Higher EPA Research Articles

The value of plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in predicting the response and prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients to concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Background: In recent years, abnormalities in plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) have been proven to be related to the risk of cancer, but their prognostic value for cancer is unclear. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the response and prognostic significance of plasma omega-3 PUFAs in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between omega-3 PUFAs and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) levels. Methods: A total of 89 patients with CSCC who underwent CCRT were evaluated retrospectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent predictors related to complete response (CR) after CCRT. A Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier analysis were utilized to perform survival analysis. Results: According to multivariate logistic regression analyses, a high level of plasma EPA was independently correlated with an increased incidence of CR after CCRT (odds ratio (OR), 0.980; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.962-0.999, p = 0.038). With a median follow-up of 41.3months, the CSCC patients in the high EPA (≥46.0nmol/mL) group exhibited longer OS and PFS. According to our multivariate analysis, pretreatment plasma EPA level was an independent prognostic factor for PFS in patients with CSCC who underwent CCRT (hazard ratio (HR), 0.263; 95% CI, 0.089-0.782, p = 0.016). However, it was not an independent prognostic factor of OS. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed was a negative correlation between pretreatment SCC-Ag (pre SCC-Ag) levels and EPA levels (r = -0.305, p = 0.004), and a weak negative correlation between posttreatment SCC-Ag (post SCC-Ag) levels and EPA levels (r = -0.251, p = 0.018). Conclusion: Plasma omega-3 PUFAs are related to the response and survival outcome of patients with CSCC who underwent CCRT. Pretreatment plasma EPA levels may be a promising biomarker for predicting the response and prognosis of patients with CSCC who undergo CCRT. In addition, the pretreatment plasma EPA levels presented a negative correlation with the SCC-Ag levels.

Nutrient footprint versus EPA + DHA security in land-locked regions—more of local pond farmed, imported marine fish or fish oil capsules?

EPA + DHA intake in land-locked central Europe (CE) is barely fulfilled. Imported marine fish/farmed salmonids are likely the backbone of an ailing EPA + DHA security. Supplementing with captured marine fish oil capsules (~0.5 g up to 1.6 g CO2-eq. mg EPA + DHA−1) could be comparable in GHG emissions with fish consumption itself (~1 g to as low as 0.6 g CO2-eq. mg EPA + DHA−1). But synergistic benefits of EPA + DHA intake by consuming fish protein need consideration too. Taking semi-intensive pond carp and intensively farmed salmon as models, we analyzed footprint, eco-services, and resource use efficiency perspectives of achieving EPA + DHA security in a CE region. Despite a lower production footprint, pond-farmed fish greatly lag in EPA + DHA supply (carp 101–181 mg 100 g−1 < salmon 750–1300 mg 100 g−1). It doubles-to-quadruples footprint ‘per mg’ of EPA + DHA: nitrogen (carp 18.3 > salmon 8.7 mg N), phosphorus (carp 6.8 > salmon 1.6 mg P), and climate change (carp 1.84 > salmon 0.8 g CO2-eq.). With enhancements in pond carp (>300 mg EPA + DHA 100 g−1), these differences may cease to exist. Harnessing EPA + DHA bioaccumulation pathways active in ponds, finishing feeding strategies, and polyculture, the EPA + DHA content in pond fish may be increased. Ecosystem services with EPA + DHA mining from pond food web or high EPA + DHA output-to-input ratio (pond carp 1–200 > RAS salmon 0.75) make ponds an eco-efficient system. As fish consumption in CE must improve, pond-farmed fish would be needed to complement (but not substitute) salmonid/marine fish/oil capsules consumption. Achieving EPA + DHA security with minimum pressure on the environment or global resources.

Impact of various extraction methods on fatty acid profile, physicochemical properties, and nutritional quality index of Pangus fish oil.

Marine fish are high in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for human health. This study evaluated the effects of four extraction methods (soxhlet extraction, SE; wet rendering, WR; acid silage, AS; microwave-assisted extraction, MAE) on the oil yield, physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and nutritional quality index (NQI) of pangus fish oil. The oil yield ranged from 13.50% to 21.80%, with MAE having the highest yield. Furthermore, MAE oil has the lowest free fatty acid (0.70%), peroxides (2.08 Meq/kg), and saponification (287.27 mg/g KOH) value. There were no significant differences (p > .05) in the refractive index and melting point of oils among extraction techniques. A total of 25 fatty acids were identified. However, the maximum PUFA, MUFA, and SFA recovery was observed in the SE (19.15 mg/100 g), MAE (7.99 mg/100 g), and AS (17.33 mg/100 g), respectively. In terms of NQI, SE had higher PUFA/SFA, HH, and LA/ALA ratios, while AS had higher EPA + DHA, n-3/n-6, AI, TI, and FLQ indices. Furthermore, the MAE approach yielded better ratios of n-3/n-6 and HPI index, whereas the WR method yielded a higher AI index. Therefore, MAE would be the most efficient method for extracting pangus fish oil by considering both technical feasibility and quality indices including extraction yield, best physical properties, oxidative stability, and fatty acid contents.

Abstract MP63: Higher Alternative Healthy Eating Index Scores Including Greater EPA and DHA Consumption Are Associated With Attenuated Platelet Function in the Framingham Heart Study

Introduction: Dietary modification that reflects healthy eating is a notable strategy for CVD prevention on a population level. The cardioprotective role diet plays in hemostasis and thrombosis, particularly in respect to platelet function remains unclear. Hypothesis: Healthier Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) scores associate with attenuated platelet reactivity in a large-scale population cohort. Methods: Cross-sectional data was obtained from Framingham Heart Study participants (N=3,429). AHEI scores were derived from self-reported Harvard semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Ranging from 0 to 110, higher AHEI scores reflect healthier overall diet quality. Five bioassays measured platelet reactivity traits across several agonists in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma samples. Linear mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, aspirin use, family relatedness, daily energy intake, and BMI evaluated associations between platelet reactivity and AHEI scores and components. Results: Higher AHEI scores associated with attenuated platelet reactivity among 16 different traits (P&lt;0.01), with notable decreased platelet aggregation to collagen, TRAP6 (PAR1 agonist), ADP, and ristocetin. Of the 11 AHEI components, higher EPA &amp; DHA intake was most strongly associated to decreased platelet function with the greatest number of significant associations to platelet traits (18 traits, P&lt;0.01) and moderate negative effect sizes (Figure 1). Conclusions: We report that higher AHEI scores associate with decreased platelet reactivity. Effects appear strongest for EPA &amp; DHA intake consistent with several small randomized controlled trials. However, we found that a holistic AHEI score reflects a better interpretation of diet as a modulator of platelet function compared to individual components. Our results conclude that the impact of a healthier diet in preventing thrombosis may be partially mediated through a decline in platelet reactivity through multiple independent activation pathways.

Comparison in biochemical composition and nutritional value of the invasive Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, from Lake IJsselmeer, The Netherlands, and its natural habitat, the Yangtze River, China

Abstract The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, as an invasive species, has formed a large wild population and become a new fishery resource in Lake IJsselmeer (IL) of The Netherlands. This study was conducted to quantify edible tissue indices, proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid contents of crabs collected from IL, and make a comparison with wild crabs from the species’ native habitat, the Yangtze River (YZ). It showed that: (1) YZ had a significantly higher meat yield and total edible yield; (2) YZ showed higher lipid and protein contents at a lower gonadosomatic index; (3) IL had a higher level of C20:4n6, C20:5n3 and C22:6n3 in the hepatopancreas, and higher EPA and DHA in the ovaries; (4) although YZ has a clear advantage, both IL and YZ muscle were high in contents of essential as well as delicious amino acids. In conclusion, adult E. sinensis living in IL, The Netherlands, also have a rich nutritional value with a high edible yield.

Digestibility of Different Plant-derived Oils and their Influence on Fatty Acid Composition in the Liver and Muscle of Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio)

We evaluated the digestibility of plant oils and their influence on the growth of and fatty acid composition in common carp. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of lipids were determined in carp (200.2 ± 40.0g) fed with cod liver oil (CLO), linseed oil (LO), sunflower oil (SFO), or sesame oil (SO). A 96-day growth trial was then conducted using six isolipidic (from 100 to 101 g/kg diet) diets, namely CLO, LO, SFO, SO, and two blends of plant oils (SLO = SO + LO; SSFO = SO + SFO). Lipid ADC values (0.920-0.972) were similar or slightly lower in the plant oil-based diets than in the CLO-based diet. Growth and feed efficiency (FE) were not influenced by dietary lipids. The fatty acid profile in the liver and muscle reflected those of the dietary lipids. The EPA and DHA proportions were higher in the liver and muscle of the LO and SLO-fed fish than in the other plant oil groups, and lower than in CLO-fed fish (P &lt;0.05). Higher EPA, DHA, and n3/n6 ratio levels in the muscle of fish fed on the linseed oil (LO) diet, as compared to those in fish fed on the other plant oil-based diets, were ideal for human health and suggest that it can be used as a suitable alternative to fish oil.

Intestinal health in Atlantic salmon post-smolt (Salmo salar) when fed low- and high HUFA diets

It is well established that farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) need n3-highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in their diet to thrive and grow. However, the biological functions to the individual HUFAs may differ, implying that future supplementation could require fixed ratios for maximum benefit. The intestinal barrier is essential to fish health, and any disruption of the barrier can have detrimental effects. The current experiment was designed to examine the response of the intestinal hindgut when fed a low HUFA diet with 8.5 g/kg EPA + DHA (4.5% total fatty acid) or two high HUFA diets, with either high DHA (28.7 g/kg and 5.9% total fatty acid) or high EPA (25 g/kg and 14.2% total fatty acid). The diets were fed to Atlantic salmon post-smolt over 10 weeks and thereafter exposed to 3 weeks of chronic stress. After 10 weeks of feeding there were no differences in intestinal permeability and integrity, but intestinal morphology indicated increased intestinal health in the high EPA group. Gene expression also suggest that fish fed the high EPA diet had more regulation of pathways related to protein turnover compared to the high DHA fed fish. There was also indication of lower energy utilization in the low HUFA fed fish than high HUFA. Subjecting fish to 3 weeks of chronic stress led to a reduction in transepithelial resistance, increased ion flux and active l-lysine transport across the intestinal barrier in addition to a decrease in mucosal fold, enterocyte height and supranuclear vacuole density and an increase in thickness of the intestinal muscularis. After stress, the low HUFA group showed signs of inflammation with increased infiltration of MHCII positive cells. Gene expression also showed that low HUFA fed fish had a lower response to chronic stress compared to the high HUFA groups. Comparing fish fed either high DHA or EPA exposed to chronic stress showed few physical effects, but a lower density of supranuclear vacuoles and upregulation in immune-related gene expression indicate inflammation in the high DHA group.

Differences in composition and fatty acid contents of different rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) strains in similar and contrasting rearing conditions

Fatty acid (FA) composition and contents of fillets of seven strains of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, reared in the same farm and sampled at the same time were studied. Three strains were compared with those from another farm as well as with outbreed and wild fish of the same fish species. In general, FA composition of farmed fish reflected their diet composition. Nevertheless, a genetics factor (belonging to a certain strain), also was found to contribute to fish FA composition. Rainbow trout of strain Steelhead appeared to have comparatively higher ability to regulate their FA composition, in particular, to retain high contents of physiologically important eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) acids in biomass despite variations of their diet contents. Differences in contents of the EPA + DHA of different strains, found in this study, likely provided evidence for a potential of selective breeding of rainbow trout strains with a high EPA and DHA, which are of key importance for humans' diet. Besides, FA markers, which allow differentiating wild and farmed rainbow trout, were revealed.

Mass Cultivation of Microalgae: I. Experiences with Vertical Column Airlift Photobioreactors, Diatoms and CO2 Sequestration

From 2015 to 2021, we optimized mass cultivation of diatoms in our own developed vertical column airlift photobioreactors using natural and artificial light (LEDs). The project took place at the ferrosilicon producer Finnfjord AS in North Norway as a joint venture with UiT—The Arctic University of Norway. Small (0.1–6–14 m3) reactors were used for initial experiments and to produce inoculum cultures while upscaling experiments took place in a 300 m3 reactor. We here argue that species cultivated in reactors should be large since biovolume specific self-shadowing of light can be lower for large vs. small cells. The highest production, 1.28 cm3 L−1 biovolume (0.09–0.31 g DW day−1), was obtained with continuous culture at ca. 19% light utilization efficiency and 34% CO2 uptake. We cultivated 4–6 months without microbial contamination or biofouling, and this we argue was due to a natural antifouling (anti-biofilm) agent in the algae. In terms of protein quality all essential amino acids were present, and the composition and digestibility of the fatty acids were as required for feed ingredients. Lipid content was ca. 20% of ash-free DW with high EPA levels, and omega-3 and amino acid content increased when factory fume was added. The content of heavy metals in algae cultivated with fume was well within the accepted safety limits. Organic pollutants (e.g., dioxins and PCBs) were below the limits required by the European Union food safety regulations, and bioprospecting revealed several promising findings.

Increasing dietary levels of the n-3 long-chain PUFA, EPA and DHA, improves the growth, welfare, robustness and fillet quality of Atlantic salmon in sea cages.

The present study evaluated the effects of increasing the dietary levels of EPA and DHA in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared in sea cages, in terms of growth performance, welfare, robustness and overall quality. Fish with an average starting weight of 275 g were fed one of four different diets containing 10, 13, 16 and 35 g/kg of EPA and DHA (designated as 1·0, 1·3, 1·6 and 3·5 % EPA and DHA) until they reached approximately 5 kg. The 3·5 % EPA and DHA diet showed a significantly beneficial effect on growth performance and fillet quality compared with all other diets, particularly the 1 % EPA and DHA diet. Fish fed the diet containing 3·5 % EPA and DHA showed 400-600 g higher final weights, improved internal organ health scores and external welfare indicators, better fillet quality in terms of higher visual colour score and lower occurrence of dark spots and higher EPA and DHA content in tissues at the end of the feeding trial. Moreover, fish fed the 3·5 % EPA and DHA diet showed lower mortality during a naturally occurring cardiomyopathy syndrome outbreak, although this did not reach statistical significance. Altogether, our findings emphasise the importance of dietary EPA and DHA to maintain good growth, robustness, welfare and fillet quality of Atlantic salmon reared in sea cages.

Long-term feeding of Atlantic salmon with varying levels of dietary EPA + DHA alters the mineral status but does not affect the stress responses after mechanical delousing stress.

Atlantic salmon were fed diets containing graded levels of EPA + DHA (1·0, 1·3, 1·6 and 3·5 % in the diet) and one diet with 1·3 % of EPA + DHA with reduced total fat content. Fish were reared in sea cages from about 275 g until harvest size (about 5 kg) and were subjected to delousing procedure (about 2·5 kg), with sampling pre-, 1 h and 24 h post-stress. Delousing stress affected plasma cortisol and hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in oxidative stress and immune response, but with no dietary effects. Increasing EPA + DHA levels in the diet increased the trace mineral levels in plasma and liver during mechanical delousing stress period and whole body at harvest size. The liver Se, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn and plasma Se levels were increased in fish fed a diet high in EPA + DHA (3·5 %) upon delousing stress. Furthermore, increased dietary EPA + DHA caused a significant increase in mRNA expression of hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP), which is concurrent with downregulated transferrin receptor (TFR) expression levels. High dietary EPA + DHA also significantly increased the whole-body Zn, Se, and Mn levels at harvest size fish. Additionally, the plasma and whole-body Zn status increased, respectively, during stress and at harvest size in fish fed reduced-fat diet with less EPA + DHA. As the dietary upper limits of Zn and Se are legally added to the feeds and play important roles in maintaining fish health, knowledge on how the dietary fatty acid composition and lipid level affect body stores of these minerals is crucial for the aquaculture industry.

Effect of Snakehead Fish and Sea Cucumber Extract Administration on Mast Cell Infiltration, Interlukin-6 (IL-6), and Albumin Levels in Burns and Surgical Wounds

Introduction: Burn injury impairs almost every organ system, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Meanwhile, the phases included in burn healing are inflammation, cell recruitment, matrix deposition, epithelialization, and tissue remodeling phase. Previous studies showed that snakehead fish and sea cucumber extract have these effects and are beneficial in burn and post-surgery wounds. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of snakehead fish and sea cucumber extract supplementation towards mast cell infiltration, IL-6, and albumin level in burn and post-surgery wounds. Materials and Methods: A double-blind randomized control trial was carried out at Dr. Moewardi Hospital Surakarta in November 2017 on 30 subjects, which were divided into 2 groups. Mast cell infiltration was observed on burn and post-surgery wounds colored with Toluidine Blue, while IL-6 and albumin were measured -blood, where both groups had comparable basic characteristics. Results and Discussion: There was a statistically insignificant (p=0.835) higher increase in albumin level in the treatment group, while an insignificant (p=0.056) greater decrease also occur in the IL-6 level. The decrease in cell mast infiltration after treatment was also higher and not statistically significant (p=0.526). Previous studies showed that amino acids from snakehead fish play an important role in wound healing. Meanwhile, high EPA content in sea cucumber is due to its ability as an Echinodermata to regenerate tissue. It was also discovered that the results available about sea cucumber and sea snake extract on wound healing are different based on the skin condition after the use of the extracts. Conclusion: Snakehead fish and sea cucumber extract supplementation can increase albumin level, decrease IL-6 level and mast cell infiltration in burn or post-surgery wounds.

The effect of lipid level on the growth and reproductive performance of female orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796), during the fattening period

This experiment aimed to evaluate the efficiency of formulated feeds with different lipid levels (T1 = 60 g/kg, T2 = 80 g/kg, T3 = 100 g/kg and T4 = 120 g/kg) in the biochemical composition of female orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea, during the fattening period. Experiments were conducted on 120 crabs with BW and CW of 186.42 ± 37.90 g and 10.24 ± 0.66 cm, respectively, for 90 days. The crabs were reared in tanks, and dissections were performed in 10 individuals per treatment every 30 days. Overall assessments disclosed that mud crabs fed the T4 showed the highest BWG (1.80 ± 0.78 g, 13.78 ± 1.81 g and 14.51 ± 3.81 g), SGR (0.03 ± 0.02%day−1, 0.19 ± 0.01%day−1 and 0.28 ± 0.02%day−1), GSI (9.90 ± 1.05%, 11.31 ± 1.68% and 17.30 ± 2.13%) and HSI (4.17 ± 0.52%, 5.22 ± 0.40% and 5.06 ± 0.45%) during fattening periods. Meanwhile, EPA and DHA were the most important fatty acids required for maturing ovaries in mud crabs. During 60- and 90-day culture period, higher EPA and DHA were noted in the ovary of mud crabs fed with T4 (EPA: 4.79 mg/g and 6.69 mg/g; DHA: 4.55 mg/g and 6.85 mg/g) compared with hepatopancreas (EPA: 1.84mg/g and 2.47 mg/g; DHA: 3.28 mg/g and 3.71 mg/g) (p < .05). The low fatty acid composition in the hepatopancreas indicates a nutrient transfer from the hepatopancreas to the ovaries for maturation. Two-way ANOVA suggested that 120 g/kg of feed with 60–90 days of duration would be the best for crab rearing.

Insect (black soldier fly larvae) oil as a potential substitute for fish or soy oil in the fish meal-based diet of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Alternative sources of fish oil (FO) are one of the major problems in aquaculture; therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine insect (black soldier fly larvae) oil (BSLO) as a potential replacer of fish/soy oil in juvenile rainbow trout (initial average weight of 32 ± 0.15 g) feed. Four diets were formulated wherein FO (control diet) was completely replaced with either soybean oil (SO) or BSLO, and an additional BSLO-based diet supplemented with 1.5% bile acid (BSLO + BA) were fed to the fish for 10 weeks. Growth performance of the BSLO fed group was similar (P > 0.05) to that of the FO and SO fed groups, however, the fish fed BSLO + BA diet registered the lowest growth (P < 0.05). Oil sources did not (P > 0.05) affect the major nutrient content of whole-body, however, the fatty acid composition of the muscle and liver was influenced (P < 0.05), with the highest 14:0, 16:0, and total saturated fatty acid detected in BSLO or BSLO + BA fed trout compared to the others (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) or total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in muscle among the groups, whereas, the highest EPA:DHA and n-3:n-6 ratios were detected in the FO group. Gene expression for fatty acid binding protein (fabp), fatty acid synthase (fas), and Δ5 desaturase in the liver was lower in FO (P < 0.05), while BSLO + BA registered the highest Δ6 expression (P = 0.006). Supplementation of BA in the BSLO diet increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BSLO could serve as a substitute for FO and SO in rainbow trout diet without negatively impacting growth performance, whole-body composition and nutrient retention, and modulate the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes in rainbow trout.

Production of Omega-3 Fatty Acids by Enzymatic Hydrolysis from Lemuru Fish By-Products

Production of omega-3 fatty acids from lemuru fish by-products was studied by enzymatic hydrolysis using a lipase enzyme in one liter of the batch reactor. The hydrolysis temperature of fish oil was set at 45 to 55 ℃ for 0 to 24 h, whereas agitation from 50 to 150 rpm. RSM-Box Bhenken was used to study the effect of these parameters on omega-3 (EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA)) content. The % free fatty acid (FFA), acid index, peroxide index, iodine index, and saponification index of lemuru fish oil was 0.925, 2.52, 42.5, 97.28, and 160.11%, respectively. GC-MS analysis results showed that unsaturated fatty acids content (62.34%), which are consisted of omega-3 (EPA, DHA, and ALA), omega-6 and omega-9, was much higher than saturated acids (12.97%). The experiment data showed that the highest EPA (1.221%) and DHA (0.312%) content were reached at 50 ℃ and 24 h with 150 rpm of agitation. However, through the RSM-Box Bhenken analysis and 3D surface plot, it was suggested that the optimum condition was obtained at 45 ℃ and 24 h with 150 rpm of agitation with the content of EPA, DHA, and ALA were 1.709, 0.49, and 1.237%, respectively.

Luminal Bioavailability of Orally Administered ω-3 PUFAs in the Distal Small Intestine, and Associated Changes to the Ileal Microbiome, in Humans with a Temporary Ileostomy.

ABSTRACTBackgroundOral administration of purified omega-3 (ω-3) PUFAs is associated with changes to the fecal microbiome. However, it is not known whether this effect is associated with increased PUFA concentrations in the gut.ObjectivesWe investigated the luminal bioavailability of oral ω-3 PUFAs (daily dose 1 g EPA and 1g DHA free fatty acid equivalents as triglycerides in soft-gel capsules, twice daily) and changes to the gut microbiome, in the ileum.MethodsIleostomy fluid (IF) and blood were obtained at baseline, after first capsule dosing (median 2 h), and at a similar time after final dosing on day 28, in 11 individuals (median age 63 y) with a temporary ileostomy. Fatty acids were measured by LC–tandem MS. The ileal microbiome was characterized by 16S rRNA PCR and Illumina sequencing.ResultsThere was a mean 6.0 ± 9.8-fold and 6.6 ± 9.6-fold increase in ileal EPA and DHA concentrations (primary outcome), respectively, at 28 d, which was associated with increased RBC ω-3 PUFA content (P ≤ 0.05). The first oral dose did not increase the ileal ω-3 PUFA concentration except in 4 individuals, who displayed high luminal EPA and DHA concentrations, which reduced to concentrations similar to the overall study population at day 28, suggesting physiological adaptation. Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Streptococcus were abundant bacterial genera in the ileum. Ileal microbiome variability over time and between individuals was large, with no consistent change associated with acute ω-3 PUFA dosing. However, high concentrations of EPA and DHA in IF on day 28 were associated with higher abundance of Bacteroides (r2 > 0.86, P < 0.05) and reduced abundance of other genera, including Actinomyces (r2 > 0.94, P < 0.05).ConclusionsOral administration of ω-3 PUFAs leads to increased luminal ω-3 PUFA concentrations and changes to the microbiome, in the ileum of individuals with a temporary ileostomy. This study is registered on the ISRCTN registry as ISRCTN14530452.

Trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids of black sea (Bulgaria) bivalve species Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus. Human health risk

The study aimed to evaluate trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations and fatty acids of three Black Sea bivalve species - Donax trunculus, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Chamelea gallina as well as human health risk and benefit-risk ratio based on n-3 LC-PUFA vs. toxic/essential elements. The results showed variations in the element concentrations among the analysed species. D. trunculus generally contained higher levels of the essential elements Cu and Zn, while C. gallina – higher Cr and Fe. Toxic elements content did not exceed the international standards for mollusks. D. trunculus and C. gallina were better dietary sources of n-3 LC-PUFA, with approximately two-fold higher EPA + DHA content than M. galloprovincialis. Health risks for most toxic and essential elements exposed from bivalve consumption were safe based on THQ, HI and TR indices. The benefit-risk ratio indicated that studied species are safe for human consumption, except one case.

Deposition and metabolism of dietary n-3 very-long-chain PUFA in different organs of rat, mouse and Atlantic salmon.

There is limited knowledge about the metabolism and function of n-3 very-long-chain PUFA (n-3 VLC-PUFA) with chain lengths ≥ 24. They are known to be produced endogenously in certain tissues from EPA and DHA and not considered to originate directly from dietary sources. The aim of this study was to investigate whether n-3 VLC-PUFA from dietary sources are bio-available and deposited in tissues of rat, fish and mouse. Rats were fed diets supplemented with a natural fish oil (FO) as a source of low dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFA, while Atlantic salmon and mice were fed higher dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFA from a FO concentrate. In all experiments, n-3 VLC-PUFA incorporation in organs was investigated. We found that natural FO, due to its high EPA content, to a limited extent increased endogenous production of n-3 VLC-PUFA in brain and eye of mice with neglectable amounts of n-3 VLC-PUFA originating from diet. When higher dietary levels were given in the form of concentrate, these fatty acids were bio-available and deposited in both phospholipids and TAG fractions of all tissues studied, including skin, eye, brain, testis, liver and heart, and their distribution appeared to be tissue-dependent, but not species-specific. When dietary EPA and DHA were balanced and n-3 VLC-PUFA increased, the major n-3 VLC-PUFA from the concentrate increased significantly in the organs studied, showing that these fatty acids can be provided through diet and thereby provide a tool for functional studies of these VLC-PUFA.

Nutritional Enhancement of Farmed Salmon Meat via Non-GMO Nannochloropsis Gaditana: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and Vitamin D3 for Human Health.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and vitamin D3 are essential components of human nutrition. A regular human diet is highly deficient in n-3 LC PUFAs. Fish like salmon are highly recommended in the human diet as they are a major source of high-value n-3 LC PUFAs and vitamin D3. The levels of these nutrients have been decreasing over the last few years in farmed salmon, whose production urgently needs sustainable sources of these nutrients. The microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (NG) is known for its naturally high potential for the production of eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n-3) fatty acid. A commercial diet for Atlantic salmon was supplemented with 1% and 10% of spray-dried NG grown under controlled conditions for a high EPA content. Salmon were harvested on day 49, following which, boneless and skinless salmon meat was recovered from fish and analyzed for the fatty acid profile, total fat, and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3, EPA, and docosapentaenoic fatty acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) by supplementing the basal diet with 10% NG, thus, NG represents a novel, functional, natural ingredient and a sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFAs that can raise the levels of healthy fats and vitamin D3 in farmed salmon meat.

Eicosapentaenoic acid levels predict prognosis of peripheral artery disease caused by aortoiliac artery lesions

Background and aimEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been reported to improve clinical outcome of high-risk atherosclerotic patients. We investigated whether endogenous EPA values predict prognosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. Methods and resultsThis retrospective study included 166 consecutive patients who had received endovascular therapy (EVT) for PAD caused by aortoiliac artery lesions. Patients were divided into 2 groups using median preoperative EPA value (57 μg/ml): LOW EPA (n = 83) and HIGH EPA (n = 83). We compared differences between the 2 groups in prevalence of major adverse limb events (MALE) which included target lesion revascularization (TLR), non-TLR, and major amputation, and major adverse events (MAE) which included MALE and all cause death. At a median follow-up period of 20 months, MALE had occurred in 24 LOW EPA patients (28.9%) and in 12 HIGH EPA patients (14.5%) (p = 0.04), and MAE had occurred in 41 LOW EPA patients (49.4%) and in 21 HIGH EPA patients (25.3%) (p < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed prevalence of MALE and MAE was significantly higher in LOW EPA than in HIGH EPA (long-rank test χ2 = 8.5, p < 0.01, log-rank test χ2 = 13.2, p < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression revealed preoperative EPA value < 57 μg/ml was an independent predictor for MALE (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.35 to 5.4; p < 0.01) and MAE (HR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.67 to 4.91; p < 0.01). ConclusionsEndogenous EPA value seems to be associated with risk of MALE and MAE after EVT in patients with PAD caused by aortoiliac artery lesions.