clinical practice, highlighting novel insights in this field. Statins and n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) are commonly used to control cardiovascular risk factors in order to treat ASCVD. Statins are an important lipid-lowering therapy, primarily targeting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, while n-3 fatty acids address triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Both statins and n-3 fatty acids have pleiotropic actions which overlap, including improving endothelial function, modulation of inflammation, and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, both statins and n-3 fatty acids potentially mitigate the residual cardiovascular risk that remains beyond lipid lowering, such as persistent inflammation. EPA and DHA are both substrates for the synthesis of so-called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), a relatively recently recognized feature of their ability to combat inflammation. Interestingly, statins seem to have the ability to promote the production of some SPMs, suggesting a largely unrecognized interaction between statins and n-3 fatty acids with relevance to the control of inflammation. Although n-3 fatty acids are the major substrates for the production of SPMs, these signaling molecules may have additional therapeutic benefits beyond those provided by the precursor n-3 fatty acids themselves. In this article, we discuss the accumulating evidence that supports SPMs as a novel therapeutic tool and the possible statin-n-3 fatty acid interactions relevant to the prevention and treatment of ASCVD.

New light on ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and diabetes debate: a population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling and intake threshold study

OBJECTIVE

ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a key modifiable factor in the intervention of type 2 diabetes, yet recommendations for dietary consumption of ω-3 PUFA in type 2 diabetes remain ambiguous and controversial. Here, we revisit the subject in the light of population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PPK-PD) modeling and propose a threshold for intake.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Plasma levels of ω-3 PUFA and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic indicator, respectively. The nonlinear mixed effect analysis was used to construct a PPK-PD model for ω-3 PUFA and to quantify the effects of FADS gene polymorphism, age, liver and kidney function, and other covariables.

RESULTS

Data from 161 patients with type 2 diabetes in the community were modeled in a two-compartment model with primary elimination, and HDL was a statistically significant covariate. The simulation results showed that HbA1c showed a dose-dependent decrease of ω-3 PUFA plasma level. A daily intake of ω-3 PUFA at 0.4 g was sufficient to achieve an HbA1c level of 7% in more than 95% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PPK/PD modeling was proposed as a multilevel analytical framework to quantitatively investigate finer aspects of the complex relationship between ω-3 PUFA and type 2 diabetes on genetic and non-genetic influence factors. The results support a beneficial role for ω-3 PUFA in type 2 diabetes and suggested the intake threshold. This new approach may provide insights into the interaction of the two and an understanding of the context in which changes occur.

Hypolipidemic effect and modulation of hepatic enzymes by different edible oils in obese Wistar rats

The current study assessed the hypolipidemic effect and modulation of hepatic enzymes by different edible oils in obese Wistar rats. In order to conduct this study, 36 Wistar rats that were collected at 5 weeks of age and weighed an average of 70 g were split into two groups: 28 of them were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and 8 of them were fed a control diet. After 5 weeks of feeding, rats from the HFD (obese, n = 4) and the control diet group (n = 4) were sacrificed. Subsequently, the rest of obese rats (n = 24) were separated into six groups, including the continuing high-fat (CHF) diet group, rice bran oil (RBO) diet group, olive oil (OO) diet group, soybean oil (SO) diet group, cod liver oil (CLO) diet group, and sunflower oil (SFO) diet group, and the continuing control diet group (n = 4). Rats from each group were sacrificed following an additional 5 weeks, and all analytical tests were carried out. The results found that the interventions of RBO, CLO, and SFO in obese rats reduced their body weight non-significantly when compared with CHF. It was also observed that a non-significant reduction in weight of the heart, AAT, and EAT occurred by RBO, OO, SO, and CLO, while SFO reduced the AAT level significantly (p < 0.05). Besides, RBO, OO, SO, CLO, and SFO decreased IBAT and liver fat significantly compared to CHF. Similarly, the administration of RBO, OO, SO, and CLO reduced ALT significantly. RBO reduced GGT (p < 0.05) significantly, but other oils did not. The given oil has the efficiency to reduce TC, TAG, and LDL-C but increase HDL-C significantly. These findings suggest that different edible oils can ameliorate obesity, regulate lipid profiles, and modulate hepatic enzymes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression in the Elderly and Patients with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation interventions in improving depression in patients with dementia. To achieve this objective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from primary electronic databases, focusing on the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and depression in patients with dementia. The primary outcome was the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on post-intervention depression in patients with dementia, with subgroup analyses conducted based on the type of intervention (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) combination), duration of intervention (3 months, 6 months, 12 months, ≥24 months), cognitive function (ranging from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to severe dementia), and daily dosage (high, medium, low, applicable to both DHA and EPA). The study has been duly registered with PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD42023408744). A meta-analysis of five studies (n = 517) included in nine systematic reviews showed that omega-3 supplementation had a non-significant trend toward affecting depressive symptoms in patients with dementia (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.147; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.324 to 0.049; p = 0.141). Subgroup analyses revealed that DHA supplementation significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD: -0.247; p = 0.039). There was no significant effect for high (SMD: -0.169; 95% CI: -0.454 to 0.116; p = 0.246) or medium (SMD: -0.061; 95% CI: -0.228 to 0.105; p = 0.470) doses of EPA. However, low doses of EPA were significantly effective (SMD: -0.953; 95% CI: -1.534 to -0.373; p = 0.001), with notable improvements in patients with MCI (SMD: -0.934; p < 0.001). The study concludes that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly through DHA supplementation, may alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with MCI. Given the limited sample size, further long-term RCTs are recommended to better understand the efficacy and optimal management of omega-3 supplementation in this population using different dosages.

Optimal omegas - barriers and novel methods to narrow omega-3 gaps. A narrative review

Dietary intakes of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid are central to development and health across the life course. O3LC-PUFAs have been linked to neurological development, maternal and child health and the etiology of certain non-communicable diseases including age-related cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. However, dietary inadequacies exist in the United Kingdom and on a wider global scale. One predominant dietary source of O3LC-PUFAs is fish and fish oils. However, growing concerns about overfishing, oceanic contaminants such as dioxins and microplastics and the trend towards plant-based diets appear to be acting as cumulative barriers to O3LC-PUFAs from these food sources. Microalgae are an alternative provider of O3LC-PUFA-rich oils. The delivery of these into food systems is gaining interest. The present narrative review aims to discuss the present barriers to obtaining suitable levels of O3LC-PUFAs for health and wellbeing. It then discusses potential ways forward focusing on innovative delivery methods to utilize O3LC-PUFA-rich oils including the use of fortification strategies, bioengineered plants, microencapsulation, and microalgae.

Association of dietary fats with ischemic heart disease (IHD): a case-control study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the association between different types of dietary fats with ischemic heart disease (IHD).

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted on 443 cases and 453 controls aged 40-80 years in Tehran, Iran. The semi-quantitative 237-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the amount of food intake. Nutritionist IV was applied to test the amount of consumption of dietary fats.

RESULTS

The case group had a lower intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (11.36 ± 12.58 vs. 14.19 ± 19.57, P = 0.01) than the control group. A negative association was found between IHD and DHA (OR 0.98, CI 95% 0.97-0.99, P = 0.01). No significant association was observed between IHD with the intake of cholesterol, trans fatty acids (TFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), and α-Linolenic acid (ALA).

CONCLUSION

It was found that DHA may reduce the risk of IHD, whereas there was no significant association between other types of dietary fats with the odds of IHD. If the results of this study are confirmed in future research, a higher intake of DHA in diet can be recommended as a strategy to prevent IHD events.

Fish consumption and its lipid modifying effects - A review of intervention studies

Fish is an important source of nutrients, particularly the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). The incorporation of fish into the diet has been shown to have several health benefits, including lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated plasma lipids are one of the main modifiable risk factors contributing to CVD and may be partly mediated by n-3 PUFAs. Although n-3 PUFAs in the form of supplementation have been shown to exert lipid modifying effects, the effects of fish consumption on the lipid profile have not been well summarised to date. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to discuss the current evidence from intervention studies investigating the effect of fish consumption on the lipid profile in both apparently healthy and non-healthy populations. Existing evidence appears to support the role of fish in promoting a shift towards a less inflammatory lipid profile through raising n-3 PUFAs and potentially lowering n-6 PUFA and triglyceride concentrations in both healthy and non-healthy populations. Fish consumption has a negligible effect on cholesterol concentrations; however, fish consumption may promote a small increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol amongst people with lower HDL at baseline. Limited studies have shown fish consumption to result in shifts in phospholipid and sphingolipid species and structure, albeit it is not yet clear whether these alterations have any meaningful impact on CVD risk. Future well-designed studies that utilise NMR and/or lipidomics analysis are warranted to explore the effects of these shifts in lipid content and structure in the context of disease development. Public health guidance should emphasise the cardioprotective benefits of fish and encourage consumption particularly in the Global North where fish consumption remains low.

Variability in the Clinical Effects of the Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids DHA and EPA in Cardiovascular Disease-Possible Causes and Future Considerations

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) that includes myocardial infarction and stroke, is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis, the primary underlying cause of CVD, can be controlled by pharmacological and dietary interventions, including n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation. n-3 PUFA supplementation, primarily consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has shown promise in reducing atherosclerosis by modulating risk factors, including triglyceride levels and vascular inflammation. n-3 PUFAs act by replacing pro-inflammatory fatty acid types in cell membranes and plasma lipids, by regulating transcription factor activity, and by inducing epigenetic changes. EPA and DHA regulate cellular function through shared and differential molecular mechanisms. Large clinical studies on n-3 PUFAs have reported conflicting findings, causing confusion among the public and health professionals. In this review, we discuss important factors leading to these inconsistencies, in the context of atherosclerosis, including clinical study design and the differential effects of EPA and DHA on cell function. We propose steps to improve clinical and basic experimental study design in order to improve supplement composition optimization. Finally, we propose that understanding the factors underlying the poor response to n-3 PUFAs, and the development of molecular biomarkers for predicting response may help towards a more personalized treatment.

Nutritional Value of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Produced with Batch and Continuous Cultivation: Potential Use as Feed Material in Poultry Nutrition

Recently, the demand for new alternative feedstuffs that do not contain chemical residue and are not genetically modified has been increased for sustainability in poultry production. In this respect, the usage of algae as animal feed is very promising as an alternative feed ingredient that reduces pollutant gases from animal production facilities. The aim of the current study is to investigate the usage possibility of algae, through determining nutritional value and production cost, as a feed ingredient in poultry nutrition. Three microalgae species, including Scenedesmus sp., Ankistrodesmus sp., and Synechococcaceae, were produced with batch and continuous cultivation to determine the difference in the lipid, protein, carbohydrate, fatty acid, and amino acid profiles, as well as the color characteristics and production cost. The highest lipid content of 72.5% was observed in algae biomass produced from Synechococcaceae with batch cultivation, whereas the highest protein level was found in algae biomass produced by Synechococcaceae under continuous cultivation practice (25.6%). The highest content of PUFA was observed in Scenedesmus sp. harvested from both batch and continuous cultivation (35.6 and 36.2%), whereas the lowest content of PUFA was found in Synechococcaceae harvested with continuous cultivation (0.4%). Continuously cultivated of Scenedesmus sp. had higher carbohydrate content than batch-cultivated Scenedesmus sp. (57.2% vs. 50.1%). The algae biomass produced from Synechococcaceae was found to have a higher content of essential amino acids, except lysine and histidine, compared to Scenedesmus sp. and Ankistrodesmus sp. Cultivation practices also affected the amino acid level in each algae species. The continuous cultivation practice resulted in a higher level of essential amino acids, except glycine. Synechococcaceae had richer essential amino acid content except for proline and ornithine, whereas continuous cultivation caused an incremental increase in non-essential amino acids. The lightness value was found to be the lowest (13.9) in Scenedesmus sp. that was continuously cultivated. The current study indicated that Scenedesmus sp. could be offered for its high PUFA and lysine content, whereas Synechococcaceae could have potential due to its high content of methionine and threonine, among the investigated microalgae and Cyanobacteria.

DHA/EPA (Omega-3) and LA/GLA (Omega-6) as Bioactive Molecules in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuroinflammation, neuronal depletion and oxidative stress. They coincide with subtle chronic or flaring inflammation, sometimes escalating with infiltrations of the immune system cells in the inflamed parts causing mild to severe or even lethal damage. Thus, neurodegenerative diseases show all features of autoimmune diseases. Prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has dramatically increased in recent decades and unfortunately, the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of available drugs is moderate. The beneficial effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are nowadays highlighted by a plethora of studies. They play a role in suppression of inflammation, gene expression, cellular membrane fluidity/permeability, immune functionality and intracellular/exocellular signaling. The role of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (LA), gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA), on neuroprotection is controversial, as some of these agents, specifically AA, are proinflammatory, whilst current data suggest that they may have neuroprotective properties as well. This review provides an overview of the existing recent clinical studies with respect to the role of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs as therapeutic agents in chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune neurodegenerative diseases as well as the dosages and the period used for testing.

Effect of sea buckthorn extract on production performance, serum biochemical indexes, egg quality, and cholesterol deposition of laying ducks

The purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of sea buckthorn extract (SBE) supplementation on the production performance, serum biochemical indexes, egg quality, and cholesterol deposition of laying ducks. A total of 240 23-week-old laying ducks (female ducks) with similar body weight were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 6 replicates of 10 each. The experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg of SBE, respectively. The results showed that the addition of 1.0 g/kg SBE to the diet had significant increase (P < 0.05) in average egg weight and feed conversion ratio. The inclusion of SBE showed the significant improvement (P < 0.05) in yolk weight, shell strength, egg white height and haugh unit. Ducks fed with 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg SBE displayed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in yolk cholesterol. The significant improvements were observed in the contents of total amino acid essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, umami amino acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and docosahexenoic acids of eggs (P < 0.05) when supplemented with SBE. However, the contents of total saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in eggs showed decrease when ducks fed with SBE diets (P < 0.05). SBE diets may reduce (P < 0.05) the levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increased (P < 0.05) the levels of serum superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione catalase compared to the control. The levels of serum immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M were improved in SBE diets (P < 0.05) in comparation to the control. The addition of SBE to diets can improve feed nutrient utilization, increase egg weight, optimaze egg quality and amino acid content in eggs, reduce blood lipids, improve fatty acid profile and yolk cholesterol in eggs, and increase antioxidant capacity and immunity in laying ducks.

Evaluation of the Nutritional and Health Values of Selected Polish Mushrooms Considering Fatty Acid Profiles and Lipid Indices

Imleria badia, Boletus edulis, and Cantharellus cibarius are popular mushrooms of economic importance in Poland. Since physical and mental development of a person and the maintenance of good health entail providing the body with adequate nutrients, including plant and animal fats, the aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid profiles of three mushroom species from Poland and to assess their nutritional and health values using lipid indices. Studied mushrooms have a favorable fatty acid composition due to the high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Low values of the atherohenic index (AI) and the thrombogenic index (TI) prove that the consumption of the fungi may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. Products with a high hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (H/H) and health-promoting index value are assumed to be more beneficial to human health, granting the possibility for using mushrooms in the nutrition of people with hypertension and in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Herbal Additives for Poultry Feed on the Fatty Acid Profile of Meat

Researchers often found that herbal additives to chicken feed can favorably alter the fatty acid profile of the meat. The most desirable effects of diet modification comprise an increased content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a reduced content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the breast and thigh muscles. A modified fatty acid profile contributes to improvement in the quality of poultry meat, which is reflected in its increased consumption. However, it may be problematic that PUFAs are oxidized easier than other lipids, which can have a negative impact on the sensory traits of meat. By contrast, herbs and herbal products contain antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol present in animal-origin products and increase the antioxidant potential of the consumer’s body. This paper aims to review the influence of herbal additives for broiler chicken diets on the fatty acid profile of poultry meat. Special attention was paid to changes in the content of SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, but also alterations in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. The presented reference literature supports the statement that herbs and bioactive components of herbs added to chicken diets can improve the quality of broiler chicken meat by altering the content of fatty acids.

Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, citrus pectin, and milk-derived exosomes on intestinal barrier integrity and immunity in animals

The gastrointestinal tract of livestock and poultry is prone to challenge by feedborne antigens, pathogens, and other stress factors in the farm environment. Excessive physiological inflammation and oxidative stress that arises firstly disrupts the intestinal epithelial barrier followed by other components of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present review, the interrelationship between intestinal barrier inflammation and oxidative stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease was described. Further, the role of naturally existing immunomodulatory nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, citrus pectin, and milk-derived exosomes in preventing intestinal barrier inflammation was discussed. Based on the existing evidence, the possible molecular mechanism of these bioactive nutrients in the intestinal barrier was outlined for application in animal diets.

Higher intakes of nutrients are linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and depression among Korean adults

Persons with underlying noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are more likely to acquire severe coronavirus disease 2019 disease and to die from coronavirus disease 2019. An urgent need for potential therapy to prevent and control NCDs is critical. We hypothesized that higher intakes of multiple individual nutrients, fruits, or vegetables would be linked with a low risk of NCDs in the Korean population. Thus, we aim to explore the association between NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arthritis, depression, and dietary factors. A total of 56,462 adults aged 18 years (2009-2019) were included. Dietary factors, including intakes of multiple individual nutrients, fruits, and vegetables, were assessed. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to explore the associations between dietary factors and NCDs. Interactions were found between intakes of multiple individual nutrients and sex for T2DM, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Only in women was a 2-fold increase in daily multiple individual nutrient intake (vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C; potassium, protein; phosphorus; calcium; iron; monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid; n-3 fatty acid and n-6 fatty acid; and water) associated with a lower prevalence of T2DM, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. In both women and men, high fruit or vegetable consumption was linked with a lower risk of T2DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, and depression than low consumption. Our findings found higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and multiple individual nutrients are linked with a lower risk of NCDs in the Korean adult population. Further work is needed to identify whether interactions between intake of multiple individual nutrients, vegetables, and fruits affect the presence of NCDs.

Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Blood from Patients with and without Catheter-Proven Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Statins reduce morbidity and mortality of CAD. Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with CAD. Previous data indicate that a higher conversion of precursor fatty acids (FAs) to arachidonic acid (AA) is associated with increased CAD prevalence. Our study explored the FA composition in blood to assess n-3 PUFA levels from patients with and without CAD. We analyzed blood samples from 273 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Patients were stratified according to clinically relevant CAD (n = 192) and those without (n = 81). FA analysis in full blood was performed by gas chromatography. Indicating increased formation of AA from precursors, the ratio of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) to AA, the delta-5 desaturase index (D5D index) was higher in CAD patients. CAD patients had significantly lower levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs (n-6 PUFA) and n-3 PUFA, particularly EPA, in the blood. Thus, our study supports a role of increased EPA levels for cardioprotection.

System and network biology-based computational approaches for drug repositioning

Recent advances in computational biology have not only fastened the drug discovery process but have also proven to be a powerful tool for the search of existing molecules of therapeutic value for drug repurposing. The system biology-based drug repurposing approaches shorten the time and reduced the cost of the whole process when compared to de novo drug discovery. In the present pandemic situation, these computational approaches have emerged as a boon to tackle the COVID-19 associated morbidities and mortalities. In this chapter, we present the overview of system biology-based network system approaches which can be exploited for the drug repurposing of disease. Besides, we have included information on relevant repurposed drugs which are currently used for the treatment of COVID-19.

The Impact of Zn, Cu and Fe Chelates on the Fatty-Acid Profile and Dietary Value of Broiler-Chicken Thigh Meat

Simple Summary

Poultry meat is deemed a product with a dietary value. The chemical composition of meat can be altered by modifying animals’ diets. Our objective was to show the impact of the addition of glycine chelates of minerals (Zn, Cu, Fe) to broiler chickens’ feed on the fatty-acid profile and dietary value of thigh meat. A positive effect was most frequently noted for Zn chelate, especially in a larger dose. The lowest levels of saturated fatty acids and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices but the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids n−3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acid ratios and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic indices were noticed. The use of Cu and Fe glycine chelates was worse than Zn but did not meet the levels from the control group. These types of treatments are important in order to ensure correct functions of the body and can mitigate or even prevent the occurrence of many diseases.

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effect of Zn, Cu and Fe glycine chelates on the proximate composition, cholesterol levels, fatty-acid profile and dietary value of the thigh meat of broiler chickens. The experiment involved three hundred and fifty Ross 308 chickens divided into seven groups. The chickens were administered Zn, Cu and Fe glycine chelates in an amount corresponding to 50% of the requirement or 25% of the requirement for 42 days. It was found that the use of Zn, Cu and Fe glycine chelates did affect the fatty acid profile and dietary value of meat. A positive impact was most frequently (p < 0.05) noted in chickens receiving Zn chelate in an amount covering 50% of the requirement: the lowest levels of SFA and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, the highest content of PUFA n−3 and PUFA/SFA ratios and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic indices. Positive effects were more often recorded for chickens receiving Zn in an amount corresponding to 50% of the requirement. The results did not show that the use of Cu and Fe glycine chelates can reduce the dietary value of thigh meat in broiler chickens since, generally, the outcomes were not worse than those in the control group. It should be highlighted that due to ambiguous results, it is impossible to determine a dose of Cu and Fe glycine chelate which would be more efficient for broiler chickens. However, chickens receiving chelates in amounts corresponding to 25% of the requirement showed far better results.

Chitosan-Based Anti-Oxidation Delivery Nano-Platform: Applications in the Encapsulation of DHA-Enriched Fish Oil

Refined cobia liver oil is a nutritional supplement (CBLO) that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as DHA and EPA; however, PUFAs are prone to oxidation. In this study, the fabrication of chitosan-TPP-encapsulated CBLO nanoparticles (CS@CBLO NPs) was achieved by a two-step method, including emulsification and the ionic gelation of chitosan with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The obtained nanoparticles were inspected by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and showed a positively charged surface with a z-average diameter of between 174 and 456 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed the three-stage weight loss trends contributing to the water evaporation, chitosan decomposition, and CBLO decomposition. The loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the CBLO loading in CS@CBLO NPs were 17.77-33.43% and 25.93-50.27%, respectively. The successful encapsulation of CBLO in CS@CBLO NPs was also confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The oxidative stability of CBLO and CS@CBLO NPs was monitored by FTIR. As compared to CBLO, CS@CBLO NPs showed less oxidation with a lower generation of hydroperoxides and secondary oxidation products after four weeks of storage. CS@CBLO NPs are composed of two ingredients that are beneficial for health, chitosan and fish oil in a nano powdered fish oil form, with an excellent oxidative stability that will enhance its usage in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Meta-Analysis Comparing the Effect of Combined Omega-3 + Statin Therapy Versus Statin Therapy Alone on Coronary Artery Plaques

Statin therapy plays an important role in stabilizing and regressing coronary artery plaques. Omega-3 supplements also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on coronary plaques. However, the effect of omega-3 supplementation on the basis of statin therapy on the stability and composition of plaques, is still unclear. We searched for randomized controlled trials published prior to November 2020 in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases. Finally, eight studies using different imaging techniques to evaluate coronary atherosclerotic plaque, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), coronary CT angiography (cCTA) and intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS), met our inclusion criteria. We pooled data extracted from the included studies using the standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) of the random effects model. Compared with statin treatment alone, the combined treatment further delayed the progression of total plaque volume [SMD -0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.64 to -0.08, p = 0.01] and fiber content (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.13, p = 0.004). The plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level of patients in the combination treatment group was significantly lower than that of the patients in the statin treatment group alone (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.01, p = 0.04). In addition, the combined use of omega-3 further increases the fibrous cap thickness (FCT) of the plaque with an MD of 29.45 μm. There were no significant differences in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or lipid content in plaques between the two groups. Omega-3 combined with statins is superior to the statin treatment group in stabilizing and promoting coronary plaque regression and may help to further reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and lipotoxicity

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver pathology worldwide due to the rising prevalence of obesity. This term includes changes from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis. It was previously thought to be a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, but recent literature describes this relation as much more complex and bi-directional. Development of NAFLD is associated with other metabolic syndrome components but it can also exacerbate insulin resistance and increase cardiovascular risk. Recently a lot of attention is brought to the role of lipids and lipotoxicity in pathogenesis and progression of non-alcoholic fatty disease. It seems that some lipid classes can be protective against liver injury while others are harmful in excessive amounts. This study presents an overview of the main lipids involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and summarizes their association with lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and other processes responsible for its progression.

The Potential of Cryptophyte Algae in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Microalgae produce a variety of bioactive components that provide benefits to human and animal health. Cryptophytes are one of the major groups of microalgae, with more than 20 genera comprised of 200 species. Recently, cryptophytes have attracted scientific attention because of their characteristics and biotechnological potential. For example, they are rich in a number of chemical compounds, such as fatty acids, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins and polysaccharides, which are mainly used for food, medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This paper provides a review of studies that assess protective algal compounds and introduce cryptophytes as a remarkable source of bioactive components that may be usable in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Effect of Omega-3 Dosage on Cardiovascular Outcomes: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Interventional Trials

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the effect of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and the effect of dosage.

METHODS

This study is designed as a random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized control trials with EPA/DHA supplementation. This is an update and expanded analysis of a previously published meta-analysis which covers all randomized control trials with EPA/DHA interventions and cardiovascular outcomes published before August 2019. The outcomes included are myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD) events, CVD events (a composite of MI, angina, stroke, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, sudden death, and non-scheduled cardiovascular surgical interventions), CHD mortality and fatal MI. The strength of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies with a combined 135,267 participants were included. Supplementation was associated with reduced risk of MI (relative risk [RR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.96), high certainty number needed to treat (NNT) of 272; CHD events (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.97), high certainty NNT of 192; fatal MI (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.91]), moderate certainty NNT = 128; and CHD mortality (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.98), low certainty NNT = 431, but not CVD events (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.00). The effect is dose dependent for CVD events and MI.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Supplementation with EPA and DHA is an effective lifestyle strategy for CVD prevention, and the protective effect probably increases with dosage.

Combination of natural strategies to improve the oxidative stability of echium seed oil

Echium seed oil is an alternative source of omega 3 fatty acids but it is highly susceptible to oxidation. A combination of three natural strategies was proposed in this study aiming to improve the oxidative stability of echium oil obtained by pressing (PO) or solvent extraction (PSO), kept in the storage condition for 180 days or during the consumption for 30 days. Our results showed that the reduction of temperature was sufficient to keep the oil stable during storage for both samples. During the consumption time, the best stability was achieved by adding a mixture of antioxidants, composed of sinapic (500 ppm), ascorbic (250 ppm), and citric (150 ppm) acids, and/or 20% of high oleic sunflower oil. The combined strategies promoted a 34 to 80% reduction of peroxide value and 0 to 85% reduction of malondialdehyde concentrations in the samples, showing to be a feasible and natural alternative to improve the oxidative stability of echium oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our study successfully applied an optimized combination of simple and low-cost strategies to enhance the chemical stability of echium seed oil. As the use of echium oil expands around the world, the oil industry and final consumers may benefit from our results to increase the oil shelf-life.

Identification of a novel interplay between intestinal bacteria and metabolites in Chinese patients with IgA nephropathy via integrated microbiome and metabolome approaches

Background

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis. The intestinal microbial ecosystem and metabolic network of IgAN have not been systematically analyzed. The present study aims to improve understanding of the gut microbiota and its metabolic capabilities to facilitate the development of diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic methods for IgAN.

Methods

We characterized the gut microbiota and metabolic patterns of fecal and serum samples of IgAN patients and healthy controls from the south of China using 16s ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively, and bioinformatics approaches.

Results

We found that the relative abundances of Streptococcus and Enterococcus were higher in IgAN patients, whereas Bacteroidetes and Bacteroides were lower. Changes in the gut microbiota of IgAN affected the metabolism and absorbance of microbiota-associated metabolites, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids, free amino acid, and oligopeptides, and activated the phenylalanine metabolism pathway, thereby constructing a unique metabolic system of IgAN. We identified six pivotal metabolites, including bilirubin, trimethoprim, stearamide, phenylalanine, cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid, and phosphatidylethanolamine 17:0, that connected the metabolic networks of the gut and blood. Additionally, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 5-hydroxy-6E,8Z,11Z-eicosatrienoic acid were shown to be associated with the classification of glomerular sclerosis.

Conclusions

We establish a relational network between microbiota, fecal metabolites, and serum metabolites in IgAN. The core microbiota and metabolites identified have promising value in therapeutic applications.

Effects of dietary alfalfa protein concentrate on lipid metabolism and antioxidative status of serum and composition and fatty acid profile and antioxidative status and dietetic value of muscles in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) at the dose of 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, dietary value, and antioxidant status in muscles and serum of Ross 308 chickens. The experiment involved 150 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens allocated into 3 groups in 5 replications (10 birds per pen). A 1-way system with 2 levels of APC, 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg of a complete diet, was used. Group C receiving a standard feed mixture without APC was the control. The addition of 15 and 30 g APC increased the CP content in the breast muscle and in the thigh muscle, and reduction in the cholesterol and fat level was noted. Higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-6 group was noted in the breast muscles of the 30-g APC-supplemented chickens. The thigh muscles with APC were characterized by more favorable values of the atherogenic index, thrombotic index, and hypocholesterol-to-hypercholesterol ratio.The supplementation with 30 g APC reduced the cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein level, and decreased the low-density lipoprotein level and improved the antioxidant parameters in plasma (increase in superoxide dismutase and in glutathione peroxidase and reduction of malondialdehyde), compared with group C. The results of this study indicate that the supplementation with 30 g APC improved the metabolic functions of the organism, meat resistance to oxidative processes, and the composition and profile of fatty acids. Therefore, APC can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives and soya protein in production of healthier poultry meat.

All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Death between Statins and Omega-3 Supplementation: A Meta-Analysis and Network Meta-Analysis from 55 Randomized Controlled Trials

Statins and omega-3 supplementation have shown potential benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD), but their comparative effects on mortality outcomes, in addition to primary and secondary prevention and mixed population, have not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effect of statins and omega-3 supplementation and indirectly compare the effects of statin use and omega-3 fatty acids on all-cause mortality and CVD death. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from meta-analyses published until December 2019. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to indirectly compare the effect of statin use versus omega-3 supplementation in a frequentist network meta-analysis. In total, 55 RCTs were included in the final analysis. Compared with placebo, statins were significantly associated with a decreased the risk of all-cause mortality (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.86–0.94) and CVD death (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.80–0.92), while omega-3 supplementation showed a borderline effect on all-cause mortality (RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–1.01) but were significantly associated with a reduced risk of CVD death (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87–0.98) in the meta-analysis. The network meta-analysis found that all-cause mortality was significantly different between statin use and omega-3 supplementation for overall population (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85–0.98), but borderline for primary prevention and mixed population and nonsignificant for secondary prevention. Furthermore, there were borderline differences between statin use and omega-3 supplementation in CVD death in the total population (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.82–1.04) and primary prevention (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.68–1.05), but nonsignificant differences in secondary prevention (RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.66–1.43) and mixed population (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.75–1.14). To summarize, statin use might be associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality than omega-3 supplementation. Future direct comparisons between statin use and omega-3 supplementation are required to confirm the findings.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of n-3 PUFAs: Their Role in Cardiovascular Protection

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Nutritional Indices for Assessing Fatty Acids: A Mini-Review

Dietary fats are generally fatty acids that may play positive or negative roles in the prevention and treatment of diseases. In nature, fatty acids occur in the form of mixtures of saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), so their nutritional and/or medicinal values must be determined. Herein, we do not consider the classic indices, such as ∑SFA, ∑MUFA, ∑PUFA, ∑n-6 PUFA, ∑n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA; instead, we summarize and review the definitions, implications, and applications of indices used in recent years, including the PUFA/SFA, index of atherogenicity (IA), the index of thrombogenicity (IT), the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), the health-promoting index (HPI), the unsaturation index (UI), the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA), fish lipid quality/flesh lipid quality (FLQ), the linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid (LA/ALA) ratio, and trans fatty acid (TFA). Of these nutritional indices, IA and IT are the most commonly used to assess the composition of fatty acids as they outline significant implications and provide clear evidence. EPA + DHA is commonly used to assess the nutritional quality of marine animal products. All indices have their advantages and disadvantages; hence, a rational choice of which to use is critical.

Comparative Effect of Statins and Omega-3 Supplementation on Cardiovascular Events: Meta-Analysis and Network Meta-Analysis of 63 Randomized Controlled Trials Including 264,516 Participants

Statins and omega-3 supplementation have been recommended for cardiovascular disease prevention, but comparative effects have not been investigated. This study aimed to summarize current evidence of the effect of statins and omega-3 supplementation on cardiovascular events. A meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis of 63 randomized controlled trials were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effects of specific statins and omega-3 supplementation compared with controls. Overall, the statin group showed significant risk reductions in total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke; however, omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased the risks of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction only, in the comparison with the control group. In comparison with omega-3 supplementation, pravastatin significantly reduced the risks of total cardiovascular disease (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72–0.91), coronary heart disease (RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60–0.94), and myocardial infarction (RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.55–0.94). Risks of total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke in the atorvastatin group were statistically lower than those in the omega-3 group, with RRs (95% CIs) of 0.80 (0.73–0.88), 0.64 (0.50–0.82), 0.75 (0.60–0.93), and 0.81 (0.66–0.99), respectively. The findings of this study suggest that pravastatin and atorvastatin may be more beneficial than omega-3 supplementation in reducing the risk of total cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction.

Inhibitory effect of modified silkworm pupae oil in PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Silkworm pupae oil (SPO) has been reported to have various biological activities in improving blood circulation. However, the protective action of SPO against vascular disorders remains unknown. A new formulation of SPO was prepared through an esterification and saponification process. The composition of unsaturated fatty acids in silkworm pupae oil sodium salt (SPOS) was then analyzed by LC/MS to show α-linolenic acid (11.0%), linoleic acid (73.2%), palmitic acid (3.1%), oleic acid (12.0%), and stearic acid (0.7%). The in vitro studies were performed to find out the efficacy of SPOS on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation. PDGF-BB (10 ng/mL) induced abnormal migration and proliferation of VSMCs, whereas exposure to SPOS (30 μg/mL) significantly reduced the PDGF-BB-induced cell migration and proliferation. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were determined by immunoblot analysis and the ERK1/2 phosphorylation in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs was downregulated by SPOS (30 μg/mL) treatment. These results indicate that SPOS may be a helpful and useful agent as a functional food and drug against vascular disorders.

The Effects of Lipid-Lowering Therapy on Serum Eicosapentaenoic Acid to Arachidonic Acid Ratio: An HIJ-PROPER Sub-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Controversy remains regarding the influence of lipid-lowering therapy on the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the effects of lipid-lowering therapy on the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

This was a post hoc sub-analysis of the Heart Institute of Japan-PRoper level of lipid-lowering with pitavastatin and ezetimibe in ACS study. We compared the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio changes from baseline to the 3-month follow-up after contemporary lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin + ezetimibe therapy and pitavastatin mono-therapy.

RESULTS

Among patients with ACS and dyslipidemia, the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid increased significantly in the pitavastatin mono-therapy group (0.40 ± 0.26 to 0.46 ± 0.34, P < .0001) but did not increase in the pitavastatin + ezetimibe group (0.37 ± 0.22 to 0.38 ± 0.27, P = .18). When the analysis was limited to patients who received 2 mg/day of pitavastatin during the follow-up period, these trends in changes of the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio remained unchanged. Multivariate analysis showed that ezetimibe use (P = .005; β = 0.09), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (P = .04; β = -0.01), and baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (P = .0003; β = 0.12) were independent predictors of the percentage change in the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio. These trends were similar even when the analysis was limited to patients who did not take statins at enrollment.

CONCLUSION

Standard lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin mono-therapy improved the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio for patients with ACS. Intensive lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin + ezetimibe did not improve the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, although LDL-C decreased significantly. Inhibition of the improvement in the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio by adding ezetimibe may affect cardiovascular disease prognosis.

Effect of Diets with Different Lipid’s Sources On Serum and Brain Fatty Acids Profile: Experimental Model

Background:

The importance of diet in health is widely accepted and recognized. Diet lipid profile is important to prevent chronic diseases and improve the quality of an individual’s life.

Objective:

The objective of this report is to analyze the effect of different sources of dietary lipids with standard and high concentration on growing rats.

Methods:

Experimental diets contained 15 or 42% kcal of fat, provided by butter (B), olive oil (O), high oleic sunflower oil (HO), and sunflower oil (S). Control diet (C) was normocaloric with 15% kcal of fat provided by soy oil. All diets were complete in the other nutrients according to AIN 1993 and were administered for 40 days.

Results:

Daily intake was similar in all groups. The administration of these diets provoked changes in serum fatty acid profile in response to the different sources of dietary lipids used; no changes were observed in the brain´s fatty acids.

Conclusion:

These results would suggest that the organism tries first to supply the brain´s fatty acid needs at the expense of its modification in serum..

Fatty acid profile, antioxidative status and dietary value of the breast muscle of broiler chickens receiving glycine-Zn chelates

In the present study we aimed to examine the effect of glycine-Zn chelates (ZnGly) used in amounts corresponding to 0, 100, 50 or 25% of the requirement of this element on the fatty acids profile, antioxidative status, and dietetic value (atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H)) of breast muscles in broiler chickens. Two hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were split into four equipotent experimental groups (assigned to 20 cages, 10 chicks in each, replicated five times): control, ZnGly-100, ZnGly-50 and ZnGly-25. The broilers received feed and water ad libitum. The experiment lasted 42 days. Significant differences in the content of respective fatty acids in the meat of chickens receiving ZnGly were observed in comparison to the control group; but they were not directional changes. A positive effect (P &lt; 0.05) of Zn-Gly on certain indices of meat determined by the oxidoreductive status of the body or regulating such status was noted: superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde. A significant effect of ZnGly on the dietetic value of broiler chickens’ breast meat was noted: the highest (P &lt; 0.05) AI value was found in the ZnGly-50 and ZnGly-25 groups, and TI value in the ZnGly-25 group. The h/H relationship can be presented as ZnGly-25 &lt; ZnGly-50 &lt; ZnGly-100 &lt; control group. To improve the dietetic value and to increase the oxidative stability of breast muscle meat, broiler chickens must receive ZnGly in an amount corresponding to more than 25% of the requirement of this element.

Effect of High-Dose Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT), reported that high-dose marine omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) significantly reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, yet the mechanisms responsible for this benefit remain unknown. To test the hypothesis that high-dose OM3 is anti-atherosclerotic, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT of high-dose OM3 on atherosclerosis. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019125566). PubMed, Embase, Cochran Central Register for Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched using the following criteria: adult participants, high-dose OM3 (defined as ≥3.0 g/day, or in Japan 1.8 g/day and purity ≥90%) as the intervention, changes in atherosclerosis as the outcome, and RCTs with an intervention duration of ≥6 months. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. Among the 598 articles retrieved, six articles met our criteria. Four RCTs evaluated atherosclerosis in the coronary and two in the carotid arteries. High-dose OM3 significantly slowed the progression of atherosclerosis (standardized mean difference −1.97, 95% confidence interval −3.01, −0.94, p < 0.001). The results indicate that anti-atherosclerotic effect of high-dose OM3 is one potential mechanism in reducing CVD outcomes demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial.

The inheritance of cardiovascular disease risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is foremost among the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which account for 71% of deaths globally each year. CVD is also prominent among the pre-existing conditions still accounting for nearly 25% of maternal deaths and is linked to gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Markers of CVD risk have been reported even in young children, related to prenatal factors such as mother's diet or body composition. The underlying mechanisms include epigenetic changes which can alter the trajectory of risk across the life course. Preventive interventions need to commence before conception, to reduce transmission of CVD risk by promoting healthy behaviours in prospective parents, as well as in pregnancy, and postpartum through breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding. Surprisingly, these opportunities are not emphasised in the 2018 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs. NCDs such as CVD have communicable risk components transmitted across generations by socio-economic as well as biological factors, although the former can also become embodied in the offspring by epigenetic mechanisms. The inheritance of CVD risk, and social inequalities in such risk, thus raises wider questions about responsibility for the health of future generations at societal as well as individual levels.

Systems biology based drug repositioning for development of cancer therapy

Drug repositioning is a powerful method that can assists the conventional drug discovery process by using existing drugs for treatment of a disease rather than its original indication. The first examples of repurposed drugs were discovered serendipitously, however data accumulated by high-throughput screenings and advancements in computational biology methods have paved the way for rational drug repositioning methods. As chemotherapeutic agents have notorious side effects that significantly reduce quality of life, drug repositioning promises repurposed noncancer drugs with little or tolerable adverse effects for cancer patients. Here, we review current drug-related data types and databases including some examples of web-based drug repositioning tools. Next, we describe systems biology approaches to be used in drug repositioning for effective cancer therapy. Finally, we highlight examples of mostly repurposed drugs for cancer treatment and provide an overview of future expectations in the field for development of effective treatment strategies.

Rounding the corner on residual risk: Implications of REDUCE-IT for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids treatment in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease remain at increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events even during optimal lipid-lowering therapy. Recent studies using the methods of Mendelian randomization, as well as analyses of data from large statin trials, have concluded that elevated triglyceride (TG) levels contribute to that increased risk. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) from fish and shellfish (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) reduce TG levels when added to the diet in sufficient amounts, and they have favorable effects on several other markers of CV risk. However, trials of omega-3 PUFAs have had inconsistent findings regarding CV risk reduction. Recently, the REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with EPA-Intervention Trial) trial reported that treatment of such high-risk patients with icosapent ethyl, a purified and stabilized ethyl ester of EPA, reduced the risk of the trial's primary CV endpoint by 25% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 32%-17%; P < .001). To appreciate the clinical implications of this result, it is important to understand how the REDUCE-IT trial differed from previous trials, especially with regard to patient enrollment criteria and treatment dosing. We discuss these design features relative to other trials. TG lowering can account for only part of the risk reduction seen with icosapent ethyl; we also consider other potential contributory mechanisms.

Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone or Combined with Statins for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of berberine for the treatment of hyperlipidemia, six electronic literature databases including SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Data, PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched to collect clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of berberine alone or combined with statins for the treatment of hyperlipidemia from the inception to 8 March 2018. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included RCTs. Then, meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 11 RCTs involving 1386 patients were finally included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with the placebo group, berberine could significantly reduce the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels and elevate the high density lipoprotein level ([Formula: see text]). Compared with the simvastatin group, berberine was effective only in reducing the level of triglyceride ([Formula: see text], 95% CI: [Formula: see text]0.66, [Formula: see text]0.07, [Formula: see text]). There, however, was no statistical significance between the BBR group and simvastatin group in the low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein levels. Compared with the simvastatin group, berberine plus simvastatin was more effective in reducing the level of triglyceride ([Formula: see text], 95% CI: [Formula: see text]0.46, [Formula: see text]0.20, [Formula: see text]) and total cholesterol ([Formula: see text], 95% CI: [Formula: see text]0.60, [Formula: see text]0.12, [Formula: see text]). In terms of adverse reactions, the incidence of adverse reactions including transaminase elevation and muscle aches was lower in the berberine alone or combined with simvastatin group than that in the control group, while the instance of constipation was higher. This study suggests that berberine is effective for hyperlipidemia. The quality and quantity of included studies, however, were dissatisfactory, which might decrease the reliability of the results. Higher quality studies are needed to provide more high quality evidence.

Fatty acids: a role for Africa?

Health effects of fatty acids have been very controversial. Total mortality is inversely associated with the amount of total fat consumed. In contrast,transfatty acids or SFA intake is positively related to mortality while the inverse is observed with consumption of MUFA or PUFA. Among PUFA, long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA have many beneficial effects. Dietary intake of some types of fatty acids is specific to Africa. Energy from saturated fat does not exceed 14% and energy fromn-6 PUFA does not exceed 8% of total energy intake. Dietary intake of LCn-3 PUFA is less than 100 mg/d whereas international recommendations promote 250–500 mg/d. Consumption of plantn-3 PUFA mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA) is highly variable depending on the country. Both fish and ALA availability are low in several African countries. The prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular events remain very low in Africa, partly explained by the fact that the whole dietary pattern is globally the best of all continents. One objective of ‘fat for Africa’ could be to increase, as much as possible, the dietary intake of LCn-3 PUFA by promoting sustainable aquaculture and to maintain as much as possible traditional dietary pattern by preventing a tendency to westernisation, provided that the amount of energy and protein is sufficient to fight against wasting and stunting where it still exists.