Influence of the nutritional status and oxidative stress in the desaturation and elongation of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Impact on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) play essential roles in cell membrane structure and physiological processes including signal transduction, cellular metabolism and tissue homeostasis to combat diseases. PUFA are either consumed from food or synthesized by enzymatic desaturation, elongation and peroxisomal β-oxidation. The nutritionally essential precursors α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3; ALA) and linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; LA) are subjected to desaturation by Δ6D/Δ5D desaturases and elongation by elongases 2/5, enzymes that are induced by insulin and repressed by PUFA. Maintaining an optimally low n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio is linked to prevention of the development of several diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is characterized by depletion of PUFA promoting hepatic steatosis and inflammation. In this context, supplementation with n-3 PUFA revealed significant lowering of hepatic steatosis in obese patients, whereas prevention of fatty liver by high-fat diet in mice is observed in n-3 PUFA and hydroxytyrosol co-administration. The aim of this work is to review the role of nutritional status and nutrient availability on markers of PUFA biosynthesis. In addition, the impact of oxidative stress developed as a result of NAFLD, a redox imbalance that may alter the expression and activity of the enzymes involved, and diminished n-3 PUFA levels by free-radical dependent peroxidation processes will be discussed.

An overview of the fatty acid biosynthesis in the protozoan parasite Leishmania and its relevance as a drug target against leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is one of the fast-growing parasitic diseases worldwide. The treatment of this fatal disease presents a daunting challenge because of its adverse effects, necessity for long-term treatment regime, unavailability of functional drugs, emergence of drug resistance and the related expenditure. This calls for an urgent need for novel drugs and the evaluation of new targets. Proteins of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway are validated as drug targets in pathogenic bacteria and certain viruses. Likewise, this pathway has been speculated as a suitable target against parasite infections. Fatty acid synthesis in parasites seems to be very complex and distinct from the counterpart mammalian host due to the presence of unique mechanisms for fatty acid biosynthesis and acquisition. In recent times, there have been few evidences of the existence of this pathway in the bloodstream form of some pathogens. The fatty acid biosynthesis thus presents a viable and attractive target for emerging therapeutics. Understanding the mechanisms underlying fatty acid metabolism is key to identifying a potential drug target. However, investigations in this direction are still limited and this article attempts to outline the existing knowledge, while highlighting the scope and relevance of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway as a drug target. This review highlights the advances in the treatment of leishmaniasis, the importance of lipids in the pathogen, known facts about the fatty acid biosynthesis in Leishmania and how this pathway can be manipulated to combat leishmaniasis, suggesting novel drug targets.

Temperature and metal exposure affect membrane fatty acid composition and transcription of desaturases and elongases in fathead minnow muscle and brain

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that metal exposure affected the normal thermal response of cell membrane FA composition and of elongase and desaturase gene transcription levels. To this end, muscle and brain membrane FA composition and FA desaturase (fads2, degs2 and scd2) and elongase (elovl2, elovl5 and elovl6) gene transcription levels were analyzed in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) acclimated for eight weeks to 15, 25 or 30°C exposed or not to cadmium (Cd, 6μg/l) or nickel (Ni, 450 6μg/l). The response of membrane FA composition to temperature variations or metal exposure differed between muscle and brain. In muscle, an increase of temperature induced a decrease of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and an increase of saturated FA (SFA) in agreement with the current paradigm. Although a similar response was observed in brain between 15 and 25°C, at 30°C, brain membrane unsaturation was higher than predicted. In both tissues, metal exposure affected the normal thermal response of membrane FA composition. The transcription of desaturases and elongases was higher in the brain and varied with acclimation temperature and metal exposure but these variations did not generally reflect changes in membrane FA composition. The mismatch between gene transcription and membrane composition highlights that several levels of control other than gene transcription are involved in adjusting membrane FA composition, including post-transcriptional regulation of elongases and desaturases and de novo phospholipid biosynthesis. Our study also reveals that metal exposure affects the mechanisms involved in adjusting cell membrane FA composition in ectotherms.

Differences in elongation of very long chain fatty acids and fatty acid metabolism between triple-negative and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TN) is more aggressive than other subtypes of breast cancer and has a lower survival rate. Furthermore, detailed biological information about the disease is lacking. This study investigated characteristics of metabolic pathways in TN.

Methods

We performed the metabolome analysis of 74 breast cancer tissues and the corresponding normal breast tissues using LC/MS. Furthermore, we classified the breast cancer tissues into ER-positive, PgR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (EP+H-) and TN, and then the differences in their metabolic pathways were investigated. The RT-PCR and immunostaining were carried out to examine the expression of ELOVL1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Results

We identified 142 of hydrophilic metabolites and 278 of hydrophobic lipid metabolites in breast tissues. We found the differences between breast cancer and normal breast tissues in choline metabolism, glutamine metabolism, lipid metabolism, and so on. Most characteristic of comparison between EP+H- and TN were differences in fatty acid metabolism was which were related to the elongation of very long chain fatty acids were detected between TN and EP+H-. Real-time RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of ELOVL1, 5, and 6 were significantly upregulated by 8.5-, 4.6- and 7.0-fold, respectively, in the TN tumors compared with their levels in the corresponding normal breast tissue samples. Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of ELOVL1, 5, and 6 were also significantly higher in the EP+H- tissues than in the corresponding normal breast tissues (by 4.9-, 3.4-, and 2.1-fold, respectively). The mRNA expression level of ELOVL6 was 2.6-fold higher in the TN tumors than in the EP+H- tumors. During immunostaining, the TN and EP+H- tumors demonstrated stronger ELOVL1 and 6 staining than the corresponding normal breast tissues, but ELOVL5 was not stained strongly in the TN or EP+H- tumors. Furthermore, the TN tumors exhibited stronger ELOVL1 and 6 staining than the EP+H- tumors.

Conclusions

Marked differences in fatty acid metabolism pathways, including those related to ELOVL1 and 6, were detected between TN and EP+H-, and it was suggested that ELOVL1 and 6-related fatty acid metabolism pathways may be targets for therapies against TN.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3554-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Determination of Substrate Preferences for Desaturases and Elongases for Production of Docosahexaenoic Acid from Oleic Acid in Engineered Canola

Production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plant seed oils has been pursued to improve availability of these omega-3 fatty acids that provide important human health benefits. Canola (Brassica napus), through the introduction of 10 enzymes, can convert oleic acid (OLA) into EPA and ultimately DHA through a pathway consisting of two elongation and five desaturation steps. Herein we present an assessment of the substrate specificity of the seven desaturases and three elongases that were introduced into canola by expressing individual proteins in yeast. In vivo feeding experiments were conducted with 14 potential fatty acid intermediates in an OLA to DHA pathway to determine the fatty acid substrate profiles for each enzyme. Membrane fractions were prepared from yeast expression strains and shown to contain active enzymes. The elongases, as expected, extended acyl-CoA substrates in the presence of malonyl-CoA. To distinguish between enzymes that desaturate CoA- and phosphatidylcholine-linked fatty acid substrates, we developed a novel in vitro method. We show that a delta-12 desaturase from Phytophthora sojae, an omega-3 desaturase from Phytophthora infestans and a delta-4 desaturase from Thraustochytrium sp., all prefer phosphatidylcholine-linked acyl substrates with comparatively low use of acyl-CoA substrates. To further validate our method, a delta-9 desaturase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was confirmed to use acyl-CoA as substrate, but could not use phosphatidylcholine-linked substrates. The results and the assay methods presented herein will be useful in efforts to improve modeling of fatty acid metabolism and production of EPA and DHA in plants.

EPA, DHA, and Lipoic Acid Differentially Modulate the n-3 Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway in Atlantic Salmon Hepatocytes

The aim of the present study was to investigate how EPA, DHA, and lipoic acid (LA) influence the different metabolic steps in the n-3 fatty acid (FA) biosynthetic pathway in hepatocytes from Atlantic salmon fed four dietary levels (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%) of EPA, DHA or a 1:1 mixture of these FA. The hepatocytes were incubated with [1-¹⁴C] 18:3n-3 in the presence or absence of LA (0.2 mM). Increased endogenous levels of EPA and/or DHA and LA exposure both led to similar responses in cells with reduced desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C] 18:3n-3 to 18:4n-3, 20:4n-3, and EPA, in agreement with reduced expression of the Δ6 desaturase gene involved in the first step of conversion. DHA production, on the other hand, was maintained even in groups with high endogenous levels of DHA, possibly due to a more complex regulation of this last step in the n-3 metabolic pathway. Inhibition of the Δ6 desaturase pathway led to increased direct elongation to 20:3n-3 by both DHA and LA. Possibly the route by 20:3n-3 and then Δ8 desaturation to 20:4n-3, bypassing the first Δ6 desaturase step, can partly explain the maintained or even increased levels of DHA production. LA increased DHA production in the phospholipid fraction of hepatocytes isolated from fish fed 0 and 0.5% EPA and/or DHA, indicating that LA has the potential to further increase the production of this health-beneficial FA in fish fed diets with low levels of EPA and/or DHA.

Effect of high carbohydrate diet on elongase and desaturase activity and accompanying gene expression in rat's liver

Background

Hepatic fatty acids (FAs) are modified through different metabolic pathways including elongation and desaturation. These processes are catalyzed by elongases and desaturases, respectively. Glucose, by transcription factors, regulates these processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of high carbohydrate diet (68%) on the expression of elongase (Elovl-2, Elovl-5, and Elovl-6) and desaturase (∆5D, ∆6D, Scd 1, Scd 2) genes and the activity of the enzymes. The changes in serum lipid profile (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol) and glucose concentration were measured. Male Wistar rats were randomized into two study groups: animals fed with high carbohydrate diet (n = 6; HiCHO) and a control group fed with a standard diet (n = 6; ST). The expression of mRNA was determinate using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Hepatic FA composition was determined by gas chromatography, and FA ratios were used to estimate the activity of enzymes. Serum lipid profile and glucose concentration were measured using spectrophotometric methods.

Results

The mean values of transcript expression of all examined elongases and desaturases in liver HiCHO rats were higher as compared to ST. Higher expression did not always correspond to higher activity (as index). More monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) were detected in the liver of HiCHO rats as compared to ST. Serum TG level was higher in the HiCHO than in ST.

Conclusions

These studies support the notion that the regulation of both Elovl and desaturase expression may play an important role in managing hepatic lipid composition in response to changes in dietary status.

Cloning, expression and functional characterization of the polyunsaturated fatty acid elongase (ELOVL5) gene from sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) are beneficial for maintaining the health, growth and development of an organism and could reduce the risk of some diseases. The ability to endogenously produce PUFA, especially in invertebrates, is largely unknown. To study the function of elongase genes in the PUFA biosynthesis of Apostichopus japonicus, we cloned an ELOVL5 homology gene from intestinal cDNA of A. japonicus (Aj-ELOVL5). The Aj-ELOVL5 gene encoded a 318 amino acid (AA) protein that exhibited all the characteristics of the ELOVL5 family, such as a histidine box motif and four putative transmembrane-spanning domains. The results of the tissue expression profile of Aj-ELOVL5 revealed that the body wall exhibited the highest expression level compared with other adult tissues. We also found that the Aj-ELOVL5 enzyme exhibited the ability to elongate γ-linolenic acid (18:3 n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) to dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3 n-6) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3), respectively. Our results indicated that the Aj-ELOVL5 enzyme had the capacity to biosynthesize PUFA from C18/C20 PUFA substrates.

The effect of gestational age on expression of genes involved in uptake, trafficking and synthesis of fatty acids in the rat placenta

Gestation triggers a tight coordination among maternal tissues to provide fatty acids (FA) to the fetus through placental transport; however, there is insufficient evidence regarding regulation of proteins involved in placental transport of FA according to gestational age. The aim of this study was to determine the role of gestational age on the expression of genes involved in FA uptake, trafficking and synthesis in the rat placenta to support fetal demands. Gene expression of encoding proteins for placental transport and synthesis of FA was measured in placenta. Also, FA composition was measured in placenta, fetuses and newborns. mRNA expression of lipoprotein lipase (lpl) and fatp-1 (for uptake) was 4.4- and 1.43-fold higher, respectively, during late gestation than at P14, but expression of p-fabp-pm decreased 0.37-fold at late pregnancy in comparison with P14. Only mRNA fabp-4 member for trafficking of FA was 2.95-fold higher at late gestation than at P14. mRNA of fasn and elovl-6 participating in saturated FA and enzymes for the polyunsaturated FA synthesis were downregulated during late gestation and their regulator srebf-1c increased at P16. This study suggests that gestational age has an effect on expression of some genes involved in uptake, trafficking and synthesis of FA in the rat placenta; mRNA expression of lpl and, fatp-1 for uptake and fabp-4 implicated in trafficking was expressed at high levels at late gestation. In addition, placenta expresses the mRNAs involved in FA synthesis; these genes were expressed at low levels at late gestation. Additionally, mRNAs of Srebf-1c transcriptional regulator of desaturases and elongases was highly expressed during late gestation. Finally, these changes in the rat placenta allowed the placenta to partially supply saturated and monounsaturated FA to the fetus.

Assessment of a land-locked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) population as a potential genetic resource with a focus on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis

The natural food for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in freshwater has relatively lower levels of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) than found in prey for post-smolt salmon in seawater. Land-locked salmon such as the Gullspång population feed exclusively on freshwater type lipids during its entire life cycle, a successful adaptation derived from divergent evolution. Studying land-locked populations may provide insights into the molecular and genetic control mechanisms that determine and regulate n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthesis and retention in Atlantic salmon. A two factorial study was performed comparing land-locked and farmed salmon parr fed diets formulated with fish or rapeseed oil for 8 weeks. The land-locked parr had higher capacity to synthesise n-3 LC-PUFA as indicated by higher expression and activity of desaturase and elongase enzymes. The data suggested that the land-locked salmon had reduced sensitivity to dietary fatty acid composition and that dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) did not appear to suppress expression of LC-PUFA biosynthetic genes or activity of the biosynthesis pathway, probably an evolutionary adaptation to a natural diet lower in DHA. Increased biosynthetic activity did not translate to enhanced n-3 LC-PUFA contents in the flesh and diet was the only factor affecting this parameter. Additionally, high lipogenic and glycolytic potentials were found in land-locked salmon, together with decreased lipolysis which in turn could indicate increased use of carbohydrates as an energy source and a sparing of lipid.

Metabolic engineering of microorganisms to produce omega-3 very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) have received growing attention due to their significant roles in human health. Currently the main source of these nutritionally and medically important fatty acids is marine fish, which has not met ever-increasing global demand. Microorganisms are an important alternative source also being explored. Although many microorganisms accumulate omega-3 LC-PUFAs naturally, metabolic engineering might still be necessary for significantly improving their yields. Here, we review recent research involving the engineering of microorganisms for production of omega-3 LC-PUFAs, including eicospentaenoic acid and docosohexaenoic acid. Both reconstitution of omega-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathways and modification of existing pathways in microorganisms have demonstrated the potential to produce high levels of omega-3 LC-PUFAs. However, the yields of omega-3 LC-PUFAs in host systems have been substantially limited by potential metabolic bottlenecks, which might be caused partly by inefficient flux of fatty acid intermediates between the acyl-CoA and different lipid class pools. Although fatty acid flux in both native and heterologous microbial hosts might be controlled by several acyltransferases, evidence has suggested that genetic manipulation of one acyltransferase alone could significantly increase the accumulation of LC-PUFAs. The number of oleaginous microorganisms that can be genetically transformed is increasing, which will advance engineering efforts to maximize LC-PUFA yields in microbial strains.

Role of maternal tissue in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in response to a lipid-deficient diet during pregnancy and lactation in rats

During pregnancy and lactation, metabolic adaptations involve changes in expression of desaturases and elongases (Elovl2 and Elovl5) in the mammary gland and liver for the synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) such as arachidonic acid (AA) required for fetal and postnatal growth. Adipose tissue is a pool of LC-PUFAs. The response of adipose tissue for the synthesis of these fatty acids in a lipid-deficient diet of dams is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the role of maternal tissue in the synthesis of LC-PUFAs in rats fed a low-lipid diet during pregnancy and lactation. Fatty acid composition (indicative of enzymatic activity) and gene expression of encoding enzymes for fatty acid synthesis were measured in liver, mammary gland and adipose tissue in rats fed a low-lipid diet. Gene expression of desaturases, elongases, fatty acid synthase (Fasn) and their regulator Srebf-1c was increased in the mammary gland, liver and adipose tissue of rats fed a low-lipid diet compared with rats from the adequate-lipid diet group throughout pregnancy and lactation. Genes with the highest (P<0.05) expression in the mammary gland, liver and adipose tissue were Elovl5 (1333%), Fads2 (490%) and Fasn (6608%), respectively, in a low-lipid diet than in adequate-lipid diet. The percentage of AA in the mammary gland was similar between the low-lipid diet and adequate-lipid diet groups during the second stage of pregnancy and during lactation. The percentage of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids was significantly (P<0.05) increased throughout pregnancy and lactation in all tissues in rats fed a low-lipid diet than in rats fed an adequate-lipid diet. Results suggest that maternal metabolic adaptations used to compensate for lipid-deficient diet during pregnancy and lactation include increased expression of genes involved in LC-PUFAs synthesis in a stage- and tissue-specific manner and elevated lipogenic activity (saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis) of maternal tissues including adipose tissue.