Ratio Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Research Articles

Enrichment of EPA and DHA in glycerides by selective enzymatic ethanolysis

It has been reported that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in glycerides have various biological functions. This study presents an effective method for enriching glycerides rich in EPA and DHA through lipase-catalyzed alcoholysis. The results showed that Eversa® Transform 2.0 had the strongest discrimination against DHA and EPA in alcoholysis, which was verified by molecular docking. Additionally, selectivity of the lipase and ratio of DHA and EPA in glyceride products were significantly affected by alcohol type. Under the optimal conditions, the contents of EPA and DHA in glycerides after ethanolysis reached 12.91 % and 55.40 %, respectively, with a DHA yield of 79.22 %. In this study, an interesting finding was that Eversa® Transform 2.0 could effectively differentiate EPA and DHA during alcoholysis to allow us to prepare DHA-enriched glycerides and EPA-enriched ethyl esters after removing saturated and monounsaturated ethyl esters.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Depression.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have received considerable attention in the field of mental health, in particular regarding the treatment of depression. This review presents an overview of current research on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. The existing body of evidence demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have antidepressant effects that can be attributed to their modulation of neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroplasticity. Nevertheless, clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation have yielded inconsistent results. Some studies have demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms following omega-3 treatment, whereas others have shown minimal to no beneficial impact. A range of factors, encompassing dosage, the ratio of EPA to DHA, and baseline nutritional status, have been identified as having a potential impact on the noted results. Furthermore, it has been suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may act as an adjunctive treatment for those undergoing antidepressant treatment. Notwithstanding these encouraging findings, discrepancies in study designs and variability in individual responses underscore the necessity of further research in order to establish uniform, standardized guidelines for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of depressive disorders.

The disparate effects of omega-3 PUFAs on intestinal microbial homeostasis in experimental rodents under physiological condition

The health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs), primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are linked to their regulatory effects on the composition of the gut microbiota. However, there is a lack of direct evidence on whether omega-3 PUFAs regulate the gut microbial homeostasis under physiological conditions. This study investigated the impact of equivalent doses of EPA, DHA, and fish oil (FO) with a DHA to EPA ratio of approximately 1:1 on the bacterial and fungal composition of normal young mice. This study also analyzed changes in key components of the gut microenvironment, including the colonic mucus barrier and short-chain fatty acids, to address the prebiotic potential of omega-3 PUFAs. The results showed that all three omega-3 PUFAs interventions induced significant fluctuations in the gut bacteria and fungi, leading to an increase in the abundance of some probiotics. Notably, DHA, EPA, and FO interventions significantly increased the abundance of the probiotic Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, respectively. Both DHA and fish oil interventions also significantly reduced the abundance of potentially pathogenic fungi, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. Association analysis of the top 19 differential fungal and bacterial genera in abundance revealed a much more bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-fungi connections, but fewer fungi-fungi connections. This highlights the importance of bacteria in the gut microecological network. Furthermore, the levels of butyric acid and valeric acid in the colonic contents of DHA intervention group were significantly increased, and the colonic mucus layer thickness was increased in three treatment groups. In summary, DHA, EPA and FO interventions showed targeted enhancement of different probiotics and enhanced colon defense barrier (mucus barrier), showing potential prebiotic effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: a Mendelian randomization study

Omega-3 fatty acids have been implicated in the aetiology of depressive disorders, though trials supplementing omega-3 to prevent major depressive disorder (MDD) have so far been unsuccessful. Whether this association is causal remains unclear. We used two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate causality. Genetic variants associated with circulating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in UK Biobank (UKBB, n = 115,078) were selected as exposures. The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of MDD (n = 430,775; cases = 116,209; controls = 314,566) and recurrent depression (rMDD, n = 80,933; cases = 17,451; controls = 62,482), were used as outcomes. Multivariable MR (MVMR) models were used to account for biologically correlated lipids, such as high- and low-density cholesterol and triglycerides, and to explore the relative importance of longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) using data from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE, n = 8866). Genetic colocalization analyses were used to explore the presence of a shared underlying causal variant between traits. Genetically predicted total omega-3 fatty acids reduced the odds of MDD (ORIVW 0.96 per standard deviation (SD, i.e. 0.22 mmol/l) (95% CIs 0.93–0.98, p = 0.003)). The largest point estimates were observed for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid (OREPA 0.92; 95% CI 0.88–0.96; p = 0.0002). The effect of omega-3 fatty acids was robust to MVMR models accounting for biologically correlated lipids. ‘Leave-one-out’ analyses highlighted the FADS gene cluster as a key driver of the effect. Colocalization analyses suggested a shared causal variant using the primary outcome sample, but genomic confounding could not be fully excluded. This study supports a role for omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, in the aetiology of depression, although pleiotropic mechanisms cannot be ruled out. The findings support guidelines highlighting the importance of EPA dose and ratio for MDD and question whether targeted interventions may be superior to universal prevention trials, as modest effect sizes will limit statistical power.

Impact of serum eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio on overall survival in lung cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab: a pilot study

This pilot study analyzed the dietary patterns of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing initial pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), treatment in the month before treatment. Serum fatty acid fractions and their associations with ICI treatment efficacy were also investigated. The results showed that long-term survivors (those who survived for ≥ 3 years) consumed significantly more seafood than short-term survivors (those who survived for < 3 years). Furthermore, the serum levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as well as the ratio of EPA to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) were higher in the long-term survivors than those in the short-term survivors. The group with a high serum EPA/AA ratio had a significantly higher overall survival rate after ICI treatment than the group with a low serum EPA/AA ratio. In conclusion, higher dietary seafood consumption may improve OS in lung cancer patients treated with ICI and the serum EPA/AA ratio may be a useful biomarker for determining the efficacy of ICI treatment. Thus, supplements that increase the serum EPA/AA ratio could serve as new nutritional interventions for enhancing the efficacy of ICI treatment. However, further large-scale case and intervention studies are required.

Linear isomer but not branched isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate in plasma is associated with eicosapentaenoic acid, a seafood consumption biomarker.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are global contaminants. Seafood consumption is a possible PFAS exposure route to humans while the isomer specific analysis has not been conducted. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were investigated in residents of Kyoto, Japan (n = 51). The relationship between plasma PFAS and seafood consumption biomarker, the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) was examined by multiple regression analysis. Linear PFOS concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with the EPA/AA ratio in plasma samples (β = 6.80, p = 0.0014). Linear PFHpS was marginally associated with EPA/AA ratio (β = 0.178, p = 0.0874). Branched PFOS isomers and PFHxS had no associations with EPA/AA ratios. Seafood intake may be a significant exposure pathway for PFAS, such as PFOS but the isomers differ.

Omega-3 Status Evaluation in Australian Female Rugby League Athletes: Ad Libitum Fish Oil Provision Results in a Varied Omega-3 Index.

Optimal omega-3 status, influenced by increased intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is vital for physiological health. This study investigated the impact of ad libitum fish oil supplementation on the omega-3 status of female athletes in a professional rugby league team during a competitive season. Twenty-four (n = 24) athletes participated, and their omega-3 status was assessed using the Omega-3 Index (O3I) and arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA ratio through finger-prick blood samples taken at the start and end of the season. They were given access to a fish oil supplement (PILLAR Performance, Australia) with a recommended daily dose of four capsules per day (2,160mg EPA and 1,440mg docosahexaenoic acid). At the beginning of the season, the group mean O3I was 4.77% (95% confidence interval [CI: 4.50, 5.04]) and the AA to EPA ratio was 14.89 (95% CI [13.22, 16.55]). None of the athletes had an O3I exceeding 8%. By the season's end, the O3I was a significantly increased to 7.28% (95% CI [6.64, 7.93], p < .0001) and AA to EPA ratio significantly decreased to a mean of 6.67 (95% CI [5.02, 8.31], p < .0001), driven primarily by the significant increase in EPA of +1.14% (95% CI [0.77, 1.51], p < .0001). However, these changes were varied between the athletes and most likely due to compliance. This study has demonstrated that using the objective O3I feedback scale is possible with elite female rugby athletes, but individual strategies will be required to achieve daily intake targets of EPA + DHA.

Abstract 17162: High Lp(a) is Associated With Activation of the Arachidonic Acid Pathway

Introduction: High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with increased platelet aggregation, inflammation and cardiovascular events. Eicosanoids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) have anti- and pro-inflammatory effects, respectively. In this cross-sectional study, we explored the associations between eicosanoids, Lp(a), and oxidized phospholipids on apolipoprotein B (oxPL:apoB). Hypothesis: Increased platelet aggregation and inflammation associated with high Lp(a) levels may be due to relative EPA and AA levels. Methods: Consecutive outpatients with known Lp(a) levels seen in an outpatient cardiology practice between April 2021 to April 2023 underwent repeat testing for Lp(a) and measurement of OxPL:apoB, EPA and AA levels. OxPL:apoB was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Fatty acid measurements were done via column chromatography/mass spectrometry. Lp(a), OxPL-apoB, EPA, and AA were log e -transformed to satisfy the assumption of normality. Results: We enrolled 238 patients with a mean age of 56.5 ± 13.5 years (46% being female, 69% white, 10% black, 14% Asian). Statin therapy was used in 66%, and mean LDL-C was 87.3 ± 47.5 mg/dL. Median (IQR) Lp(a), OxPL:apoB, AA, and AA:EPA ratio was 167.7 (57.3-233.5) nmol/L, 2.3 (1.2-3.9) nmol/L, 287.3 (234.8-350.2) ug/mL, and 10.3 (6.1-14.9), respectively. Lp(a) correlated with OxPL:apoB (r=0.48, p&lt;0.0001). In multivariate analysis adjusting for age, race, sex, hypertension, LDL-C, statin use and PCSK9 inhibitor use, log-Lp(a) was associated with AA (p=0.002) and log-AA:EPA (p=0.02), but not associated with log-EPA (p=0.19). LogOxPL:apoB was associated with log AA (p=0.03). Conclusion: Higher Lp(a) levels are associated with elevated AA levels, suggesting a pathway by which Lp(a) may contribute to increased platelet aggregation and inflammation in patients with high Lp(a).

Association between Eicosapentaenoic Acid to Arachidonic Acid Ratio and Characteristics of Plaque Rupture.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has shown beneficial effects on coronary plaque stabilization. Based on our previous study, we speculated that EPA might be associated with the development of healed plaques and might limit thrombus size. This study aimed to elucidate the association between EPA and arachidonic acid (AA) ratios and various plaque characteristics in patients with plaque rupture. A total of 95 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) caused by plaque rupture who did not take lipid-lowering drugs and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention using optical coherence tomography (OCT) were included. Clinical characteristics, lipid profiles, and OCT findings were compared between patients with lower and higher EPA/AA ratios (0.41) according to the levels in the Japanese general population. In the high EPA/AA (n=29, 30.5%) and low EPA/AA (n=66, 69.5 %) groups, the high EPA/AA group was significantly older (76.1 vs. 66.1 years, P＜0.01) and had lower peak creatine kinase (556 vs. 1651 U/L, P=0.03) than those with low EPA/AA. Similarly, patients with high EPA/AA had higher prevalence of layered and calcified plaque (75.9 vs. 39.4 %, P＜0.01; 79.3 vs. 50.0 %, P＜0.01, respectively) than low EPA/AA group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a high EPA/AA ratio was an independent factor in determining the development of layered and calcified plaques. A high EPA/AA ratio may be associated with the development of layered and calcified plaques in patients with plaque rupture.

The Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Content Reported in the Nutrition Panel of Fish Oil Supplements and Formula Milks Promoted for Young Children in Selected Markets

The aim of this study was to investigate the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content found in fish oil supplements and formula milks for young children sold in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa's local markets and online stores. To allow comparison of fish oil supplements and formula milks, information about the EPA and DHA content was collected from the nutrition panel of each product. A total of 79 fish oil supplements and 70 formula milks were studied. Out of the 32 fish oil supplements in local markets 12 products (37.5%) and of the 47 fish oil supplements in Amazon online stores 12 products (25.5%) contained more EPA than DHA. The highest DHA:EPA ratio for fish oil supplements was 4.6. The percentage of Recommended Dietary Intake for DHA, based on 250 mg daily, ranged from 3.2% to 558% for the fish oil supplements, and the range of 0.4% to 25.2% was found for the formula milks. Fish oil supplements provided high daily dose of DHA, which was significantly higher than that provided by the formula milks.

Remarkable Response of Vildagliptin/Metformin (EquMet) for Diabetic Patient with Recovered Ratio of Eicosapentaenoic Acid/ Arachidonic Acid (EPA/AA) by EPA Intake

Remarkable Response of Vildagliptin/Metformin (EquMet) for Diabetic Patient with Recovered Ratio of Eicosapentaenoic Acid/ Arachidonic Acid (EPA/AA) by EPA Intake

Fatty Acids and Lipid Paradox-Neuroprotective Biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke.

Stroke is the primary cause of death and disability worldwide, with ischemic stroke up to 80% of the total cases. Lipid profile was established as a major risk factor for stroke, but recent studies show a paradoxical relationship between serum values and the outcome of stroke patients. Our study aims to analyze the impact of the classic extended lipid profile, including fatty acids as potential neuroprotective biomarkers for the outcome of ischemic stroke patients. We included 298 patients and collected clinical, paraclinical, and outcome parameters. We used a method consisting of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to quantify serum fatty acids. We observed a negative correlation between National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and total cholesterol (p = 0.040; r = −0.120), respectively triglycerides (p = 0.041; r = −0.122). The eicosapentaenoic to arachidonic acid ratio has a negative correlation, while the docosahexaenoic to eicosapentaenoic acid ratio positively correlates with all the prognostic parameters, showing a potential neuroprotective role for eicosapentaenoic acid in preventing severe ischemic stroke. The impact of the lipid profile paradox and the dependency relationship with the fatty acids represent a significant predictive factor for the functional and disability prognostic of ischemic stroke patients.

Geographical differences in stable isotope ratios and fatty acid and lipid signatures of chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, in waters around Japan

We analyzed stable isotope ratios, fatty acid, and lipid components of chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus, to evaluate their applicability as chemical biomarkers. Chub mackerel were collected in the East China Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean, with body sizes ranging from 51 to 388 mm. The total fatty acid and lipid contents (mg g–1) increased with growth, and the percent composition of fatty acids and lipids changed drastically. The percentages of docosahexaenoic acid (%DHA), stearic acid (%Ste), and arachidonic acid (%ARA) decreased and the percentage of oleic acid (%Ole) increased when the body length (fork length, FL) was about 250 mm. The amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG) in fish in the East China Sea were lower than in the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean. The percentage of TAG drastically increased at around 250 mm FL, however, the phosphatidylcholines (PC) drastically decreased. The ontogenetic differences in the fatty acid and lipid composition might be influenced by metabolic events such as growth and reproduction. The geographical differences in chub mackerel can be distinguished by using stable isotope ratios, the ω3:ω6 fatty acid and DHA:EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) ratios, and six main fatty acids. These chemical biomarkers could be available for understanding habitat and migration of chub mackerel.

Role of omega 3 and omega 6 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D deficiency as risk determinants of metabolic syndrome in obesity: Worksite based case-control observational study

Background and aimsRisk factors for metabolic syndrome among obese population are not clear. The role of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Arachidonic acid (AA) Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA), their ratio and vitamin D deficiency as risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) was explored in obese worksite workers. MethodsThe 145 obese worksite workers were enrolled and MS was diagnosed using adult treatment panel III criteria. The levels of EPA, AA PUFA were estimated using liquid chromatography-Mass Spectrometer and vitamin D levels with ELISA method. The association of MS with the tertiles of EPA, AA PUFAs, their ratio and vitamin D was estimated by calculating odds ratio and 95% C.I., taking lowest tertiles as the reference group using logistic regression model adjusted for age and gender. Results105 out of 145 obese worksite workers; 72.4%, 95% C.I. (64.5%, 79.5%) had metabolic syndrome. The odd of MS was significantly lower in the group having highest tertiles of EPA 0.24 (0.09, 0.71) and was higher 2.0 (1.02, 3.89) in subjects with highest tertiles of AA: EPA ratio. The AA PUFA and vitamin D levels had no significant association with MS. ConclusionThe low levels of omega 3 PUFA (EPA) and elevated ratio of AA: EPA PUFA was significantly associated with MS in obese works site workers.

Dietary Betaine and Fatty Acids Change Circulating Single-Carbon Metabolites and Fatty Acids in the Dog.

In order to evaluate the interaction of betaine and n-3 PUFA in foods consumed by the dog, six extruded dry foods were formulated. The control food had no specific source of added betaine or n-3 fatty acids, while the test foods were supplemented with betaine, flax or fish oil in a 2 × 3 factorial design (no added n-3 source, added flax, added menhaden fish oil, and all with or without added betaine). Forty eight adult dogs were used in this study. All dogs were assigned to one of the six dietary treatments and consumed that food for the length of the 60-day study. Blood was analyzed for metabolomics (plasma), fatty acids and selected health-related analytes (serum) at the beginning and the end of the study. Added dietary betaine increased single-carbon metabolites (betaine, dimethyl glycine, methionine and N-methylalanine), decreased xenobiotics (stachydrine, N-acetyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine, 4-vinylguaiacol sulfate, pyrraline, 3-indoleglyoxylic acid, N-methylpipecolate and ectoine) and enhanced the production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Dietary betaine also decreased the concentration of circulating carnitine and a number of carnitine-containing moieties. The addition of the n-3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased their respective circulating concentrations as well as those of many subsequent moieties containing these fatty acids. The addition of alpha-linolenic acid increased the concentration of EPA when expressed as a ratio of EPA consumed.

Simultaneous evaluation of fatty acid and triglycerides after percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundClinical studies have shown that the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA ratio) as well as the triglyceride (TG) levels can be considered as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether simultaneous evaluation of the EPA/AA ratio and TG level can affect the incidence of cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and resultsWe retrospectively examined the clinical records of 1585 patients who underwent successful PCI for acute coronary syndrome or stable angina. They were divided into four categories based on an EPA/AA ratio of 0.4 and a TG level of 150 mg/dl (a method termed the “Fatty Acid Window”). Among the four categories, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was measured for a maximum of five years after PCI. MACE was defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or revascularization due to new coronary stenosis or restenosis. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that patients with both lower EPA/AA ratios and higher TG levels had a significantly higher incidence of MACE. In addition, patients with either lower EPA/AA ratios or higher TG levels also had a higher incidence of MACE compared to patients with both higher EPA/AA ratios and lower TG levels. ConclusionEvaluating both EPA/AA ratios and TG levels, a method termed the “Fatty Acid Window”, can be useful in predicting the occurrence of cardiovascular events after PCI.

Optimization of fish oil extraction from Lophius litulon liver and fatty acid composition analysis

The Lophius litulon liver was used as raw material for the extraction of fish oil via various extraction methods. The extraction rate by water extraction, potassium hydroxide (KOH) hydrolysis and protease hydrolysis were compared and the results revealed the protease hydrolysis extraction had a higher extraction rate with good protein-lipid separation as observed by opticalmicroscope.Furthermore, subsequent experiments determined neutrase to be the best hydrolytic enzyme in terms of extraction rate and cost. The extraction conditions of neutrase hydrolysis were optimized by single-factor experiment and response surface analysis, and the optimal extraction rate was 58.40 ± 0.25% with the following conditions: enzyme concentration 2,000 IU/g, extraction time 1.0 h, liquid-solid ratio 1.95:1, extraction temperature 40.5°C and pH 6.5. The fatty acids composition in fish oil from optimized extraction condition was composed of 19.75% saturated fatty acids and 80.25% unsaturated fatty acids. The content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were 8.06% and 1.19%, respectively, with the ratio (6.77:1) surpassed to the recommendation in current researches (5:1). The results in this study suggest protease treatment is an efficient method for high-quality fish oil extraction from Lophius litulon liver with a satisfactory ratio of DHA and EPA.

Hubungan Variasi Genetik Gen FADS pada Suku Sasak Terhadap Angka Kecukupan Gizi

One of the macronutrients needed by the human body is fat. Fatty acids are divided into two, namely saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Based on the source of unsaturated fatty acids are divided into two, namely non-essential and essential. Essential fatty acids consist of omega-3 and omega-6 which are part of PUFAs. To determine the relationship of genetic variation of the FADS gene to the nutritional adequacy of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in children of the Sasak ethnic. Systematic reviews were carried out through scientific journals, government guidelines, online portals for journal publications such as Medscape, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, with the keyword “Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA)” There was a significant relationship between the FADS2 index (DHA: EPA ratio) and MDI score (r = 0.648, p &lt; 0.059) in AG but not in GG genotype. Two genotype models were found, namely homozygous major allele (GG) of rs 174468 which was dominant and heterozygous allele (AG) of Sasak ethnicity. The levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in infants in the Sasak ethnic were found to be higher than infants in other areas. Sasak ethnic children get EPA and DHA from breast milk which contains a lot of DHA. Sources of omega-3 and 6 on the island of Lombok are sea fish, seaweed, and full-blooded shellfish.

Effects of feeding differentially enriched Artemia nauplii on the survival, growth, fatty acid composition, and air exposure stress response of Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) larvae

The ability of enriched live food, such as Artemia, to improve the growth performance of Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) larvae during larviculture has yet to be fully established. Thus, the effects of feeding differentially enriched Artemia to Pacific cod larvae were investigated here, specifically the effects on the survival, growth, fatty acid composition, and air exposure stress response of the larvae. Three different commercial Artemia enrichment emulsion oils were used: commercially available enrichment 1, 2, and 3, referred to as ER1, ER2, and ER3, respectively. Although ER2-treated Artemia contained the most eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and ER3-treated Artemia contained the most docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA), the ER1 enrichment improved overall survival, growth, and survival after air stress test to the greatest extent in larval Pacific cod. Furthermore, the levels of DHA and HUFA observed in larvae fed the ER1 diet were higher than the respective concentrations of these nutrients observed in larvae fed the other diets. Thus, under the experimental conditions applied in the present study, ER1 provided Artemia with DHA and EPA ratio of 4.1 for early feeding of Pacific cod larvae.

Murine and human microglial cells are relatively enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid compared to the whole brain

The brain is a multicellular organ enriched with lipids. While the fatty acid composition of gross cerebral tissue is well characterized, the fatty acid composition of specific brain cells, particularly microglia cells, is less well characterized. Microglia cells are the innate immune cells of the brain, and a paucity of studies measuring their fatty acid composition using either immortalized or primary microglia cells report a higher ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than widely observed in whole brain tissue. Here we further characterize the fatty acid composition of murine microglia cells from young male and female mice as well as of human origin and compared it with a myelin-enriched fraction from the same mice. Our results show that saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are the most abundant followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with no statistical differences between sexes. Regarding PUFA, although DHA levels did not differ between human and murine cells, EPA was statistically higher in murine microglia. Notably, the DHA to EPA ratio was about 400 times lower in microglial cells compared to the myelin-enriched fraction. Thus, our results suggest that as compared to whole brain tissue EPA is relatively abundant in microglia cells, particularly in comparison to other n-3 PUFA such as DHA. Since the fatty acid composition of microglia can influence their functionality, a better understanding of EPA and DHA metabolism in microglia and the brain could identify new targets to modify microglial activity.