Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Research Articles

Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Reprograms Cellular Lipid and Redox Metabolism and Sensitize Radiation Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Cells to Ionizing Radiation

Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Reprograms Cellular Lipid and Redox Metabolism and Sensitize Radiation Resistant Head and Neck Cancer Cells to Ionizing Radiation

Acyl-CoA synthetase 6 controls rod photoreceptor function and survival by shaping the phospholipid composition of retinal membranes

The retina is light-sensitive neuronal tissue in the back of the eye. The phospholipid composition of the retina is unique and highly enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA). While it is generally accepted that a high DHA content is important for vision, surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms of DHA enrichment in the retina. Furthermore, the biological processes controlled by DHA in the eye remain poorly defined as well. Here, we combined genetic manipulations with lipidomic analysis in mice to demonstrate that acyl-CoA synthetase 6 (Acsl6) serves as a regulator of the unique composition of retinal membranes. Inactivation of Acsl6 reduced the levels of DHA-containing phospholipids, led to progressive loss of light-sensitive rod photoreceptor neurons, attenuated the light responses of these cells, and evoked distinct transcriptional response in the retina involving the Srebf1/2 (sterol regulatory element binding transcription factors 1/2) pathway. This study identifies one of the major enzymes responsible for DHA enrichment in the retinal membranes and introduces a model allowing an evaluation of rod functioning and pathology caused by impaired DHA incorporation/retention in the retina.

Effect of Dietary Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acid Supplementation during the Last Month of Gestation on Fatty Acid Metabolism and Oxidative Status in Charolais Cows and Calves.

Fatty acids (FAs) are of utmost importance in the peripartal period for the development of the central nervous and immune systems of the newborn. The transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) through the placenta is considered to be minimal in ruminants. Nevertheless, the cow's FAs are the main source of FAs for the calf during gestation. This research aimed to investigate the influence of low-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during late gestation on the FA metabolism of cows and their calves. A total of 20 Charolais cows during the last month of their gestation were included in the feeding trial and were divided into a control group (CON) and an experimental group (EPA + DHA). The latter received a supplement in the amount of 100 g/day (9.1 and 7.8 g/cow/day of EPA and DHA, respectively). Supplementation of low-dose EPA and DHA alters colostrum and milk fatty acid composition through the elevation of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) without affecting milk fat and protein concentrations and oxidative status. Plasma composition in cows was significantly altered, while the same effect was not detected in calf plasma. No significant change in mRNA expression was detected for the genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA).

Atherogenic features of the fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membranes of patients with fatty liver disease of mixed genesis

Aim of the study was to investigate the features of the fatty acid (FA) profile of erythrocyte membranes of patients with fatty liver disease (FLD) of mixed genesis (metabolic + alcoholic) from the point of view of atherogenic changes.Material and methods. 31 men (50.6 ± 9.9 years old) with FLD of mixed genesis, the degree of liver fibrosis corresponded to 0-1 (FibroScan ® 502 Echosens, France), and 28 persons of the comparison group, comparable in age, were examined. The study of the composition of FAs of erythrocyte membranes was carried out using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry – a system based on three quadrupoles Agilent 7000B (USA).Results. Patients with FLD of mixed genesis had higher level of palmitoleic (p = 0.03), pentadecanoic (p = 0.05), omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatter acids (PUFA) ratio (p = 0.03) and, conversely, lower level of docosahexaenoic (p = 0.0002), total content of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic FA (p = 0.0007), of all omega-3 PUFA (p = 0.001) in the membranes of erythrocytes compared to healthy persons. There are trends towards a decrease in the content of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid and an increase in the ratio of SFA/PUFA in patients with fibroids of mixed genesis in contrast to healthy individuals. The level of individual FA provided high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating patients with FLD of mixed genesis from healthy individuals: palmitoleic (9-C16:1) (area under ROC (AUC) 0.702, sensitivity 66.7 %, specificity 69.6 %), docosahexaenoic (C22:6n-3) (AUC 0.795, sensitivity 77.3 %, specificity 78.3 %), as well as the total content of eicosapentaenoic and docosegexaenoic FA (C20:5n-3 + C22:6n-3) (AUC 0.777, sensitivity 70.1 %, specificity 82.6 %).Conclusions. The revealed features of the profile of erythrocyte membrane FA in FLD of mixed genesis – increase of saturated, monounsaturated, omega-6 PUFA content and reduce of omega-3 PUFA concentration are atherogenic. The continuation of research in terms of the use of FAs as biomarkers of this pathology and targets for therapeutic effects should be considered promising.

Diets with soybean oil and l-carnitine alter lipid metabolism and improve the growth and reproduction of Rhamdia quelen females

This study aimed to evaluate the reproduction, growth, biochemical parameters of blood, hepatic and gonadal redox parameters, hepatic and gonadal histology, and lipid metabolism of silver catfish females (Rhamdia quelen) fed diets containing l-carnitine and different lipid sources. Females were fed for 223 days with eight (08) isoproteic (282 g of digestible protein kg of ration−1) and isoenergetic (13.34 MJ of digestible energy kg of ration−1) diets, containing 0.00, 0.15, 0.45, and 0.75 g l-carnitine kg−1 of feed, and soybean or marine fish oils. Feeding the females diets containing l-carnitine and the different oils resulted in an interactive effect (p < 0.05) that improved the growth and reproduction of the fish. Females fed soybean oil and 0.45 g l-carnitine kg−1 had the highest growth rates, the largest ovaries, and produced the most fertile oocytes, which resulted in the highest hatching rates. These females also showed higher levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and alterations in the levels of alanine aminotransferase in the blood, in addition to greater activity of hepatic superoxide dismutase and a greater amount of saturated fatty acids in the liver. The ovaries of these females also had the highest amount of docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA), highest amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fatty acids from the n-3 and n-6 series, and the lowest crude protein content. The interaction between l-carnitine and the lipid source of the diets promoted hepatic protection and regulated lipid metabolism and the fatty acid profile in the liver and ovaries of silver catfish females. The benefits of these interactions improved the growth and reproduction of females fed diets containing soybean oil and 0.45 g l-carnitine kg−1.

Evaluation of condensed algal residue solubles as an ingredient in cattle finishing diets and the effects on digestibility and fatty acid flow

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of inclusion of condensed algae residue solubles (CARS) in corn-based cattle finishing diets on performance, carcass characteristics, and duodenal concentrations of fatty acids. In Exp. 1, 480 British (pre- dominately Angus) crossbred steers (initial BW = 432 kg; SD = 40 kg) were finished using a 2 × 3 factorial treat- ment arrangement. Treatments were CARS (0, 2.5, 5% of diet DM) displacing dry-rolled corn:high-moisture corn (DRC:HMC) or steam-flaked corn (SFC). In Exp. 2, feed- ing 0, 2.5, or 5% CARS in SFC diets was evaluated for digestibility and fatty acid flow using 6 ruminally can- nulated steers in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin Square design. The main effects of CARS included quadratic responses (P ≤ 0.01) for carcass-ad-justed final BW, ADG, G:F, hot carcass weight, 12th-rib fat, and YG. The main effects of diet indicated SFC di- ets had greater (P ≤ 0.02) G:F, hot carcass weight, and 12th-rib fat compared with DRC:HMC diets. In Exp. 2, inclusion of CARS in the diet did not affect total-tract DM, OM, or NDF digestibility (P ≥ 0.52). Total fatty acid flow at the duodenum was unaffected (P = 0.18) by treat- ment. However, there was a linear increase (P < 0.01) in C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 trans, C18:1 vaccenic acid, and C22:6 omega-3 docosahexaenoic fatty acid flow as CARS inclu- sion increased. Including 2.5% CARS in finishing diets improved G:F and increased n-3 fatty acids at the duodenum.

Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Fetal Fatty Acid Composition in the Iberian Pig.

Simple SummaryThe present study aimed to determine the effects of maternal dietary supplementation combining hydroxytyrosol and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) from day 35 to day 100 of gestation on the fatty acid (FA) composition of the offspring tissues of the Iberian pig. No effects were found in the plasma FA composition of the dams but higher levels of n3-PUFA were found in the plasma and different tissues (muscle, liver, and brain) of the supplemented fetuses. These findings may have important implications for piglets’ health and may offer guidance for achieving human dietary n3-PUFA recommendations.Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a major problem in pig production and different strategies, mainly maternal supplementation with different agents, are currently being studied. The combination of hydroxytyrosol and n3-PUFA seems to be a promising treatment to counteract IUGR, since the combination may help improve n3-PUFA composition and lower the inflammatory status of IUGR piglets. The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of a maternal supplementation, from day 35 to day 100 of pregnancy, with linseed oil and hydroxytyrosol on the fetal FA composition. The results showed higher n3 levels, including eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic FA in the offspring from treated gilts, which showed lower n6-PUFA/n3-PUFA (n6/n3) ratios. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were also affected by treatment, especially in the muscle and brain. Thus, a maternal supplementation with linseed oil and hydroxytyrosol affected the fetal FA tissue composition, which could have implications in pig production due to the improvement of the piglets’ health status.

Optimizing the production of docosahexaenoic fatty acid by Crypthecodinium cohnii and reduction in process cost by using a dark fermentation effluent

Recovery of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from microalgae constitutes a valuable alternative to fish oil, and offers the ability to isolate a single ω-3 FA, instead of a mixture. In the framework of the concept of circular economy and sustainability, in the current work, an alternative carbon source was used as feed for oleaginous microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii cultivation and, consequently, production of the omega-3 FA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The conditions that improve DHA production in a fed-batch culture of C. cohnii, using an organic acid-rich liquid fraction of dark fermented biowaste as feed, were studied and optimized. The process was mathematically approached focusing on a proper Design of Experiments (DoE) method coupled with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The temperature of 23 °C and the use of yeast extract (YE) as initial nitrogen source favored the amount of DHA recovered. In addition, the increase of the volatile FA (VFA) concentration of the feed enhanced the recovered cell biomass. In order to propose a final fermentation protocol with industrial potential and evaluate the annual total cost for the production of DHA, fermentation process was scaled-up and economically evaluated through cost analysis. The increase of bioreactor size from 1 to 20 m3 leads to a significant decrease in the cost of produced DHA while leveling at higher capacities.

Interactions between a polygenic risk score for plasma docosahexaenoic fatty acid concentration, eating behaviour, and body composition in children.

The relationship between eating behaviour and current body weight has been described. However little is known about the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in this relationship. Genetic contribution to a certain condition is derived from a combination of small effects from many genetic variants, and polygenic risk scores (PRS) summarize these effects. A PRS based on a GWAS for plasma docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) has been created, based on SNPs from 9 genes. To analyze the interaction between the PRS for plasma DHA concentration, body composition and eating behaviour (using the Children Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) in childhood. We analyzed a subsample of children from the Maternal, Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) cohort with PRS and measurements of eating behaviour performed at 4 years of age (n = 210), 6 y (n = 177), and body fat determined by bioelectric impedance at 4 y and 6 y or by air displacement plethysmography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 8 y (n = 42 and n = 37). PRS was based on the GWAS from Lemaitre et al. 2011 (p threshold = p < 5*10-6), and a median split created low and high PRS groups (high PRS = higher DHA level). In ALSPAC children, we observed an association between PRS and plasma DHA concentration (β = 0.100, p < 0.01) and proportion (β = 0.107, p < 0.01). In MAVAN, there were interactions between PRS and body fat on pro-intake scores in childhood, in which low PRS and higher body fat were linked to altered behaviour. There were also interactions between PRS and pro-intake scores early in childhood on body fat later in childhood, suggesting that the genetic profile and eating behaviour influence the development of adiposity at later ages. A lower PRS (lower plasma PUFA) can be a risk factor for developing higher body fat associated with non-adaptive eating behaviour in childhood; it is possible that the higher PRS (higher plasma PUFA) is a protective feature.

ADDITION OF &lt;i&gt;Aurantiochytrium&lt;/i&gt; sp. MEAL IN THE DIET AFFECTS IMMUNITY AND THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE OF THE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP

This paper reports the evaluation of digestibility, immunological parameters, and resistance to thermal shock at low temperature in Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets with diferent Aurantiochytrium sp. meal additions (0; 0.5; 1 and 2%). First, the apparent digestibility coefficient of the ingredient was determined. The digestibility of the microalgae meal was high for protein (74.90%); around 60% for lipids, and for docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) it was 55.61%. After, shrimp rearing with the feed additive was carried out in a clear water system, containing 25 shrimp (initial weight: 4.89 ± 0.27 g) per 400 L tank. Feeding occurred four times a day. After a three-week period, immunological parameters were evaluated and thermal shock was performed. Animals fed 0.5% and 2% of the microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp. showed higher survival to thermal shock. In immunological analyses, the serum agglutiniting titer was higher (p &lt;0.05) in the 0.5 and 2% additions of the microalgae meal, and the phenoloxidase activity (PO) was higher in the 1% addition (p &lt;0.05). It is concluded that there is good utilization of the nutrients of Aurantiochytrium sp. meal by L. vannamei and its addition to the diet (0.5 and 1%) increased shrimp resistance to thermal shock.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging Reveals a Gradient of Cancer-like Metabolic States in the Vicinity of Cancer Not Seen in Morphometric Margins from Microscopy.

Spatially resolved ambient mass spectrometry imaging methods have gained popularity to characterize cancer sites and their borders using molecular changes in the lipidome. This utility, however, is predicated on metabolic homogeneity at the border, which would create a sharp molecular transition at the morphometric borders. We subjected murine models of human medulloblastoma brain cancer to mass spectrometry imaging, a technique that provides a direct readout of tissue molecular content in a spatially resolved manner. We discovered a distance-dependent gradient of cancer-like lipid molecule profiles in the brain tissue within 1.2 mm of the cancer border, suggesting that a cancer-like state progresses beyond the histologic border, into the healthy tissue. The results were further corroborated using orthogonal liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of selected tissue regions subjected to laser capture microdissection. LC-MS/MS analysis for robust identification of the affected molecules implied changes in a number of different lipid classes, some of which are metabolized from the essential docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) present in the interstitial fluid. Metabolic molecular borders are thus not as sharp as morphometric borders, and mass spectrometry imaging can reveal molecular nuances not observed with microscopy. Caution must be exercised in interpreting multimodal imaging results stipulated on a coincidental relationship between metabolic and morphometric borders of cancer, at least within animal models used in preclinical research.

Docosahexaenoic fatty acid reduces the pro\u2010inflammatory response induced by IL-1\u03b2 in astrocytes through inhibition of NF-\u03baB and AP-1 transcription factor activation

BackgroundAstrocytes are responsible for a broad range of functions that maintain homeostasis in the brain. However, their response to the pro-inflammatory cytokines released by activated microglia in various neurological pathologies may exacerbate neurodegenerative processes. Accumulating evidence suggests that omega-3 docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) has an anti-inflammatory effect in various cell cultures studies and in a variety of neurological disorders. In this study we examined the mechanism involved in the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory response by DHA in astrocytes treated with IL-1β.Methods and resultsActivation of the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 was measured in IL-1β-treated primary astrocytes incubated with various concentrations of DHA. COX-2 and iNOS protein expression was determined by Western blot, and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion was measured using ELISA-based assays. DHA treatment inhibited translocation of p65NF-κB to the nucleus, significantly lowered p65NF-κB protein level and fluorescence of p65NF-κB in the nucleus, reduced dose-dependently IκB protein phosphorylation, and the binding of the AP-1 transcription factor members (c-Jun/c-Fos) to the specific TPA-response element (TRE) of DNA. In addition, the expression of pro-inflammatory COX-2 and iNOS proteins was downregulated and TNF-α and IL-6 secretion was also reduced.ConclusionsThese results indicate that DHA is a powerful factor that reduces the pro-inflammatory response in astrocytes. Consequently, successful introduction of DHA into the astrocyte membranes can attenuate neuroinflammation, which is a key factor of age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Effects and Safe Inclusion of Narbonne Vetch (Vicia narbonensis) in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Diets: Towards a More Sustainable Aquaculture.

Simple SummaryAquaculture’s sustainability deeply relies on the identification and inclusion of alternative raw materials rather than continuing with the use of finite resources such as fish meal and fish oil. Different alternative raw materials have been tested, with the meal from terrestrial vegetable species being one of the main substitution candidates for fish meal. This study evaluated the effects of the inclusion (at 0%, 10% and 30%) of Narbonne vetch (Vicia narbonensis) meal in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets as a first attempt to evaluate its safety as a suitable alternative raw material. High inclusion (30%) of Narbonne vetch led to a reduced final fish size and weight. This seemed to be due to severe histopathological alterations in the proximal intestine that might alter the capacity of the fish to efficiently use the nutrients supplied by the diet. In contrast, a 10% inclusion did not affect fish growth nor digestive system and/or the nutritional value of the fish fillet. Although further research efforts might be required to increase the utilization of alternative raw materials locally produced like Narbonne vetch, present results show Narbonne vetch might reduce carbon footprint in European aquaculture and the dependency on other alternative raw materials such as soybean (Glycine max) imported from third countries.Aquaculture’s sustainability deeply relies on the identification and inclusion of alternative raw materials. Although meals from insects and/or byproducts from different industries are being recently tested, the meal from terrestrial vegetable species is still the main substitution candidate for fish meal. Here the effects of 0% (Control), 10% (A10) and 30% (A30) inclusion of Narbonne vetch (Vicia narbonensis; ZV-156 strain) meal in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets was assessed in a 63-day feeding trial by means of growth performance, histopathological, nutritional value of the fish fillet and blood biochemistry analyses. A dose-response trial was conducted in triplicate with 25 rainbow trout juveniles (20 g average body weight) per 500 L tank. Narbonne vetch meal decreased total intestine protease activity in vitro (from 26.81% to 48% inhibition), although high temperature partially inhibited the action of antinutritional factors (ANFs). No differences in fish growth performance and no severe histopathological alterations on the proximal intestine were observed between 10% Narbonne vetch inclusion and Control groups. In contrast, high inclusion (30%) of Narbonne vetch led to poor growth performance (30% reduction on final growth) and severe histopathological alterations (e.g., loss of brush border integrity, high number of villi fusion, reduced goblet cells density as well as reduced width of submucosa, muscular and serosa layers). Furthermore, while the A30 diet decreased docosahexaenoic fatty acid (FA) content in fish fillets, the A10 diet improved monounsaturated FA content when compared to that of the Control group. No altered levels of cholesterol, glucose or triglycerides in blood plasma and/or histopathological effects on the liver were observed among fish fed the different experimental diets. Although further research efforts (e.g., identifying potential enzymatic treatments to decrease the action of ANFs from Narbonne vetch meal) might be required, present results show that a low inclusion (10%) of Narbonne vetch in rainbow trout diets is possible. The inclusion of locally produced legumes such a Narbonne vetch might be an interesting approach to reduce carbon footprint in European aquaculture and the dependency on other alternative raw materials such as soybean (Glycine max) imported from third countries.

The protective effect of shrimp cooked in different methods on high-cholesterol- induced fatty liver in rats.

This study examined the impact of different cooking methods on fatty acid (FAs) composition of shrimp meat and the ability of these foods to protect against high cholesterol (HC) diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Shrimp were cooked for 10 min boiled, grilled, or fried in sunflower oil. Rats (n = 6/group) were fed a normal diet (ND)or high-cholesterol diet (HC) each containing boiled, grilled or fried shrimp powder (15% w/w) (NDBS, NDFS, NDGS for ND or HCBS, HCFS, HCDGS for HC diet). Frying alone significantly reduced total levels of saturated FAs (SFA) and increased total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs (MSFA, and PUFAs, respectively) in shrimp meat. It also increased levels of n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid (LA) and decreased levels of n-3 PUFAs including eicosapentaenoic FAs (EPA) and docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA). When fed to HC rats, only diets containing the grilled and boiled shrimp powders significantly prevented the weight loss, lowered fasting and glucose levels, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and prevented the increase in serum liver markers, ALT and AST. They also reduced hepatic fat accumulation, reduced serum levels and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), reduced hepatic levels of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6, and increased those of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). No alterations in all these parameters were observed in HC-fed rats which fed fried shrimp. In conclusion, boiling and grilling but not frying are the best method to cook shrimp to preserve their fatty acid content and its nutritional value in ameliorating NAFLD.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Serum Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Exploratory Analysis of the Sex-Specific Effects and Dietary Modulation in Mediterranean Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

Many early studies presented beneficial effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardiovascular risk factors and disease. However, results from recent meta-analyses indicate that this effect would be very low or nil. One of the factors that may contribute to the inconsistency of the results is that, in most studies, genetic factors have not been taken into consideration. It is known that fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster in chromosome 11 is a very important determinant of plasma PUFA, and that the prevalence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) varies greatly between populations and may constitute a bias in meta-analyses. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been carried out in other populations and none of them have investigated sex and Mediterranean dietary pattern interactions at the genome-wide level. Our aims were to undertake a GWAS to discover the genes most associated with serum PUFA concentrations (omega-3, omega-6, and some fatty acids) in a scarcely studied Mediterranean population with metabolic syndrome, and to explore sex and adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) interactions at the genome-wide level. Serum PUFA were determined by NMR spectroscopy. We found strong robust associations between various SNPs in the FADS cluster and omega-3 concentrations (top-ranked in the adjusted model: FADS1-rs174547, p = 3.34 × 10−14; FADS1-rs174550, p = 5.35 × 10−14; FADS2-rs1535, p = 5.85 × 10−14; FADS1-rs174546, p = 6.72 × 10−14; FADS2-rs174546, p = 9.75 × 10−14; FADS2-rs174576, p = 1.17 × 10−13; FADS2-rs174577, p = 1.12 × 10−12, among others). We also detected a genome-wide significant association with other genes in chromosome 11: MYRF (myelin regulatory factor)-rs174535, p = 1.49 × 10−12; TMEM258 (transmembrane protein 258)-rs102275, p = 2.43 × 10−12; FEN1 (flap structure-specific endonuclease 1)-rs174538, p = 1.96 × 10−11). Similar genome-wide statistically significant results were found for docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA). However, no such associations were detected for omega-6 PUFAs or linoleic acid (LA). For total PUFA, we observed a consistent gene*sex interaction with the DNTTIP2 (deoxynucleotidyl transferase terminal interacting protein 2)-rs3747965 p = 1.36 × 10−8. For adherence to MedDiet, we obtained a relevant interaction with the ME1 (malic enzyme 1) gene (a gene strongly regulated by fat) in determining serum omega-3. The top-ranked SNP for this interaction was ME1-rs3798890 (p = 2.15 × 10−7). In the regional-wide association study, specifically focused on the FADS1/FASD2/FADS3 and ELOVL (fatty acid elongase) 2/ELOVL 5 regions, we detected several statistically significant associations at p < 0.05. In conclusion, our results confirm a robust role of the FADS cluster on serum PUFA in this population, but the associations vary depending on the PUFA. Moreover, the detection of some sex and diet interactions underlines the need for these associations/interactions to be studied in all specific populations so as to better understand the complex metabolism of PUFA.

Optimization of the production of docosahexaenoic fatty acid by the heterotrophic microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii utilizing a dark fermentation effluent

Dark fermentation is an anaerobic digestion process of biowaste, used to produce hydrogen as a fuel, which however releases high amounts of polluting volatile fatty acids in the environment. In order for the process to become more competitive, the acids stream can be utilized through conversion to high added-value docosahexaenoic acid by the microalga Crypthecodinium cohnii. Docosahexaenoic acid is one of the two main omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for human nutrition. The purpose of this work was to optimize the production of omega-3 fatty acids by the cells, utilizing the organic content of a dark fermentation effluent. For that purpose, the effect of different fermentation conditions was examined, such as incubation temperature, nitrogen source and concentration, the addition of chemical modulators, as well as the feeding composition. The volatile fatty acid content of the effluent was totally depleted in a fed-batch culture of the microalga, while the cells accumulated DHA in a percentage of 35.6% of total lipids, when fed with yeast extract or 34.2% when fed with ammonium sulfate. Taking into consideration the economic feasibility of the culture conditions proposed it was concluded that the use of yeast extract could be substituted by the much economic ammonium sulfate.

Effects of dietary fatty acids on the reproduction of South American female catfish Rhamdia quelen (Quoy &amp; Gaimard, 1824)

The effects of a diet supplemented with 5% marine fish oil, 5% refined palm oil, 5% soybean oil, and a combination of the three on reproductive parameters of females Rhamdia quelen was investigated. Spawning was artificially induced to evaluate rates of fertilization, hatching and larvae normality. Fatty acid profiles of the diets, ovaries and oocytes were determined. A higher spawning rate (%) was observed for diets containing fish oil (78.65 ± 3.60) and palm oil (77.15 ± 3.97), followed by oil mix (65.46 ± 4.57). The diet containing soybean oil was associated with significantly lower fertilization (60.14 ± 5.66; P 0.05) were observed for all tested diets, whit 289.77 ± 23.90 (palm oil) until 323.31 ± 38.45 oocytes g -1 body weight (fish oil). The treatments were not shown to influence oocyte size, larval size or rate of larva deformity. Oocyte fatty acid composition was like that of gonads. Docosahexaenoic (DHA; C22:6 n-3) fatty acid was preferentially deposited in ovaries and oocytes. Ratios of n3/n6, DHA/EPA, EPA/ARA, did not affect the reproductive performance of females. Therefore, regarding female reproductive performance, the vegetable lipid sources tested are suitable for being used in R. quelen diet, and palm oil, in particular, is considered an excellent alternative to fish oil.

Maternal Omega-3 Nutrition, Placental Transfer and Fetal Brain Development in Gestational Diabetes and Preeclampsia.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA), are widely recognized to impact fetal and infant neurodevelopment. The impact of DHA on brain development, and its inefficient synthesis from the essential alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has led to recommended DHA intakes of 250–375 mg eicosapentaenoic acid + DHA/day for pregnant and lactating women by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Despite these recommendations, the intake of omega-3s in women of child-bearing age in the US remains very low. The low maternal status of DHA prior to pregnancy could impair fetal neurodevelopment. This review focuses on maternal omega-3 status in conditions of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia, and the subsequent impact on placental transfer and cord blood concentration of omega-3s. Both GDM and preeclampsia are associated with altered maternal omega-3 status, altered placental omega-3 metabolism, reduced cord blood omega-3 levels and have an impact on neurodevelopment in the infant and on brain health later in life. These findings indicate lower DHA exposure of the developing baby may be driven by lower placental transfer in both conditions. Thus, determining approaches which facilitate increased delivery of DHA during pregnancy and early development might positively impact brain development in infants born to mothers with these diseases.

A novel polymorphism in the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (Fads2): A possible role in the basal metabolic rate.

Fatty acyl composition of cell membrane lipids, particularly the abundance of highly unsaturated docosahexaenoic fatty acid (22:6n-3, DHA), is likely to be an important predictor of basal metabolic rate (BMR). Our study was performed using two lines of laboratory mice divergently selected for either high or low BMR. We describe a novel single nucleotide polymorphism in the Fads2 gene encoding Δ6-desaturase, a key enzyme in the metabolic pathways of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The allele frequencies of Fads2 were significantly different in both lines of mice. The analysis of genetic distances revealed that the genetic differentiation between the two studied lines developed significantly faster at the Fads2 locus than it did at neutral loci. Such a pattern suggests that the Fads2 polymorphism is related to the variation in BMR, i.e. the direct target of selection. The Fads2 polymorphism significantly affected abundance of several PUFAs; however, the differences in PUFA composition between lines were compatible with the difference in frequency of Fads2 alleles only for DHA. We hypothesize that the polymorphism in the Fads2 gene affects the BMR through modification of DHA abundance in cell membranes. This may be the first example of a significant link between a polymorphism in a gene responsible for fatty acyl composition and variation in BMR.

Maternal Supplementation With Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Pulp and Oil Alters Reflex Maturation, Physical Development, and Offspring Memory in Rats.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is an oleaginous fruit source of fatty acids with high levels of neuroprotective phytocomplexes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of reflex and somatic maturation, fatty acid profiles in the brain, and memory in different stages of life in the offspring of dams supplemented with avocado pulp and oil during gestation and lactation. The dams were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15 pups/group), and recieved by gavage supplementation: control group (CG)–distilled water; Avocado Oil (AO)−3,000 mg avocado oil/kg animal weight, and Avocado Pulp (AP)−3,000 mg avocado pulp/kg animal weight. We performed the following tests: Analysis of Somatic Development and Ontogeny of Postnatal Reflex (T0 to T21), the Open Field Habituation Test and the Object Recognition Test (ORT) in the adolescent (T45) and adult (T90) phases. The cerebral fatty acids content was evaluated at times T0, T21, T45, and T90. The results were analyzed using the statistical program GraphPad Prism and significant statistics were considered when p < 0.05. Acceleration of reflex maturation and reflex ontogeny was observed in the offspring of AO and AP fed dams, with the results being more pronounced in the pulp fed group (p < 0.05). All groups presented a decrease in the ambulation parameter in the second exposure to the Open Field Habituation Test, at T45 and T90 (p < 0.05). In the ORT, the AO and AP offspring presented memory improvements in the short and long term in the adult and adolescent phases (p < 0.05). The results of the brain fatty acid profiles presented higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content in the AO and AP groups at T21, T45, and T90. The docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) content was higher at T21 (AO and AP), at T45 (AO and AP), and at T90 (AP) (p < 0.05). The arachidonic acid (ARA) content was higher at T45 (AO and AP), and at T90 (AO) (p < 0.05). Maternal supplementation with avocado oil and pulp anticipates reflex maturation and somatic postnatal development, and improves memory during the adolescent and adult phases.