Higher EPA Research Articles

Incorporation of Flaxseed Flour as a Dietary Source for ALA Increases Bone Density and Strength in Post-Partum Female Rats.

In women, bone mass undergoes changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, which has a risk for subsequent development of osteoporosis. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in femur quality during post-weaning of dam rats. After weaning, the rats were divided into control (C, n=7) and experimental (F, n=7) groups treated with a diet containing 25g of flaxseed flour in the lactating period and 15g in the maintenance period. After 51days post-partum, serum hormone, fatty acids composition, bone compartments, computed tomography, and biomechanical analyses were determined. Food intake, length, body mass, hormone analysis, and total bone compartments showed similar results. For biomechanical and computed tomography analysis and fatty acids composition, the F group showed higher maximum force (+12%, p<0.05), breaking strength (+25%, p<0.05), rigidity (+17%, p<0.0001), and femoral head radiodensity (+15%, p<0.05) and presented lower total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-17%, p<0.0001) and arachidonic acid (-44%, p<0.0001) and higher ALA (+695%, p<0.0001) and EPA (+160%, p<0.05). Fatty acids composition of flaxseed flour, as well as its protein profile and calcium content, were able to improve the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid and higher EPA, showing an anti-inflammatory profile and increased deposition of organic matrix during the post-weaning period, and may result in prevention of future osteoporosis.

Effect of an acute dose of omega-3 fish oil following exercise-induced muscle damage.

The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to examine the effect of two fish oil supplements, one high in EPA (750mg EPA, 50mg DHA) and one low in EPA (150mg EPA, 100mg DHA), taken acutely as a recovery strategy following EIMD. Twenty-seven physically active males (26 ± 4year, 1.77 ± 0.07m, 80 ± 10kg) completed 100 plyometric drop jumps to induce muscle damage. Perceptual (perceived soreness) and functional (isokinetic muscle strength at 60° and 180°s-1, squat jump performance and countermovement jump performance) indices of EIMD were recorded before, and 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96h after the damaging protocol. Immediately after the damaging protocol, volunteers ingested either a placebo (Con), a low-EPA fish oil (Low EPA) or a high-EPA fish oil (High EPA) at a dose of 1g per 10kg body mass. A significant group main effect was observed for squat jump, with the High EPA group performing better than Con and Low EPA groups (average performance decrement, 2.1, 8.3 and 9.8%, respectively), and similar findings were observed for countermovement jump performance, (average performance decrement, 1.7, 6.8 and 6.8%, respectively, p = 0.07). Significant time, but no interaction main effects were observed for all functional and perceptual indices measured, although large effect sizes demonstrate a possible ameliorating effect of high dose of EPA fish supplementation (effect sizes ≥0.14). This study indicates that an acute dose of high-EPA fish oil may ameliorate the functional changes following EIMD.

Uptake of benzo[a]pyrene, but not of phenanthrene, is inhibited by fatty acids in intestinal brush border membrane vesicles of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Partial replacement of fish ingredients with vegetable ingredients has elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Atlantic salmon reared on these feeds. PAH uptake in the intestinal tract is postulated to occur in association with lipid absorption and could well be affected by fatty acid composition. We therefore investigated the effects of a fish oil and vegetable oil fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n−3) and oleic acid (18:1n−9) respectively, on the uptake of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (PHE) across the intestinal brush border membrane in the salmonid species rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).BaP and PHE were solubilized in mixed micelles composed of either EPA or oleic acid and administrated to isolated brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) derived from the pyloric caeca, proximal intestine and distal intestine. In the absence of free fatty acids (FFA) trans-membrane uptake of BaP and PHE was 2–7 times lower than the fraction associated to or in the membrane. In the presence of FFA, trans-membrane BaP uptake had decreased by 80 and 40% at the highest EPA and oleic acid concentration, respectively, whereas PHE uptake was virtually unaffected. In the presence of BaP, but not PHE, trans-membrane EPA uptake in BBMV had decreased.This study obtained evidence for PAH-dependent interactions with FFA uptake. We conclude that intestinal BaP uptake is reduced by luminal FFA contents whereas PHE uptake is not. A large fraction of the administrated BaP and PHE remains associated with the cellular membrane of enterocytes and may interfere with uptake of nutrients.

Limitation of Algar–Flynn–Oyamada reaction using methoxy substituted chalcones as reactants and evaluation of the newly transformed aurones for their biological activities

The study describes newly synthesized 7-(1-Benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-4-yl)-4,6-dimethoxy aurones (SJA 1–14) obtained as final compounds by the oxidative cyclisation of chalcone intermediates in the presence of alkaline hydrogen peroxide catalyst. Their structures were confirmed by spectral analysis and were further evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities. To support their physicochemical characteristics, distribution coefficients (log D 7.4) and oxidation potentials (Epa) were determined. Among the test compounds, SJA 8 and SJA 11 were found cytotoxic to MCF-7, T47D and MDA MB-231 in the IC50 range of 16.63 ± 1.00–43.93 ± 2.09 µM when compared to doxorubicin in the IC50 range of 0.23 ± 0.03–8.32 ± 0.46 µM. Further studies performed with SJA 8 and SJA 11 on MCF-7 showed that they significantly increased the apoptotic index as compared to the control and displayed a G 0/G 1 phase arrest of the cell cycle. It was observed that synthesised aurones possessing para substitution on ring B showed cytotoxic activity and possessed log D 7.4 in the range of 2.5–3.2. Conversely, radical scavenging activity of aurones was in the IC50 range of 71.67 ± 0.24 to >1000 µM when compared to ascorbic acid and quercetin in the IC50 range of 15.46 ± 1.30–34.42 ± 0.03 µM. However, their low antioxidant potential was supported by their high Epa values in the range of 0.926–1.008 V when compared to standard antioxidants. Further studies on N-benzyl tetrahydropyridinyl-4,6-dimethoxy substituted aurones would create a platform for understanding their optimum structural features and the extent to which they may be useful as anticancer agents.

Interactions Between Diet and Exposure to Secondhand Smoke on Glycated Hemoglobin Levels Among US Children: Results From NHANES 2007-2012.

Antioxidant-rich diets may lessen the adverse metabolic responses triggered by exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), but no studies have investigated these potential interactions. To examine the interaction between diet and exposure to SHS on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels among 2551 children, ages 12-19 years, who participated in the 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Exposure to SHS was assessed by 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), cotinine, and self-report. Weighted linear regression models evaluated the cross-sectional association between exposure to SHS and HbA1c levels. Additive interaction was assessed by introducing product terms (with SHS) of individual nutrients (dietary fiber, eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], vitamin C, and vitamin E) to separate models. Over half of the children had NNAL or cotinine levels above the limit of detection (56% and 71%, respectively). The median HbA1c level was 5.2% (95% confidence interval: 5.17%, 5.23%). The interaction results suggest that the effects of exposure to SHS and certain dietary nutrients (EPA, DHA, vitamin C) on HbA1c levels may not be independent. For example, although there was only a slight difference in adjusted mean HbA1c levels across NNAL categories among children with high EPA intakes, the adjusted mean HbA1c level was 0.09% higher for high NNAL as compared to low NNAL among children with low EPA intakes. Further research is needed to inform public health strategies for limiting increases in HbA1c levels among children. Messages may need to focus both on reducing exposure to SHS and improving diets to obtain the maximum benefit. Our results suggest that the effects of exposure to SHS and diet on HbA1c levels may not be independent. For example, although there was little effect of exposure to SHS on HbA1c levels among children with high EPA intakes, high exposure to SHS was associated with an increase in HbA1c levels among children with low EPA intakes. Further research is necessary; however, based on these joint effects, strategies for limiting increases in HbA1c levels that focus both on reducing exposure to SHS and improving diets may achieve the largest public health benefits.

Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid is negatively associated with all-cause mortality among men and women in a population-based prospective study

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory properties, whereas omega-6 PUFAs appear to have proinflammatory properties. We aimed to assess plasma omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA status in relation to all-cause mortality in an Australian community–based study. We hypothesized that omega-3 PUFA would be inversely associated, and omega-6 PUFA positively associated with all-cause mortality. Plasma phospholipid omega-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosapentaenoic acid [DPA], docosahexaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid, and total) and omega-6 PUFAs (linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and total) were measured among 1008 adults (44% men) in 1996. Plasma PUFA composition was quantified using gas chromatography. During 17-year follow-up, 98 men and 81 women died. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, plasma EPA was inversely associated with all-cause mortality overall (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per 1-SD increase, 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68-0.95), in men (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.98), and in women (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.94), separately. Inverse associations with mortality among men were also seen for DPA (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60-0.97) and α-linolenic acid (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.94). No omega-6 PUFAs were significantly associated with mortality. Our findings of reduced all-cause mortality in men and women who have high EPA in plasma, and in men with high plasma DPA and α-linolenic acid, partially support our hypothesis that omega-3 PUFAs help reduce mortality but provide no evidence that omega-6 PUFAs may increase mortality.

Disassembly of diruthenium(II,III) tetraacetate with P–N donor ligands

Valent-averaged diruthenium(II,III) tetraacetate, [Ru2(μ-O2CCH3)4(H2O)2](PF6), was reacted with various bidentate P–N donor ligands. These reactions led to the partial displacement of bridging carboxylate groups and concomitant cleavage of the Ru–Ru bond, producing novel complexes. Disassembly reactions with the aminophosphines; diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (dpppy) and 2-(diphenylphosphino)ethylamine (dppea), produced homoleptic tris-chelated species, fac-[Ru(dpppy-P,N)3](PF6)2 (III) and mer-[Ru(dppea-P,N)3](PF6)2 (VI), respectively. Disassembly reactions with aromatic aminophosphines; 2-(diphenylphosphino)methylpyridine (dppmpy) and 2-(diphenylphosphino)ethylpyridine (dppepy), led to heteroleptic tris-chelated complexes cis,cis,trans-[Ru(dppmpy-P,N)2(η2-O2CCH3)](PF6)·MeOH (IV) and cis,cis,trans-[Ru(dppepy-P,N)2(η2-O2CCH3)](PF6) (V), respectively, whereas reaction with the non-cyclic aminophosphine, 3-(diphenylphosphino)-1-propylamine (dpppa) and the non-cyclic iminophosphine, 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzylidinebenzylamine (dppbba), led to the heteroleptic tris-chelated complexes cis,cis,trans-[Ru(dpppa-P,N)2(η2-O2CCH3)](PF6·EtOH (VII) and cis,cis,trans-[Ru(dppbba-P,N)2(η2-O2CCH3)](PF6)·2MeOH·H2O (VIII), respectively. All complexes were fully characterized. Electrochemical studies (CV, OSWV) showed that the homoleptic tris-chelated complexes had higher oxidation potentials (Epa) than the corresponding heteroleptic tris-chelated complexes, due to the weak π-acceptor ability of the acetate group. Complex (III) has the highest Epa as it contains the strongest combination of π-accepting groups. The Epa values of the heteroleptic complexes were found to be in the order: dppbba (CHN)>dppmpy, dppepy (py)>dpppa (NH2), since amines are much poorer π-acceptors than pyridyl and imino groups. Complexes (III), (VI) and (VII) showed irreversible oxidation waves, while complexes (IV), (V) and (VIII) displayed quasi-reversible one electron processes.

Growth, Survival and Fatty Acid Composition of Freshwater Crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) Juveniles Fed Enriched Daphnia magna as an Alternative to Artemia

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects Daphnia magna enriched with lipid emulsions as an alternative to Artemia, on growth, survival rate, and fatty acid composition of freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Esch. 1823). The four treatment groups were (a) unenriched Artemia (UEA), (b) unenriched D. magna (UED), (c) D. magna enriched with redpepper emulsion (DER), and (d) D. magna enriched with anchovy oil emulsion (DEA). All tests were carried out in triplicate for 30 days. The crayfish (mean weight 0.12g) were fed ad libitum once daily. At the end of experiment, the highest eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3 (EPA) level was found in the DEA group (5.77%). The highest DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) level was found in the DER group (2.73%) which was statistically similar to the DEA group. In addition, high n-3 HUFA (high unsaturated fatty acid) levels were detected in enriched D. magna groups with emulsions. However, high EPA levels in enriched D. magna groups with emulsions were not reflected in crayfish tissues, but DHA level was reflected in crayfish tissues fed with anchovy oil emulsion. The crayfish fed with D. magna showed similar growth to that of the Artemia fed groups. The growth of the enriched D. magna groups did not differ.

Effect of the way of cooking on contents of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in filets of zander

Fatty acid content of raw and cooked zander (Sander lucioperca) was studied. Special attention was paid to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic, 20:5 n-3 (EPA) and docosahexaenoic, 22:6 n-3 (DHA), and also to the n-6/n-3 ratio, which are regarded as indicators of nutritive value. As found, the heat treatments, boiling, stewing and frying, including those in a convection steam oven (CSO), did not significantly decrease the content of EPA and DHA in the products. Boiling and stewing appeared to give products of a higher nutritive value, regarding the above indicators, than frying and cake preparation. Frying of zander in CSO was found to be more beneficial for nutrition compared to pan-frying. The cooked zander had higher EPA and DHA contents than many other popular food fish species, and also had a high nutritive value due to the low n-6/n-3 ratio when boiled and stewed.&amp;nbsp;

Fatty Acid Profiles of Tropical Eel (&lt;em&gt;Anguilla&lt;/em&gt; sp.,) By-products

Prospect of eel by-products as fish oil source can be explored to give an additional value. The moisture content, fat content and fatty acid profiles of tropical eel (<em>Anguilla</em> sp.,) by-products were investigated. Results showed that highest fat content was found in bone (22.03%). Highest moisture content was found in viscera (75.64%). Palmitic acid, oleic acid, EPA and DHA were dominant fatty acids in eel by-products. Oleic acid composition of head was higher than others. Highest EPA and DHA composition were found in viscera and its value were 4.43 and 18.51%, respectively.

Effect of modifying the n‐3 and n‐6 content of the Total Western Diet on the acute inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide in C57BL mice (40.2)

To objective of this study was to determine if physiologically relevant levels of omega‐6 (n6) and omega‐3 (n3) fatty acids in the Total Western Diet (TWD) affect the acute inflammatory response in C57 mice challenged with LPS. The TWD is a new rodent diet that was formulated to match the macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of Americans and is based on data collected in 2009‐2010 in NHANES. Thirty‐two mice were randomly assigned to one of four versions of the TWD differing in n6 and n3 content. Based on NHANES, a typical Western Diet contains 7% kcal from n6 and 0.7% kcal n3. The diets used in this 2 x 2 design reflected the 10th and 90th percentile of n6 and n3 intakes. All diets contained 34% kcal from fat with the following n6 and n3 compositions (all in kcal): HH (10.4% n6, 1.1% n3 (10:1 ratio)), HL (10.4% n6, 0.4% n3 (26:1 ratio)), LH (5.1% n6, 1.1% (5:1 ratio)) and LL (5.1% n6, 0.4% n3 (13:1)). After 28d mice were challenged with 10mg/kg of an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), sacrificed after 24 h and plasma and tissues were collected. Fatty acids were measured in erythrocytes using gas chromatography and plasma cytokines were measured using a multiplexed bead assay. Mice fed the HH diet gained more 29% more weight than LH diet and 39% more than those fed the LL diet. The erythrocyte fatty acid profile indicated the LH group had significant more DHA and DPA than other diet groups, and higher EPA than HL and LL groups. Arachidonic acid, on the other hand, was not different between groups. Despite the differences in PUFA intakes there were no significant difference between the groups in the pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in plasma. According to these results, dietary n6 and n3 PUFA at intakes physiologically relevant to the US diet did not affect the acute inflammatory response to LPS.Grant Funding Source: USDA‐NIFA

Growth and fatty acid composition of juvenileCerastoderma edule(L.) fed live microalgae diets with different fatty acid profiles

The importance of dietary 20:5n-3 (EPA), 22:6n-3 (DHA) and 20:4n-6 (ARA) for growth, survival and fatty acid composition of juvenile cockles (Cerastoderma edule) was investigated. Cockles of 6.24 ± 0.04 mm and 66.14 ± 0.34 mg (live weight) were distributed into three treatments where live microalgae diets were fed constantly below the pseudofaeces production threshold, for three weeks. Diets had distinct fatty acid profiles: high EPA (53% Chaetoceros muelleri + 47% Pyramimonas parkeae), no DHA (47% Brachiomonas submarina + 53% Tetraselmis suecica) and low ARA concentrations (73% P. parkeae + 27% Phaeodactylum tricornutum). Growth was positively affected by high EPA and low ARA diets, whereas no significant growth was observed for the no DHA diet. High mortality of cockles fed no DHA diet raises questions about its suitability for cockles. In balanced diets with EPA and DHA, lower concentrations of ARA do not limit growth. The impact of dietary fatty acids was evident in the fatty acids of neutral and polar lipids of cockles. In polar lipids of all cockles, there was a decrease in EPA, in contrast to an increase in DHA. The combination of EPA and DHA in a live microalgae diet was beneficial for the growth and survival of juvenile cockles.

Effects of a fish-based diet and administration of pure eicosapentaenoic acid on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in patients with cardiovascular risk factors

Background and purposeBrachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ratio of plasma eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA ratio) are surrogate markers for coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the effects of a fish-based diet and administration of EPA on baPWV and plasma EPA/AA ratio. Methods and resultsThe changes in baPWV and plasma EPA/AA ratio were compared before and after a 6-month fish-based diet in 191 patients with cardiovascular risk factors. A fish-based diet resulted in significant increment of plasma EPA/AA ratio (0.40±0.18 vs. 0.49±0.27, p<0.001), with baPWV remaining unchanged. Multivariate analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (6-month SBP-baseline SBP) and CAD were positively associated with increased baPWV (CAD: odds ratio=2.040, p=0.0436, SPB: odds ratio=1.056, p=0.0003). When the patients were divided into three groups: CAD, low-risk, and high-risk with no prior history of CAD according to the number of risk factors at baseline, comparison among the three groups disclosed an inter-group difference in the magnitude of change in baPWV (low-risk: −35±164cm/s, high-risk: −14±190cm/s, CAD: 39±164cm/s, p=0.0071 for trend). In 191 patients who had received a 6-month fish-based diet, 21 patients (primarily CAD patients) sequentially received high purity EPA (1800mg/day) for 6 months. It resulted in marked increment of plasma EPA/AA ratio (0.65±0.57 vs. 1.19±0.46, p<0.001), accompanied by significant reduction in baPWV (1968±344cm/s vs. 1829±344cm/s, p=0.0061). There was a significant negative correlation between changes in baPWV and changes in plasma EPA/AA ratio in patients with a fish-based diet and sequential administration of EPA (r=−0.446, p=0.017). ConclusionA fish-based diet was effective against increased baPWV only in low-risk patients, with slight increment of plasma EPA/AA. In high-risk patients and CAD patients, administration of EPA for preventing progression of baPWV endorsed the validity of high purity EPA administration recommended in the current guidelines.

Seasonal variations of fatty acid profile in different tissues of farmed bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis).

Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) is one of the major farmed species of freshwater fish in China. Byproduct volume of bighead carp is significant at up to 60% of whole fish weight. A better understanding of the nutritional composition is needed to optimize the use of these raw materials. The objective of this research was to characterize seasonal variations of fatty acid profile in different tissues (heads, bones, skin, scales, viscera, muscle and fins) of farmed bighead carp. The fatty acid composition of farmed bighead carp varied significantly with seasons and tissues. The highest lipid content was determined in viscera while the highest EPA and DHA composition were observed in muscle compared to the other tissues. Significantly higher ΣEPA+DHA (%) was recorded in all tissues in summer (June) when compared with those of the other three seasons (p < 0.05). The n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratios in summer ranged from 3.38 to 3.69, nearly three times the ratios of the other three seasons. The results indicated that farmed bighead carp caught in summer could better balance the n-3 PUFA needs of consumers. The byproducts of bighead carp can be utilized for the production of fish oil.

Internal nutrient management associated with gonad quality and successful reproduction in the winged pearl oyster Pteria sterna

The winged pearl oyster Pteria sterna sustains the Mexican pearl industry, but recent problems ensuring the provision of spat for grafting operations have refocused research toward gonad maturation and hatchery production of spat. We used several indicators (morpho-physiological indices, histology, histochemistry, proximal and fatty acid composition) to analyze the management of nutrients involved in gonad quality, larval vigor, and successful reproduction of the species during its natural breeding season. Samples included two ripening peaks (February and April 2009), a pre-reproductive period (November 2008) and a post-reproductive period (June 2009). The indicators were related to changes in water temperature. Spawning occurred in February, April, and June, but the highest gonad quality to sustain larval development and spat production occurred only in April (water temperature was 21.8°C). Also in April, post-vitellogenic oocytes were more abundant, attained larger sizes, and had high protein, lipid, triglyceride, and EPA contents. SAFA, rather than MUFA or PUFA, were actively accumulated in the gonad and digestive gland during the breeding season (February–June), indicating these fuels are reliable criteria of gamete quality. This finding provides information that has relevance in preparing suitable diets for broodstock and larvae, facilitating development of more effective hatchery protocols, and with this, increasing the supply of oysters for grafting operations. For that, we recommend inducing P. sterna to spawn over-ripe gametes in early winter and allow them to redevelop into new gametes of higher quality in early spring when the water temperature reaches 22°C.

Halophytes of Chenopodiaceae and Aizoaceae from South-East Coast of India as Potential Sources of Essential Nutrients and Antioxidants

In this study, we assessed the antioxidant efficacy and nutritional value of the halophytic plants in order to find possible sources for future novel antioxidants in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. The lyophilized samples of the five tropical halophytes (Chenopodiaceae and Aizoaceae), namely, Salicornia brachiata, Arthrocnemum indicum, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda monoica, and Sesuvium portulacastrum from the southeast coast of India were analyzed for total digestible protein, amino acid and fatty acid composition using spectrophotometric, HPLC and GC methods, respectively. The aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of these samples were studied for its free radical scavenging activity using DPPH. radical scavenging assay and total phenolic content (mg GAE/g) using Folin–Ciocalteu method. Protein content of S. brachiata (4.6 g/100g) and S. maritima (4.0 g/100g) were higher than that of others. A good ratio of essential/ non-essential (E/NE) amino acids in all species (>1.0) indicated them as sources of well balanced and high-quality proteins. High DHA (1.33%) and EPA (1.26%) in S. maritima resulted in having a higher n-3:n-6 ratio (0.24) than in other halophytes (0.09-0.16). The PUFA/ SFA ratio was found to be significantly higher in S. brachiata (1.16) due to high 18:2n-6 (16.9%) and 18:3n-6 (21.9%) (p < 0.05), suggesting its ability to thrive under stress conditions, which was supported by the high phenolic contents (557 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50 0.90 mg/mL) of its EtOAc extract. The presence of high titer of amino acids, fatty acids, nutritional antioxidants (phenolics) and free radical quenching potential of these underutilized species indicate their potential towards human health applications.

A Dietary Supplement with a High Eicosapentaenoic Acid to Docosahexaenoic Acid Ratio Reduces Triglyceride Levels in Mildly Hypertriglyceridemic Subjects

There is compelling evidence that omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) provide cardioprotective benefits. This open-label study evaluated whether an omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplement with a high EPA to DHA ratio (2.3:1) reduces triglyceride (TG) levels in mildly hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Twenty subjects, with a mean baseline TG level of 321.7 ± 108.7 mg/dL, were administered 4 g/day of Ocean BlueProfessional Omega-3 2100TM (OB) supplements. Each gram of OB contains the ethyl esters of EPA (675 mg) and DHA (300 mg). Baseline and end of study blood values were collected to assess changes in fasting levels of TG, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). Supplementation was provided for 30 to 228 days (mean = 106 ± 50 days). Mean age at enrollment was 50.3 ± 6.3 years. Compared with baseline values, mean TG levels decreased by 48% (p = 0.001). There were no changes in TC and HDL-C levels (p = NS); however, subjects had a significant increase in LDL-C levels (16.4%, p = 0.05). Results indicated that a high ratio of EPA to DHA (>2:1) had a statistically significant TG-lowering effect in mildly hypertriglyceridemic subjects. The lipid effects of OB are compared with those published in the literature for n-3 drugs indicated for hypertriglyceridemia (very high TG levels, > 500 mg/dL).

Effects of dietary fish and vegetable oils on the growth, tissue fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and vitamin E content of red hybrid tilapia and efficacy of using fish oil finishing diets

The use of alternative lipids in tilapia feeds is becoming increasingly commonplace due to the rising cost of fish oil (FO). However, since this practice will reduce the content of heath beneficial long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in tilapia fillets, investigations on finishing diets to enhance their nutritional value prior to harvest are increasing. A five month grow-out trial was conducted to evaluate the replacement of dietary FO with FO+crude palm oil (CPO) (1:1), linseed oil (LO)+CPO (1:1), CPO or soybean oil (SBO) on the growth performance, feeding efficiencies, body condition, fatty acid changes of the fillet/liver, fillet vitamin E content and oxidative stability of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Diets were fed to duplicate groups of 50 fingerlings (initial weight=19.84±0.02g) and after five months were switched to a FO-based finishing diet and measured for tissue oxidative stability and fatty acid composition every month for another three months of culture. Results showed that growth performance and feeding efficiencies were not significantly better (P>0.05) for tilapia fed the FO based-diet than the alternative oil-based diets while none of the body indices or carcass/fillet yield were impacted by the dietary lipid source. Fillet vitamin E content and oxidative stability of tilapia fed the CPO or SBO diet were significantly higher than all other dietary treatments. The fatty acid composition of tilapia fillet/liver generally reflected those of the diet. Within one month of tilapia fed the finishing diet, the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and n-3/n-6 ratios rapidly increased in the fillets. After three months on the FO finishing diet, fillet DHA was not significantly different among all dietary treatments, although EPA and the n-3/n-6 ratios were still significantly lower compared to fillets from fish continuously fed the FO diet throughout the eight months. Among the tested alternative oil based-diets, tilapia previously fed the FO+CPO diet followed by the finishing diet resulted in the highest EPA, DHA and n-3/n-6 ratios, which should decrease feeding costs while improving the fillet quality of tilapia.

High dietary EPA does not inhibit ∆5 and ∆6 desaturases in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fed rapeseed oil diets

Growth and fatty acid metabolism were studied in Atlantic salmon juveniles fed diets containing rapeseed oil (RO) enriched with 20:5n−3 (EPA) either alone or in combination with 22:6n−3 (DHA). Both fatty acids were added to the RO as highly concentrated triacylglycerols (TAGs). Diets containing RO or fish oil (FO) were used as controls. The salmon (start weight 103g) were kept in freshwater at 12°C, and the feeding experiment lasted for 109days. No differences in growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) or nitrogen and energy retention were observed. The fatty acid analysis of total body lipids and the apparent fatty acid retention data, all strongly suggested that the salmon fed RO and RO+EPA converted more of the EPA to DHA than the salmon fed diets with relatively high levels of DHA (FO and RO+EPA+DHA). In all feeding groups the apparent retention of 22:5n−3 was high, suggesting an efficient C20 fatty acid elongase activity. These findings were further confirmed by the results from studies performed on hepatocyte cultures. The cells were isolated from the livers of salmon from the four feeding groups, and incubated with radio-labeled EPA. Significantly higher conversion of EPA to DHA was found both in the RO and RO+EPA group. When both EPA and DHA were added to the rapeseed oil diet, the total process of desaturation, elongations and beta-oxidation to DHA was significantly reduced (to about 50%). This is similar to what was observed in liver cells from the FO fed fish, strongly suggesting an inhibition by higher levels of DHA. Judging from the spectrum of radioactive labeled metabolites, the inhibition occurred mainly at the 24:5n−3 to 24:6n−3 (delta 6 desaturase) step, and most interestingly, at the 22:5n−3 to 24:5n−3 (second elongation) step. Further, gene expression measurements showed a significant inhibition of the genes for Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases by FO and RO+EPA+DHA feeding, and inhibition of the gene for elongase2 was also indicated. Thus, the results from this study reveal a high recovery of the n−3 fatty acid DPA (22:5n−3), and significant conversion to DHA when EPA is added to rapeseed oil based diets for salmon in freshwater.

Associations between n−3 PUFA concentrations and cognitive function after recovery from late-life depression

Lower concentrations of n-3 PUFAs have been reported to be associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, but also with depression-itself a potential risk factor for cognitive decline. The aims of this study were to investigate associations between n-3 PUFA concentrations in erythrocyte membrane or plasma and cognitive function in an at-risk sample of older people with previous major depression and to explore specificity with respect to cognitive domains. A cross-sectional sample of 132 eligible participants who had recovered from major depression (mean ± SD age: 67.8 ± 6.6 y) were enrolled from outpatient psychiatric services. A series of cognitive tests and a structured questionnaire were administered. Fasting blood samples were collected for n-3 PUFA measurements. Higher EPA and total n-3 PUFA concentrations and a lower ratio of arachidonic acid to EPA in erythrocyte membranes were associated with a higher cognitive composite score: independent of age and sex, but no longer significant after adjustment for education. No associations were found with plasma concentrations of any fatty acid. Considering individual cognitive tests, the strongest and most consistent correlations were found between immediate recall and concentrations of total n-3 PUFAs and α-linolenic acid (ALA) in erythrocytes, which were observed only in participants with recurrent depression. Total erythrocyte n-3 PUFA concentrations are positively associated with cognitive function, particularly immediate recall, in older people with previous depression. Lower concentrations of n-3 PUFAs or ALA in erythrocyte membranes may be good predictors for cognitive impairment in older people with previous recurrent depression.