Acid Composition Of Erythrocyte Membranes Research Articles

Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes in carries of rs174544 polymorphism of FADS1 gene and rs174583 polymorphism of FADS2 gene from central region of the Russian Federation before and after supplementation of their diet with ω-3 PUFAs

Numerous publications have demonstrated that polymorphisms in FADS1 and FADS2 gene cluster influence the levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFAs) synthesized in the body from essential precursors. They can be consumed through the diet as well. These LC PUFAs perform important plastic and regulatory functions in the body. The associations between the polymorphisms of FADS genes and the fatty acid (FA) composition of the body with some inflammatory and chronic diseases were shown. To date, very few studies in the Russian Federation researched the distribution of polymorphic variants in FADS1 and FADS2 genes and no studies examined the effects of these polymorphisms on the level of FAs in tissues.So, the purpose of this paper was to study the frequency of genotypes and alleles of the rs174544 polymorphism of the FADS1 gene and the rs174583 polymorphism of the FADS2 gene and their influence on the FA composition of erythrocyte membranes in residents of the Central region of the Russian Federation (RF). Additionally, the effect of ω-3 PUFAs fortified food products on this composition was examined. MethodsThe study included 70 volunteers aged 23–69 years from Moscow region who provided informed consent. They were genotyped for rs174544 polymorphism of FADS1 gene and rs174583 polymorphism of FADS2 gene by real-time PCR. The participants of the study consumed fruit or vegetable smoothies enriched with either vegetable (chia seeds flour) or animal (fish oil flour) sources of ω-3 PUFAs for 1 month. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes in some of the volunteers was analysed using gas-chromatography before and after fortification of their diet with ω-3 PUFAs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23. ResultsThe frequency of genotypes and alleles of polymorphisms studied were similar to those published for the European region. For rs174544, the genotype frequencies were CC (61%), CA (29%), and AA (10%), frequency of allele A was 24%. For rs174583, the genotype frequencies were CC (51%), CT (39%), and TT (10%), frequency of allele T was 29%. Carriers of minor alleles of both polymorphisms studied had significantly higher levels of ω-6 and ω-3 LC PUFAs in erythrocyte membranes compared to those carrying other genotypes. This differs from the results of other studies where carriers of minor alleles as were shown to be slow converters of precursors to LC PUFAs. The reason of the discrepancy was most likely associated with the obesity and dietary preferences of our study participants who carry the minor alleles. Over the period of one-month consumption of food sources providing an additional intake of either 2 g/day ω-3 PUFAs from fish oil or 6.5 g/day of ω-3 PUFAs from chia seed flour markedly reduced the incorporation of ω-6 PUFAs into erythrocyte membranes in carriers of minor alleles. Additionally, there was an increase in the content of saturated palmitic acid in the membranes that noticeably changed the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes. ConclusionOur results confirm the observation that blood fatty acid composition related to polymorphisms of FADS gene is highly influenced by BMI. The incorporation of ω-6 PUFAs into erythrocyte membranes decreases when the diet is fortified with ω-3 PUFAs. This decrease can help reduce the formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and the risk of various inflammatory and chronic diseases, especially in carriers of minor alleles of the genetic polymorphisms studied.

Analysis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in antipsychotic-free individuals with at-risk mental state and patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Abnormalities in membrane phospholipids are considered one of the pathophysiological backgrounds for schizophrenia. This study, explores the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes and its association with clinical characteristics in two groups: individuals with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) and patients experiencing their first-episode of schizophrenia (FES). This study measured erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in 72 antipsychotic-free individuals with ARMS, 18 antipsychotic-free patients with FES, and 39 healthy volunteers. Clinical symptoms and cognitive and social functions were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS), and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid levels were lower in the ARMS and FES groups than in the healthy control group. In contrast, nervonic acid (NA) levels were markedly higher in the ARMS and FES groups than in the controls, while only the FES group showed higher levels of arachidonic acid. Oleic acid and NA levels were significantly associated with PANSS scores in both the FES and ARMS groups, particularly for the negative and general subscores. However, the patient groups had no significant associations between the fatty acid composition and the BACS, SCoRS, and SOFAS scores. Furthermore, the baseline fatty acid composition did not differ between the ARMS individuals who later developed psychosis (N = 6) and those who were followed for more than 2 years without developing psychosis onset (N = 30). The findings suggest that abnormal fatty acid compositions may be shared in the early stages of schizophrenia and the clinical high-risk state for psychosis and may serve as vulnerability markers of psychopathology.

Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid rich fish oil increases circulating levels of testosterone in overweight and obese men

Pre-clinical evidence suggests that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to affect testosterone synthesis in males. This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial which determined the effect of a DHA-enriched fish oil supplement on insulin resistance. The aim of the current study was to determine whether testosterone levels change in response to a DHA-enriched fish oil intervention. Overweight and obese men and women without diabetes were recruited to the study. Participants were stratified by sex and randomly allocated to intervention (860 mg DHA + 120 g EPA/day; FO) or an isocaloric control (corn oil; CO) for 12 weeks. A fasted blood sample was collected pre- and post-intervention. Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was measured using gas chromatography. Total testosterone and metabolic parameters were measured by an accredited commercial pathology laboratory. Sixty-one participants (CO/FO: n = 29/32) were included in the current analysis (male: n = 22, 36.07%). DHA-enriched fish oil supplementation increased total testosterone levels in males after adjusting for baseline levels, age and BMI. There was no treatment effect in females. Changes in testosterone levels in males were positively associated with changes to omega-3 PUFAs EPA and DHA and inversely correlated with omega-6 PUFA, arachidonic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid content in erythrocyte membranes, and was associated with beneficial changes to fasting insulin and HOMA-IR across the course of the study. DHA-enriched fish oil supplementation increases testosterone levels in overweight and obese men. Further research is warranted to substantiate these findings with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period.

Effect of Supplemental Enteral Fish Oil on the Development of Psychological Complications in Critically Ill Multiple-Trauma Patients: 6 Months' Follow-Up.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Defic it intake of ω-3 polyuns aturated fatty ac ids (PUFAs) may be as sociated with developm ent of PTSD. This study randomized mechanically ventilated patients suffering from multiple trauma (n = 150) into 2 groups: a study and a control group that received enteral feeding with or without fish oil. Fifty-one patients were interviewed 6 months after discharge from the ICU. Psychometric parameters of PTSD were assessed by questionnaires. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was performed by homogenization of the cells in hexane-isopropanol. No differences were found in baseline characteristics between the groups. Erythrocyte membrane composition showed significantly higher concentrations of ω-3 fatty acids in the study group. Anxiety and depression symptoms were correlated with an increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on days 4 and 8 for depression and EPA on day 4 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on day 8 for anxiety. Total ω-3 content was positively correlated with anxiety and depression as well. An inverse correlation was found between DHA and EPA in the treatment group and with the total ω-3 and DHA in the control group for the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire. Administration of an ω-3 PUFA-enriched diet during the ICU stay did not prevent development of PTSD in trauma patients 6 months after discharge from ICU.

Fatty Acid Composition of the Erythrocyte Membranes Varies between Early-Term, Full-Term, and Late-Term Infants in Japan

Background: Term infants can be categorized into 3 sub-groups: early term (37w0d to 38w6d), full term (39w0d to 40w6d), and late term (41w0d and beyond). However, the fatty acid composition among the 3 groups of term infants has not been investigated. The association between fatty acid composition and gestational period of term infants in Japan is unclear. Methods: We assessed the fatty acid composition of maternal erythrocyte membranes in the third trimester and of cord erythrocyte membranes at birth in 212 healthy term Japanese infants using data from a prospective hospital-based cohort study. Results: In maternal erythrocyte membranes, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and omega-3 index were significantly higher in the late-term group than in the early-term group. In cord erythrocyte membranes, DHA levels were not significantly different between the 3 groups; late-term infants showed significantly higher DHA/arachidonic acid (ARA) and lower 20: 3n-6 and ARA levels compared to early-term infants. Gestational period positively correlated with the DHA status in maternal and cord erythrocyte membranes. Conclusions: Fatty acid composition in maternal and cord erythrocyte membranes varies between early-, full-, and late-term infants, and the greater gestational period may contribute to the relatively high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids status in term infants. Furthermore, maternal DHA status in the third semester directly correlates with gestational period in pregnant Japanese women.

The effect of camelina sativa oil and fish intakes on fatty acid compositions of blood lipid fractions

Background and aimsBlood lipid fractions serve as objective biomarkers of dietary fat intake. It is unclear which fatty acid pool most accurately reflects the dietary intakes of different n-3 PUFAs. We aimed to investigate the effect of fish and camelina sativa oil (CSO) intakes on fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes (EM), plasma phospholipids (PL), cholesteryl esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG). We also aimed to identify the most appropriate blood lipid fraction for assessing n-3 PUFA intake. Methods and resultsAltogether 79 volunteers with impaired glucose metabolism were randomly assigned either to CSO, fatty fish, lean fish or control groups for 12 weeks. Fatty acid compositions of lipid pools were measured by gas chromatography. The proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) increased in all lipid pools in the CSO group (false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.001 for all). Similarly, the proportions of EPA and DHA increased in all lipid fractions in the fatty fish group (FDR p < 0.001 for EM, PL and CE; FDR p = 0.005 for TG; FDR p < 0.001 for EM, PL, CE; FDR p < 0.007 for TG, respectively). Changes in the dietary intakes of ALA, EPA and DHA correlated with the changes in their proportions in all lipid pools (r = 0.3–0.5, p < 0.05). ConclusionThere is no difference in the ability of blood lipid fractions in reflecting the dietary intake of different n-3 PUFAs over a time period of 12 weeks in subjects with high baseline omega-3 index.This trial was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01768429)

СОСТАВ ЖИРНЫХ КИСЛОТ И УРОВЕНЬ ИХ МЕТАБОЛИТОВ ПРИ ЧАСТИЧНО КОНТРОЛИРУЕМОЙ БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМЕ НА ФОНЕ КОМПЛЕКСНОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ МИЛЛИМЕТРОВОЙ ТЕРАПИИ

To assess the anti-inflammatory effect of millimeter therapy in the treatment of partially controlled asthma, the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes and their oxygenase derivatives were studied. Eighty-five subjects aged 18 to 45 years old were examined, 60 of them were diagnosed with partially controlled asthma and 25 were a control group, which consisted of conditionally healthy subjects without bronchopulmonary pathology. Two study groups were formed. Patients of the 1st group (n=30) received only basic medical treatment: inhalation glucocorticosteroid and β2-agonists of short action on demand. Patients of the 2nd group (n=30) underwent complex treatment: basic medical treatment in combination with millimeter therapy according to the developed technique. Clinical symptoms (frequency of nocturnal and daily asthma attacks per week, severity of cough, need for short-acting bronchodilators during the day), results of the asthma symptom control questionnaire (ACQ-5 test), lung function, composition of fatty acid (FA) in erythrocyte membranes, level of eicosanoids were assessed. The dynamics of clinical-functional and laboratory indicators in patients was evaluated one month after the start of treatment. The study established a modification of FA erythrocyte membranes composition, characterized by an increase in the proportion of some representatives of saturated and monounsaturated FA, increased production of arachidonic acid and its cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites (thromboxane B2, leukotriene B4) against the background of deficiency of eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids. A significant decrease in the level of oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids in the blood plasma of patients was revealed against the background of positive dynamics of clinical course of the disease in the 2nd group receiving complex treatment, which indicates the normalization of metabolic transformations of oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids, and as a consequence the extinction of allergic inflammation under the influence of electromagnetic waves of the millimeter range of extremely high frequency.

Association between erythrocyte omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and fatty liver index in older people is sex dependent

Background/ObjectivesNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in older people but currently no specific drugs are available for its treatment. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA), known for their lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties, may have therapeutic potential for the management of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to determine whether n-3PUFA levels are associated with the prevalence of NAFLD in older adults. MethodsA cross-sectional sample of older adults aged 65–95 years (n = 620) from the Retirement Health and Lifestyle Study (RHLS) was analysed. Fatty Liver Index (FLI) scores, used as an indicator of NAFLD risk, were calculated using a validated algorithm that incorporates body mass index, waist circumference, plasma triglycerides and γ-glutamyl transferase. Omega-3 index scores (O3I, %eicosapentaenoic acid plus %docosahexaenoic acid) were determined by analysing the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes by gas chromatography. ResultsFollowing application of exclusion criteria, 475 participants were included in the analysis (age 77.9 ± 7.0 years; 60.4% females). Of these, 216 participants had FLI scores (≥60) suggestive of NAFLD (age 77.0 ± 6.6 years; 49.1% females). O3I was significantly lower in participants with NAFLD compared to those without NAFLD (p < 0.01). A significant inverse relationship was found between O3I and FLI (r = −0.165; p < 0.001). This relationship was gender specific with women, but not men, showing a significant association (r = −0.206; p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated a sex-dependent inverse relationship between erythrocyte n-3PUFA concentrations and NAFLD in older adults. The finding supports the proposal for sex-stratified n-3PUFA intervention trials in this high-risk age group.

Sex-dependent association between omega-3 index and body weight status in older Australians

Background/objectivesRestricting energy intake for weight management in older adults has potential to adversely affect nutritional status and result in impairment of an already compromised immune system. Investigation of alternative strategies to combat adiposity and sustain lean muscle mass in older adults are warranted to minimise the risk of developing chronic diseases. Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may play an important role through their impact on increased fat oxidation and reduced inflammation. This study aimed to examine the association between erythrocyte membrane LCn-3PUFA and anthropometric measures in an older population. Subjects/methodsA cross-sectional sample of older adults (n = 620; age 65–95 years; 56.3% females) from the Retirement Health and Lifestyle Study (RHLS) was analysed. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were taken. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was analysed via gas chromatography (GC) to determine the omega-3 index (%EPA plus %DHA). ResultsAn inverse association was detected between the omega-3 index and anthropometric measures, BMI (r = −0.076, p=0.06), WC (r = −0.118, p < 0.01) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; r = −0.149, p < 0.001). Stratification of data by sex (females, n = 349; males, n = 271) indicated that these associations were sex-specific. Females displayed an inverse association between the omega-3 index and BMI (r = −0.146, p < 0.01) and WC (r = −0.125, p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant association between the omega-3 index and anthropometric measures was detected in males. After correcting for the potentially confounding effects of age, household income, fish oil supplement status, daily dietary energy intake and total physical activity times, the omega-3 index was inversely associated with BMI and WC in females but not males. ConclusionsOmega-3 status was associated with weight status, particularly in older women but not in men. These results suggest the need for sex-based intervention trials to examine the role of dietary intake and/or supplementation of LCn-3PUFA in weight management of older adults.

Erythrocyte omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels are associated with biomarkers of inflammation in older Australians

BackgroundElevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators heighten the risk of developing or aggravating a spectrum of chronic diseases and are a strong predictor of mortality in elderly cohorts. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, the relationship between erythrocyte membrane n-3PUFA and inflammation biomarkers has not been well established. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine if n-3PUFA status, together with the omega-3 index (O3I, erythrocyte membrane % EPA plus DHA), is associated with pro-inflammatory mediators in older Australians. MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional analysis of randomly selected older men and women aged ≥65 years (n = 620) recruited from the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Fasted blood samples were analysed for C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and full blood count using standardised laboratory methods. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was analysed via gas chromatography to determine n-3PUFA levels. The relationships between n-3PUFA and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in multivariate regression models after adjusting for known inflammatory confounders. ResultsAfter excluding participants who had an inflammatory disease, CRP levels >10 mg/L, or who were taking anti-inflammatory medications or n-3PUFA supplements, 126 participants (age 77.6 ± 7.3 years; females, 46%) were included in the analysis. After multivariate adjustments, O3I was inversely associated with CRP (β = −0.209, p < 0.05) and monocyte cell counts (β = −0.205, p < 0.05), and total n-3PUFA was inversely related to WBC (β = −0.238, p < 0.05), neutrophils (β = −0.212, p < 0.05) and monocytes (β = −0.246, p < 0.05). However no association between fibrinogen and O3I or total n-3PUFA was detected. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a negative association between O3I and biomarkers of inflammation in an older population. The findings support a potential role for n-3PUFA supplementation in the management of inflammatory diseases.

Trans-fatty acids and mortality in patients referred for coronary angiography: the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study.

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are generated by the food industry and also occur naturally in trace amounts in dairy products. For the latter, beneficial health effects have been claimed, while there are numerous reports about TFA of industrial origin being hazardous to human health. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of TFA with mortality in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was analysed using the HS-Omega-3 Index(®) methodology in 3259 participants of the LURIC study at baseline. During a median of 10.0 years of follow-up, a total of 975 (29.9%) study participants died, 614 (18.8%) from cardiovascular causes including 254 (7.8%) sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs). Association of TFA with clinical outcome was investigated with Cox proportional hazards regression. Total TFAs were inversely associated with mortality due to cardiovascular causes or SCD. This was mainly driven by the naturally occurring TFA C16:1n-7t (trans-palmitoleic acid). The reduced risk of SCD associated with C16:1n-7t persisted after multivariate adjustment with a hazard ratio of 0.63 (0.46-0.86) for the third tertile compared with the first tertile. There was no association of any TFA subgroup with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. In contrast to previous findings, the low concentrations of total TFAs found in LURIC were inversely associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. While the naturally occurring TFA C16:1n-7t was associated with reduced risk, no increased risk was found for industrially produced TFAs.

Morbid Obesity is Associated to Altered Fatty Acid Profile of Erythrocyte Membranes

Background: Morbid obesity is a pathologic condition associated to an increased incidence of several chronic conditions associated to increased risk of mortality. Erythrocyte fatty acid composition has been candidate as a biomarker of oxidative stress and consequently on the rate of aging and ultimately lifespan. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the total spectrum of lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes from obese individuals. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes derived from morbidly obese patients with healthy matched controls and long-living descendants. Methods: Gas chromatography was employed to determine fatty acid percentage of erythrocyte membranes from investigated groups. Results: Erythrocyte membranes from obese subjects had significantly lower percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (16.0 ± 0.8 vs. 23.0 ± 4.5, p<0.01) and total trans fatty acid (0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2, p<0.001) than controls. Obese fatty acid profiles showed increased percent of total polyunsaturated fatty acid (36.5 ± 1.4 vs. 27.3 ± 10.9, p<0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (5.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 1.8, p <0.001) and n-6 (31.3 ± 1.7 vs. 25.0 ± 10.1, p<0.001). Interestingly, when obese fatty acid profiles are compared with long-living descendants, the former show opposite trends in the percentages of the main saturated and unsaturated residues of membrane phospholipids compared with nonagenarian offspring. Conclusion: This study shows that the erythrocyte membranes fatty acid composition of obese subjects differs from general population in a way opposite to the long-living descendants. If confirmed by further investigations, the fatty acid equilibration may become an additional target in the multidisciplinary strategy aimed to treat the obesity epidemic.

Erythrocyte n-3pufa levels predict inflammatory status in older australians

Erythrocyte n-3pufa levels predict inflammatory status in older australians

N-3 pufa status predicts non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in older Australians

s / Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism 1 (2014) 1e55 9 4 School of Environmental& Life Sciences, UniversityofNewcastle, NSW,Australia E-mail: Edwina.Mingay@uon.edu.au (E. Mingay) Background/Aims: Restricting energy intake for weight management in older people is neither safe nor practical as nutrient depletion may result in impairment of an already compromised immune system. Alternative strategies to combat adiposity without pre-disposing older people to infectious diseases are warranted. n-3PUFA may play an important role through their impact on increased fat oxidation and reduced inflammation. This study aimed to examine the relationship between n-3PUFA status and anthropometric measures in an older population. Methods: Older adults (n 1⁄4 620; age 65-95 years; 56.3% females) from the Central Coast region, NSW, Australia were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, BMI, waist (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were taken. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was analysed via GC to determine n-3PUFA status (%EPA plus % DHA). Results: A negative association was detected between n-3PUFA status and anthropometric measures: BMI (r 1⁄4 -0.08, p 60) suggestive of NAFLD. n-3PUFA status was significantly lower in participants with NAFLD compared to those NAFLD (p < 0.05). A significant inverse relationship was found between n-3PUFA status and FLI (r 1⁄4 -0.153; p < 0.001). Sex differences were evident, with women but not men showing a significant association between n-3PUFA status and FLI (r 1⁄4 -0.192; p < 0.015). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a sex-dependent inverse relationship between n-3PUFA status and NAFLD in an older population, paving the way for an n-3PUFA intervention trial in this high risk age group. Funding source(s): ARC. BASELINE OMEGA-3 INDEX CORRELATES WITH AGGRESSIVE AND ATTENTION DEFICIT BEHAVIOURS IN ADULT PRISONERS B.J. Meyer , M.K. Byrne , C. Collier , N. Parletta , D. Crawford , P.C. Winberg , D. Webster , K. Chapman , G. Thomas , J. Dally , M. Batterham , I. Farquhar , L. Grant . 1 School of Medicine, University of Wollongong (UOW), NSW, Australia; 2 School of Psychology, UOW, NSW, Australia; 3 South Coast Correctional Centre, Nowra, NSW, Australia; 4 School of Population Health, University of South Australia, Australia; Venus Shell Systems, NSW, Australia; 6 Statistical Consulting Service, UOW, Australia; NSW Department of Corrective Services, Australia E-mail: bmeyer@uow.edu.au (B.J. Meyer) Background/Aims: There is no published data on the omega-3 index in prison populations in relation to mental health. We aim to determine if the variance of the baseline omega-3 index is correlated with aggressive and attention deficit behaviours in a prison population. Methods: One hundred and thirty six adult male prisoners were recruited from South Coast Correctional Centre (SCCC), NSW Australia. A 7-point categorisation was used to quantify levels of aggressive behaviour (four weeks) from individual SCCC case notes, whereby higher scores correspond to increasingly aggressive behaviour. At baseline, study participants completed an Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) and the Brown’s Attention Deficit Disorder Scales (BADDS), provided a blood sample for erythrocyte fatty acid analysis using GC and the omega-3 index was calculated. Results: The baseline omega-3 index ranged from 2.3% to 10.3% with a median of 4.7%, indicating that some participants already had substantial omega-3 intake. Assessment of aggressive and attention deficit behaviour shows that there were negative correlations between baseline omega-3 index and baseline aggression categorisation scores (r 1⁄4 0.21, p 1⁄4 0.016); total AQ score (r 1⁄4 0.234, p 1⁄4 0.011); Anger (r 1⁄4 0.222, p 1⁄4 0.016); Hostility AQ (r 1⁄4 0.239, p 1⁄4 0.009); indirect aggression (r 1⁄4 0.188 p 1⁄4 0.042); total BADDS (r 1⁄4 0.263, p 1⁄4 0.005); Activation (r 1⁄4 0.224, p 1⁄4 0.016); Attention (r 1⁄4 0.192, p 1⁄4 0.043); Effort (r 1⁄4 0.253, p 1⁄4 0.007); Affect (r 1⁄4 0.330, p < 0.001) and Memory (r 1⁄4 0.240, p 1⁄4 0.010). Conclusions: There is a high variability on baseline omega-3 status of a NSW prison population, and inmates with lower omega-3 index were more aggressive and had higher ADD scores. Funding source(s): UOW, NSW Department of Corrective Services. DISTINGUISHING THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL FATE OF DIETARY EPA AND DHA IN ATLANTIC SALMON G.M. Turchini , J.A. Emery , J. Trushenski , F. Norambuena . 1 School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia; Center for Fisheries Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Southern Illinois University

Modification of the fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

BackgroundEarly preclinical diagnosis of COPD is urgent. We proposed that fatty acid composition of red blood cells may serve as a prognostic test for the complications in the chronic respiratory diseases. Fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membranes in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (chronic bronchitis, CB, and stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD) was studied. It was established that modification of the fatty acid composition in the erythrocyte membranes was unidirectional in both groups of patients.MethodsPatients with CB and stable COPD (group A, GOLD 1) (15 subjects in each group) were studied in clinic. The activity of the inflammatory process was evaluated by the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, cytokine levels and cytokine receptors in the blood serum (TNFα, sTNF-RI, bFGF, TGF-β, IL-8). Fatty acid (FA) composition of the erythrocyte membranes was analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Statistical data processing was performed by the methods of descriptive statistics with Statistica 6.0.ResultsIn both groups (CB and COPD), a significant accumulation of the saturated FAs (14:0, 15:0, 18:0) was established. The amount of the arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) was increased by 13% (р < 0.05) in CB patients and by 41% (р < 0.001) in COPD patients, as compared with healthy persons. The elevated level of the PUFA n-6 in the erythrocytes membranes in patients with chronic respiratory diseases confirms that proinflammatory (leukotriene B4) and bronchospasm (prostaglandin D2) mediator substrates is increased. The level of the eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) was decreased by 32% (р < 0.05) in CB patients and 2-fold (р < 0.001) in COPD patients. The observed increase in the 20:4n-6/20:5n-3 ratio - 1.5-fold (р < 0.001) in CB patients and 3-fold in COPD patients - can be a specific marker of the adverse course of the respiratory pathology and the chronic inflammatory development.ConclusionsChronic respiratory disease development is associated with the disturbance of the fatty acid composition in erythrocyte membranes and disbalance of the ratio between precursor of pro- and antiinflammatory eicosanoids.

Fatty acids composition of erythrocytes in arterial hypertension associated with dyslipidemia

Studied the fatty acid (FA) composition of erythrocyte membranes in patients with arterial hypertension associated with dyslipidemia. The fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was studied by gaz chromatography. In all hypertensive patients are disturbed lipid FA composition of erythrocytes: increase in saturated fatty acids (15:0, 16:0), monoenic fatty acids (18:1n9, 18:1n7), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) family n6 (20:4n6), decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids family n3:22:5n3, 22:6n3, the total value of n3 PUFA. Cells endogenous deficiency of n3 PUFA leads to the changes of the plasmatic membranes physicochemical properties, activation of eicosanoids synthesis with proinflammatory and vasoconstriction activity, the formation of the systemic inflammatory syndrome and conditions for the atherogenesis. Thus, structural and functional changes in erythrocyte membranes in hypertension developed as a part of the common systemic disorder of lipid metabolism.

A meta-analysis of the polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes in schizophrenia

BackgroundMembrane abnormalities in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported in schizophrenia and have been associated with brain tissue loss in normal ageing. Therefore PUFA may be involved in the excessive brain tissue loss reported in schizophrenia. MethodsA systematic MEDLINE database search was conducted to identify studies that compared PUFAs in erythrocyte membranes in patients and controls. Patients were categorized by medication regime in medication naive first-episode patients, and patients receiving typical or atypical antipsychotics. SampleFourteen studies were included, comprising a total of 429 patients with schizophrenia and 444 healthy control subjects. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated for PUFAs in erythrocyte membranes using the random-effects model. Combined Cohen's d was calculated separately for patients on different medication regime. ResultsMedication-naive patients and patients taking typical antipsychotics showed significantly (p<0.01) decreased concentrations of arachidonic (AA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and docosapentaenoic (DPA) acid. In addition, patients taking typical antipsychotics showed decreased linoleic (LA), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosatetraenoic (DTA) acid (p<0.01). Patients taking atypical antipsychotics showed decreased DHA (p<0.01) only. ConclusionsPUFA concentrations in erythrocyte membranes are decreased in schizophrenia. Of particular importance in patients are lower concentrations of DHA and AA, two fatty acids that are abundant in the brain and important precursors in the cell-signalling cascade.

Aerobic training affects fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes

The effect of exercise training on the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes was evaluated in an experimental animal model where rats were subjected to a ten-wk aerobic training. Five groups of rats were compared: sedentary rats at 19 or 23 wks of age, rats trained at moderate or high intensity sacrificed at 19 wks of age, and rats trained at high intensity, and sacrificed following 4 weeks of sedentary life. We had already demonstrated that cardioprotection correlates with training intensity and partially persists in detrained rats. Main findings are that rats trained at higher intensity display consistent signs of lipid peroxidation but a lower ω6/ω3 ratio and a lower content of trans fatty acids when compared to rats trained at lower intensity and to older sedentary rats. Trans fatty acids negatively affect cell membrane fluidity and permeability. Detrained rats showed intermediate values. Gene expression evaluation of selected enzymes involved in lipid biosynthesis revealed some of the adaptive mechanisms leading to the maintenance of membrane fatty acid homeostasis following exercise. The decrease in the amount of trans fatty and in the inflammatory pathways (i.e. ω6/ω3 ratio) in high-intensity trained rats underscores the protective effect of high intensity aerobic training.

Comparative study of hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic effects of conjugated linolenic acid isomers against induced biochemical perturbations and aberration in erythrocyte membrane fluidity

The purpose of the study was to evaluate hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic activities of conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) isomers, present in bitter gourd and snake gourd seed, in terms of amelioration of plasma lipid profile, lipoprotein oxidation and erythrocyte membrane fluidity after oral administration. Male albino rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 was control, and others were induced with oxidative stress by oral gavage of sodium arsenite (Sa). Group 2 was kept as treated control, and groups 3-6 were further treated with different oral doses of seed oils to maintaining definite concentration of CLnA isomers (0.5 and 1.0% of total lipid for each CLnA isomer). CLnA isomers normalized cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride contents in plasma and body weight of experimental rats and decreased cholesterol synthesis by reducing hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity. Administration of Sa caused alteration in erythrocyte membrane fluidity due to increase in cholesterol and decrease in phospholipid content. Tissue cholesterol and lipid contents were also increased by Sa administration. These altered parameters were reversed by experimental oil administration. Protective effect of CLnA isomers on erythrocyte morphology was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membrane showed decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and increase in arachidonic acid content after Sa administration, which was normalized with the treatment of these oils. Supplementation of CLnA isomers restored erythrocyte membrane (EM) lipid peroxidation and lipoprotein oxidation. CLnA isomers, present in vegetable oils, showed potent hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic activities against biochemical perturbations.

Effects of Cold Water Swimming on Blood Rheological Properties and Composition of Fatty Acids in Erythrocyte Membranes of Untrained Older Rats

This is the first report on the effects of a single bout of swimming to exhaustion in cold water on rat erythrocyte deformability, aggregation and fatty acid composition in erythrocyte membranes. The results indicate that there was a significant decrease in body temperature of experimental rats swimming in water at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C when compared to the control. Erythrocyte aggregation indices did not change after swimming in water at 4 degrees C whereas erythrocyte deformability increased at shear stress 1,13 [Pa] and 15,96 [Pa]. Physical effort performed in water at 4 degrees C when compared to the control group resulted in an increase in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acid content in erythrocyte membranes that influenced the increase in their fluidity and permeability even though that of polyunsaturated n-6 fatty acids decreased. Physical effort performed in 25 degrees C water resulted in an increase in saturated fatty acid content and a decrease in all polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated n-6 fatty acids when compared to the control group. Swimming of untrained old rats in cold water affected rheological properties oferythrocytes in a negligible way while changes in the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes were more pronounced.