Eicosapentaenoic Acid Research Articles

Unsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles and Prognostic Significance in Epilepsy Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis Using UPLC-MS/MS and SVM Algorithm

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) play a crucial physiological role in human body. However, the concentration-related changes and prognostic significance of UFAs in epilepsyremain unclear. An optimized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach was developed to measure six key UFAs: oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Subsequently, the levels of these six UFAs were determined in 40 healthy individuals and 49 epilepsy patients. The diagnostic value of UFAs and clinical examination indicators were assessed using statistical analysis and the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The results showed that the UPLC-MS/MS method successfully quantified the levels of OA, LA, AA, ALA, EPA, and DHA in both the healthy individuals and epilepsy patients. Compared with the healthy group, the levels of ALA, AA, and DHA were significantly elevated in the epilepsy group (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation among the UFAs in the epilepsy group. The orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model showed that DHA and EPA were more important than cholesterol in distinguishing between two groups, although the separation was not complete. The SVM model achieved better separation, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 when including the six UFAs. The EPA/DHA ratio was identified as a key feature, with a significant contribution to the model's performance. Removing the six UFAs from the model reduced the AUC to 0.91, highlighting the predictive value of UFAs for epilepsy. In conclusion, ALA, AA, and DHA, are altered in epilepsy patients. The EPA/DHA ratio was found to be a key predictive indicator for epilepsy. The use of UFAs in conjunction with clinical examination data improved the predictive power of the SVM model, suggesting that UFAs have potential as biomarkers for epilepsy.

Associations between eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid consumption and inflammatory bowel disease in adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010.

Current evidence on the associations of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) consumption with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary EPA and DHA consumption with the incidence of IBD in a population of the United States, which potentially provides insights for global nutritional prevention and control strategies for IBD. Data were sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2009-2010. EPA and DHA consumption was measured using twice 24-h dietary recall questionnaires. In the arthritis questionnaire, the incidence of IBD was inquired via a sub-analysis for arthropathy. To assess the relationship between dietary EPA and DHA consumption with the incidence of IBD, binary logistic regression and limited cubic spline models were used. A total of 4,242 individuals aged 20 years and older participated in this survey. IBD was diagnosed in 52 individuals, representing a prevalence of 1.23%. The 95% confidence interval for crude odds ratios (ORs) of IBD in quartiles 2 and 3 of dietary EPA consumption was 0.14 (0.04-0.55) (p<0.05) and 0.36 (0.18-0.73) (p<0.05) when compared to quartile 1, respectively. The 95% confidence interval for crude ORs of IBD in quartile 4 of dietary DHA consumption was 0.09(0.02-0.35) (p<0.05) when compared to quartile 1. For the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2009-2010, increased dietary EPA and DHA consumption may be related to a decreased risk of IBD in Americans aged 20 and above.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Nephrotoxicity is a prevalent side effect observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity involves various factors such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of EPA and DHA, either alone or in combination, on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice, as well as their underlying mechanisms of action. The combined administration of EPA and DHA demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity compared to administration alone, including the reduction of oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, the combination of EPA and DHA suppressed inflammation and prevented the development of chronic kidney fibrosis during prolonged observations following repeated cisplatin administration. Mechanistically, ω-3 PUFAs enhance the expression of antioxidant genes by activating the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, Nrf2 activation can inhibit the cisplatin-induced p53 apoptosis signal by upregulating the expression of MDM2 in renal tubular epithelial cells. Consequently, ω-3 PUFAs exert a protective effect against cisplatin-induced renal injury through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that ω-3 PUFAs intake holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for combating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Genetic engineering of Nannochloropsis oceanica to produce canthaxanthin and ketocarotenoids

BackgroundCanthaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid with high antioxidant activity, and it is primarily produced by microalgae, among which Nannochloropsis oceanica, a marine alga widely used for aquaculture. In the last decade, N. oceanica has become a model organism for oleaginous microalgae to develop sustainable processes to produce biomolecules of interest by exploiting its photosynthetic activity and carbon assimilation properties. N. oceanica can accumulate lipids up to 70% of total dry weight and contains the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) required for both food and feed applications. The genome sequence, other omics data, and synthetic biology tools are available for this species, including an engineered strain called LP-tdTomato, which allows homologous recombination to insert the heterologous genes in a highly transcribed locus in the nucleolus region. Here, N. oceanica was engineered to induce high ketocarotenoid and canthaxanthin production.ResultsWe used N. oceanica LP-tdTomato strain as a background to express the key enzyme for ketocarotenoid production, a β-carotene ketolase (CrBKT) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Through the LP-tdTomato strain, the transgene insertion by homologous recombination in a highly transcribed genomic locus can be screened by negative fluorescence. The overexpression of CrBKT in bkt transformants increased the content of carotenoids and ketocarotenoids per cell, respectively, 1.5 and 10-fold, inducing an orange/red color in the bkt cell cultures. Background (LP) and bkt lines productivity were compared at different light intensities from 150 to 1200 µmol m-2 s-1: at lower irradiances, the growth kinetics of bkt lines were slower compared to LP, while higher productivity was measured for bkt lines at 1200 µmol m-2 s-1. Despite these results, the highest canthaxanthin and ketocarotenoids productivity were obtained upon cultivation at 150 µmol m-2 s-1.ConclusionsThrough targeted gene redesign and heterologous transformation, ketocarotenoids and canthaxanthin content were significantly increased, achieving 0.3% and 0.2% dry weight. Canthaxanthin could be produced using CO2 as the only carbon source at 1.5 mg/L titer. These bkt-engineered lines hold potential for industrial applications in fish or poultry feed sectors, where canthaxanthin and ketocarotenoids are required as pigmentation agents.

Characteristic lipids and their potential functions generated during the aging process of yak ghee

Yak ghee is an important food source for Tibetan herdsmen; however, the lipid composition, functional lipids changed and best consumption period during the aging process of yak ghee have not been determined. In this study, we identified a total of 386 lipids in Zhongdian yak ghee during aging, including glycerolipids (292 species), glycerophospholipids (47 species), sphingolipids (24 species), and fatty acyls (23 species). The lipids in yak ghee dynamically changed during aging, with the final product containing several polyunsaturated fatty acids (including linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid), indicating its high nutritional value. Lipid fingerprints of yak ghee during aging revealed that triglyceride (16:0/16:0/20:5) and triglyceride (18:1/18:3/21:0) etc. were the characteristic lipids in aged yak ghee. The characteristic lipids in yak ghee were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, glycerolipid metabolism, and ether lipid metabolism pathways. This study provides insight into the lipid changes of yak ghee during aging, which offers a theoretical basis for the development of high-value yak ghee products.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Muscle Strength—Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), specifically the most biologically active (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), have well-documented health-promoting effects, including, but not limited to, controlling inflammatory processes in the human body and supporting cardiovascular and cognitive health and visual processes. There is also some evidence pointing to the potential of EPA and DHA to preserve and/or enhance muscle strength. Muscle strength plays a crucial role in preventing age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function and the subsequent impaired functionality in the daily lives of the elderly. It also has a significant role in physical performance by aiding in the effectiveness of training elements, such as vertical jumps, sprinting, changes of direction, rate of force development, and anaerobic conditioning. Previous studies have indicated that supplementation with n-3 PUFAs may have a small but significant effect on preserving and/or increasing muscle strength in both healthy adults and in elderly. However, the number of studies published on this topic is limited. The goal of this narrative review is to summarize the effects of EPA and DHA supplementation on muscle strength and identify the limitations of previous studies that, if addressed, will help confirm or exclude the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs on muscle strength in humans.

Dietary Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Is Associated with Blood Glucose and Diabetes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine the cross-sectional associations between the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large sample of Italian community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Longevity Check-up 8+ (Lookup 8+) is an ongoing project that started in June 2015. The project is conducted in unconventional settings (e.g., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns) across Italy with the aim of fostering the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the general population. For the present study, participants were eligible if they were 65+ years and provided written informed consent. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and blood glucose and cholesterol levels were assessed. A 12-item food frequency questionary was used to estimate the dietary intake of PUFAs, which included omega-3 (α-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and omega-6 fatty acids. Results: Data of 4461 older adults (♀56%, mean age: 72.9 years, mean body mass index [BMI]: 26.1 kg/m2, blood glucose: 109 mg/dL, total blood cholesterol: 198.5 mg/dL, ALA: 8.8%, EPA: 16.0%, and DHA: 26.1%) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Multilinear regression results indicated that a high consumption of EPA, DHA, and DHA+EPA was negatively and significantly associated with glucose levels. Furthermore, binary regression analysis indicated that the dietary intake of ALA and omega-6 PUFAs was inversely and significantly associated with the prevalence of diabetes. In contrast, BMI values were positively associated with ALA and omega-6 PUFAs, and negatively with the consumption of EPA and DHA+EPA. Conclusions: Findings of the present study indicate that the dietary intake of PUFAs was cross-sectionally, inversely, and significantly associated with blood glucose levels and the prevalence of diabetes in a large sample of Italian community-dwelling older adults.

Nutrients and Quality Aspects Characterizing Ostrea edulis Cultivated in Valli di Comacchio (Northern Italy) Across Different Seasons

The quality aspects of Ostrea edulis (O. edulis) cultured in Valli di Comacchio were examined across different seasons. Nutritional quality parameters, antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, and contaminants were determined in winter, summer, and autumn (December, June, and October). Seasonal variations in nutritional parameters were observed. In particular, in the winter samples, proteins, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, threonine, tyrosine, valine and methionine, isoleucine, potassium, and carotenoids showed the highest values, whereas oleic acid, linolenic acid, lysine, and magnesium exhibited the maximum values in the summer. Finally, lipids, carbohydrates, histidine, and magnesium were present at high values in the autumn. The antioxidant activity values differed between the two methods used (DPPH and photochemiluminescence assays); however, the oysters collected in June presented lower antioxidant capacity. Contaminant levels were always below the imposed concentration limits; however, higher levels of toxic metals were detected in the winter, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in the summer and autumn. It is important to monitor the nutritional and toxicological quality of Ostrea edulis throughout the cultivation seasons, not only to enhance knowledge of this species and improve its cultivation systems but also to determine the optimal period for human consumption from both nutritional and toxicological perspectives.

Sustainable land-based IMTA: Holistic management of finfish, mussel, and macroalgae interactions, emphasizing water quality and nutrient dynamics

This research aims to minimize the environmental impact and promote the sustainability of aquaculture by optimizing nutrient dynamics, improving water quality and enhancing species growth performance through a land-based Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system. The study focused on Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax), Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), and sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), reared in interconnected tanks using Black Sea water over 90 days. The Black Sea trout more than doubled in size to 333.92 ± 6.60 g and significant improvements were observed in the specific growth rate (SGR) at 0.85% and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 1.38. The fish's proximate composition included 19.19% protein, 2.31% lipid, 70.35% moisture, and 1.34% ash, with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels at 6.06% and 13.50%, respectively. The macroalgae showed substantial growth, with a SGR of 0.34% and a weight gain of 310 ± 3.50 g. Additionally, it increased protein content by 13.41% and demonstrated significant nutrient removal efficiencies: 41.4% for nitrate, 66.7% for nitrite, and 90.8% for ammonia. EPA and DHA levels increased by 45% and 70%, reaching 4.66% and 2.19%, respectively. In contrast, the mussels experienced a weight loss, with a weight gain of −1.20 ± 0.00 g and an SGR of −0.20%. Initially, wild mussels had a composition of 77.56% moisture, 13.79% protein, 1.54% lipid, and 1.77% ash. The presence of mussels and macroalgae significantly improved water quality, notably reducing ammonia by 92.2%, nitrate by 44.6% and nitrite by 75%, benefiting the overall ecosystem. This study concludes that a land-based IMTA system enhances sustainable aquaculture by improving product quality and bioremediation, with macroalgae playing a crucial role in nutrient absorption and growth within the system.

Seaweed Nutritional Value and Bioactive Properties: Insights from Ascophyllum nodosum, Palmaria palmata, and Chondrus crispus.

This study investigates the nutritional composition and bioactive properties of Palmaria palmata (dulse), Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack), and Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). Understanding the nutritional values of these seaweeds is very important due to their potential health benefits, especially their antioxidant properties and cytotoxic activities, which point to their ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess protein content, amino acid composition, mineral profile, fatty acids, polyphenols, total carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity against cervical (HeLa), and colon (HCT-116) cell lines. P. palmata exhibited the highest protein content, while C. crispus was richest in calcium, iron, manganese, and zinc. Amino acid analysis revealed C. crispus as being particularly high in essential and non-essential amino acids, including alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine. A. nodosum and C. crispus were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A. nodosum showed the highest total carotenoid content. Polyphenol analysis highlighted the presence of compounds such as p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid across the species. Both the ethanolic and hexane A. nodosum extracts demonstrated the strongest antioxidant potential in DPPH• and ABTS+ assays. The cytotoxicity evaluation revealed high anticancer activity of A. nodosum and C. crispus hexane extract against HeLa and HCT-116, though it employed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. A. nodosum hexane extract exhibited moderate selective anticancer activity against HCT-116. These findings underscore the nutritional diversity and potential health benefits of these macroalgae (seaweed) species, suggesting their suitability as functional foods or supplements, offering diverse nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

Does periphyton turn less palatable under grazing pressure?

Abstract Periphyton acts as an important primary producer in stream food webs with bottom-up and also subject to top-down effects from grazing pressure. Yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we conducted a mesocosm experiment to explore response of food quality indicated by biomarkers polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20: 5n3) and 22C fatty acids (FAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6n3), essential for cell growth and reproduction and most consumers cannot synthesize, of periphyton to Bellamya aeruginosa grazing pressure. Results indicated that grazing pressure led to a decrease in Bacillariophyta which contain high-quality PUFAs such as EPA and DHA and an increase in Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta which are rich in 18C PUFAs such as linoleic acid (LIN, 18: 2n6) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18: 3n3) in periphyton. We observed up-regulation of genes that participate in lipid metabolism promoting biosynthesis of unsaturated FAs, ALA metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism and those relate to carbohydrate and energy metabolism maintaining energy stability of periphyton. Therefore, food quality of periphyton decreased under grazing pressure, and the results also provide the compositional, chemical, and molecular perspectives of the interactive bottom-up and top-down effects on structuring stream food webs.

N-3 Fatty Acids in Seafood Influence the Association Between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Depression: A Community-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

Accumulating evidence suggests that seafood and its components, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with mental health. However, little is known regarding whether the status of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modify the effect of dietary antioxidants on depression. The main purpose of study is to investigate longitudinal associations between seafood consumption and depression among 2564 participants aged 40-69 years using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and dietary intake were measured by a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Cox's proportional hazard model was used to examine the risk of depression according to seafood consumption. During an 8-year follow-up period, 165 (11.9%) men and 224 (18.9%) women experienced depression. After adjustment for confounders, the risk of depression was inversely associated with seafood consumption, with a 42% lower risk (HR T5 vs. T1 = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35-0.98, p = 0.040) only being found among women. In a group with a high n-3 PUFA intake, CDAI scores were negatively correlated with BDI scores (r = -0.146, p < 0.001) among women. Seafood consumption might lead to more favorable outcomes against depression if accompanied by an increased intake of foods that are rich in antioxidants.

Preparation of functional supplement powder using nanoliposome-containing marine bioactive compounds.

The demand for marine bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents in supplements or functional foods has increased. However, their instability, bitter taste, and potential degradation during digestion have hindered their widespread use. To overcome these problems, a functional supplement powder was produced using the encapsulation technique of nanoliposomes containing shrimp lipid extract, fish oil (FO), and fish protein hydrolysate. Chitosan and whey protein concentrate (WPC) were used to coat the nanoliposomes in mono/bilayer and composite forms, followed by freeze-drying for 72h. The physicochemical characteristics, nutritional, in vitro release, and sensory evaluation were investigated. The WPC-monolayer treatment exhibited the highest solubility (28.83mg/100g), encapsulation efficiency (97.67%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Although the mono/bilayer treatments of whey protein showed lower docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid than FO, they presented a favorable amino acid profile. Compared to acidic stomach conditions, the release in the intestine was higher. Incorporating 1.5g of the supplement powder per 100g of milk can meet an individual's daily nutritional needs for essential amino acids and PUFAs. Therefore, encapsulating marine bioactive compounds in liposomal carriers could be a beneficial approach to their direct use as a nutritious powder.

The Cardioprotective Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Depends on the Balance Between Their Anti- and Pro-Oxidative Properties.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are not only structural components of membrane phospholipids and energy storage molecules in cells. PUFAs are important factors that regulate various biological functions, including inflammation, oxidation, and immunity. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs from cell membranes can be metabolized into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory metabolites that, in turn, influence cardiovascular health in humans. The role that PUFAs play in organisms depends primarily on their structure, quantity, and the availability of enzymes responsible for their metabolism. n-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), are generally known for anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties. On the other hand, n-6 FAs, such as arachidonic acid (AA), are precursors of lipid mediators that display mostly pro-inflammatory properties and may attenuate the efficacy of n-3 by competition for the same enzymes. However, a completely different light on the role of PUFAs was shed due to studies on the influence of PUFAs on new-onset atrial fibrillation. This review analyzes the role of PUFAs and PUFA derivatives in health-related effects, considering both confirmed benefits and newly arising controversies.

Effects of Red Vinasse on Physicochemical Qualities of Blue Round Scad (Decapterus maruadsi) During Storage, and Shelf Life Prediction.

A fish processed with red vinasse is a type of Fujian cuisine with regional characteristics. In order to monitor the effect of red vinasse on storage quality and shelf life of blue round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) during storage, the changes in fat content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), pH value, texture, and sensory quality were studied at different storage temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C). By analyzing the correlation between changes in sensory qualities and physical and chemical indexes, a first-order kinetic model and the Arrhenius equation were used to build a shelf-life prediction model for blue round scad during storage. The results showed that processing with red vinasse can significantly reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) production and the decrease in PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p < 0.05) during storage. Based on partial least squares regression (PLSR), the storage temperature and time have a significant impact on the PUFA composition in blue round scad, which changed less when the samples were stored at 4 °C and 25 °C, and they had better nutritional composition of fatty acids at lower temperatures. Among the PUFAs, DHA (C22:6n-3) and EPA (C20:5n-3) had higher relative contents and significantly decreased during storage (p < 0.05). Additionally, the processing with red vinasse can slow down the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value and pH of blue round scad, maintain the appropriate hardness, elasticity, cohesion and chewability, and improve the overall sensory quality of the fish. In addition, according to the results of model prediction based on TBARS value, the storage shelf life of blue round scad with red vinasse added was 55 d, 2.7 d and 28 h at 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C, respectively. The accuracy of the forecast model was high, and the relative errors of the measured values and predicted values were less than 10%. Thus, it not only provided a theoretical basis for the processing and application of red vinasse to Chinese traditional food, but also provided innovative ideas for the safe storage and high-value utilization of blue round scad.

Complete replacement of fishmeal with unconventional animal protein sources: A comparative study of the effects of use of mealworm, earthworm and zooplankton on growth parameters, fatty acid composition and sensory profile rainbow trout

The global trend in aquaculture is to replace fishmeal with an alternative and sustainable source of protein for fish farming. As a result, some species of invertebrates have found a place in aquaculture as a rich source of protein and a promising substitute for fishmeal. This study aimed to investigate the effects of alternative protein sources on the growth parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as well as the fatty acid profile and the sensory quality of the fish fillets. The gas chromatography technique with a flame ionization detector was used to determine the fatty acid composition of the rainbow trout fillets, while different equations were used to determine the growth parameters and the hepatosomatic index. The sensory evaluation of the rainbow trout fillet was determined by a descriptive sensory analysis, a quality assessment and a consumer acceptance test. The replacement of fishmeal by mealworms (MWD) and earthworms (EWD) resulted in a positive effect on growth parameters, feed conversion, and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values. The mortallity of the rainbow trout fed with the experimental diets was less than 28 %. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of the trout fillets decreased with the inclusion of MWD (1.34 and 5.20 %, respectively) and EWD (1.74 and 6.41 %, respectively) in the trout diet. Feeding rainbow trout with MWD and EWD caused a decrease in the n-3/n-6 ratio compared to FMD (0.32 and 0.34, respectively vs. 0.56), whereas the addition of ZOD resulted in the increase of the n-3/n-6 ratio (0.67). The samples of fillets of trout fed with MWD and EWD belonged to the "very good" level of average sensory quality, while the fillets of trout fed with zooplankton were in the "good" quality range. Regarding acceptability by consumers all rainbow trout fillets shown good consumer acceptance.

Influence of the Degree of Unsaturation in Fish Oil Supplements on Oxidative Stress and Protein Carbonylation in the Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum of Healthy Rats.

ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial for brain structure and function, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, an excess of DHA may increase lipid peroxidation due to its high degree of unsaturation, particularly in tissues highly susceptible to oxidative stress, such as the brain. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of 10 weeks of dietary supplementation with fish oil containing 80% DHA on oxidative stress and the modulation of the carbonylated proteome in both the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of male Sprague Dawley rats. The results were compared with those induced by oils with a lower degree of fat unsaturation (fish oil containing 25% DHA and 25% eicosapentaenoic acid, soybean oil containing 50% linoleic acid and coconut oil containing 90% saturated fat). The results demonstrated that fish oil containing 80% DHA significantly increased the ω3/ω6 ratio in both the cortex and cerebellum while stimulating antioxidant defense by enhancing the reduced glutathione amount and decreasing the carbonylation of specific proteins, mainly those involved in glycolysis and neurotransmission. The majority of sensitive proteins in both brain regions followed this carbonylation trend (in decreasing order): soybean > EPA/DHA 1:1 > coconut > 80% DHA. The results also indicated that the cerebellum is more responsive than the cortex to changes in the cellular redox environment induced by varying degrees of fat unsaturation. In conclusion, under healthy conditions, dietary supplementation with fish oils containing high DHA levels makes the brain more resilient to potential oxidative insults compared to oils with lower DHA content and a lower degree of fatty acid unsaturation.

Efficacy and Safety of a Diet Enriched with EPA and DHA, Turmeric Extract and Hydrolysed Collagen in Management of Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis in Cats: A Prospective, Randomised, Blinded, Placebo- and Time-Controlled Study.

This study evaluated a therapeutic diet high in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of marine source (EPA:DHA ratio 0.69:1), turmeric extract, and hydrolysed collagen in cats (N = 30) with naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) over a 13-week (W) period, followed by a 4-W washout, using four previously validated pain/functional outcomes. Compared to the placebo diet, the therapeutic diet significantly improved peak vertical force (p = 0.017; W16, 64% responders), correlating to enhanced weight bearing; stair assay compliance (p < 0.001; W16, 87% responders), reflecting reduced fatigue related to OA pain; night-time actimetry (cohort effect; p = 0.05, 67% responders), suggesting greater spontaneous mobility and comfort; and MI-CAT(V) score (cohort effect; p < 0.001, 80% responders), indicating reduced functional impairments. The earliest therapeutic response was observed at W06, marked by an inflection point between actimetric linear regressions of both cohorts, confirmed by significant MI-CAT(V) differences (p < 0.007; W08; W12; W16). The MI-CAT(V) clinical metrology instrument was validated for inter-rater reliability, minimal placebo effect (<15% responders), and OA severity clustering. Despite baseline differences in biomechanical assessments (p < 0.05), both moderate and severe OA clusters responded equally positively to the therapeutic diet. Based on all outcomes, the therapeutic diet showed promise for the long-term management of feline OA, with no observed side effects.

Altered colonic microflora and its metabolic profile in mice with acute viral myocarditis induced by coxsackievirus B3

Mounting evidence suggests that the gut-heart axis is critical in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The gut serves as the primary pathway through which Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infects its host, leading to acute viral myocarditis (AVMC). However, little is known about the role of gut microflora and its metabolites in the development of AVMC. The AVMC model was established by intraperitoneal injection of CVB3 in mice. Then, 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) untargeted metabolomics profiling were performed to analyze the microflora composition and metabolic profile of colonic contents. Compared to the Control mice, the AVMC mice displayed a significant reduction in gut microflora richness and diversity, as revealed by an increased abundance of Proteobacteria and a decreased abundance of Cyanobacteria and Desulfobacterota. LEfSe analysis indicated that the main genera differing between the two groups were Escherichia-Shigella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and Odoribacter. Based on the criterion of OPLS-DA VIP ≥ 1.0 and p-value < 0.05, a total of 198 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified in the gut, including 79 upregulated and 119 downregulated metabolites, of which lipids and lipid-like molecules accounted for the largest proportion. Notably, both altered gut bacterial taxa and metabolites were significantly enriched in the Lipid metabolism pathway, with Traumatic acid (TA), Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being the key DMs in the pathway. Additionally, significant positive correlations (|r| > 0.80 and p < 0.05) were found between TA levels and Anaerotruncus and Bilophila abundance, between EPA levels and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance, and between DHA levels and Escherichia-Shigella abundance, respectively. CVB3 infection leads to notable alterations in gut microflora composition and its metabolic profile, which may participate in AVMC development. Our findings provide important clues for future in-depth studies on AVMC etiology.

Effects of temperature and salinity on the LC-PUFA biosynthesis and composition of the nereid polychaete Hediste diversicolor fed side streams

The rapid growth of aquaculture has prompted the exploration of alternative and sustainable feed ingredients. Polychaetes, such as Hediste diversicolor, offer promise in the circular economy due to their ability to recycle waste materials from bioindustries and convert low nutritional value fatty acids (FA) into eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and arachidonic (ARA) acids. This study explored the combined effect of temperature and salinity on growth and LC-PUFA biosynthesis in H. diversicolor fed on a side stream diet (33% sludge from salmon aquaculture (AS) and 66% solid-phase digestate from biogas production (SBD)). Polychaetes were cultured for 28 days along a 5-step temperature and salinity gradient ranging from 7.7 to 17.9 °C and 5 to 40 psu, respectively. Growth was highest at high temperatures (≥ 14.3 °C) and salinities (≥ 35 psu). The FA composition remained relatively stable across different culture temperatures, while salinity exhibited higher levels of n − 3 PUFA and n − 3 LC-PUFA at lower salinities (5 and 15 psu) compared to higher salinity (35 psu), mainly driven by EPA. This suggests that salinity may exert a more pronounced effect than temperature on the FA profiles of H. diversicolor. Despite low temperature and high salinity (40 psu) significantly upregulating the expression of elongase and desaturase genes, this was not translated into higher LC-PUFA. Remarkably, polychaetes exhibited high levels of n − 3 and n − 6 LC-PUFA, even when fed a diet deficient in such FA. These findings highlight the potential of H. diversicolor for LC-PUFA biosynthesis, positioning this species as a promising candidate for producing high-nutritional-value ingredients for aquafeeds.