Dietary FA Research Articles

Activation of multifunctional DNA repair APE1/Ref-1 enzyme by the dietary phytochemical Ferulic acid protects human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ(25–35)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder associated with the amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau hallmarks. The molecular insights into how neuroinflammation is initially triggered and how it affects neuronal cells are yet at the age of infancy. In this study, SH-SY5Y cells were used as a model for neurons by differentiating and were co-cultured with differentiated THP1 cells (microglia model) as well as treated with Aβ(25–35) and with antioxidant FA to study inflammatory, oxidative stress responses and their effects on co-cultured neurons. Neurons co-cultured with microglial cells showed pronounced increase in ROS levels, NOS expression, truncated N-terminal form (34 kDa) of APE1 expression and AIF’s translocation in the nucleus. The pre-treatment of FA, on the other hand reversed these effects. It was further evaluated how FA/Aβ treatment altered microglial phenotype that in turn affected the neurons. Microglial cells showed M1 phenotype upon Aβ(25–35) stress, while FA induced M2 phenotype against Aβ stress, suggesting that FA alleviated Aβ induced phenotype and its associated effects in the co-cultured neurons by altering the phenotype of microglial cells and induced expression of full length (37 kDa) APE1 enzyme and inhibiting AIF’s nuclear translocation, thus inhibiting apoptosis. This is the first study that revealed Aβ induced cleavage of APE1 enzyme in differentiated neurons, suggesting that APE1 may be the potential early target of Aβ that loses its function and exacerbates AD pathology. FA activated a fully functional form of APE1 against Aβ stress. The impaired function of APE1 could be the initial mechanism by which Aβ induces oxidative and inflammatory responses and dietary phytochemical FA can be a potential therapeutic strategy in managing the disease by activating APE1 that not only repairs oxidative DNA base damage but also maintains mitochondrial function and alleviates neuroinflammatory responses.

Dietary fatty acid pattern and its association with metabolic profile among overweight and obese adults

BackgroundNumerous studies have revealed the role of dietary fatty acids in human health. However, few studies have evaluated dietary fatty acid patterns and their association with metabolic parameters. The current study aimed to explore the association between dietary fatty acid patterns and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) among overweight and obese adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 340 participants who were overweight or obese. The study included assessments of body composition and anthropometric measurements. Dietary fatty acid consumption was evaluated using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) containing 168 items. Additionally, biochemical parameters, including serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting serum glucose (FSG), and insulin levels, were measured using enzymatic methods. Fatty acid patterns were determined by principal component analysis (PCA), and the association between these dietary FA patterns and risk factors related to MetS components was assessed using logistic regression.ResultsFactor analysis conducted in this study explored three dietary fatty acid patterns: saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and long-chain combined fatty acids (LC-CFA). Those at the highest tertile of the SFA pattern had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.03). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) was lower in the second and third tertiles (P ≤ 0.05). Also, higher fasting blood glucose (FBS) was observed in the second and third tertiles (P < 0.05), and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was higher in the third tertile (P = 0.049). In the PUFA pattern, FBS was lower in the third tertile (P = 0.03). In the LC-CFA pattern, lower TC was achieved in higher tertiles (P = 0.04).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that consuming high and moderate SFA patterns is associated with higher FBS and HOMA-IR. Also, increased consumption of SCFAs is related to lower DPB and LDL. Individuals who consumed more PUFA, especially linoleic acid, had lower FBS. These outcomes might be beneficial in managing MetS and leading to a new field of research.

Replacement of fish oil by palm oil in diet for juvenile greenfin horse-faced filefish (Thamnaconus septentrionalis): Effects on growth performance, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory responses

This study investigated the effects of replacing dietary fish oil (FO) with palm oil (PO) on the growth performance, proximate composition, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory responses of juvenile greenfin horse-faced filefish, Thamnaconus septentrionalis. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets with varying levels of PO inclusion (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were prepared, and each diet was administered in triplicate to juvenile fish for 10 weeks. Results indicated that moderately partial replacement of FO did not result in detrimental effects whereas complete or high-level replacement of FO compromised survival, growth, and feed utilization. Moderate PO inclusion slightly increased the antioxidant capacity. However, this effect was significantly impaired by high levels of dietary PO. The moisture and ash content of whole fish showed an increasing trend, while crude lipid and crude protein content tended to decline, showing significant linear response. Dietary PO appeared to affect triglyceride synthesis, albeit with minimal impact on the lipid content of the liver. Fatty acid compositions in both liver and muscle tissues were linearly correlated with dietary FA profiles, with fish liver being more reflective of dietary fatty acid composition than muscle tissue. ARA, EPA and DHA were selectively retained in the muscle tissue, whereas EPA retention was significantly reduced in the liver tissue with the gradual replacement of FO. High levels of PO inclusion in the diet resulted in elevated gene expression related to hepatic inflammation, including TLRs, MyD88 and TNFa. In conclusion, palm oil could potentially serve as an alternative to fish oil in the diet for juvenile T. septentrionalis, with up to 50% substitution without deteriorating growth performance, n-3 LC-PUFA deposition in muscle, and health status of juvenile greenfin horse-faced filefish.

Virgin flaxseed oil supplemented or not with tocopherols and phytosterols prevents liver steatosis induced by high‐fat diets in male Wistar rats

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effect of a virgin flaxseed oil (FO) rich in n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, supplemented or not with a bioactive supplement (BS) containing tocopherols and phytosterols on the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a high‐fat (HF) animal model. Male Wistar rats were fed 60 days with a recommended (SO7, soybean oil 7%) or an HF diet (fat, 30%) containing soybean (SO30), corn (CO30), or FO (FO30) or the same oils supplemented with 1% of BS (SO30BS, CO30BS, or FO30BS, respectively). Hepatic and dietary FA composition, triacylglycerides (TAGs) content in serum and liver, nutritional parameters, in vivo TAG‐secretion rate, liver histology, mRNA levels of β‐oxidation‐related genes, and carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1a (CPT‐1a) enzyme activity were determined. At HF levels, FO30 and FO30BS groups showed the highest total n − 3 PUFA levels in diets and were associated with lower weight gain, liver TAG content, and microsteatosis degree. The CPT‐1a activity was enhanced in FO30 and FO30BS, showing differences only by the type of dietary oil. The BS supplementation induced an increase in the β‐oxidation‐related gene expression. Virgin FO prevented liver steatosis and hepatomegaly induced by HF diets. The BS supplementation reduced body fat accumulation and enhanced expression of β‐oxidation related genes, without affecting hepatic TAG content.Practical Applications: Scientific knowledge of functional lipids with high oxidative stability and biological activity has great practical application in reducing non‐communicable chronic diseases. This study provides evidence on the potential synergic and complementary effects of virgin FO, TP, and PS to be used for the prevention of the metabolic hepatic disorders involved during the evolution of the different steps of NAFLD. Specifically, based on different biological mechanisms, this stable combination of bioactive lipids could prevent not only the development of exacerbated hepatic TAG accumulation but also the hepatocellular injury seen at different stages from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis.

Dietary Intake, Biological Status, and Barriers towards Omega-3 Intake in Elite Level (Tier 4), Female Athletes: Pilot Study

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have unique properties which benefit athlete populations. The literature investigating NCAA collegiate, rugby sevens and German endurance athletes indicates suboptimal n-3 PUFA dietary intake and biological status. The aims of this study were: (i) to explore the dietary intakes and FA profiles of elite level, team-based, female athletes and (ii) to understand perceived barriers towards achieving n-3 dietary guidelines. A total of 35 athletes (24.8 ± 4.5 years) completed both a questionnaire and a finger prick test. All the participants reported consuming fish and seafood over the previous six months however only nine athletes consumed ≥ 2 servings of fish per week. Four participants reported using an n-3 supplement. The mean omega-3 index (O3I; including supplementers) was below target levels of &gt;8% (5.19 ± 0.86%). O3I was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) in those consuming ≥ 2 servings of fish per week and/or supplements (5.91 ± 0.81%) compared with those who did not (4.82 ± 0.63%). The main barriers reported by those not consuming two servings of fish per week were sensory (n = 11; 42%), cooking skills (n = 10; 38%) and knowledge of n-3 benefits (n = 7; 27%). The current study shows that elite level female athletes present with suboptimal n-3 dietary intake and O3I due to their food preferences, cooking skills and n-3 knowledge.

Exploring fatty acid connections between estuarine fish Chelon planiceps and its diatom diet as taste and nutraceutical property influencing factor

Chelon planiceps is a widespread commercial fish of Indian Sundarbans with appreciable taste. Taste of fish is primarily influenced by polyunsaturated fatty acids, and since precursors of PUFA in fish cannot be generated de-novo, they are majorly obtained from phytoplankton diet. In the present study, C. planiceps (N = 10) were analysed for fat content in different body parts, and diatoms present in the gut were compared with diatoms found in habitats of the sampled fish. Significant difference in t-test (p ≤ 0.01) was found for lipid content compared between neck, abdomen and tail regions. The gut analysis revealed highest species richness of Coscinodiscus spp. Four species, namely C. radiatus, C. jonesianus, C. oculus-iridis and C. wailesii, were found to be abundant. Other diatoms too were found in the gut (N = 15) and in the habitat (N = 37). Present study focussed on implications of the most abundant Coscinodiscus. The total lipid content and FA profiles revealed 31FAs, with 12SFAs, 11MUFAs and 8 PUFAs together in both the diatom and fish. Coscinodiscus showed a profile of 28FAs of which 19FAs had a minimum representation of >1 % and C. planiceps showed a profile of 9FAs, all showing minimum representation of >1 %. Comparison of the two FA profiles showed Coscinodiscus to be richer in terms of total SFA (47.34 %) and MUFA (33.03 %) whereas, C. planiceps was richer in terms of PUFA (22.17 %). Pearson's correlation coefficient of (−)0.144 indicated a negative correlation between C. planiceps and Coscinodiscus and though this was expected to be a direct impactor the −ve correlation is attributable to the fish's FA metabolism that affects the dietary FA profile that lowers the similarity between the two profiles to a large extent. The nutraceutical significance of the FAs of the fish and its diet highlights the aquaculture implication of the study.

Effects of multiple vitamin E levels and two fat sources in diets for swine fed to heavy slaughter weight of 150 kg: II. Tissue fatty acid profile, vitamin E concentrations, immune capacity, and antioxidant capacity of plasma and tissue.

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of two fat sources and graded levels of vitamin E (VE) supplementation on tissue fatty acid profile, VE concentrations, immune capacity, and antioxidant capacity of plasma and tissues of pigs at heavy slaughter weight (150 kg). A total of 48 individually-fed pigs (24 barrows, 24 gilts; 28.44 ± 2.69 kg) were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The two fat treatments were either 5% tallow (TW) or 5% distiller's corn-oil (DCO). The VE treatments included four levels of α-tocopheryl-acetate (11, 40, 100, and 200 ppm). Compared to pigs fed the DCO diet, pigs fed the TW diet had greater SFA (C14, C16, and C18; P < 0.05) and MUFAs (C14:1, C16:1, C18:1, and C20:1; P < 0.05), lower PUFA (C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, C20:2, C20:3, and C20:4; P < 0.05) and iodine value in the backfat and belly fat. Increasing dietary VE supplementation level increased α- and total tocopherol concentrations in plasma (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), liver, and loin muscle (linear, P < 0.06), superoxide dismutase activity (quadratic, P < 0.05), but decreased γ-tocopherol concentrations in liver (linear, P = 0.06), plasma, and loin muscle (quadratic, P < 0.07), and decreased liver glutathione disulfide (GSSG; linear, P = 0.07) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (quadratic, P < 0.05). There was an interaction between fat sources and dietary VE supplementation level on the concentration of α-tocopherol in the loin muscle (P < 0.05) wherein a greater increase was observed in the TW treatment than the DCO treatment with the increasing dietary VE supplementation level. In conclusion, dietary FA composition in TW and DCO affected the composition of most FA in backfat, belly fat, and liver while increasing VE supplementation level did not significantly alter the FA profile in these tissues. Increasing dietary VE supplementation level increased tocopherol concentrations in plasma, liver and loin muscle, and improved antioxidant capacity while tocopherol concentrations in plasma, liver and loin muscle in the TW treatment increased more than they did in the DCO treatment.

Tracking dietary fatty acids in triacylglycerols and phospholipids of zooplankton

Abstract Fatty acids (FA) in lake zooplankton are largely provided by dietary FA and affected by taxonomic composition of zooplankton, temperature, and other environmental conditions. However, the extent to which dietary FA are retained and/or bioconverted in zooplankton remains unclear. In this lake study, we examined how dietary FA (seston), temperature and physico‐chemical variables (i.e., concentrations of chlorophyll a, dissolved organic carbon, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate) explained the FA variation in membrane (phospholipids; PL) and storage (triacylglycerols; TAG) lipids of zooplankton. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) increasing dietary FA increases the FA content stored as TAG by zooplankton, whereas the FA content in PL remains unaffected by naturally occurring changes in dietary FA supply; and (2) FA in seston better predict the FA variations stored by zooplankton as TAG, whereas lake temperature better predicts the FA variations in zooplankton PL. Results show that an increase in dietary polyunsaturated FA increased polyunsaturated FA in TAG and PL of zooplankton, but not eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid in PL. Moreover, the FA content of seston was more similar to that of zooplankton TAG than it was to the content of PL, indicating major taxon‐specific differences in membrane FA. Dietary FA are a major predictor of FA in TAG of zooplankton, while the taxonomic composition of zooplankton is a major predictor of FA in PL. Temperature and physico‐chemical variables explained little of the variations in zooplankton FA. This field study improves our understanding of how FA in PL and TAG of different zooplankton taxa respond to changes of dietary FA, temperature, concentrations of chlorophyll‐a, dissolved organic carbon, nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate to fulfil their physiological requirements.

Effects of fulvic acid addition on laying performance, biochemical indices, and gut microbiota of aged hens.

The purpose of this study was to appraise the effect of fulvic acid on production, biochemical indices, and gut microbiota of laying hens. A total of 252 Dawu Golden Phoenix laying hens (55-week-old) were allotted to two treatments randomly, each with six replicates and 21 hens per replicate, including the control group (CG) and fulvic acid (500 mg/kg) group (FA). The trial period was 8 weeks. Adding FA raised egg weight (P = 0.03), shell-breaking strength (P = 0.03), and reduced egg breaking rate (P < 0.01), compared with CG. There was no difference in eggshell thickness and egg shape index between the two treatments; however, the FA group increased egg production by 1.45% and reduced the feed-to-egg ratio by 0.09. Moreover, dietary FA decreased the aspartate aminotransferase levels in serum (P = 0.04), and glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity were increased (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Despite this, the two groups had no differences in the alpha diversity indices (PD_whole trees, Shannon, Ace, Simpson, Chao1, and goods_coverage). Obviously, at the phylum level, the abundances of Firmicutes were improved (P < 0.01), Actinobacteriota (P < 0.01), and Proteobacteria (P < 0.01) were reduced by dietary FA. Supplementation with FA could improve the abundances of Megamonas (P < 0.01) and reduce Enterobacter (P < 0.01) at the genus level. To sum up, this study showed the addition of 500 mg/kg FA may boost production and egg quality and modulate the cecal microflora abundance and serum biochemical indices of laying hens.

Olive Pomace and Soybean-Sunflower Acid Oils as Alternative Fat Sources in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Diets: Effects on Performance, Digestibility and Flesh Fatty Acid Composition and Quality Parameters.

Simple SummaryAcid oils, by-products of edible oil refining, are potentially interesting fat sources for farmed fish diets because of their high energy content and usually competitive price. Their use and revaluation may contribute to more efficient and sustainable fish production. They are characterised by presenting a similar fatty acid profile to their respective crude oils, but with a high content of free fatty acids. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of including soybean-sunflower and olive pomace acid oils in European seabass diets, as a preliminary step to determine whether they might be suitable energy sources for fish diets. The results showed that growth was only impaired in animals fed the diet containing olive pomace acid oil, which had the highest moisture, impurities and unsaponifiable matter. They also suggest that dietary free fatty acid content affects digestibility, but not the fatty acid profile of flesh and perivisceral fat. Notwithstanding, further studies assessing the effects of the inclusion of these oils are needed before recommending their use.The effects of dietary inclusion of soybean-sunflower and olive pomace acid oils on growth, digestibility and flesh composition were studied in European seabass. Eight diets were fed for 100 days (101.37 ± 0.33 g initial weight, mean ± SD), differing in the added fat source (25% fish oil, 75% experimental oil): S (crude soybean oil), SA (soybean-sunflower acid oil), O (crude olive pomace oil) or OA (olive pomace acid oil); 3 blends: S-O, S-OA, SA-OA at a 1:1 ratio; and a diet containing only fish oil (F) as a control. Animals fed OA showed the worst performance among dietary treatments, with the lowest weight, specific growth ratio, average daily gain and the highest feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). In contrast, other diets including acid oils did not impair performance. Acid oil diets did not affect the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein or total fatty acids (p > 0.05), but a lower digestibility of lipids and saturated fatty acids was observed (p < 0.001). Flesh composition and fatty acid profile were not affected by the high dietary free FA content (p > 0.05). Hence the results suggest that the studied acid oils may potentially be used in fish diets although further studies are needed.

Trophic transfer of lipids and fatty acids across habitats in tropical river food webs

Abstract Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential components of cell membranes and reproductive and sensory organs in vertebrates and are largely acquired through their diets. Accordingly, identification of the dietary sources of PUFA is an important consideration in food web studies. We collected fish, macroinvertebrates (aquatic and terrestrial), and plants (aquatic and terrestrial) from floodplain and river channel habitats in a tropical river catchment in northern Australia, to identify food sources and habitats that provided lipid and PUFA rich food that sustain fish populations. The composition of most FA in fish was similar to that reported from other freshwater tropical environments, with the exception of their higher arachidonic acid content. Fish were found to derive their fatty acids primarily from aquatic sources of food and had similar FA composition to aquatic macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates fed on aquatic plants (algae) and had higher total lipids and FA contents than plants and fish, providing a more concentrated source of PUFA for fish. Fish obtained most of their FA from their diet except for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which they must synthesize due to low DHA in algae and macroinvertebrates. There was no overall difference in basal dietary FA composition between floodplain and river channel habitats. However, macroinvertebrate taxa varied in their lipid and PUFA content. Food quality for fish may therefore vary between habitats as a consequence of differences in macroinvertebrate community composition. Given the high algal production on floodplains compared to the river channels, these habitats are likely to represent the major source of high quality food for fish and other aquatic consumers, and conserving habitats that are rich in lipids and PUFA is important for maintaining healthy fish communities.

Dietary Supplementation with Fumaric Acid Improves Growth Performance in Nile Tilapia Juveniles.

Simple SummaryThe benefits of dietary supplementation with organic acids are commonly known in farm animals, especially swine and poultry, but these compounds are rarely exploited as additives to aquafeeds. Fumaric acid (FA) and its salts are among the most used organic acids in terrestrial animal feeds, but research with fish diets is limited. This study evaluated the inclusion of FA (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg) in the diets of Nile tilapia juveniles, and showed that supplementation improved growth, feed efficiency, protein use, and intestinal villi morphometry. Additionally, the population of undesirable intestinal bacteria was reduced (Gram-negative) or eliminated after 28 days (Enterobacteriaceae) in fish fed fumaric acid diets. Therefore, this study supports the addition of fumaric acid to the diet as a reliable strategy to improve the production and intestinal microbiota health of Nile tilapia juveniles.Organic acids have recently been identified as promising replacements for antibiotics in aquafeeds that promote fish growth and feed efficiency. This study evaluated the inclusion of fumaric acid (FA; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg) in diets (350 g/kg CP; 3.4 kcal digestible energy/g) of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish (average weight 1.7 ± 0.1 g) were distributed in three 40 L aquaria per treatment (13 fish/aquaria) in a completely randomized design. Over 35 days, the fish received the experimental diets three times daily to apparent satiety. The maximum weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were recorded in fish supplemented with 14–15 g/kg FA. After 28 days, Enterobacteriaceae was registered only in the gut of tilapia without FA augmentation. Gram-negative bacteria in the fish gut decreased (p < 0.05) in fish receiving 17 g/kg of dietary FA, increased after this level. The intestinal villi height and width were affected (p < 0.05) by FA levels and feeding time. Thus, inclusion of 15 g/kg of FA was effective in promoting growth, improving intestinal morphometry, and decreasing negative gut bacteria of Nile tilapia juveniles after 35 days.

367Association between dietary fatty acid intake, serum levels of fatty acids and ABCA1 DNA methylation

Abstract Background Although previous studies have demonstrated that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are inversely associated with a risk of CVD through gene expression, recent evidence suggests that it may arise from changes in DNA methylation. Therefore, we investigated whether dietary FA intake and serum FA levels are associated with ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a gene associated with HDL-cholesterol metabolism. Methods A total of 298 subjects (137 men, mean age of 63.2) without clinical history and medication participated in this cross-sectional study. We used the pyrosequencing method to measure DNA methylation levels at 8 CpG sites within ABCA1 gene and calculated mean DNA methylation level. Dietary FA intake were assessed with the food frequency questionnaire. Results We found that ABCA1 DNA methylation levels were significantly lower with higher dietary intake of n-3PUFA (β = –5.75, p = 0.001), which is observed both in men (β = –4.85, p = 0.001) and women (β = –7.24, p = 0.007). In addition, ABCA1 DNA methylation levels were significantly lower with higher serum levels of n-3PUFA in men (β = –2.78, p = 0.05), but not in women (β = 1.61, p = 0.31). Conclusions The results suggest that higher dietary n-3 PUFA intake and serum levels of n-3 PUFA are associated with lower ABCA1 DNA methylation in a Japanese population. Key messages Higher dietary n-3 PUFA intake can be a prevention from dyslipidemia and CVD via low level of ABCA1 DNA methylation

Gestational folic acid deficiency alters embryonic eye development: Possible role of basement membrane proteins in eye malformations

ObjectivesFolic acid (FA) is crucial before and during early pregnancy. FA deficiency can occur because dietary FA intake is low in mothers at the time of conception. Likewise, various ocular pathologies are related to the alteration of extracellular matrices. The present study aimed to investigate the association between maternal FA deficiency and congenital eye defects. We also investigated whether maternal diet deficient in FA alters the expression of collagen IV and laminin-1 as a possible mechanism responsible for the appearance of ocular malformations. Both proteins are the main components of the basal lamina, and form an interlaced network that creates a relevant scaffold basement membrane. Basal laminae are involved in tissues maintenance and implicated in regulating many cellular processes. MethodsA total of 57 mouse embryos were classified into the following groups: Control group, (mothers were fed a standard rodent diet), and D2 and D8 groups (mothers were fed FA-deficient [FAD] diet for 2 or 8 wk, respectively). Female mice from group D2 were fed a FAD diet (0 mg/kg diet + 1% succinyl sulfathiazole used to block the synthesis of FA) for 2 wk from the day after mating until day 14.5 of gestation (E14.5). On the other hand, female mice from group D8 were fed a FAD diet for 8 wk (6 wk before conception and during the first 2 wk of pregnancy). For the data analysis, we first estimated the incidence of malformations in each group. Then, the statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25.0. Expression patterns of collagen IV and laminin-1 were examined with the immunohistochemical technique. ResultsOur results showed that mice born to FA-deficient mothers had several congenital eye abnormalities. Embryos from dams fed a short-term FAD diet were found to have many significant abnormalities in both anterior and posterior segments, as well as choroidal vessel abnormalities. However, embryos from dams fed a long-term FAD diet had a significantly higher incidence of eye defects. Finally, maternal FA deficiency increased the expression of both collagen IV and laminin-1. Likewise, changes in the spatial localization and organization of collagen IV were observed. ConclusionsA maternal FAD diet for a short-term period causes eye developmental defects and induces overexpression of both collagen IV and laminin-1. The malformations observed are probably related to alterations in the expression of basement membrane proteins.

Effects of dietary fatty acids on gut health and function of pigs pre- and post-weaning.

Fatty acids (FA) play a major role in relation to mucosal immune responses, epithelial barrier functions, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions. The dietary FA composition and the molecular structures (chain length and number of double bonds) influence digestion, absorption and metabolism, and the bioactivity of the FA. Piglets post-weaning having an immature intestine and not fully formed immune functions are very vulnerable to invading microorganisms. Manipulation of the milk FA composition via sow nutrition, or inclusion of dietary fat sources in the feed for newly weaned pigs, may be used as a strategic tool to enhance pig performance and their gut health and function pre- and post-weaning. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are absorbed directly into the portal blood and may contribute to immediate energy for the enterocytes. In addition, the MCFA, similarly to the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), possess antibacterial effects and may thereby prevent overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The essential FA, linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic (ALA) FA, form the building blocks for the long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 and n-6 FA. The conversion of ALA and LA into n-3 and n-6 eicosanoids, respectively, influences the molecular structures of metabolites and inflammatory reactions and other immune responses upon bacterial challenges. Dietary manipulation of the lactating sow influences the transfer of the n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from the sow milk to the piglet and the incorporation of the FA into piglet enteric tissues and cell membranes, which exerts bioactivity of importance for immune responses and the epithelial barrier function. Especially, the n-3 PUFA present in fish oil seem to influence the gut health and function of pigs, and this is of importance during the transition periods such as post-weaning in which piglets are prone to inflammation. The proportion of unsaturated FA in the cell membranes influences the susceptibility to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress accompanies infectious diseases, and the development of lipid peroxides and other reactive oxygen products may be harmful to the epithelial barrier function. Fatty acid peroxides from the feed may also be absorbed with other lipid-solubles and thereby harm the intestinal function. Hence, antioxidative protection is important for the enteric cells. In conclusion, manipulation of the dietary FA composition can influence the gut health and function in pigs and may support a normal immune system and modulate resistance to infectious diseases during especially stressful phases of a pig's life such as post-weaning.

Effect of Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy on Blood Characteristics and Milk Composition of Ewes.

Simple SummaryFolic acid (FA) plays a critical role in regulating fetal development. Cause of the association between maternal metabolism and fetal development has created interest to study FA’s effects on maternal blood metabolism and milk composition. FA was supplemented in the diet of ewes with different litter size during pregnancy and blood parameters, and milk composition was monitored. The results indicated that FA supplementation improved folate metabolism balance during gestation of prolific ewes, and contributed to the ewe’s blood metabolism and health. In addition, immune-related compounds in milk were improved with dietary FA supplementation, thus, the newborn lamb should benefit from the improvement in milk quality.The objective of the present study was to investigate the dynamic change of serum parameters and milk composition by dietary FA supplementation with ewes with different litter size from mating to lambing. The ewes were divided into six treatments (TW-CON, TW-F16, TW-F32, TR-CON, TR-F16, TR-F32) according to dietary FA levels (control, CON; 16 or 32 mg·kg−1 rumen-protect-FA supplementation, F16 and F32) and litter size (twin born, TW; and triplet born, TR). In serum, the concentration of folate increased linearly with dietary FA supplementation (P < 0.05), regardless of the litter size, they showed a quadratic response to gestation progression (P < 0.05). With dietary FA addition, IGFI-I levels significant increased from late gestation to after lambing (P < 0.05), and linearly increased immunoglobulin during the perinatal period (P < 0.05). In colostrum and milk at d 15, the content of folate, lactoferrin, and IgG were affected positively by FA supplementation (P < 0.05). IgG was higher in the TW group than TR in colostrum (P < 0.05), and lactoferrin in TW was lower than TR in milk of d 15 (P < 0.05). FA supplementation increased protein content in colostrum (P < 0.05), while it had no effect on the fat, lactose, and BUN of colostrum and milk of d 15 (P > 0.05). These results suggest that FA supplementation during gestation could regulate maternal blood metabolism and contribute to milk immune composition.

Metabolic response to dietary supplementation with iron and folic acid in the rat

AbstractFolic acid (FA) and iron absorption is performed by transporters encoded by the Slc46a1 and Slc11a2 genes, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine how FA and iron deficiency in rats, and subsequent supplementation of the animals’ diet with these nutrients, affects Slc11a2 and Slc46a1 gene expression and the metabolic biomarkers of FA and iron status.150 female Wistar rats were assigned to a group fed a diet deficient in iron and FA (D, n = 120) or to a group fed a control diet (C, n = 30, AIN-93M) for 28 days. After this period, the rats were randomized to a group fed for 2, 10, or 21 days with a diet deficient in FA and supplemented with iron (DFE), a diet deficient in iron and supplemented with FA (DFOL), a diet supplemented with iron and FA (FEFOL), or a diet deficient in iron and folic (D).Transcript and protein levels were determined in the duodenum using the real-time PCR and western blot methods, respectively. FA concentrations in serum were assessed using the electrochemiluminescence method, and homocysteine concentrations were determined with an enzymatic assay. Iron metabolism was evaluated by measuring the total and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (TIBC and UIBC) in serum, and iron concentrations were determined using a photometric method. Hepcidin concentrations were measured in plasma with an immunoenzymatic method. Morphological parameters of the blood were determined with a Sysmex XT-4000 analyzer.The D group had higher Slc11a2 transcript levels than the DFE group at every time-point (p &lt; 0.01). There were higher Slc46a1 mRNA levels in the DFE group than in the FEFOL group at the third time-point (p &lt; 0.05). We did not observe any differences in PCFT or DMT1 protein abundance. The DFOL, FEFOL, and C groups had higher serum FA concentrations at the second and third time-points (p &lt; 0.001), as well as the lowest homocysteine concentrations (p &lt; 0.001). TIBC concentrations were lowest in the DFE and the FEFOL groups at the final time-point (p &lt; 0.001). We did not observe any differences in hepcidin concentrations. Simultaneous supplementation with FA and iron resulted in significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations at the third time-point (p &lt; 0.01).This study shows that dietary FA and iron deficiency, and subsequent supplementation with moderate amounts of these nutrients, may affect the transcription but not the protein abundance of FA and iron transporters in the rat duodenum.

Associations between fatty acid intakes and plasma phospholipid fatty acid concentrations in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition

AbstractIntroductionFatty acids (FA) are highly active molecules involved in different metabolic pathways. Several FA have direct tumorigenic effects in animal and cell-line models and recent epidemiological studies also suggest associations with cancer risk. Some of these health effects are associated with the phospholipid (PL) FA composition of cell membranes what may be related to dietary FA intake. This study aims to assess the correlation between FA intake and the plasma PL FA status in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort.MethodsDietary intake of individual FA was estimated using centre-specific validated dietary questionnaires and the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference of the United States. Circulating levels of 60 individual PL FA were measured in baseline venous plasma phospholipid samples in nested case-controls studies within the EPIC cohort (n = 9,996). The fatty acid composition in the phospholipid fraction was measured by gas chromatography in plasma samples. Spearman rank correlations were calculated to determine associations between FA intakes and plasma PL levels.ResultsResults indicated low to moderately high associations between FA intake and plasma levels. Low correlations were found between intakes of total saturated FA or total monounsaturated FA and plasma levels. Moderate positive correlations were particularly found for long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated FA (r = 0.35) with the highest (r = 0.41) for n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Moderately high correlations were found for the exogenous trans-FA (r = 0.53 for total trans-FA; r = 0.48 for industrial trans-FA (elaidic acid)). Sensitivity analysis showed some attenuation of most correlations among cancer cases compared to controls.DiscussionOur findings suggest that dietary FA intake influences the plasma PL FA status to a certain extent for several FA isomers, particularly those that are not or less efficiently endogenously produced. As diet is a modifiable risk factor, these findings are important for future public health strategies focusing on cancer prevention. Although the level of detail in dietary questionnaires is rather limited, these results are showing their potential to assess the intake of FA isomers in large-scale populations where biological measurements are not feasible for the full cohort.

Lipolysis in very low density lipoproteins - locus minoris resistentiae - in the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia. Positive effects of diet, polyenic fatty acids, statins and fibrates.

Inhibition of hydrolysis of palmitic and oleic triglycedires (TG) in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), slow formation of active apoВ-100 conformation, blockade of апоЕ/В-100 ligand formation in VLDL and their reduced uptake by insulin-dependent cells cause hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Palmitic and oleic VLDL (>80% total VLDL) are not converted in low density lipoproteins (LDL). Atherosclerosis is not an alimentary deficiency of polyenic fatty acids (PFA), but results from low in vivo bioavailability of PFA in LDL against the background of high dietary palmitic FA and palmitic LDL. Plasma PFA content and cellular PFA deficiency are as high as LDL cholesterol (CL). Primary prevention of atherosclerosis should be based on a decrease in dietary content of palmitic saturated FA, trans FA and a moderate increase in PFA. It seems highly unlikely that the xeobiotics statins, fibrates and probucol produce pleiotropic biological effects in vivo. These effects are brought about by phylogenetically early humoral mediators eicosanoids: prostacyclins, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and resolvins. It is reasonable to suggest that all preparations which act according to the same algorithm activate TG hydrolysis in VLDL and normalize cellular uptake of PFA in linoleic and linolenic LDL via apoВ-100 endocytosis. Atherosclerosis is a syndrome of cellular deficiency of essential polyenic FA.

Growth performance and nutrient utilisation of Senegalese sole fed vegetable oils in plant protein-rich diets from juvenile to market size

Sustainable aquaculture is highly dependent on the optimization of aquafeeds in terms of production costs, environmental sustainability and nutritional value. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is a prized flatfish produced in Europe with demonstrated capacity to cope well with both vegetable protein and oil sources. However, the total replacement of fish oil (FO) in diets with a high inclusion of plant proteins (PP) has never been assessed before in this species. Three extruded isoenergetic (23 KJ/g) and isolipidic (15% DM) practical PP-based diets (75% PP) were formulated: a control diet with fish oil (FO) and two experimental diets with 50% and 100% inclusion of a vegetable oil (VO) blend to replace FO (VO50 and VO100). Triplicate groups of fish (13.3 ± 0.9 g) were kept in a recirculation saltwater system at 19 °C and fed the experimental diets ad libitum during 18 months. Fish were sampled after 6 and 18 months (in juvenile and on-growing developmental stages, respectively). The total substitution of FO by VO (VO100) during the juvenile phase (6 months of feeding) significantly reduced final body weight, daily growth index, and protein gain, and increased FCR. A longer feeding period (after 18 months) showed that VO inclusion had no major effects on fish growth, but FCR was still significantly higher in fish fed VO100 than in FO. At the end of the trial, muscle saturated FA level decreased with increasing dietary VO, whereas monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA levels increased in fish fed VO diets particularly due to increased levels of linoleic, α-linoleic and arachidonic acid acids. In conclusion, the long-term replacement of marine ingredients by VO and PP sources does not impair Senegalese sole growth, but strongly reduces EPA + DHA muscle levels, compromising the nutritional value of fillets for human consumption.