Levels Of Gamma-linolenic Acid Research Articles

Associations of serum gamma-linolenic acid levels with erythema severity and anxiety/depression status in patients with rosacea

BackgroundThe development of rosacea is suggested to be closely associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, and anxiety/depression. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is a key factor participating in lipid metabolism, which is also confirmed to regulate the inflammatory response. However, the associations of serum GLA levels with rosacea severity and psychological status still remain unclear. Objective and limitations of the studyThe present study aimed to investigate the associations of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a key factor participating in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response, with rosacea severity and psychological status. The present study still had some limitations. First, this study is a cross-sectional study and does not provide longitudinal evidence about the relationship between GLA and rosacea; Second, the cohort in this study is also relatively small, and a larger cohort is needed in further investigation to reveal the potential role of lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of rosacea. MethodsA total of 62 rosacea patients were consecutively recruited. Patient’s Self-Assessment (PSA) scale and Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) as well as 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were conducted to evaluate the degree of erythema severity and anxiety/depression, respectively. Serum GLA levels were determined by gas chromatography mass. ResultsLower levels of serum GLA in rosacea patients were observed (p<0.001), and subgroup analysis revealed that patients with higher-level GLA had lower scores of PSA, CEA, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis uncovered that serum GLA levels were negatively associated with PSA, CEA, GAD-7 as well and PHQ-9 scores, respectively. Linear regression model found that serum GLA levels at baseline were a predictive factor for prognosis of clinical outcomes after 1-month conventional treatment. ConclusionThe present study indicates that lower levels of serum GLA in rosacea patients are negatively associated with the degree of erythema and anxiety/depression status.

68 Titration of GLA supplementation is linearly related to incorporation of DGLA into equine red blood cells

The omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has received considerable research attention in other species for its anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to the conversion of dietary GLA to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA). However, there is little to no published research on supplementing GLA to horses. The objective of this study was to determine how varied levels of supplemental GLA influence the equine blood fatty acid profile. Twenty Thoroughbred horses (9.9 ± 3.7 yr; 605 ± 58 kg BW; mean ± SD) were used in a longitudinal design for 6 mo including 3 mo of supplementation and 3 mo post-supplementation. Horses were stratified into 5 groups balanced primarily for age, BW, and initial grain intake and randomly assigned to one of 5 GLA oil treatments (n = 4): 0 (control), 1.9, 3.7, 7.3, or 9.7 g/d GLA top-dressed on similar low-starch commercial concentrates (1 to 5 kg/d). Fatty acid composition of plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) was measured every 28 d using gas chromatography at a commercial laboratory. Data were analyzed using linear regression and repeated measures ANOVA (GraphPad Prism). There was a strong positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.87; [% DGLA in RBC = 0.053(g/d of GLA intake) + 0.243]) between GLA intake and RBC DGLA incorporationafter 3 mo of supplementation, indicating horses can effectively convert GLA to DGLA in a dose-responsive manner. As GLA intake increased, more DGLA was incorporated into RBCs at a faster rate. Between baseline and 3 mo of supplementation, RBC DGLA did not change at 0 g/d GLA (0.26 to 0.23; P = 0.41) but increased 164% (0.28 to 0.74; P < 0.01) at 9.7 g/d GLA. At 1.9 g/d GLA, RBC DGLA did not differ (P > 0.05) from baseline until 3 mo of supplementation and returned after one month of washout. At 7.3 and 9.7 g/d GLA, RBC DGLA was different (P < 0.05) from baseline within one month of supplementation and remained elevated after 3 mo of washout. Results indicate that higher levels of supplementation respond faster, but take longer to peak and more time to wash out. More research is needed to determine if there is an upper limit to the dose response of GLA. Although an optimal equine blood fatty acid profile has not been delineated, these results provide novel data on the impact GLA supplementation has on the equine blood fatty acid profile.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation increases levels in red blood cells and reduces the prevalence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers in exercised Thoroughbreds.

To assess the relationship between plasma and RBC fatty acid composition and incidence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers when altered by short-chain (SC) or long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation. 13 fit Thoroughbred horses in training. Horses were evaluated by gastroscopy for squamous ulcer score, gastric pH, and blood fatty acid composition prior to supplementation (UNSUPP) and after 3 months of supplementation with a corn-flax oil blend of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid (SC-PUFA) or a gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)-fish oil blend of GLA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; LC-PUFA) in a crossover design. Prior to gastroscopy and blood collection, horses performed a 4,600-m standardized exercise test on the racetrack as a stressor. Three months of supplementation with LC-PUFAs increased RBC levels of GLA, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), arachidonic acid (AA), EPA, and DHA, and reduced severe ulcer prevalence (38% UNSUPP vs 8% LC-PUFA with a severe ulcer score of grade 3 to 4). Short-chain PUFA supplementation did not effectively elevate RBC GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA, or DHA and severe ulcer incidence was not different (38% UNSUPP vs 23% SC-PUFA with a severe ulcer score of grade 3 to 4). Lower levels of RBC GLA, DGLA, AA, and EPA correlated with severe squamous gastric ulceration (grade 3 to 4). Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is prevalent in high-performance horses and is a concern to owners and trainers. Long-chain PUFA supplementation increased levels of GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA, and DHA, unlike SC-PUFA supplementation, and was associated positively with prevention or resolution of severe squamous gastric ulceration. Further studies are needed to evaluate different management styles and exercise intensities.

Coculturing of Mucor plumbeus and Bacillus subtilis bacterium as an efficient fermentation strategy to enhance fungal lipid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) production

This study aimed to improve lipid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) production of an oleaginous fungus, Mucor plumbeus, through coculturing with Bacillus subtilis bacteria, optimising the environmental and nutritional culture conditions, and scaling them for batch fermentation. The maximum levels of biomass, lipid, fatty acid, and GLA in a 5 L bioreactor containing cellobiose and ammonium sulfate as the optimal carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, achieved during the coculturing processes were 14.5 ± 0.4 g/L, 41.5 ± 1.3, 24 ± 0.8, and 20 ± 0.5%, respectively. This strategy uses cellobiose in place of glucose, decreasing production costs. The nutritional and abiotic factor results suggest that the highest production efficiency is achieved at 6.5 pH, 30 °C temperature, 10% (v/v) inoculum composition, 200 rpm agitation speed, and a 5-day incubation period. Interestingly, the GLA concentration of cocultures (20.0 ± 0.5%) was twofold higher than that of monocultures (8.27 ± 0.11%). More importantly, the GC chromatograms of cocultures indicated the presence of one additional peak corresponding to decanoic acid (5.32 ± 0.20%) that is absent in monocultures, indicating activation of silent gene clusters via cocultivation with bacteria. This study is the first to show that coculturing of Mucor plumbeus with Bacillus subtilis is a promising strategy with industrialisation potential for the production of GLA-rich microbial lipids and prospective biosynthesis of new products.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 Improves LPS-Induced Lipid Disorder and Organ Injury by Regulating Metabolomic Characteristics in Mice.

Sepsis is extremely heterogeneous pathology characterized by complex metabolic changes. Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is a well-known intestine-derived inhibitor of bile acid biosynthesis. However, it is largely unknown about the roles of FGF19 in improving sepsis-associated metabolic disorder and organ injury. In the present study, mice were intravenously injected recombinant human FGF19 daily for 7 days followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. At 24 hours after LPS stimuli, sera were collected for metabolomic analysis. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) network based on differential metabolites (DMs) was conducted. Here, metabolomic analysis revealed that FGF19 pretreatment reversed the increase of LPS-induced fatty acids. IPA network indicated that altered linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) were involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function and were closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Further investigation proved that FGF19 pretreatment decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased serum catalase (CAT) levels. In livers, FGF19 suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Finally, FGF19 pretreatment protected mice against LPS-induced liver, ileum, and kidney injury. Taken together, FGF19 alleviates LPS-induced organ injury associated with improved serum LA and GLA levels and oxidative stress, suggesting that FGF19 might be a promising target for metabolic therapy for sepsis.

Abstract 9098: The Relationship Between Linoleic Acid (LA) and Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid (DGLA) as Indicator of Delta-6-Desaturase Activity

Introduction: Low levels of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) have been shown to predict total death in patients hospitalized with an acute coronary syndrome. DGLA is converted from gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) by the enzyme elongase, following a slower and rate-limiting conversion from linoleic acid (LA) to GLA by the action of delta-6-desaturase. This would suggest that DGLA levels are (strongly) associated with delta-6-desaturase activity. Furthermore, a high ratio of LA to DGLA (LA:DGLA) has been claimed to reflect reduced delta-6-desaturase activity. Hypothesis/Aim: To evaluate the relationship between LA:DGLA ratio and DGLA levels in patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Baseline samples from the OMEMI (Omega-3 Fatty acids in Elderly with Myocardial Infarction) trial* in which a total of 1027 patients, aged 70 to 82 years, were included 2-8 weeks after an MI, were obtained. The total fatty acid profile was determined in serum phospholipids and relative concentrations (wt%) of LA, GLA and the LA:DGLA ratio (used as a surrogate for delta-6-desaturase activity) were evaluated across quartiles of concentrations of DGLA. Results: Levels of GLA were low compared to other n-6 fatty acids and followed the same trend as DGLA, consistent with a rapid turnover from GLA (Table 1). Furthermore, there was a steady decrease in the LA:DGLA ratio across the quartiles of DGLA, with approximately 50% lower levels in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of DGLA. Conclusion: We found a strong inverse relationship between DGLA and the LA:DGLA ratio in patients with a recent MI, indicating that the LA:DGLA ratio may serve as a measure of delta-6-desaturase activity. * Circulation 2021; 143(6): 528-39.

"Cell Membrane Theory of Senescence" and the Role of Bioactive Lipids in Aging, and Aging Associated Diseases and Their Therapeutic Implications.

Lipids are an essential constituent of the cell membrane of which polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the most important component. Activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) induces the release of PUFAs from the cell membrane that form precursors to both pro- and ant-inflammatory bioactive lipids that participate in several cellular processes. PUFAs GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), DGLA (dihomo-GLA), AA (arachidonic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are derived from dietary linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) by the action of desaturases whose activity declines with age. Consequently, aged cells are deficient in GLA, DGLA, AA, AA, EPA and DHA and their metabolites. LA, ALA, AA, EPA and DHA can also be obtained direct from diet and their deficiency (fatty acids) may indicate malnutrition and deficiency of several minerals, trace elements and vitamins some of which are also much needed co-factors for the normal activity of desaturases. In many instances (patients) the plasma and tissue levels of GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA are low (as seen in patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus) but they do not have deficiency of other nutrients. Hence, it is reasonable to consider that the deficiency of GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA noted in these conditions are due to the decreased activity of desaturases and elongases. PUFAs stimulate SIRT1 through protein kinase A-dependent activation of SIRT1-PGC1α complex and thus, increase rates of fatty acid oxidation and prevent lipid dysregulation associated with aging. SIRT1 activation prevents aging. Of all the SIRTs, SIRT6 is critical for intermediary metabolism and genomic stability. SIRT6-deficient mice show shortened lifespan, defects in DNA repair and have a high incidence of cancer due to oncogene activation. SIRT6 overexpression lowers LDL and triglyceride level, improves glucose tolerance, and increases lifespan of mice in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects at the transcriptional level. PUFAs and their anti-inflammatory metabolites influence the activity of SIRT6 and other SIRTs and thus, bring about their actions on metabolism, inflammation, and genome maintenance. GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), lipoxin A4 (LXA4) (pro- and anti-inflammatory metabolites of AA respectively) activate/suppress various SIRTs (SIRt1 SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5, SIRT6), PPAR-γ, PARP, p53, SREBP1, intracellular cAMP content, PKA activity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC1-α). This implies that changes in the metabolism of bioactive lipids as a result of altered activities of desaturases, COX-2 and 5-, 12-, 15-LOX (cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenases respectively) may have a critical role in determining cell age and development of several aging associated diseases and genomic stability and gene and oncogene activation. Thus, methods designed to maintain homeostasis of bioactive lipids (GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA, DHA, PGE2, LXA4) may arrest aging process and associated metabolic abnormalities.

Individual non-esterified fatty acids and incident atrial fibrillation late in life

ObjectiveObesity and dysmetabolism are major risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Expansion of fat depots is associated with increased circulating total non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), elevated levels of which are...

A basal level of γ-linolenic acid depletes Ca2+ stores and induces endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stresses to cause death of breast cancer BT-474 cells.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a natural fatty acid obtained from oils of various vegetables and seeds, has been demonstrated as an anticancer agent. In this work, we investigated the anticancer effects of GLA on breast cancer BT-474 cells. GLA at 30 μM, a concentration reportedly within the range of circulating concentrations in clinical studies, caused apoptotic cell death. GLA caused an elevation in mitochondrial Ca2+ level and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. GLA treatment depleted cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-sensitive Ca2+ store and triggered substantial Ca2+ influx. Intracellular Ca2+ release triggered by GLA was suppressed by 3 μM xestospongin C (XeC, IP3 receptor-channel blocker) and 100 μM ryanodine (ryanodine receptor-channel blocker), suggesting that the Ca2+ release was via IP3 receptor-channel and ryanodine receptor-channel. Increased expressions of p-eIF2α and CHOP were observed in GLA-treated cells, suggesting GLA-treated cells had increased expressions of p-eIF2α and CHOP, which suggest endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, GLA elicited increased production of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our results suggest a basal level of GLA induced apoptotic cell death by causing Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca2+ store depletion, ER stress, and oxidative stress. This is the first report to show that GLA caused Ca2+ store depletion and ER stress. GLA-induced Ca2+ store depletion resulted from opening of IP3 receptor-channel and ryanodine receptor-channel.

Bioactive Lipids-Based Approach to Aging Associated Diseases/Disorders

Abstract Objectives To investigate the role of bioactive lipids (BAL) in ageing associated disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, immune dysfunction and cancer. Methods We recruited known patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetic nephropathy and cancer and collected their blood samples for the study. In these samples the concentrations of various BAL such as linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and other lipids in their phospholipid fraction was measured. The role of these BAL in these diseases was also studied in animal models of diabetes mellitus and cancer. To evaluate the mechanism of action of BAL, in animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer, the expression of NF-kB, IKB, COX-1, COX-2 and LOX and plasma levels of IL-6, TNF, nitric oxide and lipid peroxides was also studied. Results Plasma levels of arachidonic acid in the phospholipid fraction was found to be low in all the patients recruited in the study. In some of these patients plasma levels of gamma-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were also found to be altered. But, of all the lipids estimated, arachidonic acid was found to be consistently low in those with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease and cancer. In animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cancer, administration of arachidonic acid produced significant amelioration of these conditions suggesting a critical role for this lipid in these diseases. Further studies revealed that arachidonic acid suppresses inflammation and enhanced the formation of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), which is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. A significant suppression of pro-inflammatory genes and restoration of anti-oxidant status to normal. Conclusions Based on the results of the present study, ageing associated diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and cancer are inflammatory conditions with low circulating concentrations of arachidonic acid and lipoxin A4. These results imply that appropriate administration of arachidonic acid and lipoxin A4 could be of benefit in ageing and ageing associated diseases. Funding Sources Nil.

SUN-349 Prognostic Metabolic Signature in Aggressive Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Introduction Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive disease with high mortality rate, lack of effective medical therapy, and high recurrence rate even with complete resection. Prognostic biomarkers are needed to guide treatment. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic tissue metabolites and dysregulated pathways to guide treatment. Patients and methods In this study seventeen tumors from patients with advanced metastatic ACC were analyzed through an Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectroscopy to detect and identify known and unknown metabolites. Kaplan Meier survival analyses were performed separating patients with high and low levels of each metabolite by median values. A pathway and enrichment analysis utilizing the top 100 small molecules associated with survival was performed through MetaboAnalyst software. Results 841 metabolites were detected. Survival analysis identified 15 metabolites that were prognostic. Eleven known metabolites were identified including N-acetylglutamine, 1-methylhistamine, palmitoyl-linleoyl-glycerol, corticosterone, 2-palmitoyl-GPC, pregnen-diol, androstenediol, and 5,6-dihydrouracil. Three metabolites were found to be independently prognostic in a multivariable analysis: 3-methoxytyrosine (hazard ratio [HR] 36.0, p=0.005), taurocholenate (HR 48.3, p=0.004), and 21-hydroxypregnenolone (HR 7.0, p=0.02). Four adrenocortical steroid synthesis metabolites were significantly different between patients alive vs. dead at the end of follow-up. A pathway and enrichment analysis identified the linoleic acid metabolism pathway to be significantly enriched (p=0.025) with the highest impact coefficient (0.66). Four metabolites in the Linoleic acid pathway were detected: lecithin, linoleic acid, gamma-Linolenic acid and 12,13-dihydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (12,13-DiHOME). Among them lecithin, linoleic acid and gamma-Linolenic acid levels were lower while 12,13-DiHOME levels were higher among patients with a higher risk to die of their disease during follow-up (fold change values of 0.73, 0.13, 0.44 and 1.52, respectively). Conclusions In conclusion, an analysis of the tissue metabolome identified a metabolomic signature that was prognostic for overall survival. Furthermore, a metabolomic analysis of adrenocortical carcinoma suggests a pivotal role for the linoleic acid pathway in determining patients’ prognosis.

Low eicosapentaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid levels in breast adipose tissue are associated with inflammatory breast cancer

ObjectiveSince it is thought that breast adipose tissue could influence breast cancer clinical presentation, we wanted to characterize specifically the relationship between breast adipose tissue fatty acid profile and Inflammatory Breast cancer (IBC). MethodsTwo hundred thirty-four women presenting with breast cancer were managed in our centre between January 2009 and December 2011. Breast adipose tissue specimens were collected during breast surgery. We established the biochemical profile of adipose tissue fatty acids (FA) by gas chromatography and assessed whether there were differences in function of the presence of breast inflammation or not. ResultsWe found that IBC was associated with decreased levels in breast adipose tissue of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two main polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) of marine origin, but also with decreased levels of Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA). Inversely, an increase in palmitic acid levels was associated with IBC. ConclusionThese differences in lipid content may contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer inflammation.

Effects of the electrical conductivity of a soilless culture system on gamma linolenic acid levels in borage seed oil.

Borage is a well-known plant of great importance in human nutrition and health. Expanding knowledge of particular plants that have anti-cancer products is a global concern. There is substantial information regarding the benefits, presence and extraction of gamma linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n6) in different plants around the world, especially in borage seeds. However, there is little information concerning the effects of the salinity of the nutrient solution on the growth and presence of GLA in borage seeds. The objective of this work was to determine the optimal salinity of the nutrient solution for obtaining GLA in soilless cultivation systems. Borage plants were grown in coconut fibre and provided three treatments of nutrient solution of 2.20, 3.35 and 4.50 dS m-1, increasing solution salinity with the standard nutrient solution of concentrated macronutrients as a reference. Vegetative growth, seed production and GLA ratio were measured. The results of vegetative development and GLA production doubled and tripled with the increase in salinity of the nutrient solution, respectively.

Amaranth oil in prevalent pulmonary arterial hypertension: changes in fatty acid panel and products of lipid peroxidation

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe illness associated with the dismal prognosis. Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathobiology of PAH and its signs are not eliminated with the long-term treatment by the PAH specific medication -sildenafil (SLD) [1,2]. Use of the compounds that improve regulation of the redox process [3] may offer benefit for the management of PAH. We studied profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from phospholipids and main products of lipid peroxidation in the serum of patients with PAH, who received long-term treatment with sildenafil. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 continued treatment with SLD; group 2 in addition to SLD received Amaranth oil (AmO) (1ml per 60 kg of body weight) for one months. Group 3 consisted of healthy volunteers who also received AmO in the above-mentioned dosing. Prevalent PAH patients were characterized by some decrease of linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and significant lowering of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) level. Interestingly that the level of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, omega-6) increased 5.5-fold comparing to control. With continuation of SLD therapy deficit of mentioned fatty acids, especially EPA, was further progressing, however, in subjects treated with SLD only this decrease was less prominent. High levels of GLA were lowering in both groups but remained to be significantly elevated comparing to control. Supplementation with AmO reduced initially elevated levels of hydroxynonenal (HNE) by 13 %, while in patients on SLD therapy only 40% increase of HNE was observed. The level of oxononenal (ONE), which initially was 2-fold elevated, was normalized with treatment in both groups, while the levels of hydroxyhexanal and malonic dialdehyde lowered insignificantly only in group 1. Worsening of OS signs with SLD treatment in PAH was further confirmed by GSH/GSSG ratio, which was 4.95 before treatment and 10.3, 3.0 after intervention in group 1 and 2 respectively. Mild prooxidant action of AmO was confirmed in group 3 (healthy volunteers) which showed increase in phospholipid derived fatty acids (LA, AA, GLA, EPA by 20%, 54%, 20% and 103% respectively). This effects may promote development of the optimal profile of lipid-derived regulatory molecules involved in management of inflammation, immune response, and in general improved OS resistance. In addition to changes in the lipid profile, increases in HNE (by 38%), ONE (by 65%) and 2-fold lowering of GSH/GSSG were observed, which may be suggestive about the involvement of these molecules in the redox signalling. Changes in the profile of the fatty acids and products of lipid peroxidation in PAH patients and healthy volunteers are suggestive that maintaining mild prooxidant activity (hormetic reaction) may offer some benefit in the long-term management of severe chronic diseases such as PAH. The mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of this processes need further clarification.

Development of imidazolinone herbicide tolerant borage (Borago officinalis L.)

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb that produces a high level of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in its seed oil. Due to the recognized health benefits of GLA, borage is now commercially cultivated worldwide. However, an herbicide-tolerant variety for effective weed management has not yet been developed. Here we report the generation and characterization of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) induced borage mutant lines tolerant to the herbicide imidazolinone. An EMS-mutagenized borage population was generated by using a series of concentrations of EMS to treat mature borage seeds. Screening of the M2 and M3 borage plants using an herbicide treatment resulted in the identification of two imidazolinone-tolerant lines. Sequence analysis of two acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) genes, AHAS1 and AHAS2, from the mutant (tolerant) and wild type (susceptible) borage plants showed that single nucleotide substitutions which resulted in amino acid changes occurred in AHAS1 and AHAS2, respectively in the two tolerant lines. A KASP marker was then developed to differentiate the homozygous susceptible, homozygous tolerant and heterozygous borage plants. An in vitro assay showed that homozygous tolerant borage carrying the AHAS1 mutation retained significantly higher AHAS activity than susceptible borage across different imazamox concentrations. A herbicide dose response test indicated that the line with the AHAS1 mutation could tolerate four times the normally used field concentration of “Solo” herbicide.

Plasma n-6 Fatty Acid Levels Are Associated With CD4 Cell Counts, Hospitalization, and Mortality in HIV-Infected Patients.

Fatty acids, including n-6 series, modulate immune function, but their effect on CD4 cell counts, death, or hospitalization in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy is unknown. In a randomized trial for effects of multivitamins in HIV-infected patients in Uganda, we used gas chromatography to measure plasma n-6 fatty acids at baseline; determined CD4 counts at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months; and recorded hospitalization or death events. The associations of fatty acids with CD4 counts and events were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and Cox regression, respectively. Among 297 patients with fatty acids measurements, 16 patients died and 69 were hospitalized within 18 months. Except for linoleic acid, n-6 fatty acids levels were positively associated with CD4 counts at baseline but not during follow-up. In models that included all 5 major n-6 fatty acids, age; sex; body mass index; anemia status; use of antiretroviral therapy, multivitamin supplements, and alcohol; and the risk of death or hospitalization decreased significantly with an increase in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid levels, whereas associations for dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and aolrenic acid were null. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 1 SD increase in linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid were 0.73 (0.56-0.94) and 0.51 (0.36-0.72), respectively. Gamma-linolenic acid remained significant (hazard ratio = 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.35 to 0.68) after further adjustment for other plasma fatty acids. Lower levels of gamma-linolenic acid are associated with lower CD4 counts and an increased risk of death or hospitalization. These results suggest a potential for using n-6 fatty acids to improve outcomes from antiretroviral therapy.

Effects of Dietary Lysine and Gamma-linolenic Acid Levels on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Finishing Pigs

This study investigated the effect of dietary lysine and gamma-linolenic acid(GLA) levels on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were provided with feed containing two different levels of lysine(0.45% and 0.75%) with three different levels of gamma-linolenic acid(0.0, 0.3, and 0.6%). Average daily gain(ADG) was significantly lower (p<0.01) in pigs provided with the lower level of lysine. In contrast, feed/gain(p<0.01), diet cost/gain(p<0.05), and intramuscular fat(p<0.01) were all significantly higher in pigs fed the lower level of lysine. Similarly, meat color scores(CIE L*, a*, and b*) and cooking loss were significantly higher(p<0.01) in pigs fed the lower level of lysine, whereas shear force(kg/2.5 inch2)was not affected by dietary lysine. The addition of GLA had no significant effect on any of the parameters measured. The results indicate that providing pigs with 0.45% lysine in their diet may help to increase intramuscular fat content, allowing the industry to produce pork products that meet consumer needs in Korea.

Effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on milk production in cow

Recently, research has been focusing on high quality and safer animal production by utilizing natural functional materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of natural Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) on gamma linolenic acid (GLA) levels in milk from Holstein dairy cows. Quality and quantity of milk as well as blood and fatty acids from Holstein cow fed diets supplemented with 2.7-4% calcium-salted EPO coated with palm stearin oil were analyzed. There was no significant difference in yield and composition of milk between control and EPO treatment. However, EPO treatment lowered blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST), somatic cell count (SCC), and cholesterol levels (p ＜ 0.05) compared to untreated control. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was decreased (p ＜ 0.05) in GLA 1 and GLA 2 group when compared with control group. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was lower (p ＜ 0.05) in GLA 1 and GLA 2 groups than in control group. The level of GLA in milk was increased in EPO group when compared to control. Therefore, results from the present study demonstrate that supplementary EPO has beneficial effects on cow health, showing a decrease in somatic cell count and levels of blood cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and AST. Furthermore, supplementation of EPO improves milk quality with increased amounts of GLA.

Gamma-Linolenic acid levels correlate with clinical efficacy of evening primrose oil in patients with atopic dermatitis

Gamma-Linolenic acid levels correlate with clinical efficacy of evening primrose oil in patients with atopic dermatitis

Authentication of borage oil

Over the past 30 years borage (Borago officinalis) has become established as a speciality oilseed crop grown exclusively for its oil, a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), C18 : 3n – 6. GLA is metabolised in the human body from linoleic acid and is itself a precursor in the formation of dihomo‐gammalinolenic acid, arachidonic acid and metabolites of these, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes. The oil is used extensively in the nutritional supplements, cosmetics and pet care industries primarily for its anti‐inflammatory and skin health properties. Global usage is estimated to be approximately 1000 tonnes per year and oil is usually traded on the basis of its GLA content with higher contents attracting a premium commercially. In recent years the development of competitively priced high GLA sources, particularly oils from genetically modified safflower have resulted in an increase in the aduleration of borage oil to raise GLA levels. Analytical and statistical techniques have now been developed to assist authenticating borage oil samples.