Blood Cell Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

Associations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status and intake with paediatric major depressive disorder in Swiss adolescents: A case-control study

BackgroundObservational studies suggest a link between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake, n-3 PUFA status, and depression in adults, but studies in adolescents are scarce. This study aimed to determine associations of n-3 PUFA status and intake with paediatric major depressive disorder (pMDD) in Swiss adolescents. MethodsWe conducted a matched case-control study in 95 adolescents diagnosed with pMDD and 95 healthy controls aged 13 to <18 years. We analysed red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid (FA) composition (% of total FA). n-3 PUFA intake was assessed using a focused food frequency questionnaire and depression severity was assessed by the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). ResultsMean RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were lower in cases than controls (EPA: 0.41 ± 0.11 vs 0.46 ± 0.12, p < 0.001; DHA: 4.07 ± 1.04 vs 4.73 ± 1.04, p < 0.001). Subsequently, the mean RBC n-3 index was lower (4.51 ± 1.10 vs 5.20 ± 1.11, p < 0.001) and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio higher (5.51 ± 1.25 vs 4.96 ± 1.08, p < 0.001) in cases than controls. Adolescents with a higher n-3 index had lower odds for depression (OR = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.32–0.71]). In contrast, the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was associated with higher odds for depression (OR = 1.58 [95% CI: 1.14–2.25]). Intake of alpha-linolenic acid, EPA and DHA did not differ between cases and controls. ConclusionOur results suggest that a higher RBC n-3 PUFA status during adolescence is associated with a lower risk for pMDD, whereas a higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio is associated with a higher risk for pMDD. Differences in n-3 PUFA intake did not explain the observed differences in n-3 PUFA status.

66 Type of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation affects red blood cell fatty acid composition in exercised Thoroughbreds

Omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs are essential nutrients for horses. SC-PUFAs (<20 carbon) include α-linolenic acid (ALA, n3), linoleic acid (LA, n6), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, n6), while LC-PUFAs (≥20 carbon) include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n3), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, n6), and arachidonic acid (AA, n6). Eicosanoids produced from AA tend to be pro-inflammatory while DGLA, EPA, and DHA give rise to lipid mediators that are anti-inflammatory. This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different chain length omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs on red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid (FA) composition in exercised horses. Thirteen fit Thoroughbred horses (age 4.1 ± 1.9 y, BW 496.0 kg ± 36.5 kg; mean ± SD) were split into 2 groups balanced for age, gender, and body weight. The horses received either 35 mL/d of a corn oil-flax oil supplement (LA-ALA) (n = 6) or 60 mL/d of a high-GLA safflower oil-fish oil supplement (GLA-EPA-DHA) (n = 7). The LA-ALA supplement provided 8.0 g LA and 10.2 g ALA per day. The GLA-EPA-DHA supplement provided 2.5 g LA, 5.4 g GLA, 0.3 g AA, 4.4 g EPA, 0.8 g DPA, and 3.8 g DHA per day. Each supplement provided a similar amount of total omega-6 and omega-3 per day. The horses were fed 4.9 ± 1.4 kg/d (mean ± SD) of a textured horse feed along with 1.0–1.5% BW/d of timothy hay and 60 g loose salt. The basal dietprovided about 140 g/d LA and 62 g/d ALA. For 90 d before the start and during the study, the horses were exercised 3 times per week on a racetrack and walked 3 d per week on a mechanical walker. For 90 d before the study the horses were fed the same basal ration. Twenty-four individual FA were measured at monthly intervals in RBCs over the 3-mo supplementation period. Differences related to time and treatment were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA. RBC FA did not change in the LA-ALA group during the supplementation period. RBC GLA, DGLA, EPA, and DHA increased over time in the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.01) and were higher than with LA-ALA supplementation after 1, 2 and 3 mo of supplementation (P < 0.01). RBC AA increased over time in the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.05). These increases in GLA and LC-PUFAs were primarily offset by decreases in RBC oleic acid (18:1n9), LA, and ALA. The ratio of RBC AA to (DGLA+EPA+DHA) was 3.9 times higher in the LA-ALA supplemented group compared with the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.01). This study found that horses fed a high LA intake and supplemented with ALA did not efficiently elongate ALA to EPA and DHA, but that horses did elongate GLA to DGLA.

Red blood cell fatty acid composition is detrimentally affected by changes from whole-fat to reduced-fat dairy products in children

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Impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThough hydroxyurea (HU) is one of the most widely used FDA approved drug in sickle cell disease (SCD), it is associated with certain side effects. Therefore, safer and effective alternatives need to be tried out. Earlier researchers have shown abnormalities in the blood cell fatty acid composition, in patients with SCD. Omega-3 fatty acids being a safer nutritional supplement, possessing anti-adhesion, anti-aggregatory, and anti-depressive properties could be tried out. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of omega-3 fatty acids eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA) in reducing disease severity in children with SCD, in Saudi Arabia through a pilot interventional study. MethodsForty-three SCD patients, aged between 5 and 16 years, were supplemented omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months. Their clinical complications and hematological markers were studied, pre and post supplementation. Results and conclusionOmega-3 supplementation resulted in overall favorable changes in the cell membrane and was found effective in reducing the number of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) as well as complications accompanying SCD.

Regional Brain Volumes As Mediators of the Association Between Circulating Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cognitive Function: The Boston Puerto Rican Health Study

ObjectivesTo assess the mediating role of regional brain volume in the relationship between circulating very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and global cognitive function. MethodsData are from individuals of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study with a T1-weighted MRI brain scan available approximately 8 y from the baseline visit (n = 200, mean age at baseline = 54.7 y, 77.5% female). Red blood cell fatty acid composition was measured at baseline and very-long-chain omega-3 fatty acid was defined as the sum of EPA and DHA. A battery of 7 cognitive tests was administered at baseline and 8-y follow-up in the language of preference. Global cognitive function was the average z-score of the cognitive tests. Whole MRI brain volumetric measures (of cortical and subcortical grey matter) were quantified using the FreeSurfer processing pipeline. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the mediating effect of regional brain volumetric measures on the association between omega-3 fatty acid concentration and global cognitive function. Bivariate associations were assessed by age- and sex-adjusted partial Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient with FDR correction. ResultsThe association between baseline omega-3 fatty acid concentration and 8-y global cognitive function was mediated by several cortical regions including the left caudal middle frontal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobes, and right isthmus of cingulate gyrus. Significant mediators in the subcortex included the putamen, amygdala, left ventral dorsal tract, and right thalamus. Omega-3 fatty acid concentration was positively correlated with global cognitive function (rs = 0.17, P < 0.05) and with brain regions identified as significant mediators (rs = 0.17 to 0.21, P < 0.05 for all). Greater volume of the brain region mediators was associated with higher global cognitive function score (rs = 0.17 to 0.24, P < 0.05 for all). ConclusionsThese results suggest that, among older Puerto Rican adults, greater circulating omega-3 fatty acids may be related to better cognitive function and that this relationship may be explained by maintenance of specific cortical and subcortical brain regions. Funding SourcesNIA R01AG055948.

Linoleic Acid Status in Cell Membranes Inversely Relates to the Prevalence of Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease.

The red blood cell fatty acid composition objectively reflects the long-term dietary intake of several fatty acids. In patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, we explored whether red blood cell status of selected fatty acids related to symptomatic carotid artery disease. We included patients with symptomatic (n=22) and asymptomatic (n=23) carotid artery disease. We determined all-C18:1 trans, linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n6), alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), and the omega-3 index (sum of eicosapentaenoic [C20:5n3] and docosahexaenoic [C22:6n3] acids) in both red blood cells and carotid plaque phospholipids by gas-chromatography. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, we only observed a significant association for LA, whose red blood cell status was inversely related to symptomatic carotid artery disease (odds ratio, 0.116 [95% CI, 0.022-0.607], P=0.011, for each 1-SD increase). A similar result was observed for LA in carotid plaque phospholipids. Cell membrane enrichment in LA, which reflects its intake, was inversely related to symptomatic carotid disease. This increases evidence supporting a favorable role of dietary LA in vascular health.

Increased Neuroanatomic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring the Interaction of Fine Particle Exposure and Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Background/Aim: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may increase Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Although epidemiologic and experimental studies have shown neurotrophic effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3FAs), no studies have investigated whether LCn3FAs modify the neurotoxic effect of PM2.5 on neuroanatomic risk for AD. Methods: Community-dwelling older women (aged 71-89) from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study of MRI completed two structural brain scans (MRI-1: 2005-6; MRI-2: 2010-11). The AD pattern similarity (AD-PS) score, developed by supervised machine learning and validated with AD Neuroimaging Initiative data, was used to measure neuroanatomic risk determined by the degree of high-dimensional gray matter atrophy in brain areas vulnerable to AD. Residential three-year average PM2.5 exposure preceding MRI-1 was aggregated from daily estimates, based on nationwide spatiotemporal modeling. Red blood cell fatty acid composition was analyzed using gas chromatography, with the omega-3 index defined as the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We examined whether omega-3 index, EPA, and DHA modified the association between PM2.5 and AD-PS scores (5-year standardized difference) using generalized linear models, adjusting for geographic region, sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, clinical characteristics, intracranial volume, and total energy intake. Results: Among 627 women, PM2.5 (per 2.82-µg/m3) was significantly associated with increased AD-PS scores (β=0.026; p=0.003; equivalent to a 24% increase in AD risk) over 5 years. This association with PM2.5 was greater among women with lower (β=0.042; p=0.001) vs. higher (β=0.006; p=0.660) omega-3 index (median=0.050-g/1,000-kcal; pinteraction=0.056) and among women with lower (β=0.042; p=0.001) vs. higher (β=0.007; p=0.577) DHA (median=0.044-g/1,000-kcal; pinteraction=0.064). There was no evidence that EPA modified the association (pinteraction=0.340). Conclusions: Our findings support potential interactions between PM2.5 neurotoxicity and neurotrophic effects of LCn3FAs, though tests of interactions did not reach statistical significance. Higher LCn3FAs, achievable by dietary intervention, may reduce the AD risk associated with long-term PM2.5 exposure.

Genetic study of the Arctic CPT1A variant suggests that its effect on fatty acid levels is modulated by traditional Inuit diet.

Several recent studies have found signs of recent selection on the carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1A (CPT1A) gene in the ancestors of Arctic populations likely as a result of their traditional diet. CPT1A is involved in fatty acid transportation and is known to affect circulating fatty acid profiles in Inuit as does the unique traditional diet rich in marine animals. We aimed to assess which fatty acids may have driven the selection of rs80356779, a c.1436C>T (p.(Pro479Leu)) variant in CPT1A, by analyzing a potential interaction between the variant and traditional Inuit diet. We included 3005 genome-wide genotyped individuals living in Greenland, who had blood cell membrane fatty acid levels measured. Consumption of 25 traditional food items was expressed as percentage of total energy intake. We tested for CPT1A × traditional diet interaction while taking relatedness and admixture into account. Increasing intakes of traditional diet was estimated to attenuate the effect of 479L on 20:3 omega-6 levels (p = 0.000399), but increase the effect of the variant on 22:5 omega-3 levels (p = 0.000963). The 479L effect on 22:5 omega-3 more than doubled in individuals with a high intake of traditional diet (90% percentile) compared with individuals with a low intake (10% percentile). Similar results were found when assessing interactions with marine foods. Our results suggest that the association between traditional diet and blood cell fatty acid composition is affected by the CPT1A genotype, or other variants in linkage disequilibrium, and support the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids may have been important for adaptation to the Arctic diet.

Polymorphism rs1761667 in the CD36 Gene Is Associated to Changes in Fatty Acid Metabolism and Circulating Endocannabinoid Levels Distinctively in Normal Weight and Obese Subjects.

The multifunctional CD36 scavenger receptor facilitates fatty acid (FA) uptake and oxidation and it has been involved in the pathophysiology related to dysfunctional FA metabolism. The common variant in the CD36 gene, rs1761667 (A/G), whose allele A is characterized by a reduced protein expression, has been associated with taste sensitivity to and preference for fat. We therefore aimed at evaluating whether the CD36 polymorphism may influence fatty acid metabolism and endocannabinoid biosynthesis in normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) subjects. Red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition, and plasma endocannabinoid levels were determined. In NW subjects with AA genotype was found a marked reduction of RBC saturated fatty acids and palmitic/linoleic ratio (PA/LA), considered as de novo lipogenesis (DNL) biomarkers. Remarkably, to the reduction of DNL biomarkers corresponded an increase of omega-6 index, an indirect marker of the impact on fatty acid metabolism of dietary omega-6 fatty acids, endocannabinoid levels and a higher waist/hip ratio. The presence of the G allele was instead associated with increased endocannabinoid plasma levels and a trend for increased waist/hip ratio in obese subjects, even though exhibited decreased BMI with respect to those with AA genotype. These data indicate that the CD36 polymorphism, rs1761667, leads to a distinct metabolic pattern in NW and in OB subjects. Therefore, their determination may be crucial in developing personalized therapeutic strategies for ameliorating dyslipidemia and other metabolic disorders.

The role of background diet on the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in healthy pre-menopausal women: a randomized, cross-over, controlled study

BackgroundThe links between dietary fat intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and breast cancer risk remain equivocal, with some studies pointing to improvements in risk upon omega-3 supplementation. However, the background diet is poorly controlled in most studies, potentially confounding this link. Therefore, this study examined the hypothesis that in order to see the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, the background diet must be low in fat.MethodsOf the 56 healthy, pre-menopausal women randomized to one of two experimental arms, consisting of a two-treatment, randomized, cross-over design, 41 completed the 10 month intervention. The two diet phases (habitual and low-fat) were separated by a washout phase, each lasting 3 menstrual cycles. During each diet phase, women were supplemented with 1.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid per day.ResultsRed blood cell fatty acid composition indicated that more eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid was incorporated in the low-fat diet than the habitual diet, though both diet phases resulted in significant increases in the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. In the context of omega-3 supplementation in breast cancer risk reduction, we also measured fatty acid incorporation into nipple aspirate fluid. Similar changes to red blood cells were noted in nipple aspirate fluid, with higher incorporation of eicosapentaenoic acid in the low-fat diet phase.ConclusionsThese data suggest that the total level of dietary fat has some direct impact on fatty acid partitioning in addition to the recognized importance of fatty acid ratios, and supports the hypothesis that dietary fat intake must be considered a confounder in supplementation trials. Additionally, we demonstrate that n3 supplementation both reaches and imparts improvements in lipid content and n3:n6 at the target breast tissue.Trial registrationTrial was been retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (RegNCT02816125).

Dietary fat intake and red blood cell fatty acid composition of children and women from three different geographical areas in South Africa

Dietary fat intake, particularly the type of fat, is reflected in the red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid (FA) profile and is vital in growth, development and health maintenance. The FA profile (%wt/wt) of RBC membrane phospholipids (as determined by gas chromatography) and dietary intake (as determined by 24h recall) was assessed in 2–6y old South African children and their caregivers randomly selected from three communities, i.e. an urban Northern Cape community (urban-NC; n=104), an urban coastal Western Cape community (urban-WC; n=93) and a rural Limpopo Province community (rural-LP; n=102). Mean RBC FA values across groups were compared using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test while controlling for age and gender (children); median dietary intake values were compared using a Kruskal–Wallis test. Dietary intakes for total fat, saturated FAs and polyunsaturated FAs were higher in the two urban areas compared to the rural area. Total fat intake in rural-LP, and omega-3 FA dietary intake in all three areas were lower than the South African adopted guidelines. Dietary SFA intake in both urban areas was higher than recommended by South African guidelines; this was reflected in the RBC membrane FA profile. Rural-LP children had the lowest intake of omega-3 and omega-6 FAs yet presented with the highest RBC docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) profile and highest arachidonic acid percentage. Although differences observed in dietary fat intake between the two urban and the rural area were reflected in the RBC membrane total phospholipid FA profile, the lowest total fat and α-linolenic acid (ALA) intake by rural children that presented with the highest RBC DHA profile warrants further investigation.

Early postnatal docosahexaenoic acid levels and improved preterm brain development

BackgroundPreterm birth has a dramatic impact on polyunsaturated fatty acid exposures for the developing brain. This study examined the association between postnatal fatty acid levels and measures of brain injury and development, as well as outcomes.MethodsA cohort of 60 preterm newborns (24–32 weeks GA) was assessed using early and near-term MRI studies. Red blood cell fatty acid composition was analyzed coordinated with each scan. Outcome at a mean of 33 months corrected age was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition.ResultsAdjusting for confounders, a 1% increase in postnatal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels at early MRI was associated with 4.3-fold decreased odds of intraventricular hemorrhage, but was not associated with white matter injury or cerebellar haemorrhage. Higher DHA and lower linoleic acid (LA) levels at early MRI were associated with lower diffusivity in white matter tracts, and corresponding improved developmental scores in follow-up.ConclusionHigher DHA and lower LA levels in the first few weeks of life are associated with decreased IVH, improved microstructural brain development, and improved outcomes in preterm born children. Early, and possibly antenatal, intervention in high-risk pregnancies needs to be studied for potential benefits in preterm developmental outcomes.

Prevalence of unexplained anaemia in Inuit men and Inuit post-menopausal women in Northern Labrador: International Polar Year Inuit Health Survey.

To identify correlates of hemoglobin (Hb) and anaemia unexplained by iron deficiency (UA) in Canadian Inuit adults. A cross-sectional survey assessed diet, demographic information, anthropometry, fasting Hb, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (on a subset), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in serum, red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition, blood lead, and antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in non-pregnant, Inuit adults (n = 2550), ≥18 years of age from randomly selected households in 36 Inuit communities in Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut Territory and Nunatsiavut of Northern Labrador, Canada. Hb concentrations were lower and UA prevalence higher in Inuit men after 50 years of age. Rate of anaemia was constant among Inuit women but changed from primarily iron deficiency anaemia pre-menopause, to primarily UA in post-menopause. Low education levels and hs-CRP were associated with increased risk of UA. For Inuit men, % RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and elevated blood lead were also associated with increased risk of UA. Frequency of traditional food intake was positively associated with Hb. Age patterns and regional variation of anaemia suggest that ethnicity-related physiological differences cannot explain anaemia prevalence for Inuit. High RBC EPA status, inflammation and infections, and lower education levels may contribute to the prevalence of anaemia in this population, which is not related to iron status. Thus, traditional lifestyle may protect Inuit from nutritional anaemia but contribute to lower Hb through environmental exposures. The clinical significance of UA for older Inuit adults requires further investigation, as the prevalence represents a moderate public health problem.

Efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched formula to enhance maternal and fetal blood docosahexaenoic acid levels: Randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compromises the level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in phospholipids of maternal and fetal red blood cells and fetal plasma. This is of some concern because of the importance of DHA for fetal neuro-visual development. We have investigated whether this abnormality could be rectified by supplementation with DHA-enriched formula. Women with GDM (n=138) recruited from Newham University Hospital, London received two capsules of DHA-enriched formula (active-group) or high oleic acid sunflower seed oil (placebo-group) from diagnosis until delivery. Maternal (baseline and delivery) and fetal (cord blood) red blood cell and plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition, and neonatal anthropometry were assessed. One hundred and fourteen women (58 active, 56 placebo) completed the trial. The active-group compared with the placebo-group had significantly enhanced level of DHA in plasma phosphatidylcholine (4.5% vs 3.8%, P=0.011), red blood cell phosphatidylcholine (2.7% vs 2.2%, P=0.022) and phosphatidylethoanolamine (9.5% vs 7.6%, P=0.002). There was no difference in cord plasma and red blood cell phospholipid DHA between the two groups. The neonates of the two groups of women had comparable anthropometric measurements at birth. Daily supplementation of 600mg DHA enhances maternal but not fetal DHA status in pregnancy complicated by GDM. The inefficacy of the supplement to improve fetal status suggests that the transfer of DHA across the placenta maybe impaired in women with the condition. Regardless of the mechanisms responsible for the impairment of the transfer, the finding has implications for the management of neonates of women with GDM because they are born with a reduced level of DHA and the condition is thought to be associated with a risk of neuro-developmental deficits. We suggest that babies of women with GDM, particularly those not suckling, similar to the babies born prematurely require formula milk fortified with a higher level of DHA.

Omega-3 index levels and associated factors in a middle-aged French population: the MONA LISA-NUT Study.

The omega-3 index (the summed percentage content of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in red blood cells) is associated with a lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. We aimed to determine which socio-demographic, behavioural or clinical factors are independently associated with the omega-3 index and the extent to which seafood consumption mediates the index's association with socio-economic status (SES). As part of the cross-sectional MONA LISA-NUT survey (2005-2007), gas chromatography was used to analyse the red blood cell fatty acid composition in 503 French subjects aged 35-64 years. Dietary data were collected by trained dieticians via a validated food frequency questionnaire and a prospective 3-day food record. Risk factors were estimated with standardised measurements and questionnaires. SES was assessed through the self-reported educational and income tax levels. The mean ± s.d. omega-3 index was 6.02 ± 1.75%. In the best parsimonious predictive model (which explained 32% of the variability in the omega-3 index), age, educational level and seafood servings were significantly and positively associated with the index. In contrast, waist circumference and smoking were inversely associated with the index. In a mediation analysis that took account of all these factors, seafood servings explained about 40% of the association between educational level and the omega-3 index. Similar results were obtained for the income tax level. The inverse association between SES and omega-3 index is largely explained (40%) by an insufficient seafood intake. It remains to be seen which other factors mediate this association.

Age- and Sex-Based Norms for Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Composition (N = 111,003)

Age- and Sex-Based Norms for Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Composition (N = 111,003)

Increased erythrocytes n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is significantly associated with a lower prevalence of steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Although dietary fat contributes substantially to the accumulation of liver fat, the role of individual fatty acids in this accumulation is unclear. In this study, we set out to determine whether liver fat content (LFC), was associated with red blood cell fatty acid (RBC-FA) composition in people with type 2 diabetes. One hundred and sixty-two type 2 diabetic patients were included in this study. LFC was measured using (1)H-MR Spectroscopy. RBC-FA composition was measured by gas chromatography. One hundred and nine (67.2%) patients had steatosis. Patients with steatosis had a higher BMI (p = 0.0005), and higher plasma triglyceride levels (p = 0.009) than did patients without steatosis. We report a significant association between palmitic acid (16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) concentrations and ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid (palmitoleic acid to palmitic acid) and higher liver fat content. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), homo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3n-6), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), and arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) were associated with lower LFC. Our data showed that an increased erythrocytes long-chain n-3 and n-6 fatty acids was associated with a lower prevalence of steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results suggest that n-3 and n-6 fatty acids supplementation could be a promising treatment for NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Hostility of drug-free patients with schizophrenia and n− 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in red blood cells

Many reports suggest that n− 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Moreover, it has also been reported that n− 3 PUFAs control aggression and hostility. Acute symptoms of schizophrenia such as aggression can be a formidable clinical problem resulting in hospitalization. However, few investigations have determined the relationships between acute symptoms of drug-free schizophrenia and n− 3 PUFAs. We recruited 75 inpatients with acute drug-free schizophrenia admitted to Chiba Psychiatric Medical Center, an emergency psychiatric hospital. Blood was sampled immediately after admission. The red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition and hostility score of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were measured. Multiple regression analysis showed that the concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the ratio of EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) in RBC showed significant negative correlations with the hostility score of PANSS scores after adjustment for age and sex. AA, on the other hand, showed significant positive correlations. The tissue n− 3 PUFA and n− 6 PUFA levels were negatively and positively associated with the hostility score of PANSS scores, respectively, suggesting possible effects of PUFA levels on hostile behavior in patients with schizophrenia.

Docosahexaenoic Acid and 17β-Estradiol Co-Treatment Is More Effective Than 17β-Estradiol Alone in Maintaining Bone Post-Ovariectomy

Bone-protective effects of combined treatment with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and estrogenic compounds following ovariectomy have previously been reported. Recent evidence suggests the n-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is particularly bone-protective. The aim of this study was to determine whether combined treatment with DHA and estrogenic compounds has a beneficial effect on bone mass in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were randomized into 9 groups and either ovariectomized (8 groups) or sham-operated (1 group). Using a 2 x 4 factorial design approach, OVX animals received either no estrogenic compound, genistein (20 mg/kg body weight/day), daidzein, (20 mg/kg body weight/day) or 17 beta-estradiol (1 microg/day) with or without DHA (0.5 g/kg body weight/day) for 18 weeks. Bone mineral content (BMC), area (BA), and density (BMD), plasma osteocalcin and IL-6 concentrations, and red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid composition were measured. Femur BMC was significantly greater in animals treated with DHA or 17 beta-estradiol than in ovariectomized controls. Plasma carboxylated osteocalcin was significantly higher in DHA-treated animals and total osteocalcin significantly lower in 17 beta-estradiol-treated animals compared with ovariectomized controls. There were significant interactions between treatment with estrogenic compounds and DHA for femur BMC, plasma IL-6 concentration, and RBC fatty acid composition. Combined treatment with 17beta-estradiol+DHA was more effective than either treatment alone at preserving femur BMC and lowering circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory IL-6. The percentage of n-3 LCPUFAs in RBCs was significantly greater in animals receiving 17 beta-estradiol+DHA compared with either treatment alone. There was no beneficial effect of combined DHA and phytoestrogen treatment on bone. Results from this study raise the possibility that co-treatment with 17 beta-estradiol and DHA may allow a lower dose of 17 beta-estradiol to be used to provide the same bone-protective effects as when 17 beta-estradiol is administered alone.

Westernizing Diets Influence Fat Intake, Red Blood Cell Fatty Acid Composition, and Health in Remote Alaskan Native Communities in the Center for Alaska Native Health Study

Objective To investigate the impact of a Westernizing diet on fat intake, red blood cell fatty acid composition, and health risks among Yup’ik Eskimos living in rural Alaskan Native communities. Design Diet data and blood specimens were collected from 530 Yup’ik Eskimos aged 14 to 94 years old. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Statistical analyses Comparisons of select fatty acid intake between participants in quintiles of traditional food intake (percent energy) were made using analyses of variance and post hoc Bonferroni tests. General linear models were used to determine the association between traditional food intake and health outcomes. Results Fatty acid composition of the diet differed according to the level of traditional food intake. Traditional food intake was positively associated with higher total fat, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid intake. No association was observed between traditional food intake and saturated fatty acid intake; indeed, participants consuming more traditional foods derived a substantially smaller proportion of their dietary fatty acids from saturated fatty acids ( P<0.001). Analyses of red blood cell fatty acid composition supported these findings. After multivariable adjustment, traditional food intake was significantly positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and significantly negatively associated with triglyceride concentration ( P<0.001). Conclusions Diets emphasizing traditional Alaskan Native foods were associated with a fatty acid profile promoting greater cardiovascular health than diets emphasizing Western foods. Further research needs to evaluate the effects of a Westernizing diet on the overall diet of Alaskan Natives.