Plasma Fatty Acid Composition Research Articles

Effect of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid and Catechins on Maze Behavior in Mice

Background/Aims: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n–3) and catechins are food components that play an important role in maintaining human health. However, the effect of a simultaneous intake of DHA and catechins on brain function is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DHA and catechins on maze behavior in mice. Method: Adult (5 months old) and old (15 months old) male mice were fed 5% lard diets containing 0 or 1.5% DHA ethyl ester (DHA-EE), either with or without 0.5% catechins, for 3.5 months. Maze behavior was assessed 3 months after the start of the feeding experiment. The time required and distance traveled to reach the maze exit, and the number of times that a mouse strayed into blind alleys in the maze were measured. The fatty acid compositions of plasma and brain lipids were measured after the maze behavior experiment. Results: Adult mice in the catechin, DHA-EE, and DHA-EE + catechin diet groups required less time and traveled a shorter distance to reach the maze exit, and strayed into blind alleys fewer times than those in the corresponding lard groups. Among old mice, the DHA-EE + catechin diet group showed an improvement in maze behavior. No marked differences in the brain fatty acid composition between lard and catechin diet groups were observed; in the DHA-EE intake groups, the brain DHA percentage was raised. Conclusion: These results suggest that a simultaneous intake of DHA and catechins may certainly enhance brain function in both adult and old mice.

β3-adrenoceptor agonist prevents alterations of muscle diacylglycerol and adipose tissue phospholipids induced by a cafeteria diet

BackgroundInsulin resistance induced by a high fat diet has been associated with alterations in lipid content and composition in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Administration of β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) agonists was recently reported to prevent insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet, such as the cafeteria diet. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a selective β3-AR agonist (ZD7114) could prevent alterations of the lipid profile of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue lipids induced by a cafeteria diet.MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley rats fed a cafeteria diet were treated orally with either the β3-AR agonist ZD7114 (1 mg/kg per day) or the vehicle for 60 days. Rats fed a chow diet were used as a reference group. In addition to the determination of body weight and insulin plasma level, lipid content and fatty acid composition in gastronemius and in epididymal adipose tissue were measured by gas-liquid chromatography, at the end of the study.ResultsIn addition to higher body weights and plasma insulin concentrations, rats fed a cafeteria diet had greater triacylglycerol (TAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) accumulation in skeletal muscle, contrary to animals fed a chow diet. As expected, ZD7114 treatment prevented the excessive weight gain and hyperinsulinemia induced by the cafeteria diet. Furthermore, in ZD7114 treated rats, intramyocellular DAG levels were lower and the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid, in adipose tissue phospholipids was higher than in animals fed a cafeteria diet.ConclusionsThese results show that activation of the β3-AR was able to prevent lipid alterations in muscle and adipose tissue associated with insulin resistance induced by the cafeteria diet. These changes in intramyocellular DAG levels and adipose tissue PL composition may contribute to the improved insulin sensitivity associated with β3-AR activation.

Metabolism of defined structured triglyceride particles compared to mixtures of medium and long chain triglycerides intravenously infused in dogs

The present study aimed to determine whether including medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) in specifically designed structured triglycerides (STG) with a MCFA in sn-1 and sn-3 positions and a long-chain (LC) FA in sn-2 position (MLM) would lead to different effects on plasma lipids and FA distribution into plasma and tissue lipids by comparison to a mixture of separate MCT and LCT molecules (MMM/LLL). The fatty acid (FA) composition was comparable in both lipid emulsions. Lipids were infused over 9 h daily, in 2 groups of dogs ( n=6 each), for 28 days as a major component (55% of the non-protein energy intake) of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Blood samples were obtained on specific days, before starting and just before stopping TPN. The concentration of plasma lipids was measured before starting and before stopping TPN on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 28. Biopsies were obtained from liver, muscle and adipose tissue 15 days before starting, and again on the day following cessation of TPN. In addition, the spleen was removed after the TPN period. FA composition in plasma and tissue lipids was analysed by gas liquid chromatography in different lipid components of plasma and tissues. No differences in either safety or tolerance parameters were detected between both lipid preparations. A lower rise of plasma TG ( P<0.05) was observed during MLM infusion, indicating a faster elimination rate of MLM vs MMM/LLL emulsion. In spite of the differences of TG molecules which would be assumed to affect the site of FA delivery and metabolic fate, FA distribution in phospholipids (PL) of hepatic and extrahepatic tissues did not substantially differ between both emulsions.

Sunflower oil does not protect against LDL oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease

Background & aims: The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo effects of a diet rich in virgin olive oil or sunflower oil on the lipid profile and on LDL susceptibility to oxidative modification in free-living Spanish male patients with peripheral vascular disease. Methods: A total of 20 Spanish male subjects diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease were randomly divided into two groups ( n=10) receiving different supplements, virgin olive oil and sunflower oil for 4 months. Results: The adaptation of patients to the experimental supplements was demonstrated since plasma and LDL fatty acids composition reflected dietary fatty acids. No differences in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol concentrations were found between the groups of patients. A significantly higher LDL susceptibility to oxidation was observed after sunflower oil intake in comparison with virgin olive oil, in spite of an increase in LDL α-tocopherol concentration in sunflower oil group. Conclusions: The results of the present study provide further evidence that sunflower-oil-enriched diets does not protect LDL against oxidation as virgin olive oil does in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

The influence of dietary fish oil vs. sunflower oil on the fatty acid composition of plasma cholesteryl-esters in healthy, adult cats.

The question addressed was whether the fatty acid composition of plasma cholesteryl esters (CEs) in cats reflects the intake of fatty acids. Diets containing either fish oil or sunflower oil were fed to six healthy, adult cats in a cross-over trial. The dry cat foods contained approximately 18.5% crude fat, of which two-third was in the form of the variable oil. Blood samples were collected at the end of each 4-week feeding period, and the fatty acid composition of plasma CEs and plasma concentrations of lipoproteins were determined. Consumption of the diet with fish oil was associated with significantly greater proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and myristic acid in plasma CEs. The intake of fish oil instead of sunflower oil reduced the percentage of linoleic acid in CEs. The plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides were not affected by fish oil vs. sunflower oil feeding.

Effect of fish meal supplementation on plasma and endometrial fatty acid composition in nonlactating beef cows.

Seven nonlactating mature Angus cows (4 to 10 yr old) were used to examine the effects of fish meal supplementation on plasma and endometrial fatty acid composition. Cows were fed a corn silage-based diet supplemented with either fish meal, a rich source of the n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoate and docosahexaenoate (n = 3; 5.1% of dietary DM), or corn gluten meal (n = 4; 8.5% of dietary DM) for approximately 64 d. Cows were given 25 mg of PGF2alpha (i.m.) on d 11 and 25 of supplementation to synchronize estrous cycles. On d 18 postestrus of the second estrous cycle, cows were slaughtered, and caruncular endometrium was dissected from uteri immediately after slaughter. Jugular blood samples were collected immediately before supplementation was initiated (d 0) and at 7-d intervals for 35 d of the study. Plasma eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids did not differ between treatment groups on d 0 (P > 0.10); however, these fatty acids were greater in cows supplemented with fish meal over the first 35 d of supplementation compared with cows supplemented with corn gluten meal (P < 0.05). Endometrial docosahexaenoic acid did not differ (P = 0.12), whereas eicosapentaenoic acid was greater (P < 0.05) in cows supplemented with fish meal than in cows supplemented with corn gluten meal. These results indicate that dietary fish meal alters plasma and endometrial n-3 fatty acid composition in beef cows.

Relationship between plasma fatty acid composition and diet over previous years in the Italian centers of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).

Fatty acid levels in plasma phospholipids were related to food intake over the previous year as estimated by semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires compiled by 280 men and 246 women from the EPIC centers of Varese, Turin, Florence and Ragusa (Italy). Fatty acid content was determined by gas chromatography and analyzed in relation to age, sex and center. The most important finding was that plasma monounsaturated fatty acid levels, mainly oleic acid, were associated with olive oil consumption (r = 0.28 men, r = 0.19 women, both P <0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first time that these non-essential plasma fatty acids have been related to their dietary source in a population eating a varied and freely chosen diet. We confirmed that long-chain n-3 fatty acids in plasma phospholipids are associated with fish consumption and that odd chain 15 : 0 and 17 : 0 fatty acid levels are associated with dairy products and pizza-with-mozzarella consumption. N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels reflected dietary intake of seed oils, mayonnaise and biscuits. Alcohol intake was positively associated with palmitic and palmitoleic acid and negatively associated with linoleic acid. These associations suggest indirect relations between alcohol consumption and other features of diet, and also that ethanol has an effect on fat metabolism. We found numerous indirect relationships (ie, not due to dietary consumption of food sources of the fatty acids) between plasma fatty acids and diet, which we propose as due to the influence of complex life-style factors.

Plasma fatty acid composition and incidence of coronary heart disease in middle aged adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background and Aim: To prospectively investigate the relation of plasma cholesterol ester (CE) and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid (FA) composition with incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods and Results: 3 591 white participants in the Minneapolis field center of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, aged 45–64 years, were studied. Plasma FA composition of CEs and PLs was quantified using gasliquid chromatography and expressed as percentage of total FAs. Incident CHD was identified during 10.7 years of follow-up. In both CE and PL fractions, the proportions of stearic (18:0) acid, dihomo- γ-linolenic (20:3n6) acid and total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were significantly higher while arachidonic (20:4n6) acid and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly lower among participants who developed incident CHD (n=282). After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol drinking, sports activity, and non-FA dietary factors, the incidence of CHD was significantly and positively associated with the proportion of dihomo- γ-linolenic acid but inversely associated with arachidonic acid. The multiply-adjusted rate ratios (RRs) of CHD incidence for the highest versus the lowest quintile were 1.31 in CE and 1.44 in PL for dihomo- γ-linolenic acid ( p for trend: 0.05 and 0.017, respectively), 0.59 in CE and 0.65 in PL for arachidonic acid ( p: 0.016 and 0.024, respectively). Also significantly and positively associated with incident CHD were PL stearic acid and CE linolenic (18:3n3) acid. Only a borderline significant positive association was observed for total SFAs in CE (multivariate RRs across quintiles: 1.00, 1.15, 1.40, 1.62, 1.32; p=0.07). Total PUFAs or monounsaturated FA were not independently associated with CHD. Conclusions: Our study found a weak positive association of SFAs with incident CHD. Our findings also confirm that FA metabolism in the body, such as the activity of Δ-5 desaturase, which converts dihomo- γ-linolenic acid to arachidonic acid, may affect the development of CHD.

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia: rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of the Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study (JELIS)

Hypothesis The principle aim of the current study is to test the hypothesis that the long-term use of highly purified EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid: 1800 mg/day), in addition to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, is effective in preventing cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia. Background Epidemiological and clinical evidence suggest that intake of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (PUFAs), which are abundant in fish, might have a significant role in the prevention of coronary artery disease, as marine PUFAs have multiple biological functions through lipid-dependent and lipid-independent mechanisms. Methods The Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study (JELIS) is a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point trial including both primary and secondary prevention strata, with a maximum follow-up of 5 years. Its main purpose is to examine the clinical effectiveness of EPA oil given as an additional treatment to patients taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for hypercholesterolemia. A primary end point is major coronary events: sudden cardiac death, fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina pectoris including hospitalization for documented ischemic episodes, and events of angioplasty/stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting. Secondary end points include all-cause mortality, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and cancer. Baseline study composition comprises 15,000 participants (4204 men and 10,796 women) in the primary prevention stratum and 3645 (1656 men and 1989 women) in the secondary stratum. The minimum age is 40 years for men, women are required to be postmenopausal, and all patients must be ≤75 years of age. The mean age of participants is 61 years, and 69% are female. The schedule for plasma fatty acid composition measurement is as follows: at baseline, at 6 month, and yearly thereafter. The mean baseline total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 275 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L) and 180 mg/dL (4.6 mmol/L). Results Results are expected in 2005. Conclusion JELIS is a large clinical trial that will evaluate whether EPA can make an additional improvement in mortality and morbidity of coronary artery disease beyond that of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor treatment.

Plasma fatty acid composition and incidence of diabetes in middle-aged adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

The results of some epidemiologic studies conducted by using questionnaires suggest that dietary fat composition influences diabetes risk. Confirmation of this finding with use of a biomarker is warranted. We prospectively investigated the relation of plasma cholesterol ester (CE) and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition with the incidence of diabetes mellitus. In 2909 adults aged 45-64 y, plasma fatty acid composition was quantified by using gas-liquid chromatography and was expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids. Incident diabetes (n = 252) was identified during 9 y of follow-up. After adjustment for age, sex, baseline body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, physical activity, education, and parental history of diabetes, diabetes incidence was significantly and positively associated with the proportions of total saturated fatty acids in plasma CE and PL. The rate ratios of incident diabetes across quintiles of saturated fatty acids were 1.00, 1.36, 1.16, 1.60, and 2.08 (P = 0.0013) in CE and 1.00, 1.75, 1.87, 2.40, and 3.37 (P < 0.0001) in PL. In CE, the incidence of diabetes was also positively associated with the proportions of palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1n-7), and dihomo-gamma-linolenic (20:3n-6) acids and inversely associated with the proportion of linoleic acid (18:2n-6). In PL, incident diabetes was positively associated with the proportions of 16:0 and stearic acid (18:0). The proportional saturated fatty acid composition of plasma is positively associated with the development of diabetes. Our findings with the use of this biomarker suggest indirectly that the dietary fat profile, particularly that of saturated fat, may contribute to the etiology of diabetes.

Plasma fatty acid composition and depression are associated in the elderly: the Rotterdam Study

It has been hypothesized that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are involved in mood regulation, but epidemiologic evidence for such a link in the general population is lacking. This study examined whether community-dwelling elderly persons with depression have a fatty acid composition that is different from that of nondepressed persons. We screened 3884 adults aged > or = 60 y for depressive symptoms as part of the Rotterdam Study. Subjects who screened positive had a psychiatric interview to diagnose depressive disorders. All eligible subjects had their blood drawn for measurement of plasma phospholipid concentrations. We compared percentages of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs and their ratios between 264 subjects with depressive symptoms, including 106 subjects with depressive disorders, and 461 randomly selected reference subjects. We also investigated whether atherosclerosis or the inflammatory response as measured by C-reactive protein underlies the relation between fatty acid composition and depression. Subjects with depressive disorders had a higher ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs, but differences in individual PUFAs were mostly small. However, depressed subjects with normal CRP concentrations (< 1.5 mg/L) had a substantially altered fatty acid composition; percentages of n-3 PUFAs and ratios of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in subjects with depressive disorders than in control subjects [5.2% compared with 5.9% (P = 0.02) and 7.2 compared with 6.6 (P = 0.01), respectively]. This relation was not due to atherosclerosis. In community-dwelling persons, fatty acid composition is related to depression. Because this relation was not secondary to inflammation, atherosclerosis, or possible confounders, it suggests a direct effect of fatty acid composition on mood.

Cardiorespiratory fitness modifies the association between dietary fat intake and plasma fatty acids.

To investigate the relation between (1) cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and (2) the interactions between cardiorespiratory fitness, dietary fat intake and plasma fatty acid composition. Cross-sectional analysis. The subjects were randomly selected, 127 middle-aged Finnish men participating in the DNASCO exercise intervention study. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined spiroergometrically, dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients by 4-day food records and plasma fatty acids by gas chromatography. The subjects were divided into tertiles of aerobic fitness. Differences between fitness tertiles were not observed for dietary intake of total fat, and saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids (percent of total energy). In contrast, plasma saturated fatty acids were significantly lower (P <0.01) and polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly higher (P <0.05) in the highest fitness tertile compared to the lowest tertile. Dietary saturated fat intake was positively associated with plasma saturated fatty acids (r=0.342; P <0.05) and inversely with plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (r=-0.453; P <0.01) only in the lowest fitness tertile. In addition, a positive correlation between body mass index and plasma saturated fatty acids (r=0.516; P <0.01) as well as a negative correlation between body mass index and plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (r=-0.516; P <0.01) was observed in the lowest tertile solely. Different levels in cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with different levels in plasma saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and lead to modifications in the association between dietary and plasma fatty acids. These findings can perhaps be explained by a reduced hepatic fatty acid and lipoprotein synthesis as well as by an enhanced muscular lipid utilization, which are commonly seen in those who are physically active and who exhibit a higher level of fitness.

Effects of simultaneous docosahexaenoic acid and catechin intakes on the plasma and liver lipids in low- and high-fat diet fed mice

The purpose of this study was to clarify the synergistic effects of fish oil and tea components on plasma and liver lipids in mice fed low- and high-fat diets. Male mice (5 months old) were fed for 4 months on low (5%) or high (20%) fat diets containing 0%, 0.1%, or 1% docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (DHA-EE) either with or without 0.03% catechin. The plasma total cholesterol (T-Chol) content of mice fed the 1% DHA-EE + 0.03% catechin diet was the lowest among the experimental low-fat diet groups. The plasma total and free cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly lower in the mice fed 1% DHA-EE + 0.03% catechin diet than in animals fed 1% DHA-EE or 0.03% catechin diets. However, there were no marked differences in the plasma and liver lipid components between any of the experimental high-fat diet groups. In mice fed either the low- or high-fat diet, plasma and liver DHA percentages rose with the increasing of DHA-EE supplementation, while the catchins supplementation hardly influenced the plasma and liver fatty acid composition. These results suggest that simultaneous intakes of DHA and catechins may be effective in the improving plasma lipid levels in animals fed low-fat diet.

Relation between the fatty acid composition of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and measures of immune cell function in healthy, free-living subjects aged 25–72 y

There is little information about the relation between the fatty acid composition of human immune cells and the function of those cells over the habitual range of fatty acid intakes. The objective of the study was to determine the relation between the fatty acid composition of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) phospholipids and the functions of human immune cells. One hundred fifty healthy adult subjects provided a fasting blood sample. The phagocytic and oxidative burst activities of monocytes and neutrophils were measured in whole blood. PBMCs were isolated and used to measure lymphocyte proliferation in response to the T cell mitogen concanavalin A and the production of cytokines in response to concanavalin A or bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The fatty acid composition of plasma and PBMC phospholipids was determined. Wide variations in fatty acid composition of PBMC phospholipids and immune cell functions were identified among the subjects. The proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), of total n-6 and n-3 PUFAs, and of several individual PUFAs in PBMC phospholipids were positively correlated with phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes, neutrophil oxidative burst, lymphocyte proliferation, and interferon gamma production. The ratios of saturated fatty acids to PUFAs and of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs were negatively correlated with these same immune functions. The relation of PBMC fatty acid composition to monocyte oxidative burst was the reverse of its relation to monocyte phagocytosis and neutrophil oxidative burst. Variations in the fatty acid composition of PBMC phospholipids account for some of the variability in immune cell functions among healthy adults.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Camelina Oil on Porcine Blood Lipids

ABSTRACT: The effects of dietary supplementation with camelina oil on porcine plasma fatty acid composition and on serum cholesterol/triglyceride concentrations were investigated and compared with the effects of fish oil. The diets consisted of a control diet and diets supplemented with 5% camelina oil, 10% camelina oil and 5% fish oil. The camelina and fish‐oil diets increased plasma ω3 fatty acids and reduced plasma ω6 fatty acids. Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5ω3, EPA) was increased more by the fish oils diet than the camelina‐oil diets. Serum triglyceride levels were reduced by the camelina‐oil diets.

Dietary fat, fatty acid composition in plasma and the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders often including abdominal obesity, is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Insulin resistance is a key feature of the metabolic syndrome. Observational studies have indicated that the type of fat in the diet may be related to the development of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, also independent of possible effects on body weight. Dietary surveys are often imprecise. One way to monitor the type of fat in the diet is to record the fatty acid composition in plasma. This review summarizes recent data on the relationships between fatty acid composition in plasma and insulin resistance, diabetes and other disorders related to the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance and insulin resistant states are often associated with the fatty acid pattern in plasma, characterized by an increased proportion of palmitic (16 : 0) and a low proportion of linoleic (18 : 2 n-6) acids, with a distribution of other fatty acids indicating an increased activity of delta-9 and delta-6 desaturase. This shows that there may be a causal relationship between the type of fat in the diet and insulin action, an assumption supported by recent dietary intervention studies. In a public health perspective these results, from both observational and intervention studies, underline the importance of fat quality in the diet for the development of a number of prevalent diseases. Taken together with several earlier studies and recent epidemiological findings, they give strong support to present dietary guidelines.

Dietary fat has minimal effects on fatty acid metabolism transcript concentrations in pigs.

Young, crossbred pigs were fed either a low-fat, corn-based diet; a high-fat, tallow-based diet with a considerable saturated fatty acid (FA) content; or a high-fat, fish oil-based diet with a considerable polyunsaturated FA content, for 14 d. There were six pigs per dietary group (approximately 4-wk-old with a body weight of 6.16 kg). The plasma and adipose tissue FA composition reflected the composition of the diet to a large extent, but also reflected de novo FA synthesis coupled with chain elongation and desaturation. The liver and skeletal muscle FA composition reflected the diet and endogenous synthesis, but the indications for preferential incorporation or exclusion of specific FA were greater in these tissues than in plasma or adipose tissue. An important transcription factor for adipocyte differentiation and other aspects of lipid metabolism is adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor 1 (ADD1). Liver ADD1 messenger RNA (mRNA) tended to be decreased (P = 0.06) in the fish oil-fed group, as well as in the combined high-fat-fed groups (tallow + fish oil) compared to the low-fat-fed group (P = 0.06). The muscle acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA tended to be increased in the tallow-fed group and decreased in fish oil-fed groups (P = 0.06). The muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase mRNA tended to be elevated in both fat-fed groups (P = 0.07). None of the adipose tissue mRNA were changed by the diet (P > 0.20). The observations suggest there are major differences between rodents and pigs in modulation of transcripts associated with lipid metabolism by the dietary FA composition or concentration. Also, in porcine adipose tissue, as well as in liver and skeletal muscle, these transcripts are rather refractory to modification by dietary FA.

Improved antioxidant and fatty acid status of patients with cystic fibrosis after antioxidant supplementation is linked to improved lung function

Oxidative stress, as measured by 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2)(alpha) (8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha)), and depleted antioxidant defenses were shown in stable cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The plasma fatty acid status of CF patients was linked to oxidative stress after respiratory exacerbations. We examined changes in plasma 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha), antioxidant defenses, plasma fatty acid status, and clinical markers resulting from short-term antioxidant supplementation. Forty-six CF patients were randomly assigned to either group A [low dose of supplement (10 mg vitamin E and 500 micro g vitamin A)] or group B [high dose of supplement (200 mg vitamin E, 300 mg vitamin C, 25 mg beta-carotene, 90 micro g Se, and 500 micro g vitamin A)]. Plasma concentrations of 8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha), vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, zinc, selenium, and copper; plasma fatty acid composition; erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activities; lung function; and dietary intake were measured before and after 8 wk of supplementation. Antioxidant defenses in group B improved, whereas those in group A did not: in groups B and A, the mean (+/- SEM) changes (Delta) in vitamin E were 10.6 +/- 1.5 and -1.9 +/- 0.9 micro mol/L, respectively (P < 0.001), (Delta)beta-carotene were 0.1 +/- 0.04 and -0.01 +/- 0.02 micro mol/L, respectively (P = 0.007), (Delta)selenium were 0.51 +/- 0.10 and -0.09 +/- 0.04 micro mol/L, respectively (P < 0.001), and (Delta)glutathione peroxidase activity were 1.3 +/- 0.3 and -0.3 +/- 0.6 U/g hemoglobin, respectively (P = 0.016). There were no significant differences between the groups in Delta8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha), (Delta)vitamin C, (Delta)fatty acid composition, (Delta)superoxide dismutase activity, (Delta)lung function, or (Delta)white cell count. Within group B, (Delta)beta-carotene correlated with (Delta)percentage of forced vital capacity (r = 0.586, P = 0.005), (Delta)selenium correlated with (Delta)percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = 0.440, P = 0.046), and (Delta)plasma fatty acid concentrations correlated with (Delta)percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = 0.583, P = 0.006) and Delta8-iso-PGF(2)(alpha) (r = 0.538, P = 0.010). Whereas increased beta-carotene, selenium, and fatty acid concentrations are linked to improved lung function, increased plasma fatty acid concentrations are linked to oxidative stress. If oxidative stress is deemed to be important to the clinical outcome of CF patients, means of reducing oxidative stress while maintaining a high-fat, high-energy diet must be investigated.

High intakes of vegetables, berries, and apples combined with a high intake of linoleic or oleic acid only slightly affect markers of lipid peroxidation and lipoprotein metabolism in healthy subjects , ,

A high consumption of vegetables and fruit is associated with decreased risk of ischemic heart disease and several cancers. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves free radical mechanisms. Diet may either enhance or diminish oxidative stress in the body. We studied the effects of high and low intakes of vegetables, berries, and apples on markers of lipid peroxidation and lipoprotein metabolism in subjects consuming diets high in linoleic or oleic acid. For 6 wk, healthy men and women (n = 77; aged 19-52 y) consumed 1 of 4 controlled isoenergetic diets rich in either linoleic acid (11% of energy) or oleic acid (12% of energy) and containing either 815 or 170 g vegetables, berries, and apples/10 MJ. Nineteen healthy volunteers served as control subjects. Several markers of dietary compliance (plasma fatty acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, and quercetin), lipid peroxidation [ex vivo LDL oxidation, plasma and LDL thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, paraoxonase (EC 3.1.8.1), and urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2)(alpha)], and lipoprotein metabolism (plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and lipid transfer protein activities) were measured from samples collected before and at the end of the experimental period. Plasma fatty acid composition and antioxidant concentrations showed that compliance with the diets was good. However, there were no significant differences between the diets in the markers of lipid peroxidation and lipoprotein metabolism. In healthy volunteers with adequate vitamin intakes, 6-wk diets differing markedly in the amounts of linoleic and oleic acid and vegetables, berries, and apples did not differ in their effects on lipid peroxidation or lipoprotein metabolism.

Dose-Response Effect of Egg-Phosphatidylcholine on Maze-Learning Ability and Fatty Acid Composition of Plasma and Brain in Aged Mice Fed an n–3 Fatty Acid-Deficient Diet

Background/Aims: We investigated the dose-response effect of egg-phosphatidylcholine (PC) on the maze-learning ability and brain fatty acid composition in aged mice. Method: Male Crj:CD-1 mice aged 18 months were fed the following diets for 4 months: (i) 5 g palm oil/100 g diet (n–3-deficient control group); (ii) 1 g egg-PC/100 g diet plus 4 g palm oil/100 g diet (egg-PC 1% group); (iii) 2.5 g egg-PC/100 g diet plus 2.5 g palm oil/100 g diet (egg-PC 2.5% group), and (iv) 5 g egg-PC/100 g diet (egg-PC 5% group). Maze-learning ability was assessed 3 months after the start of the experiment. All animals were maintained on the n–3 fatty acid-deficient diets to examine the direct effect of egg-PC on maze behavior. The time required to reach the maze exit and the number of times that a mouse strayed into blind alleys in the maze were measured in 3 trials every 4 days. Results: Our results showed that the 2.5 and 5% egg-PC groups needed less (p < 0.05) time to find the exit and strayed into blind alleys fewer times (p < 0.05) than the control group. In order to determine the relationship between maze-behavior and brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels in aged mice fed various doses of egg-PC, the plasma and brain fatty acid composition was examined. Dose-response increases in the percentage of DHA were found in plasma lipids. However, based on our data on the brain fatty acid composition of mice fed various doses of egg-PC, no significant differences in the percentages of DHA and AA among the dietary groups were observed. Conclusion: These results suggest that the intake of egg-PC improves maze-learning ability in aged mice fed n–3 fatty acid-deficient diets but it does not influence the percentage of brain DHA and AA.