High Arachidonic Acid Content Research Articles

Janus kinase inhibitors modify the fatty acid profile of extracellular vesicles and modulate the immune response

BackgroundJanus kinase inhibitors (jakinibs) are immunomodulators used for treating malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies. However, they induce adverse effects such as thrombosis, lymphocytosis, and neutropenia that could be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). These particles are cell membrane-derived structures that transport cellular and environmental molecules and participate in intercellular communication. Jakinibs can modify the content of EVs and enable them to modulate the activity of different components of the immune response. Objectiveto evaluate the interactions between immune system components of healthy individuals and EVs derived from monocytic and lymphoid lineage cells generated in the presence of baricitinib (BARI) and itacitinib (ITA) and their possible effects. MethodsEVs were isolated from monocytes (M) and lymphocytes (L) of healthy individuals, as well as from U937 (U) and Jurkat (J) cells exposed to non-cytotoxic concentrations of BARI, ITA, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; vehicle control). The binding to and engulfment of EVs by peripheral blood leukocytes of healthy individuals were analyzed by flow cytometry using CFSE-stained EVs and anti-CD45-PeCy7 mAb-labeled whole blood. The effect of EVs on respiratory burst, T-cell activation and proliferation, cytokine synthesis, and platelet aggregation was evaluated. Respiratory burst was assessed in PMA-stimulated neutrophils by the dihydrorhodamine (DHR) test and flow cytometry. T-cell activation and proliferation and cytokine production were assessed in CFSE-stained PBMC cultures stimulated with PHA; expression of the T-cell activation markers CD25 and CD69 and T-cell proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the cytokine levels were quantified in culture supernatants by Luminex assays. Platelet aggregation was analyzed in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) samples by light transmission aggregometry. The EVs’ fatty acid (FA) profile was analyzed using methyl ester derivatization followed by gas chromatography. ResultsITA exposure during the generation of EVs modified the size of the EVs released; however, treatment with DMSO and BARI did not alter the size of EVs generated from U937 and Jurkat cells. Circulating neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes showed a 2-fold greater tendency to internalize ITA-U-EVs than their respective DMSO control. The neutrophil respiratory burst was attenuated in greater extent by M-EVs than by L-EVs. Autologous ITA-M-EVs reduced T-cell proliferation by decreasing IL-2 levels and CD25 expression independently of CD69. A higher accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed in PHA-stimulated PBMC cultures exposed to M-EVs than to L-EVs; this difference may be related to the higher myristate content of M-EVs. Platelet aggregation increased in the presence of ITA-L/M-EVs by a mechanism presumably dependent on the high arachidonic acid content of the vesicles. ConclusionsCellular origin and jakinib exposure modify the FA profile of EVs, enabling them, in turn, to modulate neutrophil respiratory burst, T-cell proliferation, and platelet aggregation. The increased T-cell proliferation induced by BARI-L/M-EVs could explain the lymphocytosis observed in patients treated with BARI. The higher proportion of arachidonic acid in the FA content of ITA-L/M-EVs could be related to the thrombosis described in patients treated with ITA. EVs also induced a decrease in the respiratory burst of neutrophils.

Immunomodulatory effect of different dietary ARA/EPA/DHA ratios in gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata ) juveniles after infection with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida

The immunomodulatory effect of different dietary arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratios was evaluated in gilthead sea bream juveniles after intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) with formalin-killed Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp). Fish were fed with four isoproteic (47% crude protein) and isolipidic (18% crude lipids) diets with the following long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) ratios: Diet A (2.0% ARA: 0.2% EPA: 0.1% DHA); Diet B (1.0% ARA: 0.4% EPA: 0.4% DHA); Diet C (0% ARA: 0.6% EPA: 0.6% DHA); Diet D (0% ARA: 0.3% EPA: 1.5% DHA). After being fed for 56 days with the experimental diets, fish from each dietary treatment were randomly selected and i.p. injected with 0.2 ml of killed Phdp (1 × 108 CFU ml−1) or phosphate-buffered saline (control group). Four and twenty-four hours (i.e., twice) after the i.p., the haematological profile, plasma humoral innate immune parameters, and the intestine expression of immune-related genes were assessed. Results showed that fish fed diet D (high DHA content) had increased complement activity and higher intestinal expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (cox2) and interleukin 1β (il-1β) at 4 and 24 hours after i.p., as well as increased intestinal tumour necrosis factor α (tnfα) expression at 4 hours. On the other hand, fish fed with diet A (high ARA content) showed higher plasma bactericidal activity against Phdp than fish fed with diet D. Overall, the results of this study suggest a positive modulatory effect of DHA in response to the pathogenic agent.

Trophic transfer of lipids and fatty acids across habitats in tropical river food webs

Abstract Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential components of cell membranes and reproductive and sensory organs in vertebrates and are largely acquired through their diets. Accordingly, identification of the dietary sources of PUFA is an important consideration in food web studies. We collected fish, macroinvertebrates (aquatic and terrestrial), and plants (aquatic and terrestrial) from floodplain and river channel habitats in a tropical river catchment in northern Australia, to identify food sources and habitats that provided lipid and PUFA rich food that sustain fish populations. The composition of most FA in fish was similar to that reported from other freshwater tropical environments, with the exception of their higher arachidonic acid content. Fish were found to derive their fatty acids primarily from aquatic sources of food and had similar FA composition to aquatic macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates fed on aquatic plants (algae) and had higher total lipids and FA contents than plants and fish, providing a more concentrated source of PUFA for fish. Fish obtained most of their FA from their diet except for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which they must synthesize due to low DHA in algae and macroinvertebrates. There was no overall difference in basal dietary FA composition between floodplain and river channel habitats. However, macroinvertebrate taxa varied in their lipid and PUFA content. Food quality for fish may therefore vary between habitats as a consequence of differences in macroinvertebrate community composition. Given the high algal production on floodplains compared to the river channels, these habitats are likely to represent the major source of high quality food for fish and other aquatic consumers, and conserving habitats that are rich in lipids and PUFA is important for maintaining healthy fish communities.

Evaluation and Transcriptome Analysis of the Novel Oleaginous Microalga Lobosphaera bisecta (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) for Arachidonic Acid Production.

Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and is important for human health. The coccoid green microalga Lobosphaera bisecta has been reported to be able to accumulate high AA content under certain conditions. Nutrient management and light intensity had significant effects on the biomass and accumulation of lipids and AA in L. bisecta SAG2043. Both a high nitrogen concentration (18 mM) and high light intensity (bilateral light-300 μmol m−2 s−1) were beneficial to the growth of L. bisecta, and the replacement of culture medium further enhanced the biomass, which reached 8.9 g L−1. Low nitrogen concentration (3.6 mM) and high light significantly promoted the accumulation of lipids and AA. The highest lipid and AA content reached 54.0% and 10.8% of dry weight, respectively. Lipid compositions analysis showed that 88.2% of AA was distributed within the neutral lipids. We then reconstructed the lipid metabolic pathways of L. bisecta for the first time, and demonstrated that the upregulation of a key desaturase and elongase in the Δ6 pathway was conducive to the accumulation of fatty acids toward AA synthesis. L. bisecta SAG2043 exhibits high biomass, lipid and AA production. It may be a potential candidate for AA production.

Neutral Lipids Are Not a Source of Arachidonic Acid for Lipid Mediator Signaling in Human Foamy Monocytes

Human monocytes exposed to free arachidonic acid (AA), a secretory product of endothelial cells, acquire a foamy phenotype which is due to the accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets with high AA content. Recruitment of foamy monocytes to the inflamed endothelium contributes to the development of atherosclerotic lesions. In this work, we investigated the potential role of AA stored in the neutral lipids of foamy monocytes to be cleaved by lipases and contribute to lipid mediator signaling. To this end, we used mass spectrometry-based lipidomic approaches combined with strategies to generate monocytes with different concentrations of AA. Results from our experiments indicate that the phospholipid AA pool in monocytes is stable and does not change upon exposure of the cells to the external AA. On the contrary, the AA pool in triacylglycerol is expandable and can accommodate relatively large amounts of fatty acid. Stimulation of the cells with opsonized zymosan results in the expected decreases of cellular AA. Under all conditions examined, all of the AA decreases observed in stimulated cells were accounted for by decreases in the phospholipid pool; we failed to detect any contribution of the triacylglycerol pool to the response. Experiments utilizing selective inhibitors of phospholipid or triacylglyerol hydrolysis confirmed that the phospholipid pool is the sole contributor of the AA liberated by stimulated cells. Thus, the AA in the triacylglycerol is not a source of free AA for the lipid mediator signaling during stimulation of human foamy monocytes and may be used for other cellular functions.

삼계용 신품종 토종닭의 육질특성 비교분석

The carcass and meat quality of new native chicken strains (A, C, and D) being developed in the Golden Seed Project for Samgyetang were compared with a commercial native chicken (Hanhyup No. 3, H) and Baeksemi (white semi broiler, W) strains. In total, 250 male chicks were raised under the same feeding and raising conditions for 5 weeks. After slaughter, the carcass weight and percentage yield of parts from each strain were measured and the physicochemical quality traits (general composition, color values, fatty acid composition, and sensory evaluation) of breast muscles were comparatively analyzed. The carcass weight (875.10 g) of the W strain was significantly heavier than that of the other native chicken strains, while that of A strain (537.54 g) was the lowest. The percentage yield of breast meat was also higher in the W strain than in the other strains. The fat content of W strain was higher than that of the other native chicken strains. The new native chicken strains (A, C, D) had higher contents of linoleic acid (C18:2) than the H strain. The A and D strains especially showed relatively high content of arachidonic acid (C20:4), a characteristic fatty acid in native chicken meats. On the other hand, the fatty acid composition of C strain was similar to that of the W strain. This study provides important information on specific quality characteristics than can be used to select new native chicken lines for breeding program.

Tissue-selective alteration of ethanolamine plasmalogen metabolism in dedifferentiated colon mucosa

Human colon lipid analysis by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) demonstrates that the lipid fingerprint is highly sensitive to a cell's pathophysiological state. Along the colon crypt axis, and concomitant to the differentiation process, certain lipid species tightly linked to signaling (phosphatidylinositols and arachidonic acid (AA)-containing diacylglycerophospholipids), change following a rather simple mathematical expression. We extend here our observations to ethanolamine plasmalogens (PlsEtn), a unique type of glycerophospholipid presenting a vinyl ether linkage at sn-1 position. PlsEtn distribution was studied in healthy, adenomatous, and carcinomatous colon mucosa sections by IMS. In epithelium, 75% of PlsEtn changed in a highly regular manner along the crypt axis, in clear contrast with diacyl species (67% of which remained constant). Consistently, AA-containing PlsEtn species were more abundant at the base, where stem cells reside, and decreased while ascending the crypt. In turn, mono−/diunsaturated species experienced the opposite change. These gradients were accompanied by a gradual expression of ether lipid synthesis enzymes. In lamina propria, 90% of stromal PlsEtn remained unchanged despite the high content of AA and the gradient in AA-containing diacylglycerophospholipids. Finally, both lipid and protein gradients were severely affected in polyps and carcinoma. These results link PlsEtn species regulation to cell differentiation for the first time and confirm that diacyl and ether species are differently regulated. Furthermore, they reaffirm the observations on cell lipid fingerprint image sensitivity to predict cell pathophysiological status, reinforcing the translational impact both lipidome and IMS might have in clinical research.

추출방법이 모르티에렐라(Mortierella)속 유래 단세포유지 지방질과 아라키돈산 추출 수율에 미치는 영향

아라키돈산(AA)은 포유동물에 식품을 통해 섭취되는 필수지방산으로써 동물조직에서 추출되어 이용되어 왔다. 경제적으로 AA를 생산하기 위하여 토양으로부터 AA를 다량으로 생산하는 모르티에렐라 종으로 확인된 M-12균주를 선발하였다. 균체로부터 지방질과 AA를 효율적으로 추출하기 위하여 전처리 공정, 공정 순서, 추출 용매, 추출 방식, 입자 크기 등을 달리하여 추출 효율을 분석하였다. M-12를 GY배지로 <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 7일 배양하여 동결건조한 시료를 사용하였을 때 지질방 중 47% 이상의 AA를 함유하고 있었다. 지방질 추출 효율은 균체의 젖은 상태와 건조 상태로 나눈 전처리 공정에 따라 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다. 클로로폼과 메탄올(2:1) 용액을 추출 용매로 사용하였을 때 가장 높은 추출율을 보였으며 헥세인이나 아이소헥세인도 우수한 추출 효율을 나타내었다. 균체를 분쇄하기 위하여 blending, ultrasonication, Ultra-turrex homogenization 등 기계적 분쇄방법을 사용하였으나 추출 효율은 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다. 균체 입자가 고울수록 유지의 추출 효율은 높게 나타났고 추출 시간보다는 추출 시 입자 크기가 추출 효율에 더 큰 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 그러나 추출된 유지를 분획하여 지방산 조성을 분석한 결과 neutral lipids 내에 AA의 함량이 65.3-68.9%로 가장 높게 나타났다. An oleaginous fungus was isolated from soil and identified as Mortierella sp. (M-12) for producing arachidonic acid (AA). Cell disruption methods, extraction methods, and particle sizes of freeze-dried biomass were tested to achieve maximum extraction of total lipids and AA. M-12 grown in glucose yeast media at <TEX>$25^{\circ}C$</TEX> for 7 days contained 35.5% total lipid, and 47% of the total lipid was AA. Lipid extraction yield from wet biomass was shown to be similar to that in a dry state. Maximum lipid extraction was achieved using a mixture of chloroform and methanol (2:1) as an extraction solvent. Different mechanical cell disruption methods did not affect lipid extraction yields. The smaller the particle size of the biomass, the better the lipid extraction yield was observed. Particle size of biomass was shown to more strongly affect lipid extraction than extraction time. The highest AA content was observed in the class of neutral lipids.

Adipose tissue arachidonic acid content is associated with the expression of 5-lipoxygenase in atherosclerotic plaques

BackgroundThe content of arachidonic acid in adipose tissue is positively associated with the risk of myocardial infarction, whereas the content of eicosapentaenoic acid in adipose tissue has been reported to be negatively associated with the risk of myocardial infarction. Both arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are substrates for the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and leukotrienes derived from eicosapentaenoic acid are generally much less potent. In this study we hypothesized that a high content of arachidonic acid in adipose tissue would reflect a high formation of arachidonic acid derived leukotrienes and a high expression of 5-lipoxygenase in atherosclerotic plaques. Likewise, we hypothesized that a high content of eicosapentaenoic acid in adipose tissue would reflect a low formation of arachidonic acid derived leukotrienes and a low expression of 5-lipoxygenase in plaques.MethodsIn a cross sectional study we included 45 consecutive subjects undergoing femoral thrombendarterectomy. The expression of 5-lipoxygenase in plaques was assessed by a semi-automated image analysis computer programme after immunohistochemical staining with mono-clonal 5-lipoxygenase antibodies. Leukotriene B4 and cysteinyl leukotriene formation from stimulated femoral artery plaques was quantified using ELISA methods. The fatty acid content of adipose tissue biopsies from the thigh was analyzed using gas chromatography. Associations between variables were assessed by Pearson correlations and were further explored in a multivariable linear regression model adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsA high content of arachidonic acid in adipose tissue was associated with a higher expression of 5-lipoxygenase in plaques (r = 0.32, p = 0.03), but no significant associations with leukotriene B4 (r = 0.22, p = 0.14) and cysteinyl leukotriene (r = −0.11, p = 0.46) formation was seen. No significant associations were found between the content of eicosapentaenoic acid in adipose tissue and 5-lipoxygenase expression or leukotriene formation in plaque.ConclusionsAdipose tissue arachidonic acid contents correlated positively with the expression of 5-lipoxygenase in plaques. This association might represent a causal link between adipose tissue arachidonic acid and the risk of myocardial infarction but confirmatory studies are needed.

Chemical composition of the giant red sea cucumber, Parastichopus californicus, commercially harvested in Alaska

Giant red sea cucumbers, Parastichopus californicus, are commercially harvested in the U.S. Pacific Northwest; however, the nutritional and chemical properties of its edible muscle bands and body wall have not been fully elucidated. In particular are the fatty acid profiles of P. californicus tissues, which have not been documented. Sea cucumbers were delivered live and muscle bands and body wall freeze dried, vacuum packed, and stored at –30°C until analyzed. Proximate composition of freeze-dried tissues varied greatly with muscle bands being composed of 68% protein, 12% ash, 9% carbohydrate, and 5% lipids, while the body wall was composed of 47% protein, 26% ash, 15% carbohydrate, and 8% lipids. The hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine contents of the body wall were much higher than those in muscle bands, consistent with the larger amount of connective tissue. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron contents were higher in the body wall than those in muscle bands, whereas the opposite was observed for zinc content. Total long-chain n-3 fatty acid contents were 19% and 32% of total fatty acids in body wall and muscle bands, respectively. Muscle bands had higher content of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) than body wall at 22.6% and 12.3%, respectively. High content of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) was recorded in both body wall (7.1%) and muscle bands (9.9%). Overall, the fatty acid profiles of body wall and muscle bands of P. californicus resemble those described for other species; however, the distribution and occurrence of certain fatty acids is unique to P. californicus, being representative of the fatty acid composition of temperate-polar marine organisms. The chemical characterization of freeze-dried edible tissues from P. californicus demonstrated that these products have valuable nutritional properties. The body wall, a food product of lower market value than muscle bands, could be better utilized for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Bacterial colonization of winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus fed live feed enriched with three different commercial diets

The proliferation of bacteria in intensive aquaculture systems may be responsible for poor growth and mass mortality of marine fish larvae. Essential fatty acids provided in the diet could protect larvae by modulation of the immune response via arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus larvae were fed rotifers Brachionus plicatilis enriched with three commercial diets containing different fatty acid profiles. Bacterial colonization on the gills and skin and in the intestinal lumen was evaluated at the end of the rotifer feeding period (day 26), and growth was surveyed until metamorphosis. At 26 days post hatching, larvae fed rotifers containing the higher AA content and with a higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to EPA ratio showed better growth and the lowest bacterial colonization of the intestinal lumen compared to larvae fed rotifers with the lowest AA and DHA : EPA levels. AA had been selectively incorporated into the polar lipids of larvae fed the rotifers enriched with the three diets. This is the first study in winter flounder larvae to report a link between different commercial rotifer enrichments and bacterial density in intestinal lumen.

Evaluation of the meat from Hinai-jidori chickens and broilers: Analysis of general biochemical components, free amino acids, inosine 5′-monophosphate, and fatty acids

SUMMARY The Hinai-dori is a breed of chicken native to the Akita Prefecture in northern Honshu, Japan. A cross between the Hinai-dori and Rhode Island Red breeds has been commercialized as the Hinai-jidori chicken, and is one of the most popular brands in Japan. The meat of the Hinaijidori chicken is considered much more palatable than that of typical broilers. To identify the candidate substances influencing the palatability of chicken meat, quantitative analyses were performed on the general biochemical components, free amino acids, inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP), and fatty acids in the thigh meat of Hinai-jidori and broiler chickens. Hinai-jidori chickens and broilers were fed the same diet for 8 and 22 wk and were reared under the same conditions. The levels of free amino acids and glutamic acid in the meat of 8-wk-old broilers were significantly higher than those of 22-wk-old Hinai-jidori chickens. In addition, the IMP levels in 22-wk-old Hinai-jidori chickens were significantly higher than those of 8-wk-old broilers, whereas no significant difference in IMP levels was observed between 22-wk-old Hinai-jidori chickens and broilers. These data suggest that IMP content reflects a difference in the ages (weeks) of the chickens rather than a difference between the strains. However, a significant difference in arachidonic acid content was observed between Hinai-jidori chickens and broilers, suggesting that the high arachidonic acid content is a characteristic feature of Hinai-jidori chicken meat. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between arachidonic acid content and the palatability of Hinai-jidori chicken meat.

Somatic indexes, chemical-nutritive characteristics and metal content in caught and reared sharpsnout seabream (iplodus puntazzo)

The aim of this study was to compare some somatic indexes, chemical-nutritive characteristics and the contents of some metals (Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn) in the whole body and fillet from caught and reared sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo). The fish came from three different conditions: reared in marine cages (R), captured in a natural lagoon (L) and in the Mediterranean sea (S). Thirty fish per group, divided into three weight categories (100±15.3, 200±18.7 and 300±20.4g), were used for the trial.Reared sharpsnout seabream showed higher amounts of celomatic fat (3.41%, 2.43%, 0.21%, respectively for R, L and S) and total lipid (13.86%, 11.23% and 5.06% respectively for R, L and S), and lower moisture (64.14%, 65.54%, 71.53%) and protein (17.73, 19.03 and 19.17%) than those caught in the lagoon and sea. The whole body of reared fish contained lower amounts of lead (0.70, 0.75 and 0.97mg/kg, respectively for R, L and S), copper (0.15, 0.38, 0.25mg/kg) chrome (2.19, 3.52, 3.77mg/kg) and higher zinc contents (63.47, 53.42, 47.31mg/kg) than caught fish.Fatty acids from sharpsnout seabream fillets showed a high lipid quality as confirmed also by low values of Thrombogenic index (0.36, 0.30 and 0.22, respectively for L, S, R) and Atherogenic index (0.47, 0.42 and 0.33, respectively for L, S, R). Reared sharpsnout seabream showed lower saturated fatty acid values (26.44%, 32.21%, 34.85%, respectively for R, S, L) and higher oleic acid amount (21.61%, 19.15%, 11.99%, respectively for R, L and S). The subjects captured in the sea had a higher arachidonic acid content (5.44%, 1.76%, 0.59%, respectively for S, L, R).In the weight categories, the 100g subjects, showed higher incidence of viscera (VSI: 4.32%, 3.12% and 2.92%, respectively for 100, 200 and 300g) and liver (HIS: 2.20%, 1.97%, and 1.77%, respectively for 100, 200 and 300g), higher moisture (69.49%, 67.03%, 64.69%) and lower lipid rate (7.64%, 10.18%, 12.32%).

Impact of essential fatty acid deficiency and temperature on tissues' fatty acid composition of European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax)

The effects of essential fatty acid deficiency and temperature on the fatty acid profiles of polar lipids (PL) and neutral lipids (NL) from various tissues (muscle, liver, gills, eyes and brain) of European sea bass juveniles were compared in a two factorial design. Fish (60 g) were held for 84 days at 22 or 29 °C (upper limit for growth) and fed either at a lower or a higher level than n − 3 HUFA minimal requirement for growth (0.4% and 2.2% n − 3 HUFA dry matter for diets LD and HD, respectively). Essential fatty acid deficiency had a major influence on fatty acids in NL fraction of all tissues, a more moderate influence on PL of muscle, liver and gills, while a low and very low diet influence was observed on eyes and brain PL fatty acid content, respectively. DHA and EPA content in brain PL as well as DHA in eyes PL were not affected by diet. DHA contents were similar in gill PL of 22-HD, 29-HD and 22-LD but was reduced in 29-LD fish. Most of brain PL fatty acids displayed a significant effect of temperature (at 29 °C; 18 : 0, 18 : 1 n − 9 contents were higher, and 20 : 5 n − 3, 22 : 6 n − 3, 20 : 4 n − 6 contents were lower than at 22 °C). Temperature had more influence on PL than on NL fatty acid content, except in liver. A lipogenic activity seemed to occur, both 16 : 0 and 18 : 0 were high particularly in liver NL and dependent on temperature (higher at 29 than at 22 °C). An enhanced 18 : 3 n − 6 content in fish fed on the deficient HUFA diet indicated a desaturation activity, mainly in liver NL and gill PL, with higher arachidonic acid content in PL of gills than other tissues. Muscle fatty acid profiles in NL and PL were more similar to those of whole body than other tissues, however total lipid content then PL : NL ratio differed. This study shown that beside known characteristics of each tissue in term of PL fatty acid content, each tissue have also characteristics in term of response to temperature and dietary deficiency influence. Among then, neural tissue displayed the highest capacity to regulate DHA content in PL, preserving functionality despite HUFA deficiency.

Fatty acid and carotenoid composition of egg yolk as an effect of microalgae addition to feed formula for laying hens

Hens were fed five diets based on rapeseed/corn oils with or without addition of the marine microalgae, Nannochloropsis oculata. Colours of egg yolk, fatty acid profiles in phospholipid (PL) and triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions and carotenoid contents were analysed. The major effects on yolk fatty acid composition were observed in the PL fraction with changes in 18:2 n − 6, 18:3 n − 3, 20:4 n − 6, 20:5 n − 3 and 22:6 n − 3. The highest amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were obtained from the diet containing 20% N. oculata, whereas the highest arachidonic acid content in yolk was from the corn oil diet. In addition, colour ( a* value) and carotenoid content increased when N. oculata was included in the diet. Long chained fatty acids were almost exclusively present in the PL fraction of yolk. This study shows that fatty acid composition and carotenoid content of egg yolk are improved by addition of N. oculata in laying hen diet.

Rat, caprine, equine and bovine erythrocyte ghosts exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide as a model to study lipid peroxidation using a chemiluminescence assay

The aim of the present study was to analyze the time-course of t-butyl hydroperoxide-induced changes in lipid peroxidation, fatty acid composition and chemiluminescence intensity in rat, caprine, equine and bovine erythrocyte ghosts. A relatively high content of arachidonic acid (C20:4 n6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n3) was characteristic of the rat erythrocyte ghosts. The fatty acid composition of native erythrocyte ghosts obtained from caprine, equine and bovine was characterized by a high content of oleic acid (C18:1 n9) and a low content of the peroxidable polyunsaturated fatty acids (C20:4 n6 and C22:6 n3). The proportion of linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) was higher in equine and bovine compared to rat and caprine. Increase in lipid peroxidation in rat erythrocyte ghosts was maximal within 12 min of incubation, t-butyl hydroperoxide concentration dependent and was paralleled by a decrease in C18:2 n6, C20:4 n6 and C22:6 n3 and an increase in chemiluminescence formation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present in rat erythrocyte ghosts exhibit the highest sensitivity to oxidative damaged and their sensitivity increases as a power function of the number of double bonds per fatty acid molecule. Light emission in caprine, equine and bovine erythrocyte ghosts was very low, t-butyl hydroperoxide concentration-dependent but changes in fatty acid composition were not observed. The main conclusion of this work is that a low unsaturation degree of fatty acids in erythrocyte ghosts of caprine, equine and bovine prevent the lipid peroxidation on those membranes when they are incubated with t-butyl hydroperoxide.

Specific fatty acids and human colorectal cancer: an overview

Background: Evidence suggests that dietary fats are associated with risk of colorectal cancer. The effect of fats depends not only on the quantity, but also on their composition in specific fatty acids. Moreover, fats are peroxidizable, and peroxidation products as well as antioxidants play a role in the pathogenic process of colorectal cancer. Methods: The published literature was reviewed for the relationship between dietary intake or concentration of specific fatty acids in adipose tissue, erythrocytes, plasma or feces in relation to colorectal cancer. Results: Increased concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and eicosanopentaenoic acid (EPA) seem to protect against colorectal cancer. Increased concentrations of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and arachidonic acid (AA) might be associated with increased risk. Long-chain saturated fatty acids (LCSFAs) seem unrelated to colorectal cancer, while the associations between monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), trans fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ω-3/ω-6 ratio and colorectal cancer are unconvincing. Conclusions: It is suggested that the substitution of food with high MCFAs and AA content by a SCFAs- and EPA-rich diet may contribute to reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

Abnormal arachidonic acid content of red blood cell membranes and main lithogenic factors in stone formers

Increased arachidonic acid content in red blood cell membranes of stone formers (SF) has recently been reported and is hypothesized as representing the underlying causal factor for both hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria. We performed the present study to see whether we could confirm this finding and to test whether any relationship exists between the fatty acid composition of red blood cell membranes and the main metabolic factors involved in stone formation. In 21 SF and 40 healthy controls subjects the fatty acid composition of red blood cell membranes was assessed. In addition, the following parameters were evaluated in SF: daily and fasting urinary calcium excretion, fractional intestinal calcium absorption, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone, hydroxyproline in fasting urine, daily urinary excretion of oxalate, citrate, urate, electrolytes, urea, sulphate, relative supersaturation for calcium oxalate monohydrate. The red blood cell membrane of SF had a lower content of arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid than that of control subjects. Arachidonic acid content was not correlated with any of the parameters studied. However, when patients were grouped according to the degree of oxalate excretion, hyperoxaluric SF had a higher arachidonic acid content and arachidonic/linoleic acid ratio than SF with normal oxalate excretion. Our results do not confirm the finding of an increased arachidonic acid content of red blood cell membrane in SF. On the contrary, reduced arachidonic acid levels were found in our patients. However, hyperoxaluric SF had a relatively higher arachidonic acid content than SF with normal urinary oxalate excretion.

The wound healing properties of Channa striatus-cetrimide cream — tensile strength measurement

Channa striatus, a fresh water snakehead fish, is reported to enhance dermal wound healing. Biochemical components such as amino acids and fatty acids are important for the synthesis of collagen fibers during wound healing. Arachidonic acid, a precursor of prostaglandin plays a vital role in healing the wounds. Haruan ( C. striatus) contains all the essential amino acids for wound healing particularly glycine as well as high contents of arachidonic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids that can promote prostaglandin synthesis. In the present work we have studied the wound healing effect of C. striatus in Sprague–Dawley rats. Cream formulations having different haruan fish extract concentrations as the active ingredient were prepared and stabilized, and they were applied to the wounds. The healing of wounds was characterized by an increase in the tensile strength of the skin, determined on the 7th post-operative day in each case. Haruan treatment of wounds promotes remodeling of collagen, by the synthesis of inter- and intra-molecular protein crosslinking and thus produces a marked increase ( P<0.05) in tensile strength as compared to the cetrimide treated group. On the basis of our experiment we conclude that C. striatus helps in wound healing as indicated by the increase in tensile strength. We hypothesise that this effect may be due to its high content of arachidonic acid, glycine and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The mechanism of wound healing will be investigated in future studies.

Comparative study on the fatty acid composition of two marine vertebrates: striped dolphins and loggerhead turtles

The fatty acid composition of total lipids extracted from seven different tissues (fat, liver, cerebrum, cerebellum, lung, kidney and muscle) of 10 striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba) (weight 75.7±16.2 kg) found dead or moribund during a morbillivirus epizootic, and from two tissues (fat and liver) of 54 loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta) (18.5±10.5 kg) seized dead after illegal capture, both from the Mediterranean Sea, have been determined by high resolution chromatography techniques. When comparing both species, fatty acid composition is surprisingly similar, with a predominance of the monoenoic followed by the saturated group of fatty acids, and a very close ratio of polyunsaturates n-3/n-6. The relatively high arachidonic acid content in the liver of the two marine species is remarkable. The similar diet can play an important role in these findings, but it is suggested that probably metabolic pathways and essential fatty acid requirements between both marine vertebrates are similar, more than is expected from their earlier filogenetic evolutionary divergence.