Omega-3-rich Isochrysis sp. biomass enhances brain docosahexaenoic acid levels and improves serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Isochrysis sp. is a marine microalga, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The potential use of its biomass as an alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has not been studied in animal models. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups and treated for 28 days. The rats were fed with (1) standard chow (control group), (2) microalgal biomass rich in EPA and DHA along with standard chow (microalga group), and (3) fish oil that contains equivalent amounts of EPA and DHA along with standard chow (fish oil group). After intervention, biochemical indices, histopathological indices, relative mRNA expression of PUFA genes, antioxidant genes, inflammatory markers, and the fatty acid profile of major tissues were studied.

RESULTS

Animals treated with microalgal biomass showed significantly increased serum HDL levels (P < 0.05) and reduced oxidative stress markers with a concomitant decrease in urea and creatinine levels. Oral supplementation of microalgal biomass did not show any toxicity or damage in any major organs. The mRNA expression of PUFA genes was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) and antioxidant genes were upregulated. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory markers was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) and anti-inflammatory markers were upregulated. Oral supplementation of microalgal biomass improved DHA status in brain and liver.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that Isochrysis sp. can be used as a safe, alternative food supplement for ω-3 fatty acids. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

ID: 88: PHOSPHOLIPID BASED LIPOIDTM NANOEMULSION OF CURCUMIN IN LINSEED OIL SHOWED INCREASED BIOAVAILABILITY AND ASSISTS IN ELEVATING THE LEVELS OF DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID IN SERUM AND LIVER LIPIDS OF RATS

The present study was designed to prepare curcumin nanoemulsions using phospholipid core material (LipoidTM) and exploring the possibility of enhancing its bioavailability in rats. Curcumin was dissolved in coconut oil (MCFA rich), Sunflower oil (SNO, n-6 PUFA rich) or Linseed oil (LSO,n-3 PUFA rich) and nanoemulsions were prepared by high pressure homogenization after mixing with LipoidTM. The bioavailability of curcumin was measured in vitro by transportation through intestinal everted sacs and by in vivo method after giving curcumin emulsions to rats by intubation for 60 days. The pharmacokinetics of curcumin in lymph, serum and tissues were studied. The transportation through intestinal everted sacs by nanocurcumin in which curcumin was dissolved in SNO or LSO was increased by 79% and 437% respectively when compared to curcumin given in these oils without making nanoemulsions. In single oral dose study, the rats given 125 mg of curcumin though intubation showed the presence of curcumin in lymph reaching a maximum concentration of 19.16 mg/ml and 2.37 mg/ml at 2.5h when nanocurcumin was prepared after dissolving curcumin in LSO or SNO respectively. When curcumin was given SNO or LSO without emulsification, the amount of curcumin present in lymph was found to reach a maximum level of 4.58 mg/ml and 1.25 mg/ml respectively with a Tmax of 6h. Pharmacokinetics showed higher levels of curcumin in serum and liver of rats provided nanocurcumin in which curcumin dissolved in SNO or LSO as compared to rats given curcumin without emulsion formation. Similar trend was observed when weaning rats were given 65 mg of curcumin through intubation per day for a period of 60 days. High levels of curcumin was present in serum and liver of rats given curcumin in nanoemulsions form. A small amount of curcumin was observed in brain and heart of rats given curcumin in nanocurcumin. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in serum and tissue lipids were observed in rats given curcumin with LSO in nanoemulsion form. This study indicated that bioavailability of curcumin could be increased when provided as nanoemulsion with a phospholid based core material LipoidTM and LSO.