Higher Levels Of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Research Articles

Prognostic Significance of Sarcopenia and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Levels in Patients With Unresectable Pancreatic or Biliary Tract Cancer.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prechemotherapy blood eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels, sarcopenia, and overall survival in patients with pancreatic and biliary tract cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Forty-five patients with recurrent, non-resected pancreatic or biliary tract cancer undergoing chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The skeletal muscle mass was measured at the third lumbar vertebra. Sarcopenia cut-off values were based on the Japanese Society of Hepatology sarcopenia assessment criteria. Two months after starting chemotherapy, the patients received enteral nutrition containing omega-3 fatty acids. Patients with pancreatic and biliary tract cancers with low pre-treatment blood EPA levels had significantly more intense sarcopenia than those with high EPA levels (p=0.023). Patients with sarcopenia before chemotherapy had significantly lower overall survival than those without sarcopenia. Multivariate analysis revealed blood EPA concentration as an independent prognostic factor (p<0.01). Lumbar muscle volume, a marker of sarcopenia, showed a clear positive correlation with prechemotherapy EPA concentration (p=0.008). In patients administered with enteral nutrition containing omega-3 fatty acids, both EPA concentration and lumbar muscle volume were significantly higher than those prior to intervention, indicating sarcopenia improvement due to the intervention. In patients with recurrent non-resected pancreatic and biliary tract cancer, low blood EPA levels before chemotherapy are associated with sarcopenia and poor prognosis.

Effects of temperature and microalgal diet on the fecundity, population growth and fatty acid composition of Pseudodiaptomus ishigakiensis (Calanoid, Copepoda)

This study aims to investigate the optimal culture conditions of the marine calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus ishigakiensis, which is considered emerging live feed for marine larviculture. The effects of temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C and 35 °C) and microalgal diets Isochrysis galbana (ISO), Proteomonas sulcata (PRO), Chlorella sp. (CHL) and Tetraselmis chuii (TET) on the fecundity, population growth rate, composition of developmental stages and fatty acid composition of P. ishigakiensis were evaluated. The highest population growth rate (60.6 ± 4.9 ind./day) was found at 30 °C with the significantly-highest number of naupliar individuals (726.7 ± 30.6 ind.) and a high level of fecundity (14.4 ± 0.7 eggs/female). Whereas the lowest population growth was found at 35 °C (0.4 ± 0.2 ind./day). In the diet experiment, the population growth rate (73.8 ± 1.9 ind./day) was the highest in the PRO treatment with a great number of naupliar individuals (912.50 ± 24.7 ind.) and fecundity (13.4 ± 0.6 eggs/female). Both TET and CHL treatments showed the lowest population growth (0.5 ± 0.1 ind./day and 0.2 ± 0.1 ind./day, respectively) and absence of ovigerous female at the end of experiment, which indicated their unsuitability as feeds for P. ishigakiensis. Fatty acid compositions of copepods were affected by the fatty acid content of their microalgal diets. The copepods fed on ISO and PRO contained higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3; 4.51 ± 1.29–5.42 ± 0.64%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3; 4.00 ± 0.34–5.92 ± 1.28%) composition compared to CHL and TET (EPA: 0.48 ± 0.15–2.65 ± 1.27%; DHA: 1.68 ± 0.26–1.89 ± 0.14%). This study revealed the optimal culture conditions and nutritional value of the copepod P. ishigakiensis, which provides implications for the managements of their mass culture, and utilization in marine larviculture.

Higher docosahexaenoic acid levels lower the protective impact of eicosapentaenoic acid on long-term major cardiovascular events.

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (OM3 PUFA) are commonly used for cardiovascular disease prevention. High-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is reported to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE); however, a combined EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation has not been proven to do so. This study aimed to evaluate the potential interaction between EPA and DHA levels on long-term MACE. We studied a cohort of 987 randomly selected subjects enrolled in the INSPIRE biobank registry who underwent coronary angiography. We used rapid throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify the EPA and DHA plasma levels and examined their impact unadjusted, adjusted for one another, and fully adjusted for comorbidities, EPA + DHA, and the EPA/DHA ratio on long-term (10-year) MACE (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization). The average subject age was 61.5 ± 12.2 years, 57% were male, 41% were obese, 42% had severe coronary artery disease (CAD), and 311 (31.5%) had a MACE. The 10-year MACE unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the highest (fourth) vs. lowest (first) quartile (Q) of EPA was HR = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.67). The adjustment for DHA changed the HR to 0.30 (CI: 0.19, 0.49), and an additional adjustment for baseline differences changed the HR to 0.36 (CI: 0.22, 0.58). Conversely, unadjusted DHA did not significantly predict MACE, but adjustment for EPA resulted in a 1.81-fold higher risk of MACE (CI: 1.14, 2.90) for Q4 vs. Q1. However, after the adjustment for baseline differences, the risk of MACE was not significant for DHA (HR = 1.37; CI: 0.85, 2.20). An EPA/DHA ratio ≥1 resulted in a lower rate of 10-year MACE outcomes (27% vs. 37%, adjusted p-value = 0.013). Higher levels of EPA, but not DHA, are associated with a lower risk of MACE. When combined with EPA, higher DHA blunts the benefit of EPA and is associated with a higher risk of MACE in the presence of low EPA. These findings can help explain the discrepant results of EPA-only and EPA/DHA mixed clinical supplementation trials.

Association of Arachidonic Acid, Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Serum Amyloid A Levels in Women with PCOS

Background &amp; Objective: PCOS is a multifactorial disorder characterized by inflammation caused by unknown reasons. This study aimed to investigate the Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and Serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and gene expression of follicular fluid in women with PCOS.Materials &amp; Methods: The study included 30 PCOS and 30 healthy women. The individuals were selected after clinical examination and the inclusion criteria. During the puncture and after removing oocytes, follicular fluids were collected from individuals. The SAA protein concentration was determined by the ELISA method. Arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid levels were determined using GC method and the statistical software SPSS 16, and the p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.Results: There was a significant difference in metaphase II oocytes (M2) (p =0.001), number of Embryo (p =0.014), Estradiol (p =0.025), FSH (0.040), LH (p =0.035) and Prolactin (p =0.023) levels between two groups. The concentration of SAA protein level and gene expression shows a significant increase in the patient group compared to the control group (p &lt;0.05). The results showed that AA level was significantly increased in the patient group (284.12 ng/mL) compared to the control group (176.23 ng/mL) (p =0.001) while, there was a significant decrease (p =0.001) in EPA level in the patient group (24.56 ng/mL) compared to the control group (33.48 ng/mL).Conclusion: It appears that higher EPA levels and lower follicular fluid AA concentrations reduce SAA levels and thus may increase follicular maturation in women with PCOS.

Pros and Cons of Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Health.

The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found in seafood, supplements, and concentrated pharmaceutical preparations. Prospective cohort studies demonstrate an association between higher intakes of EPA+DHA or higher levels of EPA and DHA in the body and lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, and of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. The cardioprotective effect of EPA and DHA is due to the beneficial modulation of a number of risk factors for CVD. Some large trials support the use of EPA+DHA (or EPA alone) in high-risk patients, although the evidence is inconsistent. This review presents key studies of EPA and DHA in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD, briefly describes potential mechanisms of action, and discusses recently published RCTs and meta-analyses. Potential adverse aspects of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in relation to CVD are discussed.

Omega-3 meat enrichment and L-FABP, PPARA, and LPL genes expression are modified by the level and period of tuna oil supplementation in slow-growing chickens.

This study proposes a strategy to manipulate the fatty acid (FA) content in slow-growing Korat chicken (KRC) meat using tuna oil (TO). To determine the optimal level and feeding period of TO supplementation, we conducted a study investigating the effects of dietary TO levels and feeding periods on meat quality, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) composition, and gene expression related to FA metabolism in KRC breast meat. At 3 wk of age, 700 mixed-sex KRC were assigned to seven augmented factorial treatments with a completely randomized design, each consisting of four replicate pens containing 25 chickens per pen. The control group received a corn-soybean-based diet with 4.5% rice bran oil (RBO), while varying amounts of TO (1.5%, 3.0%, or 4.5%) replaced a portion of the RBO content in the experimental diets. The chickens were fed these diets for 3 and 6 wk, respectively, before being slaughtered at 9 wk. Our results indicated no significant interactions between TO levels and feeding periods on the growth performance or meat quality of KRC (P > 0.05). However, the liver fatty acid-binding protein gene (L-FABP, also known as FABP1), responsible for FA transport and accumulation, showed significantly higher expression in the chickens supplemented with 4.5% TO (P < 0.05). The chickens supplemented with 4.5% TO for a longer period (3 to 9 wk of age) exhibited the lowest levels of n-6 PUFA and n-6 to n-3 ratio, along with the highest levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and n-3 PUFA in the breast meat (P < 0.05). However, even a short period of supplementation with 4.5% TO (6 to 9 wk of age) was adequate to enrich slow-growing chicken meat with high levels of n-3 PUFA, as recommended previously. Our findings indicated that even a short period of tuna oil supplementation could lead to desirable levels of omega-3 enrichment in slow-growing chicken meat. This finding has practical implications for the poultry industry, providing insights into optimal supplementation strategies for achieving desired FA profiles without adversely affecting growth performance or meat quality.

Naturally absorbed lithium may prevent suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm while eicosapentaenoic acid may prevent deliberate self-harm and arachidonic acid may be a risk factor for deliberate self-harm: The updated different findings in new analyses.

Since our previous investigation on the effects of trace lithium, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) on deliberate self-harm and suicide attempts in 2018, to our knowledge, no replication study has been conducted on this topic. We increased 37 new patients and totally 234 patients were re-analyzed to further investigate the association of suicide-related behaviors with levels of trace lithium, EPA, DHA, and AA in a different way to avoid multicollinearity. Higher lithium levels were significantly associated with fewer suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm, higher EPA levels were significantly associated with fewer deliberate self-harm, and higher AA levels were significantly associated with more deliberate self-harm. Although the sample size was only slightly larger than the previous study, the present results were clearly different from the previous ones due to the use of different statistical analyses to avoid multicollinearity. The present findings suggest that naturally absorbed lithium may protect against suicide and deliberate self-harm, while naturally absorbed EPA may protect against deliberate self-harm. However, naturally absorbed AA may be a risk factor for deliberate self-harm.

Comparison of Fatty Acid Contents and MMP-1 Inhibitory Effects of the Two Antarctic Fish, Notothenia rossii and Champsocephalus gunnari.

Total fatty-acid (FA) contents of different organs (stomach, liver, brain, and skin) of two Antarctic fish, marbled rockcod (Notothenia rossii) and mackerel icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), were examined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). N. rossii possessed higher contents of total omega-3, where eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most represented omega-3 FAs, were distributed throughout all parts of the fish. The highest level of EPA was observed in the skin and that of DHA was observed in the brain of N. rossii. C. gunnari showed organ peculiarity in that most of the omega-3 FAs were found in stomach and skin. Specifically, the highest levels of EPA and DHA were both observed in the stomach. Although N. rossii and C. gunnari both inhabit the Antarctic Southern Oceans, their characteristics in terms of the composition of fatty acids were shown to vary. The extracts were also evaluated for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)-inhibitory activities in UVB-induced human dermal fibroblasts, where extracts of the skin and liver of N. rossii showed the most significant inhibition upon MMP-1 production. These findings provide experimental evidence that the extracts of the Antarctic fish could be utilized as bioactive nutrients, particularly in the enhancement of skin health.

Fatty Acid Composition and mRNA Expression of Fatty Acid Binding Protein Genes (fabp3 and fabp6) in Rainbow Trout Fed Camelina Seed Oil (Camelina sativa)-Based Diets

Vegetable lipids such as camelina oil (Camelina sativa) are used as alternatives oil sources to fish oil in aquafeeds. In this study, we determined fatty acid-binding protein 3 (fabp3) and fatty acid-binding protein 6 (fabp6) gene expression and fatty acid composition in the liver and muscle tissue of rainbow trout fed different amounts of dietary camelina seed oil [100% (CO100), 67% (CO67), and 37% (CO33)]. Palmitic acid and oleic acid were identified as the most abundant saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively, in both tissues across all experimental groups. The highest levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (Σn- 6 PUFA) were found in the first biopsy (15th day) taken from fish fed a diet of CO100, while the highest Σn–3 PUFA level was found in the third biopsy (45th day) taken from the same group. The FO100 (fish oil) diet was found to have the highest Σn-3 / n-6 ratio, as well as the highest levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In general, the fatty acid composition of the fish reflected that of their respective diets. The expression of fabp3 and fabp6 genes in the muscle of fish fed camelina seed oil were not significantly different from control group. However, fabp3 gene expression of liver of FO100 group was found to have significantly higher than CO67 and CO33. A difference in hepatic fabp6 gene expression was also noted in the FO100 group, but was not found to be statistically significant. Growth parameters and survival rate were not affected after the 45 days feeding trial. These results suggest that camelina seed oil can be used as an alternative to fish oil in rainbow trout diet.

An Open-label, Crossover Study Comparing EPA+DPA-Free Fatty Acids and EPA-Ethyl Esters in Adults with Elevated Triglycerides: ENHANCE-IT

<h3>Lead Author's Financial Disclosures</h3> K.C.M. has received consulting fees from Matinas BioPharma, Inc., Acasti Pharma, Inc., New Amsterdam Pharma, Pharmavite, and 89Bio. He has received research grant support from Matinas BioPharma, Inc, and Pharmavite. <h3>Study Funding</h3> Matinas BioPharma, Inc. <h3>Background/Synopsis</h3> Few head-to-head studies have directly compared the efficacy of prescription omega-3 fatty acid (OM-3) products. Both the degree of triglyceride (TG) lowering and the achieved blood levels of individual OM-3 fatty acids are important predictors of clinical efficacy. MAT9001 is a unique OM-3 free-fatty-acid (FFA) formulation, containing mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). A prior crossover study comparing EPA+DPA-FFA and icosapent ethyl (EPA-EE - an ethyl ester EPA formulation) showed enhanced TG lowering and higher EPA levels with EPA+DPA-FFA when both agents were administered with a very-low fat diet and once daily dosing. <h3>Objective/Purpose</h3> To compare pharmacodynamic responses and plasma OM-3 levels following 28-day twice daily treatment with EPA+DPA-FFA and EPA-EE in hypertriglyceridemic subjects consuming a Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet. <h3>Methods</h3> This open-label, 2-way crossover trial was conducted at 8 centers in the US and included 100 subjects with fasting TG 150-499 mg/dL (median 204 mg/dL; 57% female, average age 60.3 years). Participants were randomized to EPA+DPA-FFA or EPA-EE for 28 days, washed out for at least 28 days, and then crossed over to the other therapy. Both drugs were given as 2 g twice daily, with meals. The primary endpoint was least squares geometric mean (LSGM) % change from baseline in plasma TG. Additional measurements included other lipoprotein-related markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and plasma levels of individual OM-3 fatty acids. <h3>Results</h3> Ninety-four subjects had analyzable data for both treatment periods. EPA+DPA-FFA and EPA-EE reduced TG from baseline: 20.9% and 18.3%, respectively (p=NS). EPA+DPA-FFA reduced hs-CRP by 5.8% compared with an increase of 8.5% with EPA-EE (p = 0.034). EPA+DPA-FFA increased LSGM plasma EPA, DPA, and total OM-3 concentrations by 848%, 692%, and 177% respectively, which were greater than corresponding changes with EPA-EE of 140%, 205%, and 165%, respectively (all p < 0.001). EPA+DPA-FFA increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 1.7%; EPA-EE decreased DHA by 3.3% (p = 0.011). Responses for lipoprotein cholesterol levels (total, VLDL, LDL, HDL) and apolipoprotein (A-1, B and C-3) did not differ between treatments. <h3>Conclusions</h3> These results demonstrate that a FFA formulation of EPA+DPA produced significantly higher plasma EPA, DPA and total OM-3 levels compared with an EE formulation of EPA, and support the

Freeze-dried Nannochloropsis oceanica biomass protects eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from metabolization in the rumen of lambs

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from freeze-dried biomass of Nannochloropsis oceanica microalgae resists ruminal biohydrogenation in vitro, but in vivo demonstration is needed. Therefore, the present study was designed to test the rumen protective effects of N. oceanica in lambs. Twenty-eight lambs were assigned to one of four diets: Control (C); and C diets supplemented with: 1.2% Nannochloropsis sp. oil (O); 12.3% spray-dried N. oceanica (SD); or 9.2% N. oceanica (FD), to achieve 3 g EPA /kg dry matter. Lambs were slaughtered after 3 weeks and digestive contents and ruminal wall samples were collected. EPA concentration in the rumen of lambs fed FD was about 50% higher than lambs fed SD or O diets. Nevertheless, the high levels of EPA in cecum and faeces of animals fed N. oceanica biomass, independently of the drying method, suggests that EPA was not completely released and absorbed in the small intestine. Furthermore, supplementation with EPA sources also affected the ruminal biohydrogenation of C18 fatty acids, mitigating the shift from the t10 biohydrogenation pathways to the t11 pathways compared to the Control diet. Overall, our results demonstrate that FD N. oceanica biomass is a natural rumen-protected source of EPA to ruminants.

EEL (Anguilla bicolor bicolor) Rearing Techniques at the UPTD for Conservation and Supervision of Marine Fishery Resources of Sicincin, West Sumatra

Eel has a savory meaty taste and contains high levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The purpose of this observation was to determine intensive rearing techniques for eel (Anguilla bicolor bicolor) at the UPTD KPSDKP for Conservation and Supervision of Marine Fishery Resources of Sicincin, West Sumatra. The preparations conducted for rearing the eel consist of providing seeds, pond preparation, water supply, feed management, water quality control, disease control, growth sampling, and harvesting eel for consumption size. The eel seeds were obtained from natural catches of glass eel in the Cimandiri river, Pelabuan Ratu, West Java. Preparation of the eel pond included cleaning the concrete pond, filling the water by observing the water input into the eel pond. The provision of water for eel rearing was obtained directly from the Kapalo Ilalang Sicincin irrigation channel to the holding tanks before flowing to the eel rearing pond. Feeding management was carried out 2 times a day, namely the percentages of feeding in the morning (35 %) and at night (55%) with a feeding rate of 3%-5%. The feed provided to these eels was in the form of a paste made of powdery pellets. Measurements of water quality for eel rearing during observations were temperature (27-29°C), pH (6-7), DO (5.9-7.8 ppm), salinity (3-4 ppt) and NH3 (0.02-0.07 mg/l). In our observations, parasites shaped like cotton were discovered, which attacked the eel body, causing death. In growth sampling, the measurement of the length and body weight of the eel once a month is necessary to be done.

Cross-Ecosystem Linkages: Transfer of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids From Streams to Riparian Spiders via Emergent Insects

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential resources unequally distributed throughout landscapes. Certain PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are common in aquatic but scarce in terrestrial ecosystems. In environments with low PUFA availability, meeting nutritional needs requires either adaptations in metabolism to PUFA-poor resources or selective foraging for PUFA-rich resources. Amphibiotic organisms that emerge from aquatic ecosystems represent important resources that can be exploited by predators in adjacent terrestrial habitats. Here, we traced PUFA transfer from streams to terrestrial ecosystems, considering benthic algae as the initial PUFA source, through emergent aquatic insects to riparian spiders. We combined carbon stable isotope and fatty acid analyses to follow food web linkages across the ecosystem boundary and investigated the influence of spider lifestyle (web building vs. ground dwelling), season, and ecosystem degradation on PUFA relations. Our data revealed that riparian spiders consumed considerable amounts of aquatic-derived resources. EPA represented on average 15 % of the total fatty acids in riparian spiders. Season had a strong influence on spider PUFA profiles, with highest EPA contents in spring. Isotope data revealed that web-building spiders contain more aquatic-derived carbon than ground dwelling spiders in spring, although both spider types had similarly high EPA levels. Comparing a natural with an anthropogenically degraded fluvial system revealed higher stearidonic acid (SDA) contents and Σω3/Σω6 ratios in spiders collected along the more natural river in spring but no difference in spider EPA content between systems. PUFA profiles of riparian spiders where distinct from other terrestrial organism and more closely resembled that of emergent aquatic insects (higher Σω3/Σω6 ratio). We show here that the extent to which riparian spiders draw on aquatic PUFA subsidies can vary seasonally and depends on the spider’s lifestyle, highlighting the complexity of aquatic-terrestrial linkages.

Influence of Algae Supplementation on the Concentration of Glutathione and the Activity of Glutathione Enzymes in the Mice Liver and Kidney.

Algae are potential and natural source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The diatom Pinnularia borealis accumulates high levels of EPA and may be considered as a source for commercial production of dietary supplements. In this study we asked the question whether diet supplementation with P. borealis may augment antioxidant defense and ameliorate risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. We fed mice (Mus musculus) with lyophilized diatom solutions of different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) for 7 days. Then we measured glutathione content and the activity of glutathione redox system enzymes, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations, and malondialdehyde concentration in the liver and kidney. We found that cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations in the liver and kidneys were the lowest in mice who were fed with the highest concentration of Pinnularia borealis, suggesting protective properties of algae. Additionally, the lowest concentration of Pinnularia borealis was sufficient to improve antioxidant capacity. Our results suggest that P. borealis may be used as a source for dietary supplements rich in EPA, but the amount supplied to the organism should be limited.

Selective Fatty Acid Retention and Turnover in the Freshwater Amphipod Pallaseopsis quadrispinosa.

Gammarid amphipods are a crucial link connecting primary producers with secondary consumers, but little is known about their nutritional ecology. Here we asked how starvation and subsequent feeding on different nutritional quality algae influences fatty acid retention, compound-specific isotopic carbon fractionation, and biosynthesis of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the relict gammarid amphipod Pallaseopsis quadrispinosa. The fatty acid profiles of P. quadrispinosa closely matched with those of the dietary green algae after only seven days of refeeding, whereas fatty acid patterns of P. quadrispinosa were less consistent with those of the diatom diet. This was mainly due to P. quadrispinosa suffering energy limitation in the diatom treatment which initiated the metabolization of 16:1ω7 and partly 18:1ω9 for energy, but retained high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) similar to those found in wild-caught organisms. Moreover, α-linolenic acid (ALA) from green algae was mainly stored and not allocated to membranes at high levels nor biosynthesized to EPA. The arachidonic acid (ARA) content in membrane was much lower than EPA and P. quadrispinosa was able to biosynthesize long-chain ω-6 PUFA from linoleic acid (LA). Our experiment revealed that diet quality has a great impact on fatty acid biosynthesis, retention and turnover in this consumer.

Plasma Eicosapentaenoic Acid Is Associated with Muscle Strength and Muscle Damage after Strenuous Exercise.

Background: Although the ingestion of total omega–3 fatty acids (omega–3) is positively related with muscular strength in older persons, little is known about the effect of omega–3 plasma levels on muscular function before and after exercise in young men. Moreover, omega–3 supplementation has a positive role in exercise-induced acute muscle damage. This study investigated the relationship between plasma omega–3 in the blood and promotion and preservation of muscle strength after eccentric contractions (ECCs) in young men. Methods: Thirty-two healthy young men participated in this study. We assessed plasma omega–3 level and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Twenty-six out of them exercised 60 ECCs at 100% MVC. We measured the MVC torque, flexibility before and immediately after exercise, 1–5 days post exercise. Results: The levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and EPA/arachidonic acid were positively associated with muscle strength (p < 0.05). Higher levels of omega–3 EPA and docosahexaenoic acid prevented the reduction in the MVC and limited joint flexibility after ECCs. Conclusions: The present study reveals that higher levels of EPA are important to promote muscle strength and preserve the strength loss after exercise.

Plasma and Red Blood Cell PUFAs in Home Parenteral Nutrition Paediatric Patients-Effects of Lipid Emulsions.

Background: Mixed lipid emulsions (LE) containing fish oil present several advantages compared to the sole soybean oil LE, but little is known about the safety of essential fatty acids (EFA) profile in paediatric patients on long-term Parenteral Nutrition (PN). Aim of the study: to assess glycerophosfolipid polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membrane of children on long term PN with composite LE containing fish oil (SMOF), and to compare it with a group receiving olive oil LE (Clinoleic®) and to the reference range for age, previously determined on a group of healthy children. Results: A total of 38 patients were enrolled, median age 5.56 (0.9–21.86) years, 15 receiving Clinoleic®, 23 receiving SMOF. Patients on SMOF showed significantly higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), lower levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) and Mead acid (MEAD)/ARA ratio in plasma and RBC compared with patients on Clinoleic® and with healthy children. Triene:tetraene (T:T) ratio of both groups of patients did not differ from that of healthy children-median plasma (MEAD/ARA: 0.01, interquartile rage (IQR) 0.01, p = 0.61 and 0.02, IQR 0.02, p = 0.6 in SMOF and Clinoleic® patients, respectively), and was considerably lower than Holman index (>0.21). SMOF patients showed no statistically significant differences in growth parameters compared with Clinoleic® patients. Patients of both groups showed stiffness class F0-F1 of liver stiffness measure (LSM) 5.6 (IQR 0.85) in SMOF patients and 5.3 (IQR 0.90) in Clinoleic® patients, p = 0.58), indicating absence of liver fibrosis. Conclusions: Fatty acids, measured as concentrations (mg/L), revealed specific PUFA profile of PN patients and could be an accurate method to evaluate nutritional status and eventually to detect essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD). SMOF patients showed significantly higher EPA, DHA and lower ARA concentrations compared to Clinoleic® patients. Both LEs showed similar hepatic evolution and growth.

High levels of eicosapentaenoic acid are associated with lower pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation as measured by coronary CTA

Background and aimsHigher pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation, a novel marker of inflammation in coronary CT angiography (CTA), has been shown to indicate increased cardiac mortality. Supplementation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been shown to decrease cardiovascular death. Whether blood levels of n-3 fatty acids are associated with differences in PCAT attenuation is unknown. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional analysis including 64 symptomatic patients who underwent coronary CTA. PCAT attenuation was measured in Hounsfield Units (HU) around the proximal 40 mm of the right coronary artery using semi-automated software. Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition was analyzed using gas chromatography. Individual fatty acids were expressed as a percentage of total identified fatty acids. ResultsThe patient cohort was divided into two groups using the median PCAT attenuation of −78.1 HU (each n = 32). No differences were seen in age, sex, BMI or traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) between groups (all p > 0.05). In univariable analysis, significantly higher values of EPA (1.00% [0.78; 1.26] vs. 0.78% [0.63; 0.99]; p = 0.02) were seen in patients with lower PCAT attenuation. All other fatty acids showed no differences (all p > 0.05). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was seen between PCAT attenuation and EPA (CC: 0.38; p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, an inverse association of EPA with PCAT attenuation existed (ß = −0.31, p = 0.017), independent of age, gender, BMI and number of CVRF (all p > 0.1). ConclusionsHigh levels of EPA are associated with lower PCAT attenuation on coronary CTA. This may indicate a different composition of pericoronary adipose tissue, potentially caused by a lower degree of coronary inflammation.

Polychaete consumption increased prostaglandin biosynthesis in female Penaeus monodon.

The polychaete Perinereis nuntia is preferred over commercial feed pellets for boosting ovarian maturation of the female black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. High levels of prostaglandins in polychaetes are believed to enhance shrimp ovarian development. However, the impact of polychaete feeding on shrimp prostaglandin biosynthesis and fatty acid regulatory pathways have yet to be investigated. As polychaetes contain higher levels of arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) than feed pellets, we examined the effects of polychaete feeding alone and in combination with eyestalk ablation on shrimp hepatopancreases and ovaries. Shrimp fed with polychaetes contained higher levels of EPA, PGE2 and PGF2α in hepatopancreases than those of pellet-fed shrimp. Similarly, higher levels of ARA and higher transcription levels of cyclooxygenase (COX) and prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS) were detected in ovaries of polychaete-fed shrimp compared to those of pellet-fed shrimp. The combination of polychaete-feeding and eyestalk ablation, commonly practiced to induce ovarian development, increased levels of ARA and EPA and transcription levels of COX in hepatopancreases and ovaries of polychaete-fed shrimp compared to those of pellet-fed shrimp. In ovaries, prostaglandin biosynthesis gene transcripts were induced by polychaete feeding while transcriptional levels of fatty acid regulatory genes were regulated by shrimp feed and eyestalk ablation. Our findings not only elucidate the effects of polychaete consumption on shrimp prostaglandin biosynthesis and fatty acid regulatory pathways during larvae production, but also suggests that high levels of dietary ARA, EPA and prostaglandins are essential during P. monodon ovarian development.

Nitrogen repletion favors cellular metabolism and improves eicosapentaenoic acid production in the marine microalga Isochrysis sp. CASA CC 101

Isochrysis sp. is a marine microalga and is a potential source of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which possess several health benefits. In general, Isochrysis sp. grow well in nitrate-rich culture medium which influences fatty acid biosynthesis; therefore, this study focused on how nitrate influences cellular metabolism in the marine microalga Isochrysis sp. CASA CC 101. Initially, response surface methodology was performed to optimize the level of major nutrients: nitrate and phosphate. The results showed that Isochrysis sp. when grown with nitrate at a concentration of 593 mg.L−1 produced higher eicosapentaenoic acid (7.3 mg.L1), whereas Isochrysis sp. when grown with higher concentration of phosphate did not produce higher levels of eicosapentaenoic acid. The influence of nitrate on cellular metabolism was further confirmed by culturing Isochrysis sp. at higher nitrate conditions. The cellular metabolic activity was analyzed by reactive oxygen species staining assay and the results showed that the cells exhibited reduced oxidative stress with lower green fluorescence under nitrate-repleted conditions. Furthermore, live/dead staining and cell viability assay revealed that live cell population was higher in nitrate-repleted conditions. Nile red and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the cell size and intracellular lipid droplets of microalgal cells grown under nitrate-repleted cells were low, whereas the cell size and intracellular lipid droplets of the microalgal cells grown under nitrogen-depleted conditions were high. Further, the fatty acid profile of Isochrysis sp. grown under nitrogen-repleted conditions showed an increased eicosapentaenoic acid (22.52 mg.g−1 biomass). The mRNA expression of polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic genes such as Δ5-desaturase (Δ5Des) was significantly elevated in nitrate-repleted conditions, whereas the expression of the Δ6-desaturase (Δ6Des) remained unaltered under all the conditions. This is the first study to demonstrate the correlation between nitrate repletion and cellular metabolic activity in terms of eicosapentaenoic acid production in Isochrysis sp. CASA CC 101.