Brain Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

A Mixture of Soybean Oil and Lard Alleviates Postpartum Cognitive Impairment via Regulating the Brain Fatty Acid Composition and SCFA/ERK(1/2)/CREB/BDNF Pathway.

Lard is highly appreciated for its flavor. However, it has not been elucidated how to consume lard while at the same time eliminating its adverse effects on postpartum cognitive function. Female mice were divided into three groups (n = 10): soybean oil (SO), lard oil (LO), and a mixture of soybean oil and lard at a ratio of 1:1 (LS). No significant difference was observed between the SO and LS groups in behavioral testing of the maternal mice, but the LO group was significantly worse compared with these two groups. Moreover, the SO and LS supplementation increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in the brain and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in feces, thereby mitigating neuroinflammation and lowering the p-ERK(1/2)/ERK(1/2), p-CREB/CREB, and BDNF levels in the brain compared to the LO group. Collectively, the LS group inhibited postpartum cognitive impairment by regulating the brain fatty acid composition, neuroinflammation, gut microbiota, and the SCFA/ERK(1/2)/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway compared to lard.

Influence of Supplementation of Ecklonia cava Polyphenols on Learning, Memory, and Brain Fatty Acid Composition in Mice.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of intake of polyphenols from Ecklonia cava on spatial task performance and nervous fatty acid composition in mice fed with a high-fat diet. Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups; each group consisted of ten mice. The control group was fed 5% soybean oil as a fat source, whereas the high fat (HF) group was fed a 15% lard diet and the polyphenol (ECP) group was maintained on the HF diet plus 1% E. cava polyphenols. The ECP group exhibited a short escape latency and better memory retention in the Morris water maze test compared with the control and HF groups (P<0.05). In addition, the ECP group showed a greater increase in avoidance latency than that of the HF group (P<0.05). Moreover, the consumption of polyphenols from E. cava presented higher levels of DHA in the brain and retina (P<0.05). This study suggested the positive effects of polyphenols from E. cava on memory retention, which might be partially attributed to the increased levels of DHA in the brain.

Effect of consumption of sheep and cow milk on rat brain fatty acid and phospholipid composition

The effect of sheep milk and cow milk on the lipid composition of rat brain was investigated in two feeding experiments of 28-days duration. Total lipids of the rat brain were extracted using ethanol-hexane, and the fatty acids and phospholipid contents analysed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR). Furthermore, freeze-dried pooled samples were analysed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared and Fourier Transform Raman Spectroscopy and analysed with multivariate methods. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher C18:2 content was found in the cow milk group compared with sheep milk-treated groups in Study one. In Study two, a significantly (P < 0.05) lower C16:0 content was present in the sheep milk-treated group compared to the control low Ca/P group. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed in the spectroscopy analyses. It is concluded that sheep and cow milks fed to rats for 28-days had a low effect on the brain lipidome.

Hepatic Acyl CoA Oxidase1 Inhibition Modifies Brain Lipids and Electrical Properties of Dentate Gyrus.

Peroxisomes are essential organelles in lipid metabolism. They contain enzymes for β-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) that cannot be broken down in mitochondria. Reduced expression in hepatic acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), a peroxisome β-oxidation enzyme, followed by modification of the brain fatty acid profile has been observed in aged rodents. These studies have suggested a potential role for peroxisome β-oxidation in brain aging. This study was designed to examine the effect of hepatic ACOX1 inhibition on brain fatty acid composition and neuronal cell activities of young rats (200-250 g). A specific ACOX1 inhibitor, 10, 12- tricosadiynoic acid (TDYA), 100 μg/kg (in olive oil) was administered by daily gavage for 25 days in male Wistar rats. The brain fatty acid composition and electrophysiological properties of dentate gyrus granule cells were determined using gas chromatography and whole-cell patch-clamp, respectively. A significant increase in C20, C22, C18:1, C20:1, and a decrease of C18, C24, C20:3n6, and C22:6n3 were found in 10, 12- tricosadiynoic acid (TDYA) treated rats compared to the control group. The results showed that ACOX1 inhibition changes fatty acid composition similar to old rats. ACOX1 inhibition caused hyperpolarization of resting membrane potential, and also reduction of input resistance, action potential duration, and spike firing. Moreover, ACOX1 inhibition increased rheobase current and afterhyperpolarization amplitude in granule cells. The results indicated that systemic inhibition of ACOX1 causes hypo-excitability of neuronal cells. These results provide new evidence on the involvement of peroxisome function and hepatic ACOX1 activity in brain fatty acid profile and the electrophysiological properties of dentate gyrus cells.

395 Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Novel Endothelial Mechanisms and the Impact of Dietary PUFAs

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the leading cause of dementia behind Alzheimers Disease (AD) and is often the result of brain hypoxia. Diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can lower cognitive decline and AD incidence in human patients. Therefore, our goal is to determine the mechanisms that PUFAs influence in a mouse model of VCI. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We hypothesize that hypoxia promotes endothelial P-tau accumulation and vasotrophic uncoupling, impairing endothelial integrity. Additionally, we believe that a preventative PUFA-enriched diet blocks this uncoupling and subsequently prevents/delays neurovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline. Male and female mice will be administered a control or novel PUFA-enriched dietary intervention 1 month prior to hypoxic injury using the bilateral carotid artery stenosis model. Mice will continue their diet and be assessed for cerebral blood flow, cognitive function, and motor function at 1- &amp; 3-month time points. Following euthanasia, tissue samples from deep cortical regions and microvasculature will be examined for endothelial- &amp; neuronal-specific P-tau accumulation, inflammation, and cell death. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Preliminary data in our lab indicates that hypoxia leads to a two-fold increase in endothelial P-tau accumulation and lowered mature BDNF (mBDNF) in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) compared to controls. Further, BMECs cultured in media with the PUFA docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) had lowered P-tau and increased mBDNF after hypoxia compared to controls. Based on this data and past research, we anticipate that mice on the PUFA-enriched diet will have enhanced cognitive and motor function alongside improved cerebral blood flow compared to controls. Also, we expect that mice on our PUFA-enriched diet will have lowered tau pathology, cell death, and neuroinflammation alongside increased blood brain barrier integrity and altered fatty acid composition in brain and vascular tissue samples. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: An AHA Presidential Advisory identified cognitive function as modifiable through the management of cardiovascular risk factors, like diet. However, the mechanisms underlying the benefits of PUFA-enriched diets are unknown. Successful completion of these studies will provide insight into the vaso-neuronal protective effects of PUFAs in VCI.

Dietary novel oils modulate neural function and preserve locomotor response in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles by regulating synthesis and contents of fatty acids in brain

N-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA), are the most important fatty acids with physiological significance in brain function of all vertebrates. Recently, novel lipid sources are available for the industry, including products obtained from microorganisms. Dietary fatty acid profiles may affect tissue composition and cell functioning. To determine the effect of novel lipid sources on behaviour and neural function in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), juveniles were fed three isoproteic and isoenergetic diets containing either (FO), a microalgae oil combined with poultry oil (DD) or only poultry oil (PO). Behaviour response, brain fatty acid composition and relative expression of neurogenesis and neural activity related-genes in telencephalon were evaluated during 5 months of feeding with the experimental diets. Brain of sea bream fed diet PO showed the highest DHA content as well as increased desaturation and elongation products, contrary to the dietary pattern. This, together with an increased telencephalic fads2 expression denoted the effective activation of LC-PUFA synthesis and retention as a compensatory mechanism for a dietary deficiency. Furthermore, neurod6, bdnf and nos1 were proportionally upregulated in relation to the neural DHA content. Locomotor performance during cruising and escape responses was not affected by the experimental diets. However, there was a tendency for escape latency to be longest in fish fed PO and DD diets, and a relationship between escape latency and brain n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) contents was suggested. Indeed, the relation of n-6 DPA with behavioural deficits was shown previously in mammals and might deserve further attention and corroboration in fish as well in the future.

Maternal diets affected ceramides and fatty acids in brain regions of neonatal rats with prenatal ethanol exposure

ABSTRACT Objectives: Ceramide (Cer), known as apoptotic markers, increases with prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure, resulting in neuroapoptosis. Whether maternal nutrition can impact Cer concentrations in brain, via altering plasma and brain fatty acid compositions have not been examined. This study compared a standard chow with a formulated semi-purified energy dense (E-dense) diet on fatty acid composition, Cer concentrations, and apoptosis in plasma and brain regions (cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus) of pups exposed to EtOH during gestation. Methods: Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: chow (n = 6), chow + EtOH (20% v/v) (n = 7), E-dense (n = 6), and E-dense + EtOH (n = 8). At postnatal day 7, representing the peak brain growth spurt in rats, lipids, and apoptosis were analyzed by gas chromatography and a fluorometric caspase-3 assay kit, respectively. Results: Maternal E-dense diet increased total fatty acid concentrations (p < 0.0001), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p < 0.0001) in plasma, whereas DHA concentrations were decreased in the cerebellum (p < 0.03) of pups than those from chow-fed dams. EtOH-induced Cer elevations in the hippocampus of pups born to dams fed chow were reduced by an E-dense diet (p < 0.02). No significant effects of maternal diet quality and EtOH were observed on caspase-3 activity. No significant correlations existed between plasma/brain fatty acids and Cer concentrations. Discussions: Maternal diet quality affected fatty acid compositions and Cer concentrations of pups with prenatal EtOH exposure, differently. Maternal nutrition has the potential to prevent or alleviate some of the adverse effects of prenatal EtOH exposure.

The Impact of Medium Chain and Polyunsaturated ω-3-Fatty Acids on Amyloid-β Deposition, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population, is closely linked to a dysregulated cerebral lipid homeostasis and particular changes in brain fatty acid (FA) composition. The abnormal extracellular accumulation and deposition of the peptide amyloid-β (Aβ) is considered as an early toxic event in AD pathogenesis, which initiates a series of events leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. These include the induction of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, the disruption of calcium homeostasis and membrane integrity, an impairment of cerebral energy metabolism, as well as synaptic and mitochondrial dysfunction. Dietary medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and polyunsaturated ω-3-fatty acids (ω-3-PUFAs) seem to be valuable for disease modification. Both classes of FAs have neuronal health-promoting and cognition-enhancing properties and might be of benefit for patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms by which MCFAs and ω-3-PUFAs reduce the cerebral Aβ deposition, improve brain energy metabolism, and lessen oxidative stress levels.

Dietary manipulation of vulnerability to traumatic brain injury-induced neuronal plasma membrane permeability

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can produce physical disruptions in the plasma membranes of neurons, referred to as mechanoporation, which lead to increased cell permeability. We suspect that such trauma-induced membrane disruptions may be influenced by the physical properties of the plasma membrane, such as elasticity or rigidity. These membrane properties are influenced by lipid composition, which can be modulated via diet, leading to the intriguing possibility of prophylactically altering diet to confer resiliency to this mechanism of acute neuronal damage in TBI. In this proof-of-concept study, we used three different diets—one high in polyunsaturated fatty acids suggested to increase elasticity (Fish Oil), one high in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol suggested to increase rigidity (High Fat), and one standard rat chow (Control)—to alter brain plasma membrane lipid composition before subjecting rats to lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI). Lipid analysis (n = 12 rats) confirmed that diets altered brain fatty acid composition after 4 weeks of feeding, with the Fish Oil diet increasing unsaturated fatty acids, and interestingly, the High Fat diet increasing omega-6 docosapentaenoic acid. One cohort of animals (n = 34 rats) was assessed immediately after FPI or sham injury for acute changes in neuronal membrane permeability in the injury-adjacent cortex. Surprisingly, sham animals fed Fish Oil had increased membrane permeability, suggesting altered passive membrane properties. In contrast, injured animals fed the High Fat diet displayed less intense uptake of permeability marker, suggesting a reduced extent of injury-induced plasma membrane disruption, although the density of affected cells matched the other diet groups. In a separate cohort survived for 7 days after FPI (n = 48 rats), animals fed the High Fat diet exhibited a reduced lesion area. At both time points there were no statistically significant differences in inflammation. Unexpectedly, these results indicate that the High Fat diet, as opposed to the Fish Oil diet, beneficially modulated acute plasma membrane permeability and resulted in a smaller lesion size at 7 days post-injury. Additional studies are necessary to determine the impact of these various diets on behavioral outcomes post-TBI. Further investigation is also needed to understand the physical properties in neuronal plasma membranes that may underlie increased resiliency to trauma-induced disruptions and, importantly, to understand how these properties may be influenced by targeted dietary modifications for vulnerable populations.

Alterations of fatty acid composition and metabolism in APP/PS1 transgenic mice

Accumulating evidence suggests that abnormal fatty acid composition is related to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there is no consistency in the fatty acid profile and metabolism associated with AD pathogenesis. This study aims to define the characteristics of fatty acid composition and metabolism in AD. Using 6-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mice with wild-type mice as a control, we examined the serum lipids, brain fatty acid composition, and the expression levels of various genes involved in liver fatty acid β-oxidation. The results of our study demonstrate that APP/PS1 mice present decreased serum free fatty acids, altered brain fatty acid profiles, and minimal change in liver fatty acid β-oxidation. Our results suggest that abnormal fatty acid compositions and contents may play potential roles in AD progression. This study provides further evidence for the metabolic basis of AD pathogenesis.

Characterization and modulation of brain lipids content of rainbow trout fed with 100% plant based diet rich in omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids DHA and EPA

Brain functions are known to be mainly modulated by adequate dietary intake. Inadequate intake as can be an excess or significant deficiency affect cognitive processes, behavior, neuroendocrine functions and synaptic plasticity with protective or harmful effects on neuronal physiology. Lipids, in particular, ω-6 and ω-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) play structural roles and govern the different functions of the brain. Hence, the goal of this study was to characterize the whole brain fatty acid composition (precursors, enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidation metabolites) of fish model of rainbow trout fed with three experimental plant-based diet containing distinct levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 ω-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 ω-3) (0% for low, 15.7% for medium and 33.4% for high, total fatty acid content) during nine weeks. Trout fed with the diet devoid of DHA and EPA showed reduced brain content of total ω-3 LC-PUFAs, with diminution of EPA and DHA. Selected enzymatic (cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases) oxidation metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 ω-6) decrease in medium and high ω-3 LC-PUFAs diets. On the contrary, total selected enzymatic oxidation metabolites of DHA and EPA increased in high ω-3 LC-PUFAs diet. Total selected non-enzymatic oxidation metabolites of DHA (not detected for EPA) increased in medium and high ω-3 LC-PUFAs diets. In conclusion, this work revealed for the first time in fish model the presence of some selected enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidation metabolites in brain and the modulation of brain lipid content by dietary DHA and EPA levels.

Dietary n-6/n-3 Ratio Influences Brain Fatty Acid Composition in Adult Rats.

There is mounting evidence that diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can impact brain biology and functions. This study investigated whether moderately high-fat diets differing in n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio could impact fatty acid composition in regions of the brain linked to various psychopathologies. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats consumed isocaloric diets (35% kcal from fat) containing different ratios of linoleic acid (n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (n-3) for 2 months. It was found that the profiles of PUFA in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus reflected the fatty acid composition of the diet. In addition, region-specific changes in saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were detected in the hypothalamus, but not in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex. This study in adult rats demonstrates that fatty acid remodeling in the brain by diet can occur within months and provides additional evidence for the suggestion that diet could impact mental health.

Effect of Dietary Fat Composition and 2’Fucosyllactose on Neonatal Piglet Growth and Organ Lipid Composition

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of 2’fucosyllactose (2’FL) and fat blends on growth, body composition and fatty acid profile of the liver and brain using the neonatal pig as a model for the human infant. Methods Pigs (3 d old) were randomly assigned to either: 1. control, 2. Palm Olein (PO) fat blend – Low 2'-FL, 3. PO – High 2'-FL, 4. High oleic acid (HO) – Low 2'-FL, 5. HO FB – High 2'-FL, 6. PO FB – GLA, or 7. kept with their sows. Pigs in groups 1 to 6 received 250 ml·kg−1·d−1 of formula in 5 equal meals for 15 d. On day 14 of the study, groups 1–6 received intraperitoneal E. coli LPS challenge at 100 µg·kg−1 weight. Results Body weight was greater for piglets fed by sows than those in the other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In addition, % fat and bone mineral content were higher in the sow-fed group while lean % was less sow-fed piglets (group 7) compared with those in the other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Only longissimus weight expressed as a % of body weight, was greater for group 7 compared with all other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Soleus, semitendinosus, brain, heart and spleen weights as a % of body weight were similar across all groups. However, liver weight as a % of body weight was greater in groups 1–6 (3.7%) compared with group 7 (2.8%; P &amp;lt; 0.001). The proportion of brain 16:1 fatty acid was less (0.83%) for groups 1–6 than for group 7 pigs (1.08%; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). The proportion of 20:3 N6 was greatest (0.66%) for group 3 compared with groups 1 and 4 (0.55%; P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, the proportion of 20:5 N3 was greatest (0.12%) for group 3 compared with groups 1 and 7 (0.07%; P &amp;lt; 0.05). The proportion of liver 16:1, 18:0, and 18:1 cis-11 fatty acids were greater for group 7 (2.3, 23, 2.2%) than groups 1–6 (0.2, 20, 1.2%; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conversely, the contribution of 14:0, 18:1 cis-9, 18:3 N6 cis-6,9,12, and 22:6 N3 were greater for pigs in groups 1–6 (1.3, 0.6, and 14, 7.8%) compared with those in group 7 (0.5, 8.5, 0.2 and 3.5%; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusions Our data suggest that feeding 2’fucosyllactose had no effect on the body weight gain and composition in neonatal pigs. Our data also suggest that dietary fatty acids have a greater effect on liver than on brain fatty acid composition. Funding Sources Funding for the work was provided by Perrigo Nutritionals, LLC.

Ximenynic Acid Regulation of n-3 PUFA Content in Liver and Brain

Background/Aims: Ximenynic acid is a rare conjugated enyne fatty acid found primarily in plants in the Santalaceae family. It has been reported that sandalwood seed oil (SWSO) affects fatty acid metabolism in animal studies; however, the effects of pure ximenynic acid remain unclear. The present study aimed to study the impact of SWSO and ximenynic acid on n-3 fatty acid metabolism in the liver and brain. Methods: Thirty C57BL/6 male mice aged 4 weeks were fed SWSO (1.0 mL/20 g bodyweight), olive oil (OO), or a combination of SWSO and OO (n = 10/group) for 8 weeks. Liver and brain fatty acid compositions were determined using gas chromatography. HepG2 cells were treated with up to 150 μM ximenynic acid and oleic acid for 48–72 h. The expression and abundance of genes and proteins relevant to n-3 fatty acid metabolism pathways were investigated. Results: The intake of SWSO in mice elevated the levels of total n-3 fatty acids and decreased total n-9 fatty acids in the liver (p < 0.05) compared with the OO group. In contrast, total n-3 fatty acids were significantly decreased in the brain (p < 0.05). HepG2 cells treated with ximenynic acid for 48 h showed significant reductions in n-9 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) (p < 0.05) compared with HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid. In HepG2 cells, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene expression, as well as FADS2 protein expression, were significantly down-regulated after a 72-h incubation with 150 μM of ximenynic acid compared with the vehicle (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ximenynic acid may regulate fatty acid metabolism by suppressing the expression of key enzymes of lipid metabolism. In contrast, SWSO, which has a high level of C18:3n-3, positively affected n-3 fatty acid synthesis in mouse liver compared to pure ximenynic acid. We hypothesize that a high level of precursor C18:3n-3 in SWSO promotes the endogenous synthesis of C22:6n-3 despite the presence of ximenynic acid.

Iron deficiency during pregnancy and lactation modifies the fatty acid composition of the brain of neonatal rats.

Iron deficiency is common in pregnant and lactating women and is associated with reduced cognitive development of the offspring. Since iron affects lipid metabolism, the availability of fatty acids, particularly the polyunsaturated fatty acids required for early neural development, was investigated in the offspring of female rats fed iron-deficient diets during gestation and lactation. Subsequent to the dams giving birth, one group of iron-deficient dams was recuperated by feeding an iron-replete diet. Dams and neonates were killed on postnatal days 1, 3 and 10, and the fatty acid composition of brain and stomach contents was assessed by gas chromatography. Changes in the fatty acid profile on day 3 became more pronounced on day 10 with a decrease in the proportion of saturated fatty acids and a compensatory increase in monounsaturated fatty acids. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the n-6 family were reduced, but there was no change in the n-3 family. The fatty acid profiles of neonatal brain and stomach contents were similar, suggesting that the change in milk composition may be related to the changes in the neonatal brain. When the dams were fed an iron-sufficient diet at birth, the effects of iron deficiency on the fatty acid composition of lipids in both dam's milk and neonates' brains were reduced. This study showed an interaction between maternal iron status and fatty acid composition of the offspring's brain and suggests that these effects can be reduced by iron repletion of the dam's diet at birth.

Aurantiochytrium dietary supplements reduce intra-cohort cannibalism among orange-spotted groupers (Epinephelus coioides) by modulating brain 5-HT and serum cortisol

Aurantiochytrium strain BL10 is rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Previous research has shown that adding 2% of dry BL10 powder to increase the DHA content of feed for orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) does not benefit growth but can significantly reduce size discrepancies between individuals and thereby potentially decrease the chance of cannibalism.To understand whether a 2% BL10 supplement can really reduce the cannibalism rates of E. coioides, whether increasing the BL10 dosage can reduce the cannibalism rates of E. coioides even further, and how the BL10 supplements affect cannibalistic behavior, we produced four isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets dosed with different weight percentages (0, 2, 4, 6%) BL10 meal and fed it to E. coioides fingerlings (total length 3.8 ± 0.3 cm) for two weeks. During the feeding period, cannibalism in the experiment groups were observed. After the feeding period, we analyzed the brain fatty acid composition, brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels, and serum cortisol levels in the experiment groups and used regression analysis to examine the relationships among these biochemical variants and cannibalism rates.The results indicate that 2–6% BL10 supplements, particularly 2% BL10 supplement, could significantly reduce the cannibalism rates of E. coioides. The BL10 supplements increased the proportions and contents of HUFAs in the brains of E. coioides, increased brain 5-HT levels, and reduced serum cortisol levels. The results of univariate linear regression indicated that the serum cortisol level exhibited a significant negative correlation with brain HUFA content, particularly arachidonic acid (ArA). Whereas, brain 5-HT was positively correlated with the ratio of n-3/n-6 fatty acids in the brain. Subsequent multivariate linear regression demonstrated that cannibalism is affected by serum cortisol, brain 5-HT levels and their interaction. Our results provide new insight into the physiological regulation mechanisms behind the cannibalistic behavior of teleost and provide a feasible solution at the same time.

Brain Fatty Acid Composition and Inflammation in Mice Fed with High-Carbohydrate Diet or High-Fat Diet.

Both high fat diet (HFD) and high carbohydrate diet (HCD) modulate brain fatty acids (FA) composition. Notwithstanding, there is a lack of information on time sequence of brain FA deposition either for HFD or HCD. The changes in brain FA composition in mice fed with HFD or HCD for 7, 14, 28, or 56 days were compared with results of 0 (before starting given the diets). mRNA expressions of allograft inflammatory factor 1 (Aif1), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox 2), F4/80, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), integrin subunit alpha m (Itgam), interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured. The HFD group had higher speed of deposition of saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) at the beginning of the experimental period. However, on day 56, the total amount of SFA, MUFA, and PUFA were similar. mRNA expressions of F4/80 and Itgam, markers of microglia infiltration, were increased (p < 0.05) in the brain of the HCD group whereas inflammatory marker index (IMI) was higher (46%) in HFD group. In conclusion, the proportion of fat and carbohydrates in the diet modulates the speed deposition of FA and expression of inflammatory gene markers.

DIETARY LINOLEIC ACID DIFFERENTIALLY INFLUENCES BRAIN FADS ACTIVITIES INCREASING AN N-6 METABOLITE THAT INHIBITS INFLAMMATION AND PROMOTES AMYLOID-β CLEARANCE

Chronic inflammation, involved in many diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) is tightly regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Many studies suggest a protective role of n-3, and opposite role of n-6 PUFAs against inflammation because n-6 arachidonic acid is a precursor of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. However, emerging evidence reveals intake of major n-6 PUFA, linoleic acid (LA) can have anti-inflammatory effects while low LA is associated with risk of cognitive decline, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether dietary LA has anti-inflammatory effects in AD cellular and animal models and explored the mechanisms involved. Two AD mouse models were used. First in aged Tg2576 mice, dietary LA was given from 17 to 20 months; second in more aggressive EFAD mice, LA was given from 3 to 7 months. At the end of the experiments, the brain was collected for measurement of brain fatty acids, pro-inflammatory cytokines and COX2. Aβ oligomer- or LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells were used as cellular models to directly evaluate effects of LA and some n-6 metabolites. We found that dietary LA and ApoE genotype differently influenced brain fatty acid desaturases (FADS1(delta-5), FADS2 (delta4/6/8)) activities, and altered brain fatty acid composition with reduction of arachidonic acid precursor DGLA (20:3n-6) and elevation of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-6) that was greater in E4FAD. This was accompanied by a reduction of plaques, cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX2) expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL-6 and TNFα) but elevation of inflammation-resolving cytokine IL-10 compared to standard diet animals in both AD models. DPAn-6 directly inhibited Aβ oligomer- or LPS-induced COX2 expression in cultured microglial BV2 cells and promoted Aß clearance. This is the first report that LA influences brain FADS activities, inhibiting CNS inflammation while increasing DPA that directly promotes amyloid-β phagocytosis and COX-2 reduction. Since genetic variants in FADS genes regulate desaturase enzyme activity and fatty acid composition while diet interacts with genetic variants affecting disease risk, our study suggests further in vivo tests with DPA (n-6) supplements and a possible dietary strategy with LA intake for developing clinical personalized AD interventions.

Improvement of spatial learning and memory, cortical gyrification patterns and brain oxidative stress markers in diabetic rats treated with Ficus deltoidea leaf extract and vitexin

Despite the fact that Ficus deltoidea and vitexin played important roles in controlling hyperglycemia, an effective mitigation strategy dealing with cognitive deficit observed in diabetes, little is known about its neuroprotective effects. The study is aimed to determine changes in behavioral, gyrification patterns and brain oxidative stress markers in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats following F. deltoidea and vitexin treatments. Diabetic rats were treated orally with metformin, methanolic extract of F. deltoidea leaves and vitexin for eight weeks. Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed to evaluate learning and memory functions. The patterns of cortical gyrification were subsequently visualized using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Quantification of brain oxidative stress biomarkers, insulin, amylin as well as serum testosterone were measured using a spectrophotometer. The brain fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography (GC). Biochemical variation in brain was estimated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Results showed that oral administration of F. deltoidea extract and vitexin to diabetic rats attenuated learning and memory impairment, along with several clusters of improved gyrification. Both treatments also caused a significant increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) values, as well as a significant reduction of TBARS. Strikingly, improvement of cortical gyrification, spatial learning and memory are supported by serum testosterone levels, fatty acid composition of brain and FT-IR spectra.

Effect of long term supplementation with dietary lipids on growth and fatty acid composition of rabbit’s brain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term supplementation with dietary lipids on growth and fatty acid composition of rabbit’s brain. Soybean oil, fish oil, sesame oil, docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid were fed to weanling rabbits for 100 days. The rabbits were decapitated and brain sample was removed, homogenized and fatty acid concentration was measured by gas chromatography. Dietary lipids had a distinct effect on growth rate only in males. Rabbits fed the fish oil diet showed the highest total w-3 fatty acids and lowest w-6/w-3 ratios. Rabbits fed the DHA diet had highest total saturated fatty acids and lowest values of total MUFA, total PUFA, total w-6, and total w-3 in females. This study shows that w-6/w-3 ratios have tremendous effect on the fatty acid composition of rabbit’s brain. Effect of treatment was not significant among different gender except for total saturated, ARA, C20:1 and C16:0. FO, DHA and DHA+ARA groups showed the w-6/w-3 ratios within the recommended range. This study shows that fatty acid composition of brain can be modulated by dietary lipids and long-term supplementation of dietary lipids especially fish oil (FO) has very good effect on the fatty acid composition of rabbit’s brain.