Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid Research Articles

Should We "RESPECT EPA" More Now? EPA and DHA for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.

There has been much debate surrounding the use of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction. Recent trials of EPA and DHA have offered conflicting evidence. Some demonstrate reduction in CV risk using EPA alone in select populations. Others have demonstrated no benefit, with potential for side effects, such as new-onset atrial fibrillation. Both EPA and DHA have favorable impact on lipids and inflammation, suggesting some biological plausibility for CV risk reduction. However, clinical trials of these agents have produced mixed results. Based on available evidence, EPA may work better for CV risk than DHA and EPA combined. The benefit of EPA seems to be dose dependent, though higher doses may have more side effects. Further research is needed to define the role of EPA and DHA in the landscape of CV risk reduction.

The Use of Acellular Fish Skin Grafts in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Management – a Systematic Review

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing and management continue to be a major challenge for patients and healthcare providers, resulting in a considerable socio-economic burden. Lower-limb amputation is a severe clinical condition of DFU due to the presence of a chronic unresponsive diabetic foot ulcer with a high risk of infection, which raises morbidity and mortality rates. Rapid wound healing is necessary to prevent amputation. A recent advance in the development of applicable xenografts was acellular fish skin (AFS) grafts harvested from the North Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) act as skin substitute, have a substantial lipid profile, primarily composed of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which have been shown to result in faster wound epithelialization, provide barrier protection against bacteria and alter the inflammatory profile of wounds. Due to these beneficial wound-healing properties, acellular fish skin might represent an effective treatment approach in chronic diabetic foot ulcer management. Methods: A systematic review of the literature up to July 2023 was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Titles and abstracts were screened for the following key terms (variably combined): "fish skin", "fish skin grafts", "acellular fish skin grafts", "Omega3 Wound matrix", "Diabetic foot ulcer", "Chronic ulcer", "wound healing". Results: The present study includes 12 trials that examined the effects of acellular fish skin grafts in diabetic foot ulcers. Compared to the standard of care, the use of acellular fish skin has been shown to accelerate wound healing resulting in reduced risk of amputation, reduced pain, reduced treatment-related costs, fewer dressing changes and improved quality of life. Conclusions: Acellular fish skin xenografts may represent an effective, low-cost treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

The synergistic effect of EPA and DHA with cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors on platelet aggregation

Aim: Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω-3) from a variety of foods and supplements could reduce cardiovascular events. The antiplatelet drugs aspirin (ASA) and triflusal, bind to platelet cyclooxygenase-1, thus preventing the biosynthesis of thromboxane A2 from arachidonic acid. ASA, triflusal, and their combinations with DHA or EPA were evaluated against in vitro platelet aggregation induced by the agonists AA, ADP, or TRAP-6. Materials-Methods: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), isolated from blood of healthy volunteers was pre-incubated with acetylsalicylic acid, triflusal, EPA, DHA, or the drug-omega-3 combinations at various concentrations for 10min at 37ºC, prior to activation by AA, TRAP-6, and ADP (0.3mM, 10μM and 6μM, respectively). Platelet aggregation was determined by Light Transmittance Aggregometry. Results: DHA significantly improves ASA and triflusal’s inhibitory effect towards AA-induced platelet aggregation, while EPA enhanced only the antiplatelet activity of ASA. Moreover, only the combination of ASA with EPA exhibited enhanced inhibitory effect against platelet aggregation induced by ADP. Furthermore, the inhibition of ASA and triflusal on TRAP-6-induced platelet aggregation was enhanced when ASA or triflusal were combined with EPA. Conclusions: Both DHA and EPA inhibit AA, ADP and TRAP-6-induced platelet aggregation in a dose dependent manner. The results of this study suggest a potentially beneficial use of EPA and DHA supplementation, in conjunction with the antiplatelet drugs ASA and triflusal.

Development and validation of a HPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of fatty acids - in the form of FAME ammonium adducts - in human whole blood and erythrocytes to determine omega-3 index

Recent scientific studies in the field of health and nutrition have unanimously affirmed the importance of consuming the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), because of their cardioprotective properties. Fatty acid profiling in erythrocyte membranes allows the omega-3 index, which is a recognized indicator of the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, to be calculated. One consequence of the upward trend in healthy lifestyles and longevity is an increase in the number of studies into the omega-3 index, which requires a reliable method for the quantitative analysis of fatty acids. This article describes the development and validation of a sensitive and reproducible liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantitative analysis of 23 fatty acids (in the form of fatty acid methyl esters, FAMEs) in 40 µl of whole blood and erythrocytes. The list of acids includes saturated, omega-9 unsaturated, omega-6 unsaturated and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids as well as their trans-isomers. The limit of quantitation was 250 ng ml−1 for C12:0, C16:0 and C18:0; and 62.5 ng ml−1 for other FAMEs, including EPA, DHA and trans-isomers of FAME C16:1, C18:1 and C18:2 n-6. Sample preparation for fatty acid (FA) esterification/methylation with boron trifluoride-methanol (BF3) has been optimized. Chromatographic separation has been carried out on a C8 column in gradient mode using a mixture of acetonitrile, isopropanol and water with the addition of 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium formate. As a result, the problem of separating the cis- and trans-isomers of FAME C16:1, C18:1 and C18:2 n-6 has been solved. The electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) detection of FAMEs, in the form of ammonium adducts, has been optimized for the first time, which has made the method more sensitive that when the protonated species are used. This method has been applied to 12 samples from healthy subjects that consumed omega-3 supplements and has proven to be a reliable tool for determining the omega-3 index.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DECREASED PRESENCE AND SEVERITY OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: A Combined Analysis of MESA and GOLDR Cohorts.

Inflammation is associated with diabetic retinopathy development and progression, and previous studies have demonstrated that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine if omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are associated with decreased risk and severity of retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In a combined population of 1,356 individuals with type 2 diabetes from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Genetics of Latino Diabetic Retinopathy cohorts, odds ratios using logistic regression were determined to assess the association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and retinopathy. In 1,356 participants with type 2 diabetes, individuals in the fourth quartile of DHA were 17% less likely to have retinopathy compared with the first quartile ( P = 0.009, CI: 0.72-0.95). Secondary analysis revealed 38% lower severity of retinopathy in individuals in the fourth quartile compared with the first quartile of DHA ( P = 0.006; CI: 0.44-0.87) and EPA + DHA ( P = 0.004; CI: 0.44-0.85). No significant associations were observed between EPA and retinopathy. DHA is inversely associated with the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Increased intake of dietary sources of DHA may provide some protection against retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes and warrants more research as a preventative option.

The Emerging Role of Icosapent Ethyl in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanistic Insights and Future Applications.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were early established as therapeutic option for patients with high triglyceride levels. Their effects on lipoprotein particles, including a reduction in very low-density lipoprotein and a shift from small to large low-density lipoprotein, is increasingly recognised. This is coupled with their ability to be incorporated within the cellular membrane, leading to plaque stability and anti-inflammatory effects. Nonetheless, recent clinical trials have not been consistent in demonstrating the potential cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids. This is despite the circumstantial evidence from imaging studies illustrating the stabilising effects on atherosclerotic plaques and slowing of plaque progression. In this article, we will review the effects of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on lipid biomarkers, atherosclerotic plaque features, and clinical outcome studies and provide a mechanistic role in managing residual risk of atherosclerosis. This will provide better insight into the inconsistency of the recently reported clinical outcome studies.

Membrane Stabilization and Vascular Permeability as Mechanisms for the Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Action of Omega-3-poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid Oil Extract

Introduction: The underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for omega-3 PUFAs’ biological effects are mediated by the production of pro-resolving mediators, which have been proposed to modulate and likely resolve inflammatory responses. The anti-inflammatory action of dietary omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in animal models has been studied using membrane stabilization and vascular permeability methods. This study is, therefore, focused on the long-term therapeutic safety and efficacy of fish oil supplements as a safer alternative to traditional NSAIDs. Also, whether these methods serve as mechanisms of antiinflammation has been confirmed further. Method: Animals were distributed in six groups of five each (n = 5). Group 1 was administered 300mg/ml omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) containing 180mg/ml EPA and 120mg/ml DHA; group 2 received 600mg/ml n-3 FA containing 360mg/ml EPA and 240mg/ml DHA; group 3 received 900mg/ml n-3 FA containing 540mg/ml EPA and 360mg/ml DHA; group 4 was administered 300mg/ml of the fish oil along with 20mg/ml celecoxib; group 5 was given 20mg/ml celecoxib that represented the positive control, and group 6 was administered 2 ml phosphate buffer saline alone, which served as the vehicle control group. Membrane stabilization of the rat’s red blood cells and aceticacid-induced vascular permeability were assayed. The percentage inhibition was determined. The analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat version 5 software and subjected to the Bonferroni test for the separation of means. Result: The results of membrane stabilization assays exhibited 30.59%, 27.70%, 49.63%, 55.41%, 57.28%, and 13.13% inhibitions, and vascular permeability inhibitions were found to be 80.05%, 53.27%, 74.31%, 86.33%, and 90.43%, respectively. The results provide scientific evidence for the use of dietary omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acid as a food supplement capable of resolving inflammatory conditions without side effects produced by traditional NSAIDs. Conclusion: The restoration of altered membrane permeability and vasculature is a testament to the efficacy of omega-3 as an anti-inflammatory agent and indeed shows these methods as anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The bioactive components in omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in fish oil are capable of interrupting the prostaglandin metabolic pathway by competing with arachidonic acids for the COX active site, thereby inhibiting their synthesis.

Comparison of the dietary omega-3 fatty acids impact on murine psoriasis-like skin inflammation and associated lipid dysfunction

Persistent skin inflammation and impaired resolution are the main contributors to psoriasis and associated cardiometabolic complications. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to exert beneficial effects on inflammatory response and lipid function. However, a specific role of omega-3 PUFAs in psoriasis and accompanied pathologies are still a matter of debate. Here, we carried out a direct comparison between EPA and DHA 12 weeks diet intervention treatment of psoriasis-like skin inflammation in the K14-Rac1V12 mouse model. By utilizing sensitive techniques, we targeted EPA- and DHA-derived specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators and identified tightly connected signaling pathways by RNA sequencing. Treatment with experimental diets significantly decreased circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and bioactive lipid mediators, altered psoriasis macrophage phenotypes and genes of lipid oxidation. The superficial role of these changes was related to DHA treatment and included increased levels of resolvin D5, protectin DX and maresin 2 in the skin. EPA treated mice had less pronounced effects but demonstrated a decreased skin accumulation of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2. These results indicate that modulating psoriasis skin inflammation with the omega-3 PUFAs may have clinical significance and DHA treatment might be considered over EPA in this specific disease.

Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation Increases HDL Content in n-3 Fatty Acids and Improves Endothelial Function in Hypertriglyceridemic Patients.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are known to enhance vascular function through different mechanisms, including the delivery of functional lipids to endothelial cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that omega-3 (n-3) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of HDLs would improve the beneficial vascular effects of these lipoproteins. To explore this hypothesis, we performed a placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial in 18 hypertriglyceridemic patients without clinical symptoms of coronary heart disease who received highly purified EPA 460 mg and DHA 380 mg, twice a day for 5 weeks or placebo. After 5 weeks of treatment, patients followed a 4-week washout period before crossover. HDLs were isolated using sequential ultracentrifugation for characterization and determination of fatty acid content. Our results showed that n-3 supplementation induced a significant decrease in body mass index, waist circumference as well as triglycerides and HDL-triglyceride plasma concentrations, whilst HDL-cholesterol and HDL-phospholipids significantly increased. On the other hand, HDL, EPA, and DHA content increased by 131% and 62%, respectively, whereas 3 omega-6 fatty acids significantly decreased in HDL structures. In addition, the EPA-to-arachidonic acid (AA) ratio increased more than twice within HDLs suggesting an improvement in their anti-inflammatory properties. All HDL-fatty acid modifications did not affect the size distribution or the stability of these lipoproteins and were concomitant with a significant increase in endothelial function assessed using a flow-mediated dilatation test (FMD) after n-3 supplementation. However, endothelial function was not improved in vitro using a model of rat aortic rings co-incubated with HDLs before or after treatment with n-3. These results suggest a beneficial effect of n-3 on endothelial function through a mechanism independent of HDL composition. In conclusion, we demonstrated that EPA and DHA supplementation for 5 weeks improved vascular function in hypertriglyceridemic patients, and induced enrichment of HDLs with EPA and DHA to the detriment of some n-6 fatty acids. The significant increase in the EPA-to-AA ratio in HDLs is indicative of a more anti-inflammatory profile of these lipoproteins.

Comparison of Fish, Krill and Flaxseed as Omega-3 Sources to Increase the Omega-3 Index in Dogs

(1) Background: it is only the longer chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) and not the shorter chain α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) that have been linked to health benefits. (2) Methods: 45 dogs divided into three groups were first given premium dry food for 38 days (baseline). The O3I was then used as a diagnostic tool to provide a measure of the sum of EPA + DHA in red blood cell membranes given as a percentage of all fatty acids. The dogs were subsequently fed with either krill meal (krill), fishmeal/oil (fish) or flaxseed cake (flax) included in raw food providing daily 416 mg EPA + DHA (971 mg ALA), 513 mg EPA + DHA (1027 mg ALA) and 1465 mg ALA (122 mg EPA + DHA), respectively. (3) Results: the average baseline O3I level of all dogs was low (1.36%), warranting n-3 supplementation. After four weeks, O3I levels were significantly increased in the krill (from 1.36 ± 0.44 to 2.36 ± 0.39%) and fish (from 1.35 ± 0.22 to 1.9 ± 0.35%) groups (p < 0.001). No significant modification of the O3I was detected in the flax animals. (4) Conclusions: only marine n-3 PUFAs resulted in a significantly increased O3I, with dietary krill meal providing the highest increase.

Pros and Cons of Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Health.

The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found in seafood, supplements, and concentrated pharmaceutical preparations. Prospective cohort studies demonstrate an association between higher intakes of EPA+DHA or higher levels of EPA and DHA in the body and lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, and of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. The cardioprotective effect of EPA and DHA is due to the beneficial modulation of a number of risk factors for CVD. Some large trials support the use of EPA+DHA (or EPA alone) in high-risk patients, although the evidence is inconsistent. This review presents key studies of EPA and DHA in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD, briefly describes potential mechanisms of action, and discusses recently published RCTs and meta-analyses. Potential adverse aspects of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in relation to CVD are discussed.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced vasodilation in mouse aorta and mesenteric arteries is not mediated by ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

There is strong evidence that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have cardioprotective effects. n-3 PUFAs cause vasodilation in hypertensive patients, in part controlled by increased membrane conductance to potassium. As KATP channels play a major role in vascular tone regulation and are involved in hypertension, we aimed to verify whether n-3 PUFA-mediated vasodilation involved the opening of KATP channels. We used a murine model in which the KATP channel pore subunit, Kir6.1, is deleted in vascular smooth muscle. The vasomotor response of preconstricted arteries to physiologically relevant concentrations of DHA and EPA was measured using wire myography, using the channel blocker PNU-37883A. The effect of n-3 PUFAs on potassium currents in wild-type native smooth muscle cells was investigated using whole-cell patch clamping. DHA and EPA induced vasodilation in mouse aorta and mesenteric arteries; relaxations in the aorta were sensitive to KATP blockade with PNU-37883A. Endothelium removal didn't affect relaxation to EPA and caused a small but significant inhibition of relaxation to DHA. In the knock-out model, relaxations to DHA and EPA were unaffected by channel knockdown but were still inhibited by PNU-37883A, indicating that the action of PNU-37883A on relaxation may not reflect inhibition of KATP. In native aortic smooth muscle cells DHA failed to activate KATP currents. We conclude that DHA and EPA cause vasodilation in mouse aorta and mesenteric arteries. Relaxations in blocker-treated arteries from knock-out mice demonstrate that KATP channels are not involved in the n-3 PUFA-induced relaxation.

Nutrient enrichment of dairy curd by incorporation of whole and ruptured microalgal cells (Nannochloropsis salina)

This work investigated incorporation of Nannochloropsis salina into renneted dairy gels and curd. Whole and ruptured microalgal cells did not impair κ-casein macropeptide cleavage by the rennet enzyme. However, insoluble components of ruptured cells impeded gelation, presumably by hindering interactions between renneted casein micelles. Confocal imaging showed that whole cells were retained and homogenously distributed within the protein network of the gels and cooked curd, whereas ruptured algae formed large aggregates that altered the protein matrix. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the whole microalgal cells was incorporated within the curds, with considerably less EPA retained for ruptured cells. Soluble algal debris did not impair gelation, however EPA wasn't retained in the curd. The study demonstrates that nutrient enrichment of renneted dairy products is possible by incorporating whole microalgal cells to displace milk fat with protein and the beneficial long-chain omega-3 fatty acid EPA. Future research into the optimisation of product organoleptic properties is required.

Genetic deletion of Cyp4f18 disrupts the omega-3 epoxidation pathway and results in psoriasis-like dermatitis.

Cyp4f18 catalyzes the conversion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into omega-3 epoxides, such as 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EpETE) and 19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (19,20-EpDPE) from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively. Cyp4f18-deficient mice spontaneously develop psoriasis-like dermatitis. A significant increase in the number of IL-17A-positive gamma delta (γδ) T cells in the skin and enlargement of draining lymph nodes was observed. These symptoms were drastically suppressed by antibiotic treatment. Cyp4f18 is highly expressed in dendritic cells (DCs), and Cyp4f18-deficient bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) show markedly increased expression levels of cytokines such as IL-23 and IL-1β in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Lipidomic analysis of lymph nodes and BMDCs revealed a significant decrease in a series of omega-3 epoxidized metabolites. Among them, 17,18-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-diHETE), a vicinal diol derived from EPA omega-3 epoxidation suppressed IL-23 production in LPS-stimulated BMDCs in Cyp4f18-deficient mice. These results demonstrate that Cyp4f18 endogenously produces omega-3-epoxidized metabolites in the draining lymph nodes, and these metabolites contribute to skin homeostasis by suppressing the excessive activation of the IL-23/IL-17 axis initiated by DCs.

Association of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake on Inflammatory Gene Expression and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation on inflammatory gene expression (IGE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are becoming more evident. However, an overview of the results from randomized controlled trials is lacking. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid intake on MS (based on the criteria of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)) and inflammatory gene expression (IGE). A search was conducted of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for cohort studies published from the inception of the database up to May 2022 that assessed the associations of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with EDSS and inflammatory gene expression (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8)) outcomes. For the highest vs. lowest comparison, the relative risk (RR) estimates with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using the random-effect model. In total, 13 cohort studies with 1353 participants were included in the meta-analysis during periods of 3 to 144 weeks. A significant inverse relationship was found between DHA and EDSS scores (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.48; p < 0.00001). Our results also showed that omega-3 FAs significantly upregulated the gene expression of PPAR-γ (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.52, 1.38; p < 0.03) and downregulated the expression of TNF-α (RR: −0.15; 95% CI: −0.99, 0.70; p < 0.00001) and IL-1 (RR: −0.60; 95% CI: −1.02, −0.18; p < 0.003). There was no clear evidence of publication bias with Egger’s tests for inflammatory gene expression (p = 0.266). Moreover, n-3 PUFAs and EPA were not significantly associated with EDSS scores (p > 0.05). In this meta-analysis of cohort studies, blood omega-3 FA concentrations were inversely related to inflammatory gene expression (IGE) and EDSS score, which indicates that they may hold great potential markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of MS. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm the potential effects of the omega-3 FAs on MS disease management.

EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID (EPA) DECREASES CYTOKINE RELEASE AND EXPRESSION OF INFLAMMATORY AND PRO-THROMBOTIC PROTEINS IN BRAIN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM

Brain vascular endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction contributes to ischemic stroke due to inflammation and release of pro-thrombotic factors. Treatment with icosapent ethyl (IPE), the ethyl ester of the omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), reduced first and total ischemic strokes each by 36%, in statin-treated patients with elevated cardiovascular risk (REDUCE-IT). We tested the effects of EPA on cytokine release and expression of inflammatory proteins from brain microvascular ECs during inflammation.

Algae and omega-3 PUFAs

Nutrition plays a critical role in health promotion and disease prevention, while nutrition-related factors are in many cases key risk factors contributing to morbidity and mortality. The “modern” diet is increasingly leading to health problems such as overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, neurodegenerative and other diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) due to their positive effects on human health. This correlates with the ever-increasing demand for two omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA). Humans cannot synthesize omega-3 PUFAs de novo or produce them from their precursors in sufficient quantities. Thus, they must be obtained from food or means that allow you to adjust the diet of a person. Therefore, it is important to find sustainable ways to provide PUFAs to meet demand.

Topical Administration of a Marine Oil Rich in Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic db/db Mice through Angiogenesis and Macrophage Polarization.

Impaired wound healing in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which delays wound closure. Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) are bioactive molecules produced from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), principally omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). SPMs are potent regulators of inflammation and have been used to suppress chronic inflammation in peripheral artery disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and central nervous system syndromes. LIPINOVA® is a commercially available safe-grade nutritional supplement made from a fractionated marine lipid concentrate derived from anchovy and sardine oil that is rich in SPMs and EPA, as well as DHA precursors. Here, we assessed the effect of LIPINOVA® in wound dressing applications. LIPINOVA® showed biocompatibility with keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory macrophages (Mφ1), and promoted in vitro wound closure. Daily application of the marine oil to open wounds made by punch biopsy in db/db mice promoted wound closure by accelerating the resolution of inflammation, inducing neoangiogenesis and Mφ1/Mφ2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, LIPINOVA® displays pro-resolutive properties and could be exploited as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis During Pregnancy: A Case Report

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare and serious condition that places both the mother and the fetus at severe risk for morbidity and mortality. The goal of this case report is to describe the management of a pregnant patient with severely elevated triglycerides in the setting of acute pancreatitis. A 28-year-old female G2P1001 at 29 weeks of gestational age presented with epigastric abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast demonstrated acute interstitial edematous pancreatitis. A lipid panel was performed, revealing a serum triglyceride level of 3,949 mg/dL. Insulin and maternal bowel rest reduced her serum triglyceride levels; however, additional medical therapy including fibrate and statin drugs were initiated to achieve goal levels of triglycerides and improve patient symptoms. The patient ultimately recovered and remained on treatment until delivery. Initial management addresses acute pancreatitis and involves fluid resuscitation, pain control, and bowel rest. Triglyceride-lowering drug therapies are rarely used during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal teratogenicity; however, given the severity of hypertriglyceridemia fenofibrate and atorvastatin were prescribed. Additional medical treatment included insulin, omega-3, and ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid.

The Effect of Fish Oil-Based Foods on Lipid and Oxidative Status Parameters in Police Dogs.

The synthesis, degradation, and reconstruction of the cell membrane as a metabolic pathway of phospholipids is a constant and dynamic process. Fatty acids as bioactive lipid components of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as structural lipids have biological roles in the integrity of cell membranes. Fatty acids, depending on the chain length, the degree of saturation, and the synthesis pathways, can alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress caused by excessive exercise. Considering that changing food intake or diet can influence fatty acid phospholipid metabolism, our study aimed to determine the potential benefits of fish-based diets in working (police) dogs undergoing intensive training concerning bioactive lipids such as fatty acids, phospholipids of plasma, and erythrocytes. Fatty acid esters’ composition of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as a bioactive lipids, in addition to markers of oxidative stress and metabolic parameters, were analysed by GC chromatography. The food was well tolerated by all dogs, and the compliance to the diet was high throughout the study. After the treatment with fish-based food, blood glucose, total, and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, indicating positive biochemical profiles of dogs. Correlations of fatty acid phospholipid compositions between plasma and erythrocytes have shown that both plasma and erythrocytes could represent markers of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid intake levels in dogs. Morover, fish-based food supplementation caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation markers. The enrichment of dogs’ diets with marine fish could improve oxidative status and improve roles and status of bioactive lipids, such as membrane phospholipids and fatty acids, as its components in plasma and erythrocytes in police dogs exposed to intensive exercise.