Marine gastropods as potential sources of medicinal and nutraceutical compounds

Although evidence suggests that chronic elevations in immune-inflammatory signaling can precipitate mood symptoms in a subset of individuals, associated risk and resilience mechanisms remain poorly understood. Long-chain omega-3 (LCn-3) fatty acids, including eicosapentaenic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties that maintain immune-inflammatory signaling homeostasis. Cross-sectional evidence suggests that the mood disorders major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are associated with low EPA and/or DHA biostatus, elevations in the LCn-6:LCn-3 fatty acid ratio, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines, and acute-phase proteins. Medications that are effective for reducing depressive symptoms or stabilizing manic depressive oscillations may act in part by downregulating immune-inflammatory signaling and are augmented by anti-inflammatory medications. Recent prospective longitudinal evidence suggests that elevations in the LCn-6:LCn-3 fatty acid ratio are a modifiable risk factor for the development of mood symptoms, including depression and irritability, in response to immune-inflammatory signaling. Together these data suggest that increasing LCn-3 fatty acid intake and biostatus represents a feasible strategy to mitigate the negative impact of elevated immune-inflammatory signaling on mood stability.Key teaching points:• Long-chain omega-3 (LCn-3) fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties.• Major mood disorders are associated with both LCn-3 fatty acids deficiency and elevated immune-inflammatory signaling.• Prospective evidence suggests that low LCn-3 fatty acid biostatus increases risk for developing inflammation-induced mood dysregulation.• Taken collectively, this evidence suggests that increasing LCn-3 fatty acid intake and biostatus represents a promising strategy to mitigate the detrimental effects of elevated immune-inflammatory signaling on mood.

Role of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in psychiatric practice

Imagine cramming an entire life's growth into a single month; that is exactly the challenge faced by some newly hatched chicks. ‘Tree swallows nearly double in mass every other day when they are between 5 and 10 days old’, says Cornelia Twining from Cornell University, USA. And this rapid mass gain places an immense burden on the parents, which must provide their offspring with nutritious food to satisfy their voracious appetites. Twining adds that highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (long-chain omega-3 fatty acids), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are vital for the youngster's health and growth. However, only a few birds, such as chickens, are capable of producing these key fatty acids from shorter components; other species must obtain them through their diet, and aquatic insects, such as mayflies and midges, which dine on long-chain omega-3-rich algae, are the best source. As tree swallows benefit from a mix of terrestrial and aquatic insects in their diet, Twining and co-authors Tom Brenna, David Winkler, Peter Lawrence and Alex Flecker wondered whether the youngsters may be able to generate the essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from shorter components (alpha-linolenic acid – ALA) or whether they depend solely on the aquatic insects in their diet for their supply of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.‘Tree swallows were a great species to work with … because they are very tolerant of researchers studying them during their breeding season’, says Twining, who recalls that the parents were content to keep feeding their young even when the researchers slipped the youngsters additional meals of olive oil laced with a labelled version of the ALA component, in order to trace whether the chicks were able to convert it into the longer chain fatty acids. ‘Getting them to gulp down from a syringe takes a little practice, but is not a problem, so long as they are gaping for food’, says Twining, although the youngsters’ table manners were less than impeccable. ‘Chicks are pretty messy eaters’, she recalls, which made it difficult to be sure exactly how much of the special olive oil the chicks had consumed.Forty-eight hours later, Twining extracted fatty acids from the chicks and analysed them with Lawrence and Brenna. Impressively, the chicks could convert the short-chain component into the essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, but could they satisfy all of their long-chain omega-3 demands from the short-chain components in their diet alone?Twining needed to know how much ALA various insects could provide the chicks, so she trapped insects ranging from aquatic mayflies and dragonflies to terrestrial beetles, flies, moths and butterflies to find out how much of the short fatty acid they contained. However, after she measured the amount of ALA in the insects’ bodies with Lawrence and Brenna, it was clear that the chicks were not able to produce sufficient long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from the short-chain fatty acid components supplied by their diet.‘We suggest that omega-3 HUFA [long-chain omega-3 fatty acids] are likely to be “ecologically essential” nutrients for tree swallow chicks’, says Twining, who is now keen to find out whether other wild species are capable of producing the essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from components in their diet. ‘I hope to understand what their physiological nutritional needs are and how likely they are to suffer nutritional mismatches if they cannot get what they need in their diet’, she says.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with long-chain omega-3 (LCn-3) fatty acid deficits and indices of chronic sustained inflammation including elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The present study combined a case-control analysis and a prospective 10-week open-label fish oil (FO) supplementation trial to investigate the relationships among plasma phospholipid LCn-3 fatty acid levels, plasma CRP concentrations, and depressive symptoms in adolescent MDD patients. Compared with healthy controls (n=20), MDD patients (n=20) exhibited significantly lower EPA+DHA levels (-62%, p£0.0001) and a higher ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA+DHA (+78%, p=0.0002). CRP concentrations did not differ between controls and MDD patients (0.16 vs. 0.17 mg/dL, p=0.96), and were positively correlated with depression symptom severity scores in MDD patients (r = +0.55, p=0.01). CRP concentrations were positively correlated with BMI in MDD patients (r = +0.63, p=0.005) and controls (r = +0.69, p=0.002). Low-dose (2.4 g/d) and high-dose (15 g/d) FO supplementation significantly increased EPA+DHA levels in MDD patients, but did not significantly alter CRP concentrations. Baseline and baseline-endpoint change in CRP levels were not correlated with baseline-endpoint reductions in depression severity. Together, these data demonstrate that the lower plasma phospholipid LCn-3 fatty acid composition exhibited by adolescent MDD patients is not associated with higher CRP levels, and that increasing LCn-3 fatty acid status reduces depression symptom severity independent of changes in CRP concentrations. Collectively, these data suggest that CRP concentrations are dissociable from LCn-3 fatty acid status and antidepressant response in adolescent MDD patients.

Dietary manipulation of muscle long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and sensory properties of lamb meat

Resting state electroencephalographic correlates with red cell long-chain fatty acids, memory performance and age in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

In healthy individuals, peripheral insulin resistance evoked by dietary saturated lipid can be accompanied by increased insulin secretion such that glucose tolerance is maintained. Substitution of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for a small percentage of dietary saturated fat prevents insulin resistance in response to high-saturated fat feeding. We substituted a small amount (7%) of dietary lipid with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids during 4 wk of high-saturated fat feeding to investigate the relationship between amelioration of insulin resistance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). We demonstrate that, despite dietary delivery of saturated fat throughout, this manipulation prevents high-saturated fat feeding-induced insulin resistance with respect to peripheral glucose disposal and reverses insulin hypersecretion in response to glucose in vivo. Effects of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid enrichment to lower GSIS were also observed in perifused islets suggesting a direct effect on islet function. However, long-chain omega-3 fatty acid enrichment led to hepatic insulin resistance with respect to suppression of glucose output and impaired glucose tolerance in vivo. Our data demonstrate that the insulin response to glucose is suppressed to a greater extent than whole-body insulin sensitivity is enhanced by enrichment of a high-saturated fat diet with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, reduced GSIS despite glucose intolerance suggests that either long-chain omega-3 fatty acids directly impair the beta-cell response to saturated fat such that insulin secretion cannot be augmented to normalize glucose tolerance or beta-cell compensatory hypersecretion represents a response to insulin resistance at the level of peripheral glucose disposal but not endogenous glucose production.

Current intakes of very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are low in most individuals living in Western countries. A good natural source of these fatty acids is seafood, especially oily fish. Fish oil capsules contain these fatty acids also. Very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are readily incorporated from capsules into transport (blood lipids), functional (cell and tissue), and storage (adipose) pools. This incorporation is dose-dependent and follows a kinetic pattern that is characteristic for each pool. At sufficient levels of incorporation, EPA and DHA influence the physical nature of cell membranes and membrane protein-mediated responses, lipid-mediator generation, cell signaling, and gene expression in many different cell types. Through these mechanisms, EPA and DHA influence cell and tissue physiology and the way cells and tissues respond to external signals. In most cases the effects seen are compatible with improvements in disease biomarker profiles or health-related outcomes. As a result, very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids play a role in achieving optimal health and in protection against disease. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids not only protect against cardiovascular morbidity but also against mortality. In some conditions, for example rheumatoid arthritis, they may be beneficial as therapeutic agents. On the basis of the recognized health improvements brought about by long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, recommendations have been made to increase their intake. The plant omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), can be converted to EPA, but conversion to DHA appears to be poor in humans. Effects of ALA on human health-related outcomes appear to be due to conversion to EPA, and since this is limited, moderately increased consumption of ALA may be of little benefit in improving health outcomes compared with increased intake of preformed EPA + DHA.

Simple SummaryThe problem addressed in this research was the possibility of enhancing the nutritional value and health beneficial omega-3 long-chain fatty acid content of lamb and its edible components. The aims and objectives were to evaluate the omega-3 contents of muscle, liver, kidney, and heart of lot-fed Tattykeel Australian White lambs of the MARGRA brand, in response to dietary supplementation with or without omega-3 oil fortified pellets. The findings demonstrate that the inclusion of omega-3 oil in feedlot diets of lambs enhances the human health beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles of edible muscle tissue and organs without compromising meat quality or shelf life. These results are valuable to society because of increased functionality, health benefits, micro-marbling, tender, mouth-melting taste, and high-end eating quality experience of MARGRA lamb tissues and organs.The aim of this research was to evaluate the nutritional enhancement of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) composition of edible lamb Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle, heart, kidney, and liver in response to dietary supplementation of lot-fed lambs with or without omega-3 oil fortified pellets. The hypothesis tested was that fortifying feedlot pellets with omega-3 oil will enhance the human health beneficial n-3 LC-PUFA composition of edible lamb muscle tissue and organs. Seventy-five Tattykeel Australian White lambs exclusive to the MARGRA brand, with an average body weight of 30 kg at six months of age, were randomly assigned to the following three dietary treatments of 25 lambs each, and lot-fed as a cohort for 47 days in a completely randomized experimental design: (1) Control grain pellets without oil plus hay; (2) Omega-3 oil fortified grain pellets plus hay; and (3) Commercial whole grain pellets plus hay. All lambs had ad libitum access to the basal hay diet and water. Post-slaughter fatty acid composition of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle, liver, kidney, and heart were determined using thee gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry technique. Results indicated significant variations (p < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles between tissues and organs. Omega-3 oil fortified pellets significantly (p < 0.05) increased ≥C20 n-3 LC-PUFA (C20:5n-3 eicosapentaenoate, EPA + C22:5n3 docosapentaenoate, DPA + C22:6n3 docosahexanoate DHA); C18:3n-3 alpha-linolenate, ALA; C18:2 conjugated linoleic acid, CLA; total monounsaturated fatty acids, MUFA; polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA contents; and reduced the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in all lamb organs and tissues without impacting shelf-life. The findings demonstrate that the inclusion of omega-3 oil in feedlot diets of lambs enhances the human health beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles of edible muscle tissue and organs without compromising meat quality.

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, fibrates and niacin as therapeutic options in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia: A review of the literature

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids could have neuroprotective properties against dementia, which is becoming a major global public health issue. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to establish the association between eating fish (a source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids) or taking long-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplements and the risk of cognitive decline or Alzheimer disease (AD). We identified eleven observational studies and four clinical trials. All three observational studies that used cognitive decline as an outcome reported significant benefits, whereas only four of eight observational studies that used incidence of AD or dementia as an outcome reported positive findings. None of four small clinical trials provided convincing evidence for the use of this approach in the prevention or treatment of any form of dementia. In summary, the existing data favor a role for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in slowing cognitive decline in elderly individuals without dementia, but not for the prevention or treatment of dementia (including AD). This apparent dichotomy might reflect differences in study designs with regard to participants, dosages, the ratio of long-chain omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, or the choice of outcome measurements. Large clinical trials of extended duration should help to provide definitive answers.

Long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are considered important for fetal development, but previous studies suggest suboptimal intake in part of pregnant women in Iceland. The study aim was to evaluate intake of food and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, among pregnant women in Iceland and correlations to fatty acid composition in plasma. Subjects were 853 pregnant women attending their 11-14 weeks ultrasound appointment. Information on intake of food and supplements containing long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) as well as background was obtained by a questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for analysis of plasma fatty acids. Correlation was evaluated using the Spearman correlation. Median intake of lean fish was 1.3 times per week, while fatty fish was consumed once monthly. About 50% of the women took omega-3 containing supplements daily. Higher intake of both fish and omega-3 containing supplements was reflected in higher omega-3 plasma levels (r=0.37 p<0.001). A positive correlation was seen between intake of cod liver oil/capsules (r=0.23, p=0.001), omega-3 oil/capsules (r=0.20, p=0.001) and plasma concentration of omega-3. However, no correlation was seen between intake of a maternal multivitamin containing omega-3 and corresponding plasma concentration (r=0.03, p=0.98). Intake of food and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids was reflected in plasma concentration, except for an Icelandic maternal multivitamin. One third of the women followed the recommendation of eating fish at least twice weekly. About 50% had a daily intake of supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.

ObjectiveTo determine reference ranges of circulating long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a nationally representative population of Americans. To provide...

BackgroundMarine ecosystems are essential for sustaining biodiversity and providing nutritional resources. Mussels are a sustainable and highly nutritious protein source with growing significance in addressing global food security. Their high protein content, bioactive compounds, and eco-friendly cultivation make them an ideal alternative to traditional protein sources. Main bodyMussel proteins offer remarkable nutritional value, with an amino acid score of 107 and significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anticancer properties. Mussel-derived bioactive peptides, obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis, have shown pharmacological benefits such as anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and cardiovascular health-promoting effects. Additionally, mussel shells, rich in calcium carbonate, have potential applications in food fortification, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical fields. The extraction and utilization of mussel-derived compounds for functional foods and nutraceuticals enhance their industrial relevance. By isolating these compounds from various types of mussel, various pharmaceutical researches may lead to various uses. Isolation may contain various methods but some of important methods are discussed below; even waste mussel shell also has rich nutritional values where extraction is done by double displacement and neutralization method. This calcium content can be used as calcium supplements and for various dental treatments, and mussel protein extraction is isolated by the pH-shift method. However, refining protein extraction techniques and improving consumer acceptance remain key challenges. ConclusionMussels are an excellent source of sustainable nutrition and bioactive compounds with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries. Their inclusion in functional foods enhances nutritional quality and health benefits. Future research should focus on refining processing techniques, expanding consumer awareness, and exploring novel applications to fully use mussel-based ingredients for a sustainable and health-conscious future.

We aimed to review the association of dietary fats and risk of coronary events in adults. We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Sciences to April 2022 for prospective cohorts and randomized trials investigating the association of dietary intake and biomarkers of fats and fatty acid interventions and the risk of coronary events. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to estimate relative risk (RR) for the top versus bottom tertiles of exposures. One-hundered sixty-five prospective cohorts and randomized trials were included. Dietary intake and biomarkers of total fat and saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were not associated with the risk of coronary events. Dietary intake of trans fatty acids, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and saturated fatty acids from meat and unprocessed meat was modestly associated with a higher risk and, in contrast, intake of alpha-linolenic acid, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and linoleic acid was modestly associated with a lower risk. Supplementation with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and increasing the consumption of alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids in place of saturated fats reduced the risk of coronary events. Existing evidence, in its totality, provides a modest support in favor of current recommendations suggesting replacement of saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats.