Eicosapentaenoic Acid Content Research Articles

Integrated transcriptome and metabolome study reveal the therapeutic effects of nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) have received considerable attention as anti-aging and anti-metabolic disease nutraceuticals. However, few studies have focused on their role in ameliorating hepatic metabolic disturbances. In the present study, the effects of NMN and NR on the liver of mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were investigated via transcriptome and metabolome analyses. NMN and NR reduced body weight gain, improved glucose homeostasis, regulated plasma lipid levels, and ameliorated liver injury, oxidative stress, and lipid accumulation in mice with HFD-induced NAFLD. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses indicated that NMN and NR altered the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism pathways, increased saturated fatty acid (palmitic acid, stearate, and arachidic acid) content, and increased polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) content. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that NMN and NR primarily promoted arachidonic acid and linoleic acid catabolism via cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This study established a theoretical foundation for the potential use of NMN and NR in future clinical settings.

Daily Consumption of α-Linolenic Acid Increases Conversion Efficiency to Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Mice

To maintain a beneficial concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the efficient conversion of its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LA), is important. Here, we studied the conversion of α-LA to EPA using ICR and C57BL/6 mice. A single dose of perilla oil rich-in α-LA or free α-LA had not been converted to EPA 18 h following administration. The α-LA was absorbed into the circulation, and its concentration peaked 6 h after administration, after which it rapidly decreased. In contrast, EPA administration was followed by an increase in circulating EPA concentration, but this did not decrease between 6 and 18 h, indicating that the clearance of EPA is slower than that of α-LA. After ≥1 week perilla oil intake, the circulating EPA concentration was >20 times higher than that of the control group which consumed olive oil, indicating that daily consumption, but not a single dose, of α-LA-rich oil might help preserve the physiologic EPA concentration. The consumption of high concentrations of perilla oil for 4 weeks also increased the hepatic expression of Elovl5, which is involved in fatty acid elongation; however, further studies are needed to characterize the relationship between the expression of this gene and the conversion of α-LA to EPA.

Bio-imprinted lipase-catalyzed production of medium- and long-chain structured lipids rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by acidolysis

Medium- and long-chain structured lipids (MLSLs) rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were synthesized by acidolysis of fish oil (Omax 1812, a mixture of sardine and anchovy oils) with caprylic acid (CA) using a lipase bio-imprinted with fatty acids as a catalyst. A bio-imprinted lipase for the acidolysis reaction was first prepared under optimal conditions, and its activity was 1.43 times higher than that of the non-bioimprinted. The bio-imprinted lipase was used as a catalyst to produce such MLSLs, and the reaction conditions were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, equilibrium was achieved in 8 hr, and the total and the sn-1, 3 CA contents in the obtained product were 28.72% and 42.26%. Additionally, the total and the sn-2 DHA contents were 14.23% and 21.10%, respectively, and the total and the sn-2 EPA contents were 16.43% and 10.14%, respectively. These obtained MLSLs, rich in sn-1, 3 CA, and sn-2 DHA, EPA can deliver significant health benefits.

Heterologous phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase channels eicosapentaenoic acid to triacylglycerol in Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a well-studied oleaginous model diatom with high triacylglycerol (TAG) and omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents, however, only a small portion of EPA is transferred from the polar lipids to TAG through phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT). In this study, a Nannochloropsis oceanica PDAT (NoPDAT) was heterologously expressed in P. tricornutum to increase the EPA content in TAG. NoPDAT heterologous expression slightly disturbed the growth of the transgenic lines, but enhanced the TAG content by 16–18 %. Considering the localization of NoPDAT in P. tricornutum after heterologous expression together with our lipidomic results, NoPDAT is more likely to utilize phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine on the chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum membrane as the acyl donors. Especially, NoPDAT transferred the EPA acyl moiety from the sn-2 position of the two above-mentioned phospholipids to the sn-3 position of TAG, resulting in the increase of two major EPA-containing TAG molecules (16:1/16:0/20:5 and 16:1/16:1/20:5). Correspondingly, two major 16:0-containing TAG molecules (16,0/16:1/16:1 and 16:0/16:0/16:1) decreased in the transgenic strains. In conclusion, our attempt to express NoPDAT in P. tricornutum increases the EPA content in TAG by approximately one-fold, and demonstrates the versatility of diatom lipid metabolism and acyl editing.

Supplemental effects of coated fish oil enriched in docosahexaenoic acid on the performance, blood lipid profile and meat fatty acid profile in finishing pigs

This study examined the effects of coated fish oil enriched in docosahexaenoic acid (CFO-DHA) on the growth performance of finishing pigs, their blood profile, and their meat quality. In total 200 crossbred finishing pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)] during the 10-week trial period with an initial average body weight (BW) of 53.59 ± 0.02 kg were assigned to one of four dietary treatments with ten replicate pens containing five pigs per pen (2 barrows and 3 gilts). Dietary treatments included CON, basal diets; TRT1, CON + 0.5 g/kg CFO-DHA; TRT2, CON + 1.0 g/kg CFO-DHA; TRT3, CON + 2.0 g/kg CFO-DHA. A linear increase in average daily gain (ADG) (P=0.039) was observed for experimental period of week 6–10 in pigs receiving a diet supplemented with a graded level of CFO-DHA. Increasing the dose of CFO-DHA in pigs’ diet linearly (P<0.001) increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and ω−3 concentrations in loin meat samples. In addition, ω−3 (P<0.001), and EPA (P=0.012) concentrations also showed quadratic response as the levels of supplemented CFO-DHA increased in the diet. Increasing dietary CFO-DHA also elicited a linear increase in DHA, and linear and quadratic responses in omega-3 levels in belly fat. In short, CFO-DHA supplementation partially increased ADG during week 10 and increased DHA and ω−3 in loin and belly fat whereas EPA was increased only in loin muscle.

Lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis of the increase in eicosapentaenoic acid under cobalamin deficiency of Schizochytrium sp.

Schizochytrium sp. is a heterotrophic microorganism capable of accumulating polyunsaturated fatty acids and has achieved industrial production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also has the potential for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) production. In this study, it was found that the cell growth, lipid synthesis and fatty acid composition of Schizochytrium sp. were significantly affected by the level of cobalamin in the medium, especially with regard to the content of EPA in the fatty acids. The content of EPA in the fatty acids increased 17.91 times, reaching 12.00%, but cell growth and lipid synthesis were significantly inhibited under cobalamin deficiency. The response mechanism for this phenomenon was revealed through combined lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis. Although cell growth was inhibited under cobalamin deficiency, the genes encoding key enzymes in central carbon metabolism were still up-regulated to provide precursors (Acetyl-CoA) and reducing power (NADPH) for the synthesis and accumulation of fatty acids. Moreover, the main lipid subclasses observed during cobalamin deficiency were glycerolipids (including glycerophospholipids), with EPA primarily distributed in them. The genes involved in the biosynthesis of these lipid subclasses were significantly up-regulated, such as the key enzymes in the Kennedy pathway for the synthesis of triglycerides. Thus, this study provided insights into the specific response of Schizochytrium sp. to cobalamin deficiency and identified a subset of new genes that can be engineered for modification.

Sex, Body Mass Index, and APOE4 Increase Plasma Phospholipid–Eicosapentaenoic Acid Response During an ω-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation: A Secondary Analysis

BackgroundThe brain is concentrated with omega (ω)-3 (n–3) fatty acids (FAs), and these FAs must come from the plasma pool. The 2 main ω-3 FAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), must be in the form of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) or esterified within phospholipids (PLs) to reach the brain. We hypothesized that the plasma concentrations of these ω-3 FAs can be modulated by sex, body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), age, and the presence of the apolipoprotein (APO) E-ε4 allele in response to the supplementation. ObjectivesThis secondary analysis aimed to determine the concentration of EPA and DHA within plasma PL and in the NEFA form after an ω-3 FA or a placebo supplementation and to investigate whether the factors change the response to the supplement. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to either an ω-3 FA supplement (DHA 0.8 g and EPA 1.7 g daily) or to a placebo for 6 mo. FAs from fasting plasma samples were extracted and subsequently separated into PLs with esterified FAs and NEFAs using solid-phase extraction. DHA and EPA concentrations in plasma PLs and as NEFAs were quantified using gas chromatography. ResultsEPA and DHA concentrations in the NEFA pool significantly increased by 31%−71% and 42%−82%, respectively, after 1 and 6 mo of ω-3 FA supplementation. No factors influenced plasma DHA and EPA responses in the NEFA pool. In the plasma PL pool, DHA increased by 83%−109% and EPA by 387%−463% after 1 and 6 mo of ω-3 FA supplementation. APOE4 carriers, females, and individuals with a BMI of ≤25 had higher EPA concentrations than noncarriers, males, and those with a BMI of >25, respectively. ConclusionsThe concentration of EPA in plasma PLs are modulated by APOE4, sex, and BMI. These factors should be considered when designing clinical trials involving ω-3 FA supplementation.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01625195.

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Hemp Seeds Alone or with Dried Fruit Pomace on Laying Hens' Performance and on Lipid Composition and Oxidation Status of Egg Yolks.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of introducing hemp seeds, as a source of PUFAs, into a standard diet with or without dried fruit pomace (dried blackcurrant (DB) or dried rosehip (DR)), as a source of natural antioxidants, on the laying performance of hens and the FA profile, cholesterol level, antioxidant content, and lipid oxidative status in the yolks of fresh eggs or eggs stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The experiment used 128 Tetra SL hens at 35 weeks of age, which were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: a standard corn-wheat-soybean meal diet (C), standard diet containing 8% ground hemp seed (H), hemp seed diet containing 3% dried blackcurrant pomace (HB), and hemp seed diet containing 3% dried rosehip pomace (HR). The laying rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight, and yolk weight were improved by the use of hemp seeds. The yolks of the H, HB, and HR eggs had a lower cholesterol (p ˂ 0.01) and SFA content, while the concentration of total and individual PUFAs (n-6 and n-3 FAs) was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.01) compared to C. In addition, the introduction of hemp seeds into the diets alone or with dried fruit pomace (DB or DR) led to increased (p ˂ 0.001) content of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and hypo-/hypercholesterolemic FA ratio and decreased arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) content, n-6/n-3 ratio, and thrombogenicity index (TI) compared to the control eggs. The introduction of dried fruit pomace (DB or DR) into the diets had no effect on the laying performance of the hens or the cholesterol content and FA profile of the egg yolks, compared to the diet supplemented only with hemp seeds. The dried fruit pomace improved the color, accumulation of antioxidants, and oxidative stability of fats in the yolks of the fresh eggs and eggs stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The DR was found to have the most desirable effects, producing the most intense color of egg yolks, the highest content of natural antioxidants, and the best oxidative stability of yolk lipids.

The Maternal Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Concentration in Early Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopment: The ECLIPSES Study.

Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) play a key role in early neurodevelopment, but evidence from observational and clinical studies remains inconsistent. This study investigates the association between maternal n-3 LCPUFA, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations during pregnancy and infant development functioning at 40 days. This study includes 348 mother-infant pairs. Maternal serum concentrations were assessed in the first and third trimesters alongside sociodemographic, clinical, nutritional, psychological, and obstetrical data. At 40 days, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) was administered. An adjusted analysis revealed that lower first-trimester n-3 LCPUFA and DHA concentrations are associated with better infant motor development. These results underscore the potential significance of the maternal n-3 LCPUFA status in early pregnancy for influencing fetal neurodevelopment. However, the complexity of these associations necessitates further investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for additional studies to comprehensively elucidate the nuanced interplay between the maternal n-3 LCPUFA status and infant neurodevelopment.

Live feed enrichments using microalgae for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval culture

AbstractThis trial aimed to customize pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval nutrition using live feed enrichments based on Chlorella vulgaris and Trachydiscus minutus. Pikeperch larvae were fed with rotifers and Artemia enriched with C. vulgaris and T. minutus during the first 17 days after exogenous feeding (started 4 days post‐hatching [dph]) and only Artemia until 20 dph. Larvae were exposed to seven different enrichments: (a) Nannochloropsis occulata (Nanno 3600 reed Mariculture) (Control), (b) C. vulgaris cultured at 20°C in BG‐117 medium (BG20), (c) C. vulgaris cultured at 30°C in BG‐117 medium (BG30), (d) T. minutus cultured at 15°C (T15), (e) T. minutus cultured at 25°C (T25), (f) C. vulgaris cultured at 20°C in urea medium (U20), and (g) C. vulgaris cultured at 30°C in urea medium (U30). After 20 days, no significant differences were found between treatments on total length, standard length, myomere height, and eye diameter. On the contrary, significant differences were found in larval fatty acid composition after the trial period. Larvae from the BG30 treatment showed a significantly higher concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (5.61%), and larvae from the T25 treatment had a higher concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid 12.95%. Furthermore, larvae from the U20 treatment had a significantly higher arachidonic acid concentration of 0.116%. Overall, regarding essential fatty acid concentration, a significant difference was observed between the control treatment (Nannochloropsis) and the other treatments. No adverse effects were found on growth or survival when Nannochloropsis‐enriched live feed was replaced with the other enrichments. This trial's results will help optimize the pikeperch larvae's nutritional requirements and diversify the live feed enrichments used during the first feeding.

Culture system impact on fatty acids and amino acids accumulation in tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes)

Tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) is considered to be the most nutritionally valuable aquaculture species due to its high protein and collagen content. In this study, the fatty acids and amino acids (AAs) of the muscle and skin of tiger pufferfish reared in an offshore sea cage aquaculture system (OSCS) and a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were examined to illustrate the possible differences between the two systems. Results showed that the saturated fatty acid (SFA), arachidonic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of tiger pufferfish reared in the OSCS were significantly higher than those of pufferfish reared in the RAS. Meanwhile, the contents of C14:0, C16:1n-7, C18:1, and C18:2 were significantly higher in the muscle of male pufferfish than in females. The fatty acid content in the skin of tiger pufferfish manifested similar results in the muscle, and pufferfish raised in the OSCS obtained higher values of SFA, PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid than did pufferfish reared in the RAS. The docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid content in the skin of male pufferfish were significantly higher than those of females reared in the RAS, whereas there was no significant difference between male and female fish reared in the OSCS. Essential amino acid (EAA), non-essential amino acid (NEAA), and flavor amino acid (FAA) content in the muscle and skin of pufferfish reared in the OSCS were significantly higher than those of fish reared in the RAS. However, EAA content in the muscle and skin of pufferfish reared in the two aquaculture systems showed no significant difference. EAA, NEAA, and FAA content in the muscle and skin of male tiger pufferfish were higher than those of female pufferfish reared in the RAS, whereas no significant difference was observed in male and female pufferfish reared in the OSCS. The interaction effects of gender and rearing system on fatty acid and AAs content in the muscle and skin of tiger pufferfish were observed. In conclusion, the accumulation of fatty acids and AAs in OSCS-raised tiger pufferfish was higher than that in RAS-raised fishes, and male tiger pufferfish had a significant advantage. These findings provide the basic data and will be helpful in developing new strategies for enhancing the flesh quality of tiger pufferfish through the combined land-sea (RAS-OSCS) relay model in captivity.

Prognostic Significance of Sarcopenia and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Levels in Patients With Unresectable Pancreatic or Biliary Tract Cancer.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prechemotherapy blood eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels, sarcopenia, and overall survival in patients with pancreatic and biliary tract cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Forty-five patients with recurrent, non-resected pancreatic or biliary tract cancer undergoing chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The skeletal muscle mass was measured at the third lumbar vertebra. Sarcopenia cut-off values were based on the Japanese Society of Hepatology sarcopenia assessment criteria. Two months after starting chemotherapy, the patients received enteral nutrition containing omega-3 fatty acids. Patients with pancreatic and biliary tract cancers with low pre-treatment blood EPA levels had significantly more intense sarcopenia than those with high EPA levels (p=0.023). Patients with sarcopenia before chemotherapy had significantly lower overall survival than those without sarcopenia. Multivariate analysis revealed blood EPA concentration as an independent prognostic factor (p<0.01). Lumbar muscle volume, a marker of sarcopenia, showed a clear positive correlation with prechemotherapy EPA concentration (p=0.008). In patients administered with enteral nutrition containing omega-3 fatty acids, both EPA concentration and lumbar muscle volume were significantly higher than those prior to intervention, indicating sarcopenia improvement due to the intervention. In patients with recurrent non-resected pancreatic and biliary tract cancer, low blood EPA levels before chemotherapy are associated with sarcopenia and poor prognosis.

Evaluation of enriched freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus as first feed on growth performance, nutrient availability and fatty acid composition of Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) larvae

Climbing perch, A. testudineus (Bloch, 1792), is a widely consumed fish in Asian nations due to its high nutritional value and delicate meat. The main obstacles to the spread of its cultural practises are a scarcity of high-quality seed and larval rearing due to the low survival rates in the initial stages of larval development. The key to improving the seed production of this species may lie in strategies to improve larval survival in the early stages. As a result, the goal of current study was to evaluate the impact of vitamin C, selenium, and highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) enriched Brachionus calyciflorus on the development, nutrient availability, and fatty acid profile of climbing perch larvae. A total of 180 numbers of 3 days post-hatch (dph) larvae (0.021 ± 0.001 mg) were uniformly distributed among five treatments in triplicates. The larvae were fed thrice a day for 15 days with selenium (D1), vitamin-C (D2), HUFA (D3) and combination of selenium-vitamin C- HUFA enriched (D4) and non-enriched rotifer (C). The proximate analysis of various enriched and unenriched B. calyciflorus groups revealed that the vitamin C and HUFA-enriched treatment groups, respectively, had the highest percentages of crude protein (7.50%) and crude lipid (2.51%). Whereas, larvae fed a combination of selenium-vitamin C- HUFA enriched (D4) rotifer showed the highest percentages of crude protein (12.40%) and crude lipid (1.81%). The findings of the fatty acid analysis demonstrate that feeding Se-VC-HUFA enriched B. calyciflorus to larvae resulted in significantly greater concentrations of Eicosapentaenoic acid (9.38%) and Docosahexaenoic acid (11.05%) that are 3.07 and 7.67 times higher, respectively, than feeding unenriched B. calyciflorus to larvae. The highest DHA/EPA ratio (1.18) was also observed with larvae fed Se-VC-HUFA enriched B. calyciflorus. The survivorship analysis revealed that the D4 treatment group fed a combination of Se-VC-HUFA-enriched B. calyciflorus had the highest survival (37.41%) and the lowest (18.70%) observed in the control group. The highest average body weight gain and increased growth (30.79 ± 1.11 mg) were seen in the fishes given the rotifer supplemented with D4 group, which performed substantially better than the other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Weight-specific growth rate (W-SGR) and Length-specific growth rate (L-SGR) of the fish exhibited similar trends across all treatment groups, whereas significantly (P < 0.05) lowest condition factor was observed in D4 (2.63 ± 0.01) and highest in control group (3.21 ± 0.01). The results showed that larvae fed with enriched rotifer had significantly higher (P < 0.05) growth, nutrient availability, and fatty acid profile compared to un-enriched rotifer. The ideal first food for A. testudineus larval growth and survival must be a combination of Se-VC-HUFA enriched B. calyciflorus.

Engineering whiting events in culture: A microalgae-driven calcium carbonate and biomass production process at high pH and alkalinity with the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1

The impact of whiting events on global inorganic carbon cycle and climate change is debatable at the current ocean pH. This work engineered whiting events in a high pH, high alkalinity microalgal culture for carbon dioxide capture and storage. When growing the marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1 in photobioreactors, culture alkalinity more than doubled, increasing from 72.5 mg L-1 to a maximum level of 159.6 mg L-1. At the same time, culture pH increased from 7.9 to 10.1 with concomitant calcium carbonate production. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the precipitated calcium carbonate was primarily monohydrocalcite. The lab culture was scaled up to a 340-L bioreactor, in which Nannochloropsis ash-free dry weight productivities ranged from 25.1 to 51.4 g m-2 d-1 and a maximum monohydrocalcite productivity of 133.4 g m2 d-1 was recorded. In this system, Nannochloropsis biomass contained about 23.9 % lipids and the eicosapentaenoic acid content was about 1.8 %. Together, these results suggest the microalgae-driven calcium carbonate and biomass production process efficiently captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide in the form of calcium carbonate while producing valuable bioproducts. Study of the bacterial communities associated with the Nannochloropsis culture identified four dominant species Maricaulis maris, Marinisubtilis pacificus, Gracilimonas sp., and an uncultured bacterium in the OD1 phylum with interesting features that warrant further investigation.

Between family variation in EPA and DHA storage among Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed a fish oil-free diet

Biosynthesis and storage of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is under dietary and genetic control in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Enhanced EPA and DHA biosynthesis and storage may improve utilization, and thus reduce marine forage fish oil use in aquafeeds. To determine phenotypic variability in EPA and DHA tissue content and growth performance, 50 families (n = 30 salmon/family, 48 g/fish initial weight) of Atlantic salmon (Saint John River strain) were reared in freshwater and fed either a fish oil (FO) control diet or FO-free diet. After 16 weeks, body size was recorded. Salmon fed the FO-free diet overall showed significantly lower growth performance compared to salmon fed the FO control diet, regardless of family. To determine the relationship between growth and FA content, the five families with the highest and the five families with the lowest weight gain were sampled for tissue and liver FA analysis. There was a significant interaction between growth and diet. The family x diet interaction was significant for final weight, final length, weight gain, growth rate and feed conversion ratio. Among the five fastest growing families, there was a significant family effect for EPA and DHA storage in the liver but not for muscle. Among the five slowest growing families, by comparison salmon had similar liver DHA and EPA content, independent of diet treatment. Family and diet were interacting factors that determine EPA and DHA storage in liver. Certain fast-growing families also had significantly higher DHA content in liver and muscle. This study demonstrates the potential for selecting families that can better utilize a diet without marine forage fish oil.

APOEε4 genotype and DHA and EPA supplementation on the outcomes of cognitive decline: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation has been used to improve cognitive outcomes in diseases associated with cognition. However, the influence of APOEε4 genotype on these relationships remains unclear. Therefore, this systematic review aims to discuss the evidence regarding the effects of DHA and EPA supplementation on cognitive decline variables and relate them to APOEε4 genotype in middle-aged and older adults. The Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Bireme/Lilacs databases were searched for studies, retrieving 1863 articles. After the step selection, two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of EPA and DHA supplementation on cognitive variables were included. All the methodological steps were performed by two raters. The results of the RCTs were not congruent, as the non-carriers in the APOEε4 supplemented group performed worse in the quick-choice reaction time cognitive domain, whereas the carriers improved in the reasoning domain. The increase in DHA concentration in the supplemented group was lower in APOEε4 carriers than in individuals with other genotypes. Additionally, a smaller decline in right hippocampal brain volume correlated with higher EPA concentrations after supplementation in APOEε4 non-carriers. The dosage and supplementation time (18 months) were similar between studies. In conclusion, DHA and EPA supplementation showed no pragmatic effects on cognitive variables when considering the presence of the APOEε4 allele.

Higher Plasma Omega-3 Levels are Associated With Improved Exacerbation Risk and Respiratory-Specific Quality of Life in COPD.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with systemic anti-inflammatory responses. Dietary intake of omega-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has also been associated with lower COPD morbidity using self-report food frequency questionnaires. To investigate the relationship between measured PUFA intake using plasma EPA+DHA levels and COPD morbidity. Former smokers with moderate-severe COPD living in low-income communities were enrolled in a 6-month prospective cohort study. Participants completed standardized questionnaires, spirometry, and plasma samples at 3-month intervals. Total plasma PUFAs were analyzed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry for DHA and EPA concentrations. Linear or logistic mixed model regression was used to evaluate EPA+DHA's and COPD morbidity's association, accounting for demographics, lung function, pack years, comorbidities, and neighborhood poverty. 133 plasma EPA+DHA samples from 57 participants were available. Participants exhibited average plasma EPA and DHA levels of 14.7±7.3 µg/mL and 40.2±17.2 µg/mL, respectively, across the three clinic visits. Each standard deviation increase in EPA+DHA levels was associated with 2.7 points lower SGRQ score (95% CI -5.2, -0.2) and lower odds of moderate exacerbation (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2, 0.9) but lacked significant association with CAT score (95% CI -2.4, 0.8), mMRC (95% CI -02, 0.2), or severe exacerbations (95% CI 0.3, 1.4). Plasma EPA+DHA levels are associated with better respiratory-specific quality of life and lower odds of moderate exacerbations in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Further research is warranted to investigate the efficacy of an omega-3 dietary intervention in the management of COPD morbidities.

Comparison of the Fatty Acid Composition in Phospholipid Species from Korean Human Milk.

In this study, the phospholipid species [i.e., phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM)] in human milk (HM) were compared according to their fatty acid (FA) composition. 34 HM samples were collected and classified into three groups (A < B < C) according to their fat content. Stearic acid (C18:0) was the main FA in PE, PC, and SM. The highest concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) were observed in PE, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was predominant in SM. Although PC exhibited the highest total saturated FAs (SFAs) and PE contained the highest unsaturated FAs (UFAs), very long-chain SFAs and monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) were preferentially distributed in SM. PC and SM had higher saturation compared to PE. Regarding the effect of the fat content of HM on the FA composition of the phospholipid species, a limited influence was observed on the composition of SFAs and MUFAs of PE, SM, and particularly PC. However, a more pronounced effect on the composition of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) in phospholipids was observed, especially for linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, and DHA, indicating that the composition of FAs in the phospholipid species was probably affected by the maternal diet.

Liver X receptor agonist upregulates LPCAT3 in human aortic endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis. Recently, EC lipid metabolism has emerged as a regulator of EC function. The liver X receptors (LXRs) are involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and have been identified as a potential target in cardiovascular disease. We aimed to decipher the role of LXRs in the regulation of lipid metabolism in human aortic endothelial cells. Lipid composition analysis of endothelial cells treated with the LXR agonist T0901317 revealed that LXR activation increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and decreased the proportion of saturated fatty acids. The LXR agonist decreased the uptake of fatty acids (FAs) by ECs. This effect was abolished by LXRα silencing. LXR activation increased the activity and the expression of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase, LPCAT3, which is involved in the turnover of FAs at the sn-2 position of phospholipids. Transcriptomic analysis also revealed that LXRs increased the expression of key genes involved in the synthesis of PUFAs, including FA desaturase one and 2, FA elongase 5 and fatty acid synthase. Subsequently, the LXR agonist increased PUFA synthesis and enhanced arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid content in the EC phospholipids. Modification of the FA composition of ECs by LXRs led to a decrease of arachidonate and linoleate derived prostaglandins synthesis and release. No change on markers of inflammation induced by plasma from sickle cell patient were observed in presence of LXR agonist. These results identify LXR as a key regulator of lipid metabolism in human aortic endothelial cells and a direct effect of LXR agonist on lysophosphatidylacyl transferase (LPCAT3).

Long-term supplementation with EPA and DHA changes the fatty acid profile of rat tissues, upregulates NRF2 expression and downregulates TGFβ expression

We studied the influence of long-term treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the liver, and kidney lipogenesis, inflammation and antioxidative gene expression. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups on the basis of the different n6/n3 fatty acid ratios achieved by using different dietary oil blends: the control (CON, n6/n3 ratio was ~7), the N6 group (n6/n3 ratio was ~50) and the DHA group (n6/n3 ~1). Treatment significantly influenced the fatty acid profile of the liver and kidney tissues. The most characteristic changes were an increased content of EPA and DHA in the DHA group in both tissues, of the kidney and liver. The expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) was downregulated in the liver tissue by long-term EPA/DHA supplementation. This could be attributed to a decrease in the production of arachidonic acid-derived proinflammatory mediators, and an increase in EPA and DHA derived eicosanoids. DHA and EPA supplementation also significantly increased expression of the NRF 2 gene. This finding suggests that n3 PUFA could influence the activation of the NRF 2 pathway, which is important in cell antioxidative defense. In conclusion, we have shown that long-term dietary supplementation with DHA and EPA could influence lipid metabolism, inflammation and antioxidative defense. Therefore, the long-term addition of dietary DHA and EPA could potentially influence the most important pathological processes in aging.