Serum Fatty Acid Profiles Research Articles

Analysis of Serum Fatty Acids Profile in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Patients with end-stage kidney disease, treated with renal transplantation, are at increased risk of cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and cardio-vascular mortality. They are also characterized by an atherogenic dyslipidemia. Alterations of the fatty acids (FA) profile contribute to increased cardio-vascular risk in the general population. In the current study we test the hypothesis that kidney transplantation is associated with ab-normalities in FA profile. FA profile was analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in 198 renal transplant recipients, and 48 control subjects. The most profound differences between renal transplant patients and controls were related to the content of branched chain FA, monounsaturated FA, and n-6 polyunsaturated FA, respectively. The FA profile significantly separated the patients from the controls in the principal component analysis (PCA). The abnormalities of FA profile showed a tendency for normalization in long-term kidney recipients, as compared to patients with recent transplants. The n-3 PUFA content demonstrated a strong inverse association with the presence of inflammation. Most profound alterations of the FA profile were observed in patients with impaired graft function (glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min). The study demonstrated significant disorders of the FA profile in kidney transplant recipients, that might contribute to cardio-vascular risk in this vulnerable patient population.

Parental dietary arachidonic acid altered serum fatty acid profile, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of dietary arachidonic acid on serum fatty acid profile, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in pigeon squabs by supplementing arachidonic acid in their parental diets. A completely randomized design was conducted consisting of control group, 0.05% dietary arachidonic acid supplementation group, 0.1% dietary arachidonic acid supplementation group, and 0.2% dietary arachidonic acid supplementation group. Six randomly selected squabs from each group were sampled on Day 21 post-hatch. Results indicated that moderate level (0.05%) of arachidonic acid in parental diets for pigeon squabs improved lipid metabolism via regulation on serum lipid profile and fatty acid composition and tended to reduce hepatic lipid accumulation in the premise of negligible damage to antioxidant status. Unfortunately, excessive parental supplementation of dietary arachidonic acid might be harmful to squab health. The regulatory effects of arachidonic acid were sensitive to the arachidonic acid doses. In conclusion, parental dietary arachidonic acid at 0.05% could be beneficial for squabs to maintain health as reflective aspects in ameliorative serum lipid profile, fatty acid composition, and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation.

Serum fatty acids profile and association with early-onset coronary artery disease.

Background:Fatty acids (FAs) play crucial roles in modulating and preventing diseases in humans, including early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD). In this study, we aimed to provide a profile of FAs in the serum of EOCAD patients and identify potential EOCAD-associated FAs.Methods:In the first stage, we analyzed the FAs profiles in pooled samples of patients with EOCAD using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the second stage, the serum levels of the candidate FAs were validated in EOCAD patients.Results:A total of 128 EOCAD patients and 64 controls were included in the study. Forty-nine serum FAs were quantified in pooled samples; three ω-3 FAs were identified to be associated with EOCAD. Moreover, results from the validation stage indicated that serum levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were significantly lower in EOCAD patients (55.43 ± 33.86 µg/ml) and myocardial infarction (MI) patients (47.49 ± 28.44 μg/ml) than those in the controls (70.65 ± 43.56 µg/ml). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that elevated serum DHA level was an independent protective factor for EOCAD [odds ratio (OR) = 0.8917, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.879–0.957] and MI (OR = 0.835, 95% CI: 0.799–0.862). Decreased serum levels of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were observed in the early-onset MI group.Conclusion:The study provided the serum FAs profile of EOCAD and confirmed that the decrease in serum levels of DHA, DPA, and EPA was associated with EOCAD. These findings might contribute to understanding the cardiovascular effects of FAs, particularly the protective effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated FAs.

Lipid profile disturbances may predispose psoriatic patients to liver dysfunction.

IntroductionPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with metabolic disturbances and liver dysfunction. Both serum fatty acids (FA) and ceramides (Cer) have structural functions but also are signal molecules that could be involved in the pathogenesis of liver dysfunction.AimTo assess the concentration of the circulating FA and Cer in correlation with the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) blood level in psoriatic patients. In addition, we have examined the relationship between ALT concentration and severity of the disease and inflammation markers.Material and methodsEighty-five patients with psoriasis and 32 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to ALT blood levels. Serum concentration of 14 FA and 14 Cer were measured by gas-liquid chromatography. The results were correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), serum lipid profile, and inflammatory markers.ResultsWe observed higher PASI score (p = 0.01) and higher C-reactive protein (p = 0.02) concentration in the group of psoriatic patients with high ALT. Serum ALT positively correlated with saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p = 0.01, r = 0.27) and SFA/unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) ratio (p = 0.01, r = 0.26). ALT negatively correlated with UFA level (p = 0.008, r = –0.28). Lignoceric ceramide positively correlated with ALT level (r = 0.22; p = 0.045) in psoriatic patients.ConclusionsPatients with severe psoriasis are predisposed to the development of liver dysfunction. We have demonstrated disturbances of serum fatty acid and sphingolipid profile in psoriatic patients, which may trigger liver disease.

Effects of dietary alfalfa protein concentrate on lipid metabolism and antioxidative status of serum and composition and fatty acid profile and antioxidative status and dietetic value of muscles in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) at the dose of 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg on the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, dietary value, and antioxidant status in muscles and serum of Ross 308 chickens. The experiment involved 150 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens allocated into 3 groups in 5 replications (10 birds per pen). A 1-way system with 2 levels of APC, 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg of a complete diet, was used. Group C receiving a standard feed mixture without APC was the control. The addition of 15 and 30 g APC increased the CP content in the breast muscle and in the thigh muscle, and reduction in the cholesterol and fat level was noted. Higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-6 group was noted in the breast muscles of the 30-g APC–supplemented chickens. The thigh muscles with APC were characterized by more favorable values of the atherogenic index, thrombotic index, and hypocholesterol-to-hypercholesterol ratio.The supplementation with 30 g APC reduced the cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein level, and decreased the low-density lipoprotein level and improved the antioxidant parameters in plasma (increase in superoxide dismutase and in glutathione peroxidase and reduction of malondialdehyde), compared with group C. The results of this study indicate that the supplementation with 30 g APC improved the metabolic functions of the organism, meat resistance to oxidative processes, and the composition and profile of fatty acids. Therefore, APC can be a potential alternative to synthetic feed additives and soya protein in production of healthier poultry meat.

Effects of dietary fish oil and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on selected blood parameters and fatty acid profiles in mares and their foals.

The effects of fish oil (40ml/day) supplementation, with or without synthetic all-rac-alpha-tocopherol-acetate (2,500IU/day), during the last 65days before expected parturition were investigated in 15 adult mares (553±24kg BW) and their foals. Mares were assigned to one of three diets: control (n=5), control plus fish oil and alpha-tocopherol (n=4; FO+AT) or control with just fish oil (n=6; FO). Blood samples were obtained from the mares before a 15-day dietary adaptation period (T1) and from mares and foals the first (T2) and fifth (T3) days post-partum. Colostrum was collected at T2 and milk at T3. Routine haematological, biochemical and alpha-tocopherol analyses were undertaken on all blood samples. Fatty acid concentrations were determined in the foal serum and alpha-tocopherol concentrations measured in the milk and colostrum. Diet had no effect on haematology or biochemistry in the mares. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher at T2 & T3 in the FO+AT mares. Foal WBCs were higher in FO (11.33±2.59×109 /l), comparing to FO+AT and control groups (9.18±1.24×109 /l and 7.26±1.03×109 /l, respectively), at T3 (p<.05). There was no significant effect of the fish oil supplementation on the foal's serum fatty acid profile. In the FO+AT group, both colostrum and milk alpha-tocopherol concentrations (2.56±0.36 and 1.36±0.22µg/ml, respectively) were higher compared than those of the FO group (1.33±0.39 and 0.72±0.31µg/ml, respectively; p<.05). Additional 2,500IU/day of synthetic alpha-tocopherol in the last 65days of pregnancy increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations in colostrum and milk and the foal's serum. 40ml/day fish oil, however, did not significantly increase serum eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in the foals.

Fatty acid synthase promotes breast cancer metastasis by mediating changes in fatty acid metabolism.

Fatty acid metabolism is closely associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the key enzyme involved in fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid synthase (FASN), mediates fatty acid changes that affect the activity and migration of breast cancer cells, and whether specific fatty acids play a role in tumor metastasis. The difference in serum fatty acid profiles between patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and healthy controls was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fatty acid profile analysis, and it was revealed that five types of fatty acids may be potential tumor markers in IDC. Immunohistochemistry and GC-MS analysis revealed that FASN expression affected the serum fatty acid profiles of patients with IDC. Following FASN knockdown, the migration of SK-Br-3 breast cancer cells was inhibited, and the contents of various fatty acids both inside and outside the cell decreased, while the contents of various fatty acids inside and outside the cell increased following FASN overexpression. The results of the present study revealed that the expression level of FASN affected the content of fatty acids in IDC tissues and breast cancer cell lines, and that FASN-mediated changes in specific fatty acids promoted tumor cell migration.

EGCG regulates fatty acid metabolism of high-fat diet-fed mice in association with enrichment of gut Akkermansia muciniphila

• EGCG regulated the profile of circulating fatty acids in serum. • EGCG decreased the expression of fatty acid desaturase in liver (SCD1 and FADS2). • EGCG shifted structure of gut microbiota and enriched Akkermansia muciniphilain . • Akkermansia muciniphila might take part in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism. This study is to examine the effects of EGCG on fatty acid metabolism and their possible relationship with gut microbiota. C57BL/6J mice fed with HFD were administrated with 210 mg/kg EGCG for 12 weeks. EGCG significantly decreased saturated fatty acids (C17:0 and C22:0), increased the unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1 and C18:2) ( p < 0.05) in the serum, and decreased the liver protein expression of SCD1 and FADS2. EGCG administration significantly enriched the Verrucomicrobia and decreased the Firmicutes and Saccharibacteria ( p < 0.05). Bacteroides, Candidatus_Saccharimonas and Akkermansia showed strong correlation with serum fatty acids profile ( p < 0.05, r > 0.45 or r < -0.45). Interestingly, Akkermansia muciniphila was positively correlated with C18:2 ( p < 0.05, r = 0.51) and negatively correlated with C22:0 ( p < 0.05, r = -0.48). These findings demonstrate that alteration of the circulating long chain fatty acids profile is involved in EGCG-mediated lipid metabolism of HFD-fed mice, and the intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria might play an important role in this process.

Total Tract Apparent Digestibility, Serum Fatty Acid Profile, and Productive Performances of Mid-lactating Dairy Cows Fed with Dietary Betaine

Total Tract Apparent Digestibility, Serum Fatty Acid Profile, and Productive Performances of Mid-lactating Dairy Cows Fed with Dietary Betaine

Percentages of serum, liver and adipose tissue fatty acids and body weight are affected in female rats by long-term Central kisspeptin treatments

This study was conducted to determine the possible effects of long-term exogenous kisspeptin and its antagonist P234 on serum, liver and adipose tissue fatty acids (FA) profiles, as well as body weight, in female rats. Kisspeptin (50 pmol) and P234 (1 nmol) were administrated to the weaned Sprague–Dawley female rats by an intracerebroventricular injection from the 26th postnatal day to the 60th postnatal day. Percentages of the serum total saturated FA (∑SFA) and total monounsaturated FA (∑MUFA) were lower in the kisspeptin group. In the adipose tissue, ∑SFA was lower and total unsaturated FA higher in the P234 group. Moreover, long-term central kisspeptin injection caused a decrease in the body weight. When compared to the kisspeptin group, the final body weights were higher in the P234 and kisspeptin + P234 groups. According to our results, we suggest that kisspeptin has a regulatory role in FA metabolism and regulation of body weight.

Fecal Fermentation Profile, Serum Fatty Acid Profile and Measures of Liver Health in Male HIV-infected Versus Non-infected Controls

Abstract Objectives Many persons with an HIV infection and undergoing treatment still experience weight loss, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea and malabsorption), and symptoms of lipodystrophy. Symptoms include NAFLD and liver fibrosis. The gut microbiota and short chain volatile fatty acids (SCVFA) interface with other body systems. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota due to pharmaceuticals, malabsorption, and chronic diseases is associated with milieu of imbalances indicated by the modification of the SCVFA profile. This study aimed to further elucidate the relationship between gut microbiota fermentation profiles, serum and fecal long chain fatty acid profiles, NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and anthropometric measures in HIV infected males. Methods This research enrolled 14 HIV-infected and 14 non-infected males that were matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric measurements BMI and hip to waist ratio were obtained, along with a liver scan for fatty liver and fibrosis using the ARFI ultrasound technique as well as a single blood draw via venipuncture. A full bowel movement was collected for each participant, a small aliquot was collected for future microbiome analysis, and the remainder was freeze-dried and stored at −80 C. Proximate analysis of fecal fat content was analyzed by soxhlet extraction. Fermentation profile of both fecal SCVFA and LCFA, and serum LCFA were analyzed via gas chromatography. Results Significant differences in levels of specific SCVFAs were found between groups, with male controls having significantly higher amounts of acetate (P &amp;lt; 0.046), butyrate (P &amp;lt; 0.033), and valerate (P &amp;lt; .006). Serum LCFA were similar between groups with a few exceptions. Anthropometric data approached statistical significance, with the HIV infected males exhibiting a greater value for liver damage (P = 0.060) and hip to waist ratio (P = 0.015). Conclusions In addition to identifying altered lipid circulation and liver damage, this research suggests differences in microbial communities between HIV-infected and non-infected individuals. Planned future microbiome analysis will help to correlate bacterial populations with altered fecal fermentation profiles. Funding Sources Seed Grant, Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Diseases and Immunity, ETSU.

Associations of Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biomarkers with Affective Symptoms and Cognition in Women Beginning Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Abstract Objectives The objective of this research was to examine if the serum levels of long chain omega 3 fatty acids (LCn-3 FA) or long chain omega-6 fatty acids (LCn-6 FA) were associated with affective symptoms and cognition in breast cancer patients beginning chemotherapy. Methods 60 women with breast cancer were assigned to a double-blinded randomized study of minocycline vs placebo. Serum was collected from 53 women at baseline and post-chemotherapy and was stored at −80C. Serum fatty acids (FAs) from 37 pairs of samples from both time points were extracted, methylated, then analyzed using gas chromatography. Changes in fatty acids were analyzed by using paired sample t-test. Cognitive and affective behaviors were measured by Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult Version (BRIEF-A) test, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and UCLA 3 item Loneliness Scale. Associations between baseline FAs and cognitive and affective test scores were measured by Pearson correlations; p &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results Preliminary results suggest there were significant increases in the following serum FAs from baseline to post chemotherapy: C14:0 (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and C18:1n9 (p &amp;lt; 0.05), and there were significant decreases in C18:0 (p = 0.01), C20:0 (p = 0.001), and C22:5n6 (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Baseline analysis, prior to chemotherapy, indicated a non-significant trend for EPA (20:5n3) (r = −0.27, p = 0.06) and the n-3/n-6 ratio (r = −0.27, p = 0.06) to be correlated with better (i.e., lower) scores on the BRIEF-A test. There were trends for correlations of total n-6 FA and better (i.e., lower) STAI score (r = −0.25, p = 0.07), and total n-6 FA and better (i.e., lower) Loneliness Scale scores (r = −0.24, p = 0.09). Conclusions There was a significant change in the serum FA profile of women with breast cancer from baseline to post-chemotherapy. There were non-significant trends for n-3 FAs to be associated with better executive function, and n-6 FAs to be correlated with less anxiety and loneliness prior to beginning chemotherapy. Future research will investigate associations among serum FAs, cognitive and affective tests post-chemotherapy. Funding Sources Stephanie Spielman Breast Cancer Center – Kroger Fund OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center Pelotonia Award.

Phytosterol, Lipid and Phenolic Composition, and Biological Activities of Guava Seed Oil.

Plant seeds have been found to contain bioactive compounds that have potential nutraceutical benefits. Guava seeds (Psidium guajava) are by-products in the beverage and juice industry; however, they can be utilized for a variety of commercial purposes. This study was designed to analyze the phytochemicals of the n-hexane extract of guava seed oil (GSO), to study its free-radical scavenging activity, and to monitor the changes in serum lipids and fatty acid profiles in rats that were fed GSO. The GSO was analyzed for phytochemicals using chromatographic methods. It was also tested for free-radical scavenging activity in hepatoma and neuroblastoma cells, and analyzed in terms of serum lipids and fatty acids. GSO was found to contain phenolic compounds (e.g., chlorogenic acid and its derivatives) and phytosterols (e.g., stimasterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol), and exerted radical-scavenging activity in cell cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. Long-term consumption of GSO did not increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rat serum, but it tended to decrease serum fatty acid levels in a concentration-dependent manner. This is the first study to report on the lipid, phytosterol and phenolic compositions, antioxidant activity, and the hepato- and neuro-protection of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress levels in the GSO extract.

Effect of Diets with Different Lipid's Sources On Serum and Brain Fatty Acids Profile: Experimental Model.

The importance of diet in health is widely accepted and recognized. Diet lipid profile is important to prevent chronic diseases and improve the quality of an individual's life. The objective of this report is to analyze the effect of different sources of dietary lipids with standard and high concentration on growing rats. Experimental diets contained 15 or 42% kcal of fat, provided by butter (B), olive oil (O), high oleic sunflower oil (HO), and sunflower oil (S). Control diet (C) was normocaloric with 15% kcal of fat provided by soy oil. All diets were complete in the other nutrients according to AIN 1993 and were administered for 40 days. Daily intake was similar in all groups. The administration of these diets provoked changes in serum fatty acid profile in response to the different sources of dietary lipids used; no changes were observed in the brain´s fatty acids. These results would suggest that the organism tries first to supply the brain´s fatty acid needs at the expense of its modification in serum.

Oils' Impact on Comprehensive Fatty Acid Analysis and Their Metabolites in Rats.

Fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated, and their metabolites (eicosanoids) play many pivotal roles in human body, influencing various physiological and pathological processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with edible oils diverse in terms of fatty acid composition on fatty acid contents, activities of converting their enzymes, and on lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic and linoleic acids (eicosanoids) in rat serum. Female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into seven groups were used in the study. Animals from six groups were fed one of oils daily (carotino oil, made up by combining of red palm oil and canola oil, linseed oil, olive oil, rice oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil). One group received a standard diet only. Fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Eicosanoids—hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODE) were extracted using a solid-phase extraction method and analyzed with HPLC. Vegetable oils given daily to rats caused significant changes in serum fatty acid profile and eicosanoid concentrations. Significant differences were also found in desaturases’ activity, with the linseed and olive oil supplemented groups characterized by the highest D6D and D5D activity. These findings may play a significant role in various pathological states.

Low protein diet and methyl-donor supplements modify testicular physiology in mice.

The link between male diet and sperm quality has received significant investigation. However, the impact diet and dietary supplements have on the testicular environment has been examined to a lesser extent. Here, we establish the impact of a sub-optimal low protein diet (LPD) on testicular morphology, apoptosis and serum fatty acid profiles. Furthermore, we define whether supplementing a LPD with specific methyl donors abrogates any detrimental effects of the LPD. Male C57BL6 mice were fed either a control normal protein diet (NPD; 18% protein; n = 8), an isocaloric LPD (LPD; 9% protein; n = 8) or an LPD supplemented with methyl donors (MD-LPD; choline chloride, betaine, methionine, folic acid, vitamin B12; n = 8) for a minimum of 7 weeks. Analysis of male serum fatty acid profiles by gas chromatography revealed elevated levels of saturated fatty acids and lower levels of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in MD-LPD males when compared to NPD and/or LPD males. Testes of LPD males displayed larger seminiferous tubule cross section area when compared to NPD and MD-LPD males, while MD-LPD tubules displayed a larger luminal area. Furthermore, TUNNEL staining revealed LPD males possessed a reduced number of tubules positive for apoptosis, while gene expression analysis showed MD-LPD testes displayed decreased expression of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax, Csap1 and Fas when compared to NPD males. Finally, testes from MD-LPD males displayed a reduced telomere length but increased telomerase activity. These data reveal the significance of sub-optimal nutrition for paternal metabolic and reproductive physiology.

Increased Expression of the Leptin Gene in Adipose Tissue of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-The Possible Role of an Abnormal Serum Fatty Acid Profile.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased level of leptin and an abnormal fatty acid (FA) profile in the serum. However, there are no data on the associations between them, and the reason for increased serum levels in patients with CKD is not well elucidated. Recently, we found that a CKD-related abnormal FA profile caused significant changes in the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to examine whether leptin gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of patients with CKD may contribute to increased serum levels of this adipokine and whether the abnormal serum FA profile observed in CKD patients has an impact on leptin gene expression in adipocytes. The FA profile was measured in serum samples from patients with CKD and controls by GC–MS. The relative mRNA levels of leptin were measured in SAT by Real-Time PCR. Moreover, the effect of the CKD-related abnormal FA profile on leptin gene expression was studied in in vitro cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Patients with CKD had higher concentrations of serum leptin than controls and higher expression level of the leptin gene in SAT. They also had increased serum monounsaturated FAs and decreased polyunsaturated FAs. The incubation of adipocytes with FAs isolated from CKD patients resulted in an increase of the levels of leptin mRNA. Increased leptin gene expression in SAT may contribute to elevated concentrations of these adipokine in patients with CKD. CKD-related alterations of the FA profile may contribute to elevated serum leptin concentrations in patients with CKD by increasing the gene expression of this adipokine in SAT.

Branched chain amino acids alter fatty acid profile in colostrum of sows fed a high fat diet

BackgroundBranched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are important substrates for milk protein synthesis in the mammary gland, and are tightly related to lipid metabolism. No study has been performed examining the role of BCAAs with high fat diets on milk fat synthesis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary BCAAs on growth performance of piglets, progeny body weight, and milk fat composition in sows fed a high fat diet. Four diets (CON = control diet; HF = high fat diet with 8% soybean oil; HF-MB=HF plus 0.39% BCAAs; HF-HB=HF plus 0.78% BCAAs) were fed to sows from late gestation to weaning.ResultsCompared to HF, BCAAs (HF-MB and HF-HB) increased the litter weight (P < 0.05) and overall litter weight gain (P < 0.05) at weaning and increased colostrum fat content by 27.3–35.8% (P < 0.01). Fatty acid profiles between the two doses of BCAAs were similar. Compared with HF, HF-MB tended to decrease the percentage of C18:3n3 (P = 0.063) and increased the percentage of C18:1n9c (P = 0.03). In addition, BCAAs in HF-MB increased the concentration of total fatty acid by 22.1% in colostrum (P = 0.03) but decreased that in serum at parturition by 53.2% (P = 0.027). The fatty acids in colostrum that increased with BCAAs were C15:0, C17:0, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3 (P = 0.00~0.04). Colostrum fatty acids of C20:0, C21:0, C22:0, C16:1, C20:1, C18:1n9c also tended to be increased (0.05 < P < 0.1) with BCAAs. The change in sow serum fatty acid profile due to BCAAs was different from that in colostrum.ConclusionsBCAAs in high fat diet of sows altered the fatty acid composition in colostrum and enhanced litter growth. Our study indicated that BCAAs supplementation can enhance mammary fatty acid uptake and mammary fat synthesis and that supplemental BCAAs and fat in late gestation and lactation diets for sows can improve reproductive performance.

Effect of Different Dietary Sources of Oils on Growth Performance and Profile of Lipid, Testosterone and Fatty Acids in Rabbit Bucks.

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with sunflower oil (SFO), flaxseed oil (FSO) or 1% SFO+1% FSO on growth performance, and lipid, testosterone and fatty acid profiles of California rabbit bucks. Number of 24 California bucks having 5.3-5.5 months of age and weighing 2316-2429 g were divided into four groups (n=6). Bucks in the control group were fed free commercial diet, while those in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were fed the same diet with 2% SFO, 2% FSO, or 1% SFO+1% FSO, respectively. Growth parameters were determined during the experiment (16 wk). Serum lipid, testosterone and fatty acid profiles were determined.Results showed insignificant treatment effect on body weight, feed intake and weight gain during the experiment (0-16 wk).The differences in serum triglycerides and total lipids between treatment groups and control were not significant, but triglycerides increased (P<0.05) in FSO- than SFO-bucks. Phospholipids decreased (P<0.05) only by SFO+FSO, while total cholesterol and LDL increased (P<0.05) by SFO or SFO+FSO, but HDL was not affected. All oil types increased (P<0.05) Non-HDL, being higher (P<0.05) in SFO+FSO than in SFO or FSO. Serum Castelli I and II indices,AST and ALT activity, serum total fatty acids and fatty acid profile were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, balancing the ratio between n-6: n-3 fatty acids is important to be the easiest approach to indicate this would be intake of oils rich in n-3 or n-6 fatty acids, such as sunflower and flaxseed oils, respectively.

Effects of dietary Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product supplementation on antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens.

ObjectiveThis study was investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Antrodia cinnamomea fermented product on modulation of antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and lipid metabolism in broilers.MethodsFunctional compounds and in vitro antioxidant capacity were detected in wheat bran (WB) solid-state fermented by Antrodia cinnamomea for 16 days (FAC). In animal experiment, 400 d-old broiler chickens were allotted into 5 groups fed control diet, and control diet replaced with 5% WB, 10% WB, 5% FAC, and 10% FAC respectively. Growth performance, intestinal microflora, serum antioxidant enzymes and fatty acid profiles in pectoral superficial muscle were measured.ResultsPretreatment with hot water extracted fermented product significantly reduced chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells death induced by lipopolysaccharide and 2,2′-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. Birds received 5% and 10% FAC had higher weight gain than WB groups. Cecal coliform and lactic acid bacteria were diminished and increased respectively while diet replaced with FAC. For FAC supplemented groups, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at 35 days only, with catalase elevated at 21 and 35 day. Regarding serum lipid parameters, 10% FAC replacement significantly reduced triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein level in chickens. For fatty acid composition in pectoral superficial muscle of 35-d-old chickens, 5% and 10% FAC inclusion had birds with significantly lower saturated fatty acids as compared with 10% WB group. Birds on the 5% FAC diet had a higher degree of unsaturation, followed by 10% FAC, control, 5% WB, and 10% WB.ConclusionIn conclusion, desirable intestinal microflora in chickens obtaining FAC may be attributed to the functional metabolites detected in final fermented product. Moreover, antioxidant effects observed in FAC were plausibly exerted in terms of improved antioxidant enzymes activities, increased unsaturated degree of fatty acids in chicken muscle and better weight gain in FAC inclusion groups, indicating that FAC possesses promising favorable mechanisms worthy to be developed.