High Ω3 Research Articles

Pistachio green hull extract as natural antioxidant incorporated to omega-3 rich kappa-carrageenan oleogel in dry fermented sausage

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pistachio green hull extract (PGH) as natural antioxidant and preservative on the quality of ω3 rich fermented sausage. Samples were prepared by linseed oil gelled emulsion and treated with PGH-extract (LGE-PGH), with synthetic antioxidant (LGE-BHA), and without antioxidant (LGE-NON) and properties of them were studied during the ripening and storage for two months. The results showed that the moisture and aw values of LGE-PGH were higher than LGE-NON. Moreover, LGE-PGH had lower TBARS values and higher ω3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) values compared to LGE-NON. The PGH-extract also reduced L* and b*, increased a* and hue in fermented sausages. Thus, the PGH-extract can be used as a natural preservative of ω3 rich dry fermented sausages without causing undesirable effects on it.

Spectral investigations of Nd3+:Ba(PO3)2+La2O3 glasses for infrared laser gain media applications

The investigation of the concentration dependent spectroscopic characteristics of Nd3+ ion in Ba(PO3)2+La2O3 (PBaLa) glasses have been carried out. Based on prominent Judd-Ofelt (JO) formalism, the three JO phenomenological quantitative intensity parameters (Ωλ = 2,4,6) were determined by using absorption levels. The very high Ω6 intensity parameter value reveals greater degree of structural distortion of the Nd3+ sites in PBaLa glass. From Ωλ, required radiative characteristics such as radiative emission probability, lifetime (τr), branching ratio (βr) and emission cross-section (σ(λ)) for excited fluorescent levels have been predicted to assess the potentiality of the glasses. The de-excitation (radiative emission) spectra observed for these glasses yield three prominent levels of 4F3/2 → 4I13/2,11/2,9/2 and their related effective bandwidths and de-excitation cross-sections have been quantified. The lifetimes of the 4F3/2 fluorescent state in Nd3+:PBLa for different concentrations (0.1–2.0 mol %) of Nd3+ ion have been determined by exciting with diode laser (808 nm). The quenching of lifetime could be attributed to the enhanced energy transfer phenomenon via cross-relaxation between pairs of the Nd3+ ions. The crucial spectroscopic characteristics that include Ωλ parameters, radiative properties, effective bandwidths, stimulated emission cross-section, gain bandwidth, figure of merit and optical gain of 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transitions of PBaLaNd1.0 glass are determined which are also compared with other reported 85 Nd3+: glasses which include 63 Nd3+:phosphate glasses. These systematic analysis and critical comparison with similar results reveal that Nd3+:PBaLa glasses with a wide bandwidth of fluorescence can also be useful for optical amplifiers or laser gain media applications.

Influence of Varying Dietary ω6 to ω3 Fatty Acid Ratios on the Hepatic Transcriptome, and Association with Phenotypic Traits (Growth, Somatic Indices, and Tissue Lipid Composition), in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).

Simple SummaryPlant oils are routinely used in fish feeds as a fish oil replacement. However, these terrestrial alternatives typically contain high levels of ω6 fatty acids (FA) and, thus, high ω6 to ω3 (ω6:ω3) FA ratios, which influence farmed fish and their consumers. The ω6:ω3 ratio is known to affect many biological processes (e.g., inflammation, FA metabolism) and human diseases; however, its impacts on fish physiology and the underlying molecular mechanisms are less well understood. In this study, we used 44 K microarrays to examine which genes and molecular pathways are altered by variation in dietary ω6:ω3 in Atlantic salmon. Our microarray study showed that several genes related to immune response, lipid metabolism, cell proliferation, and translation were differentially expressed between the two extreme ω6:ω3 dietary treatments. We also revealed that the PPARα activation-related transcript helz2 is a potential novel molecular biomarker of tissue variation in ω6:ω3. Further, correlation analyses illustrated the relationships between liver transcript expression and tissue (liver, muscle) lipid composition, and other phenotypic traits in salmon fed low levels of fish oil. This nutrigenomic study enhanced the current understanding of Atlantic salmon gene expression response to varying dietary ω6:ω3.The importance of dietary omega-6 to omega-3 (ω6:ω3) fatty acid (FA) ratios for human health has been extensively examined. However, its impact on fish physiology, and the underlying molecular mechanisms, are less well understood. This study investigated the influence of plant-based diets (12-week exposure) with varying ω6:ω3 (0.4–2.7) on the hepatic transcriptome of Atlantic salmon. Using 44 K microarray analysis, genes involved in immune and inflammatory response (lect2a, itgb5, helz2a, p43), lipid metabolism (helz2a), cell proliferation (htra1b), control of muscle and neuronal development (mef2d) and translation (eif2a, eif4b1, p43) were identified; these were differentially expressed between the two extreme ω6:ω3 dietary treatments (high ω6 vs. high ω3) at week 12. Eight out of 10 microarray-identified transcripts showed an agreement in the direction of expression fold-change between the microarray and qPCR studies. The PPARα activation-related transcript helz2a was confirmed by qPCR to be down-regulated by high ω6 diet compared with high ω3 diet. The transcript expression of two helz2 paralogues was positively correlated with ω3, and negatively with ω6 FA in both liver and muscle, thus indicating their potential as biomarkers of tissue ω6:ω3 variation. Mef2d expression in liver was suppressed in the high ω6 compared to the balanced diet (ω6:ω3 of 2.7 and 0.9, respectively) fed fish, and showed negative correlations with ω6:ω3 in both tissues. The hepatic expression of two lect2 paralogues was negatively correlated with viscerosomatic index, while htra1b correlated negatively with salmon weight gain and condition factor. Finally, p43 and eif2a were positively correlated with liver Σω3, while these transcripts and eif4b2 showed negative correlations with 18:2ω6 in the liver. This suggested that some aspects of protein synthesis were influenced by dietary ω6:ω3. In summary, this nutrigenomic study identified hepatic transcripts responsive to dietary variation in ω6:ω3, and relationships of transcript expression with tissue (liver, muscle) lipid composition and other phenotypic traits.

Influence of Dietary Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and ω6 to ω3 Ratios on Head Kidney Lipid Composition and Expression of Fatty Acid and Eicosanoid Metabolism Genes in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).

The interaction of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) levels with omega-6 to omega-3 ratios (ω6:ω3), and their impact on head kidney lipid metabolism in farmed fish, are not fully elucidated. We investigated the influence of five plant-based diets (12-week exposure) with varying EPA+DHA levels (0.3, 1.0, or 1.4%) and ω6:ω3 (high ω6, high ω3, or balanced) on tissue lipid composition, and transcript expression of genes involved in fatty acid and eicosanoid metabolism in Atlantic salmon head kidney. Tissue fatty acid composition was reflective of the diet with respect to C18 PUFA and MUFA levels (% of total FA), and ω6:ω3 (0.5–1.5). Fish fed 0.3% EPA+DHA with high ω6 (0.3% EPA+DHA↑ω6) had the highest increase in proportions (1.7–2.3-fold) and in concentrations (1.4-1.8-fold) of arachidonic acid (ARA). EPA showed the greatest decrease in proportion and in concentration (by ~½) in the 0.3% EPA+DHA↑ω6 fed fish compared to the other treatments. However, no differences were observed in EPA proportions among salmon fed the high ω3 (0.3 and 1.0% EPA+DHA) and balanced (1.4% EPA+DHA) diets, and DHA proportions were similar among all treatments. Further, the transcript expression of elovl5a was lowest in the 0.3% EPA+DHA↑ω6 fed fish, and correlated positively with 20:3ω3, 20:4ω3 and EPA:ARA in the head kidney. This indicates that high dietary 18:3ω3 promoted the synthesis of ω3 LC-PUFA. Dietary EPA+DHA levels had a positive impact on elovl5a, fadsd5 and srebp1 expression, and these transcripts positively correlated with tissue ΣMUFA. This supported the hypothesis that LC-PUFA synthesis is positively influenced by tissue MUFA levels in Atlantic salmon. The expression of pparaa was higher in the 0.3% EPA+DHA↑ω6 compared to the 0.3% EPA+DHA↑ω3 fed fish. Finally, significant correlations between head kidney fatty acid composition and the expression of eicosanoid synthesis-related transcripts (i.e., 5loxa, 5loxb, cox1, cox2, ptges2, ptges3, and pgds) illustrated the constitutive relationships among fatty acids and eicosanoid metabolism in salmon.

Salivary endocannabinoids as mediators in the relationship between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid ratio intake from highly-processed foods and anthropometric markers of health in women

Data suggest that a high ω6 to ω3 ratio (ω6:ω3) contributes to obesity. Highly processed foods are a common source of high ω6:ω3 and have also been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We hypothesised that salivary endocannabinoids (eCBs) act as a mediator between ω6:ω3 from highly processed foods and anthropometric markers of cardiovascular risk. Finally, we explored sex differences on these parameters. Participants filled a self-report intake frequency inventory. Body measurements were registered, and fasted saliva was collected and analysed using LC/MRM. Overweight subjects consuming more highly processed foods, but not those consuming more whole foods, presented an increased ω6:ω3 and salivary eCB levels. Also, the ω6:ω3 ratio in participants consuming highly processed but not whole foods predicted eCB levels in overweight women. Finally, we show that salivary eCBs correlate with body composition in women only. Our study shows that the food source has a differential impact on physiological and behavioural aspects of food intake.

Fusarium verticillioides as a single-cell oil source for biodiesel production and dietary supplements

Abstract A newly isolated oleaginous fungus called E4-2 and identified as Fusarium verticillioides was selected as a potential source of lipid production using glucose as carbon source and a mixture of ammonium chloride and yeast extract as nitrogen sources. A maximum lipid accumulation of 1.88 g/L and a lipid cell content of 38% were obtained at optimal pH and temperature equal to 5 and 30 °C, respectively. Moreover, the E4-2 strain can grow on a variety of low-cost agro-waste carbon sources. Interestingly, waste cooking oils (1.67 g/L) and soap stock of refined olive oil pomace (1.25 g/L) were optimal for a maximum lipid accumulation. Gas chromatography analysis of the extracted lipids revealed that, similar to some vegetal oils, the prominent fatty acid (FA) constituents were C18:1 (34.65%), C18:2 or ω6 (30.78%) and C16:0 (25.61%) with a high ω6 content. More interestingly, the ω3 content rose from 0.86 to 1.71 when culture temperature was set from 30 to 25 °C. The predictive determination of biodiesel properties from fatty acids profile suggests that E4-2 lipids may favorably be used for biodiesel production. All these characteristics argue in favor of the great biotechnological potential of the lipids produced by our strain.

Maternal and postnatal high-fat diets with high ω6 : ω3 ratios affect the reproductive performance of male offspring in the mouse.

High-fat diets (HFDs) are an acknowledged risk factor for male subfertility, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study we compared the effects of two HFDs with different ω6:ω3 ratios, one enriched with soy oil (SOD; ω6:ω3=9.62) and another enriched with sunflower oil (SFOD; ω6:ω3=51.55), with those of a commercial diet (CD; ω6:ω3=19.87), supplied from pregnancy to adulthood, on morphometric parameters and reproductive performance in adult male mice (recommended ω6:ω3 for rodents=1-6). Bodyweight was significantly higher in the SFOD than CD group, and relative testicular weight was significantly lower in the SFOD than the other two groups. SFOD altered sperm performance: it reduced sperm viability (mean±s.e.m.; 76.00±1.35% vs 82.50±1.45% and 80.63±1.00% in the SFOD vs CD and SOD groups respectively; P<0.05) and increased the percentage of immature spermatozoa (71.88±7.17% vs 51.38±5.87% and 48.00±5.72% in the SFOD vs CD and SOD groups respectively; P<0.05). The epididymal ω6:ω3 ratio was higher in the SFOD versus CD and SOD groups, whereas the unsaturation index was higher in the SOD and SFOD groups than in CD group. Sperm membrane integrity was diminished in both the SOD and SFOD groups, but there was no difference in sperm reactive oxygen species production in these two groups compared with the CD group. The fertilisation rate was lower in the SFOD compared with the CD and SOD groups. In conclusion, although both HFDs affected sperm quality, the fertilising ability was more altered by the excessive dietary ω6:ω3 ratio than by the net ω6 content.

Dietary and genetic influences on hemostasis in a Yup'ik Alaska Native population.

Fish and marine animals are important components of the subsistence diet of Alaska Native people, resulting in a high ω3 PUFA intake. The historical record for circumpolar populations highlights a tendency for facile bleeding, possibly related to ω3 PUFA effects on platelet activation and/or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. To evaluate these two scenarios in Yup’ik people of southwestern Alaska, we examined the association between dietary ω3 PUFA intake and activities of clotting factor II, V, fibrinogen, PT, INR, PTT, and sP-selectin in 733 study participants, using the nitrogen isotope ratio of red blood cells as a biomarker of ω3 PUFA consumption. sP-selectin alone correlated strongly and inversely with ω3 PUFA consumption. Approximately 36% of study participants exhibited PIVKA-II values above the threshold of 2 ng/ml, indicative of low vitamin K status. To assess genetic influences on vitamin K status, study participants were genotyped for common vitamin K cycle polymorphisms in VKORC1, GGCX and CYP4F2. Only CYP4F2*3 associated significantly with vitamin K status, for both acute (plasma vitamin K) and long-term (PIVKA-II) measures. These findings suggest: (i) a primary association of ω3 PUFAs on platelet activation, as opposed to vitamin K-dependent clotting factor activity, (ii) that reduced CYP4F2 enzyme activity associates with vitamin K status. We conclude that high ω3 PUFA intake promotes an anti-platelet effect and speculate that the high frequency of the CYP4F2*3 allele in Yup’ik people (~45%) evolved in response to a need to conserve body stores of vitamin K due to environmental limitations on its availability.

Modulation of Long-Term Potentiation of Cortico-Amygdala Synaptic Responses and Auditory Fear Memory by Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid.

Converging evidence suggests that an imbalance of ω3 to ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the brain is involved in mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We previously reported that the dietary ratio of ω3 to ω6 PUFA alters this ratio in the brain, and influences contextual fear memory. In addition to behavioral change, enhancement of cannabinoid CB1 receptor-mediated short-term synaptic plasticity and facilitation of the agonist sensitivity of CB1 receptors have been observed in excitatory synaptic responses in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). However, it is not known whether long-term synaptic plasticity in the amygdala is influenced by the dietary ratio of ω3 to ω6 PUFA. In the present study, we examined long-term potentiation (LTP) of optogenetically-evoked excitatory synaptic responses in synapses between the terminal of the projection from the auditory cortex (ACx) and the pyramidal cells in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala. We found that LTP in this pathway was attenuated in mice fed with a high ω3 to ω6 PUFA ratio diet (0.97), compared with mice fed with a low ω3 to ω6 PUFA ratio diet (0.14). Furthermore, mice in the former condition showed reduced fear responses in an auditory fear conditioning test, compared with mice in the latter condition. In both electrophysiological and behavioral experiments, the effect of a diet with a high ω3 to ω6 PUFA diet ratio was completely blocked by treatment with a CB1 receptor antagonist. Furthermore, a significant reduction was observed in cholesterol content, but not in the level of an endogenous CB1 receptor agonist, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), in brain samples containing the amygdala. These results suggest that the balance of ω3 to ω6 PUFA has an impact on fear memory and cortico-amygdala synaptic plasticity, both in a CB1 receptor–dependent manner.

Effect of different diets on growth performance in rainbow trout, Parasalmo mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of various diets on growth performance in rainbow trout, Parasalmo mykiss (Walbaum, 1792). The eight months feeding experiment in fish farm in Ladoga lake (Republic of Karelia, Russia) was conducted to investigate the effects of different diets on growth rate in three genetically similar and homogeneous groups of juvenile rainbow trout aged 1+ (initial body weight, 110 g). Three commercial diets often used in fish farms in the North-West region of Russia and with different levels of protein and structural lipids and fatty acids were used. From March to November groups 1 and 2 were fed commercial diets 1 and 2, respectively. In late June group 2 was randomly divided into two groups (groups 2 and 3). Group 2 was continued to feed diet 2 when group 3 was fed diet 3. The contents of dietary protein, lipids and fatty acids were analyzed. In addition, at the third week of each month of experiment the body weight, body length and mortality of fish were measured (50 fishes from each group). The dynamic of growth in length and weight of rainbow trout was depended on the fish feeding schedule. Weight gain and growth rate in three groups of fish were different. The overall results of this study established that feeding a diet with high level dietary protein, structural lipids (phospholipids, cholesterin) and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (diets 1and 3) leads to high growth rate of rainbow trout (groups 1 and 3, respectively).

EFFECTIVENESS OF IMMUNONUTRITION ON INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER; RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

malnutrition is a common complication in patients with cancer and is associated with immunosuppression and alterations with inflammatory response. the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of enteral nutrition supplemented with two enteral formulas on inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6 and FNTα) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. randomized control trial, conducted at the Hospital Juarez of Mexico in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy with IRN < 97.5 and SGA B/C. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: group I (immunomodulatory), group II (high ω3). The intervention began on the first day of chemotherapy until day 10 after. We evaluated nutritional status and an inflammatory marker on days 0, +5, +10 QT. Statistical analysis was performed with T Student, x2 and analysis of variance for repeated measurements. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. a total of 29 patients were analyzed, 27 (62.8%) females and 16 (37.2%) males. Mean age 43.91 + 11.3 years old. Malnutrition prevalence was 48.8% moderate and 51.2% severe. Prealbumin levels significantly increase in group II vs group I (p < 0.05). Both groups maintenance body weight, lean mass and fat mass. No decrease levels of CRP, IL-6 and FNTα. enteral supplementation during chemotherapy inhibits nutritional deterioration and maintenance body weight and lean mass. No decreased levels of inflammatory markers.

Spectroscopic analysis of a novel Nd3+-activated barium borate glass for broadband laser amplification

Spectroscopic parameters of a novel Nd3+-activated barium borate (BBONd) glass have been analyzed for broadband laser amplification. The Judd–Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters were determined through a systematic analysis of the absorption spectrum of Nd3+ ions in the BBONd glass. High values of the JO intensity parameters reveal a great centro-symmetrical loss of the Nd3+ sites and high covalency degree of the ligand field. The very high Ω6 intensity parameter value makes evident both a great structural distortion of the Nd3+ sites and a strong electron–phonon coupling between Nd3+ and free OH− ions, which is consistent with the phonon energy maximum (3442.1cm−1) recorded by Raman spectroscopy. This strong electron–phonon coupling favors high effective bandwidth and gain bandwidth values of the laser emission (4F3/2→4I11/2) of Nd3+ ions. The electric-dipole oscillator strengths of all the Nd3+ absorption transitions, and in particular that of the hypersensitive transition (4I9/2→4G5/2), are enhanced by this great structural distortion of the host. Broadband laser amplification of the 4F3/2→4I11/2 emission (1062nm) of Nd3+ ions in the BBONd glass pumped at 805nm (4I9/2→4F5/2+2H9/2) is evaluated through the main fluorescent parameters in competition with non-radiative processes. In general, the BBONd glass exhibits spectroscopic parameters comparable with those reported in the literature for broadband laser amplification into the IR region.

Walnuts (Juglans regia) Chemical Composition and Research in Human Health

Walnuts are among the most widely consumed commercially grown tree nuts in the world. Many health benefits have been claimed for the consumption of these, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, type II diabetes treatment, and prevention and treatment of certain cancers, and the lessening of symptoms attributed to age-related and other neurological disorders. The health-promoting benefits of walnut consumption are ascribed to its fatty acid profile, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with a particularly high ω3:ω6 ratio—the highest among all the tree nuts. The content of polyphenols and other phytochemicals in walnuts, with their claimed cytotoxic properties, also make them an attractive candidate for research for the prevention of free radical-induced nucleic acid damage. Research of walnut consumption in humans and animals employing a range of data sets and statistical methods suggest that walnuts may be considered a safe potential nutraceutical or possibly pharmaceutical substance. Nevertheless, few reviews of scientific research on the proposed benefits of these nuts exist, in spite of the numerous claims attributed to them in the lay media. This brief review article attempts to disseminate much of the information surrounding walnut consumption, and human health benefits, to other scientists and the interested general reader.

Evaluation of Flax as a Viable Crop Again in the South Central U.S.

ABSTRACT There is renewed interest in flax or linseed, Linum usitatissimum L., as a seed crop since it contains high ω3 oil important to healthy diets. Flax was raised widely in Kentucky (KY) prior to World War I. A study was conducted in KY to determine the yield and oil quality of cultivars currently grown and adapted to North Dakota (ND). The cultivar Carter had the highest yield in two out of three years. Carter and Rehab grown in KY had significantly less linolenic acid than the same cultivars grown in ND. Linolenic acid levels for cv. Omega were significantly higher in ND than KY. Flax or linseed can be produced in KY but not with a very competitive yield.

Taxonomic identity and phytoplankton diet affect fatty acid composition of zooplankton in large lakes with differing dissolved organic carbon concentration

An increase in loading of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from terrestrial to freshwater ecosystems has recently been documented in several boreal regions. We studied how transfer of important biomolecules, fatty acids, may be connected to DOC in pelagic food webs of large boreal lakes. We collected nine zooplankton taxa during three seasons from six lakes along a gradient of DOC (5–10 mg C L−1). Taxonomic identity explained 62% of the variation in zooplankton fatty acids, while the effects of DOC and season were less pronounced. This suggests that the community composition of zooplankton is important in determining the quality of food available for higher trophic level consumers. Seasonal differences in fatty acid composition were most evident in the taxa that overwinter in an active stage, and especially C18 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) accumulated toward fall. Small part of the within–taxa variation in zooplankton fatty acids was related to lake DOC concentration. However, the proportion of fatty acids indicative of bacteria or terrestrial vegetation were not linked to DOC. Instead, DOC was connected to PUFA, with zooplankton in high DOC lakes having higher ω3 : ω6 ratios. We propose that this is due to decrease of chlorophytes in phytoplankton community with increasing DOC concentration. Our results with significant among–taxa differences in zooplankton fatty acids imply that terrestrial organic matter may affect the transfer of fatty acids more profoundly if it modifies the zooplankton community composition. However, shifts in the phytoplankton community structure could also cause smaller–scale changes in zooplankton fatty acid composition.

Interactions Between the Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio and Genetic Factors Determine Susceptibility to Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Increased dietary ratios of ω6/ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), but epidemiologic data are limited. We investigated whether variants of genes that control polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism (CYP4F3, FADS1, and FADS2), along with the dietary ratio of ω6/ω3, confers susceptibility to CD. Based on data from 182 children newly diagnosed with CD and 250 controls, we found that children who consumed a higher dietary ratio of ω6/ω3 were susceptible for CD if they were also carriers of specific variants of CYP4F3 and FADS2 genes. Our findings implicate diet-gene interactions in the pathogenesis of CD.

Hepatic Mitochondrial Energetics During Catch‐Up Fat With High‐Fat Diets Rich in Lard or Safflower Oil

We have investigated whether altered hepatic mitochondrial energetics could explain the differential effects of high-fat diets with low or high ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content (lard vs. safflower oil) on the efficiency of body fat recovery (catch-up fat) during refeeding after caloric restriction. After 2 weeks of caloric restriction, rats were isocalorically refed with a low-fat diet (LF) or high-fat diets made from either lard or safflower oil for 1 week, and energy balance and body composition changes were assessed. Hepatic mitochondrial energetics were determined from measurements of liver mitochondrial mass, respiratory capacities, and proton leak. Compared to rats refed the LF, the groups refed high-fat diets showed lower energy expenditure and increased efficiency of fat gain; these differences were less marked with high-safflower oil than with high-lard diet. The increase in efficiency of catch-up fat by the high-fat diets could not be attributed to differences in liver mitochondrial activity. By contrast, the lower fat gain with high-safflower oil than with high-lard diet is accompanied by higher mitochondrial proton leak and increased proportion of arachidonic acid in mitochondrial membranes. In conclusion, the higher efficiency for catch-up fat on high-lard diet than on LF cannot be explained by altered hepatic mitochondrial energetics. By contrast, the ability of the high-safflower oil diet to produce a less pronounced increase in the efficiency of catch-up fat may partly reside in increased incorporation of arachidonic acid in hepatic mitochondrial membranes, leading to enhanced proton leak and mitochondrial uncoupling.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid status of Dutch vegans and omnivores

We compared the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status of Dutch vegans and omnivores to investigate whether disparities can be explained by different diets and long chain PUFA (LCP) synthesis rates. Dietary intakes and fatty acid compositions of erythrocytes (RBC), platelets (PLT), plasma cholesterol esters (CE) and plasma triglycerides (TG) of 12 strict vegans and 15 age- and sex-matched omnivores were determined. Vegans had higher ω6 (CE, TG), 18:2ω6 (RBC, CE, TG), 18:3ω6 (TG), 20:3ω6 (TG), 22:4ω6 (TG), 22:5ω3 (RBC, PLT), 22:5ω3/22:6ω3 (RBC, PLT) and 22:5ω6/22:6ω3 (RBC, PLT), and lower 22:4ω6 (RBC, PLT), 22:4ω6/22:5ω6 (RBC, PLT), ω3 (CE), LCPω3 (CE, TG), 20:5ω3 (RBC, PLT, CE), 22:5ω3 (TG) and 22:6ω3 (all compartments). Vegans had lower 20:4ω6 (TG) after normalization of PUFA to 100%, and normalization of eicosanoid precursors to 100% revealed similar 20:4ω6 (all), higher 20:3ω6 (TG) and lower 20:5ω3 (all). High ω6 (notably 18:2ω6) and low ω3 (notably 20:5ω3, 22:6ω3) status in Dutch vegans derives from low dietary LCPω3 and 18:3ω3/18:2ω6 ratio. Higher 18:3ω6 and 20:3ω6 in their TG may reflect higher hepatic 20:4ω6 production rate, whereas higher 20:4ω6 and 22:4ω6 in omnivores indicates 20:4ω6 intake from meat.

The Slow Discovery of the Importance of ω3 Essential Fatty Acids in Human Health

Although linoleic and linolenic acids have been known to be necessary for normal growth and dermal function since 1930, the ω3 essential fatty acids (EFA) have not received much attention until recently. The two families of acids are metabolized by the same enzymes, making them competitive. Gross deficiencies of ω6 plus ω3 EFA have been observed in humans, induced by attempts at total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with preparations devoid of lipids. Deficiency of ω3 acids has been induced by TPN containing high ω6 and low ω3 fatty acids. In natural human populations, a wide range of ω3 and ω6 proportions have been found, ranging from high ω3 and low ω6 content to low ω3 and high ω6 content, showing inverse correlation between Σω6 and Σω3. In humans with neuropathy or impairment of the immune system, significant deficits of ω3 EFA have been measured.

The body composition and lipid metabolic effects of long-term ethanol feeding during a high ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet in micropigs

Our previous research with miniature pigs has shown that long-term ethanol feeding with a low-fat diet decreases arachidonic acid (20:4ω6) levels in multiple tissues, but we did not find significant liver pathology. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanol feeding with high dietary linoleic acid (18:2ω6) on tissue fatty acid (FA) profiles and body composition. Five Yucatan micropigs were fed 370 kJ (89 kcal)/kg body weight of a diet containing ethanol and fat as 40% and 34% of energy, respectively; five control pigs were pair-fed corn starch in place of ethanol. Corn oil, 61% 18:2ω6, supplied most of the dietary fat. Liver biopsies were performed at baseline (n = 2 per group) and at three other time points (n = 5 per group). Phospholipid (PL) FA levels were measured by thin-layer and gas chromatography. Body composition was analyzed by underwater weighing of carcasses. Body composition analysis demonstrated a marked reduction of carcass fat in the ethanol group, but no significant reduction of carcass lean weight after 12 months. In liver PLs, the ethanol group showed decreased 20:4ω6 and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6ω3) after 1 month. While the decreased 20:4ω6 remained constant after 1 month, 22:6ω3 showed a progressive decrease up to 12 months, resulting in a continuous decrease of the ω3 ω6 FA ratio. This slowly progressive decrease in the ω3 ω6 ratio in liver PLs with ethanol feeding may have enhanced the inflammatory response in the liver, contributing to liver pathology. Body composition results indicate marked wasting of energy in the ethanol group.