Tissue Antioxidant Status and Lipid Peroxidation Are Related to Dietary Intake of n-3 Polyunsaturated Acids: A Rabbit Model.

Gabriele Brecchia,Laura Menchetti,Cinzia Signorini,Giulia Collodel,Cesare Castellini,Daniela Cerretani,Camille Oger,Daria Noto,Anna Ida Fiaschi,Elena Moretti,Claudio De Felice,Simona Mattioli,Elisa Cotozzolo,Lucia Micheli

doi:10.3390/antiox10050681

Abstract

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism and tissue distribution is modulated by the oxidation of these molecules. This research aimed to investigate the implication of dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation (precursor and long-chain PUFA) on the PUFA profile and oxidative status of the liver, testis, and brain of adult rabbit bucks. Twenty New Zealand White rabbit bucks were divided into four experimental groups (n = 5 per group) and were fed different diets for 110 days: control (CNT), standard diet containing 50 mg/kg alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E); CNT+, standard diet + 200 mg/kg vitamin E; FLAX, standard diet + 10% flaxseed + 200 mg/kg vitamin E; or FISH, standard diet + 3.5% fish oil + 200 mg/kg vitamin E. Antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), oxidative status (malondialdehyde and isoprostanoids), and n-3 and n-6 PUFAs of tissues were analysed. A chain mechanism of oxidant/antioxidant molecules, which largely depended on the particular PUFA composition, was delineated in the different organs. The liver showed an oxidant/antioxidant profile and lipid pathways widely modulated by PUFA and vitamin E administration; on the other hand, the testis’ oxidative profile rather than its lipid profile seemed to be particularly affected, an outcome opposite to that of the brain (modulation operated by dietary PUFA).

Highlights

The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially the n-3 series, on human health is well known
We found that the F2 -F2 -isoprostanes (IsoPs) levels were higher in the CNT+ and CNT− groups compared with the n-3 PUFA–supplemented groups (FLAX and FO), consistent with the higher concentration of the substrate (ARA)
The addition of dietary PUFA affects the oxidative status of several organs

Summary

Introduction

The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially the n-3 series, on human health is well known. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 681 function [5], glucose metabolism [6], neuronal development, visual activity [7], and male and female fertility [8,9]. Epidemiological studies have underlined the importance of a balanced intake of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs [10,11]: recent recommendations for human diets [12,13] suggest increasing n-3. To promote higher intake of n-3 PUFAs, two main strategies could be used: increase the consumption of n-3 precursors through vegetables or seeds containing ALA, or the direct intake of n-3 PUFAs contained in fish and other marine products (algae) rich in LCPs Eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA,22:6n-3) acids, the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives (LCPs) of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), positively modulate several physiological processes, including the regulation of plasma lipid levels [1,2], cardiovascular [3,4] and immune 4.0/).

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion