High Intake Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Low vitamin C intake increases risk of pre-eclampsia in high pesticide exposure area

Background<br />Pre-eclampsia is the largest direct cause (42%) of maternal mortality death in Brebes district in 2013. The cause of pre-eclampsia is not known with certainty, oxidative stress being one of its causes. The aim of this study was to determine macro- and micronutrient intakes that do not correspond to the needs, as pre-eclampsia risk factors in post-partum women. <br /><br />Methods<br />The research was an observational study of case control design. Study subjects were 20-35 year-old post partum women consisting of 55 cases (pre-eclampsia) and 55 controls (non-pre-eclampsia). Nutrient intakes were measured using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires and data on levels of pesticide exposure, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and education were collected from structured interviews. Data was analyzed by chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. <br /><br />Results<br />There was no difference in age and MUAC between the cases and controls. Low vitamin C intake (OR: 20.93; 95% CI: 2.72 – 161.36), high polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (OR: 10.50; 95% CI: 2.47 – 44.57), and low vitamin E intake (OR: 8.57; 95% CI: 2.07 – 35.46) were pre-eclampsia risk factors after controled for pesticide exposure, BMI and education. Low vitamin C intake played the most important role in the incidence of preeclampsia.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Low vitamin C intake played the most important role toward pre-eclampsia. Greater caution is needed when issuing recommendations regarding the consumption of vitamin supplements in pregnancy, as high doses of some vitamins may be deleterious.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids intake modifies the positive association between serum total cholesterol and colorectal cancer risk: the Rotterdam Study

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether serum total cholesterol is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Interplay between dietary fatty acids and serum total cholesterol on CRC risk may be present as...

Duodenal fatty acid sensor and transporter expression following acute fat exposure in healthy lean humans

Free fatty acids (FFAs) and their derivatives are detected by G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) on enteroendocrine cells, with specific transporters on enterocytes. It is unknown whether acute fat exposure affects FFA sensors/transporters, and whether this relates to hormone secretion and habitual fat intake. We studied 20 healthy participants (10M, 10F; BMI: 22±1kg/m2; age: 28±2 years), after an overnight fast, on 2 separate days. On the first day, duodenal biopsies were collected endoscopically before, and after, a 30-min intraduodenal (ID) infusion of 10% Intralipid®, and relative transcript expression of FFA receptor 1 (FFAR1), FFA receptor 4 (FFAR4), GPR119 and the FFA transporter, cluster of differentiation-36 (CD36) was quantified from biopsies. On the second day, ID Intralipid® was infused for 120-min, and plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) evaluated. Habitual dietary intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). ID Intralipid® increased expression of GPR119, but not FFAR1, FFAR4 and CD36, and stimulated CCK and GLP-1 secretion. Habitual polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption was negatively associated with basal GPR119 expression. GPR119 is an early transcriptional responder to duodenal lipid in lean humans, although this response appeared reduced in individuals with high PUFA intake. These observations may have implications for downstream regulation of gut hormone secretion and appetite. This study was registered as a clinical trial with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (Trial number: ACTRN12612000376842).

Higher Intake of PUFAs Is Associated with Lower Total and Visceral Adiposity and Higher Lean Mass in a Racially Diverse Sample of Children1–3

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with protection from obesity-related phenotypes in adults; however, the relation between reported intake of PUFAs with body-composition outcomes in children remains unknown.Objective: Our objective was to examine how self-reported intakes of PUFAs, including total, n–6 (ω-6), and n–3 (ω-3) PUFAs and ratios of n–6 to n–3 PUFAs and PUFAs to saturated fatty acids (SFAs), are associated with measures of adiposity and lean mass (LM) in children. We hypothesized that higher self-reported intakes of PUFAs and the ratio of PUFAs to SFAs would be positively associated with LM and negatively associated with total adiposity.Methods: Body composition and dietary intake were measured in a racially diverse sample of 311 children (39% European American, 34% African American, and 27% Hispanic American) aged 7–12 y. Body composition and abdominal fat distribution were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography scans, respectively. Self-reported dietary intakes (including total PUFAs, n–3 PUFAs, n–6 PUFAs, and SFAs) were assessed by using two 24-h recalls. Independent-sample t tests and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.Results: Total PUFA intake was positively associated with LM (P = 0.049) and negatively associated with percentage of body fat (%BF; P = 0.033) and intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT; P = 0.022). A higher ratio of PUFAs to SFAs was associated with higher LM (P = 0.030) and lower %BF (P = 0.028) and IAAT (P = 0.048). Intakes of n–3 and n–6 PUFAs were positively associated with LM (P = 0.017 and P = 0.021, respectively), and the ratio of n–6 to n–3 PUFAs was negatively associated with IAAT (P = 0.014). All results were independent of biological, environmental, and genetic covariates.Conclusions: Our results show that a higher self-reported intake of PUFAs and a higher ratio of PUFAs to SFAs are positively associated with LM and negatively associated with visceral adiposity and %BF in a healthy cohort of racially diverse children aged 7–12 y. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00726778.

TNF Receptors Predict Hip Fracture Risk in the WHI Study and Fatty Acid Intake Does Not Modify This Association.

Chronic inflammation may increase the risk of fracture, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce fracture risk via down-regulation of inflammatory cytokine gene expression and other mechanisms. We investigated associations between baseline samples of inflammatory markers, TNFα soluble receptors 1 and 2 (TNFα-sR1 and -sR2), and incident hip fracture. These associations were then tested for effect modification by dietary PUFA intake estimated by a baseline food frequency questionnaire. A nested case-control study was conducted among participants of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (ages, 50-79 y). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were constructed to account for the paired design. This study sampled 400 pairs of hip fracture cases and controls without incident hip fracture, matched on age, year of enrollment, and menopausal hormone use. Odds ratio of hip fracture by quartile of TNF soluble receptors. The odds ratio of hip fracture comparing the highest to lowest quartiles was 2.24 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.79; P for linear trend, .048) for TNFα-sR1 and 2.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.34-5.99; P for linear trend, .011) for TNFα-sR2, adjusted for FRAX hip fracture score, nutritional variables, and selected factors impacting inflammation; there was a gradient of risk by increasing quartile in TNFα-sR1. PUFA intake did not modify these associations. Women with the highest levels of TNFα-sR1 and TNFα-sR2 had a greater than 2-fold increased hip fracture risk, independent of other fracture risk factors. These associations did not differ by high vs low PUFA intake.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and serum C-reactive protein: the Rotterdam study.

We aimed to investigate whether dietary intake of total or individual (n-3, n-6, and n-3:n-6 ratio) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was prospectively associated with serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. We analyzed 4,707 participants (1,943 men and 2,764 women) from the Rotterdam Study, a prospective follow-up study of subjects aged 55 years or older in the Netherlands. At baseline (1989-1993), dietary intake of PUFAs was assessed by validated food frequency questionnaire. CRP was measured at baseline and at the third study visit (1997-1999). Regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using linear generalized estimating equations. Dietary intake of butter and margarine explained most of the variance in PUFA intake. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, higher intake of total PUFAs was associated with lower CRP levels (fourth quartile vs. first quartile: β = -0.08, 95% confidence interval: -0.15, -0.01). Similarly, intake of n-6 PUFAs was inversely related to CRP (fourth quartile vs. first: β = -0.09, 95% confidence interval: -0.16, -0.01). No consistent trends were observed regarding n-3 PUFAs or n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio and CRP. These findings suggest that high intakes of total PUFAs are associated with lower levels of CRP, reflecting diminished chronic systemic inflammation, which in our study was mainly driven by n-6 PUFAs.

Lipoprotein lipase variants interact with polyunsaturated fatty acids for obesity traits in women: Replication in two populations

Background and aimsLipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a candidate gene for obesity based on its role in triglyceride hydrolysis and the partitioning of fatty acids towards storage or oxidation. Whether dietary fatty acids modify LPL associated obesity risk is unknown. Methods and resultsWe examined five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs320, rs2083637, rs17411031, rs13702, rs2197089) for potential interaction with dietary fatty acids for obesity traits in 1171 participants (333 men and 838 women, aged 45–75 y) of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS). In women, SNP rs320 interacted with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.002) and waist circumference (WC) (P = 0.001) respectively. Higher intake of PUFA was associated with lower BMI and WC in homozygotes of the major allele (TT) (P = 0.01 and 0.005) but not in minor allele carriers (TG and GG). These interactions were replicated in an independent population, African American women of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (n = 1334). ConclusionDietary PUFA modulated the association of LPL rs320 with obesity traits in two independent populations. These interactions may be relevant to the dietary management of obesity, particularly in women.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and risk of lung cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.

BackgroundStudies have reported inconsistent results for the existence of an association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and risk of lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to summarize the evidence regarding this relationship using a dose response meta-analytic approach.Methodology and Principal FindingsWe searched the PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for related articles published through July 2013. Only prospective studies that reported effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer incidence for greater than 2 categories of PUFA intake were included. We did random-effects meta-analyses of study-specific incremental estimates to determine the risk of lung cancer associated with a 5 g per day increase in PUFA intake. Overall, we included 8 prospective cohort studies reporting data on 1,268,442 individuals. High PUFA intake had little or no effect on lung cancer risk (risk ratio [RR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.78–1.06; P = 0.230). Furthermore, the dose-response meta-analysis also suggested that a 5 g per day increase in PUFA has no significant effect on the risk of lung cancer (RR, 0.98; 95%CI: 0.96–1.01; P = 0.142). Finally, the findings of dose response curve suggested that PUFA intake of up to 15 g/d seemed to increase the risk of lung cancer. Furthermore, PUFA intake greater than 15 g/d was associated with a small beneficial effect and borderline statistical significance. Subgroup analyses for 5 g per day increment in PUFA indicated that the protective effect of PUFA was more evident in women (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.87–1.01; P = 0.095) than in men (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98–1.02; P = 0.784).Conclusion/SignificanceOur study indicated that PUFA intake had little or no effect on lung cancer risk. PUFA intake might play an important role in lung cancer prevention in women.

Lipoprotein lipase variants interact with polyunsaturated fatty acids to modulate obesity traits in Puerto Ricans (1037.7)

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a candidate gene for obesity based on its role in metabolism of lipids and fatty acids. Our objective was to define the interaction between dietary fatty acids and LPL variants to modulate obesity traits. Based on known association with blood lipids and obesity, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs320, rs2083637, rs17411031, rs13702, rs2197089) were selected for the analysis in 1171 participants (333 men and 838 women, aged 45‐75 y) of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. rs320 interacted with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), respectively, in both categorical (P=0.01 and 0.02) and continuous analysis (P=0.009 and 0.004). Higher intake of PUFA was associated with lower BMI and WC, respectively, in major allele homozygotes (TT) according to both categorical (P=0.03 and 0.01) and continuous analysis (P=0.01 and 0.004) but not in carriers of the minor allele (TG+GG). The other variants showed no such associations. To conclude, dietary PUFA interacted with LPL rs320 for anthropometric traits in a Puerto Rican population. These interactions may have implications for genotype‐based dietary recommendations for obesity prevention in US Hispanics.Grant Funding Source: P01AG023394, HL54776, DK075030, 53‐K06‐5‐10, 58‐1950‐9‐001

Abstract P420: Dietary Fat on Whole Blood Gene Expression and Plasma Lipids in the Framingham Heart Study

Objective: To describe the influence of type of dietary fat on the activity of metabolic pathways, as measured by gene expression profiles, and the relation to plasma lipids. Background: Metabolic studies have demonstrated strong associations of dietary fatty acid composition with plasma lipids. Relatively little is known about the pathways and gene expression changes that mediate these relationships in the general population. Methods: We analyzed self-reported dietary intake of fatty acids, plasma lipid levels, and genome-wide gene expression data from Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation cohort participants. We excluded participants on lipid therapy. Multivariable linear regression models were conducted with plasma lipids as separate outcomes, energy-adjusted residuals of dietary fats as predictors, and adjustment for clinical and dietary covariates. Normalized gene expression from whole blood derived RNA was similarly modeled with additional adjustment for cell count and batch effects. Results: Among 3681 participants, higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake is associated with lower LDL-C (estimated β [regression coefficient] = -0.5, p=0.002), higher HDL-C (β= 0.4, p<0.0001), and lower triglyceride (β= -0.009, p=0.0003) concentrations after adjustment for age, sex, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol intake. Higher PUFA intake was associated with differential gene expression of cholesterol efflux transporters (ABCA1/ABCG1), LDL receptor degrader (IDOL), and non-lipoprotein metabolism related transcripts (FDR < 0.05). In contrast, higher saturated fat intake (SFA) showed inverse associations with ABCA1 expression levels and HDL cholesterol ( Figure 1 ). Conclusions: Higher PUFA intake is associated with a less atherogenic lipid profile and higher ABCA1 expression with inverse associations for higher SFA intake. Gene expression analysis reveals important links between dietary fat type, specific cholesterol metabolism pathways, and lipids in a community cohort.

Maternal dietary counseling during pregnancy and infant fatty acid profiles

We aimed to explore whether maternal dietary counseling to increase the intake of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) is reflected in infant FA status. Serum cholesteryl ester (CE) and triacylglycerol (TAG) FA were analyzed from infants of 45 women randomized to receive dietary counseling from the first trimester of pregnancy and 45 control women. Counseling resulted in a higher intake of polyunsaturated FA and a lower intake of saturated FA. The dietary intake was reflected in cord blood TAGs: the n−6 to n−3 FA ratio was lower [mean difference −0.50 (95%CI −0.95 to −0.06)] and the sum of n−3 FA was higher in the intervention than in the control group [1.46 (0.44 to 2.48)% of total FA]. Reasons for the lack of changes in the cord blood CE fraction and FA fractions at 1-month remain unclear, but may indicate that the changes achieved in the maternal diet through counseling were too modest.

Dietary Fat in Relation to Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Composition in Men

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) composition is used in the validation of food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and the evaluation of dietary fat quality. In this cross-sectional study we aimed to investigate associations of diet with EMFA. Altogether, 1,033 randomly selected Finnish men, aged from 47 to 75 years filled in a FFQ and their EMFA composition was analyzed. Marine polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake correlated positively with erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (r s = 0.415 and r s = 0.340, respectively, P < 0.001) and inversely with all n-6 PUFA analyzed (P < 0.001). PUFA intake from spreads and cooking fats correlated positively with alpha-linolenic (ALA), linoleic (LNA) and nervonic acids (r s = 0.229, r s = 0.160 and r s = 0.143, respectively, P < 0.001). Milk fat intake was associated with myristic and behenic acids (r s = 0.186 and r s = 0.132, respectively P < 0.001). Butter users had lower ALA and LNA proportions (mol%) than non-users (0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.19 ± 0.05, P < 0.001 and 7.77 ± 1.02 vs. 8.12 ± 1.11, P = 0.001). Higher PUFA intake from meat was related to decreased long-chain n-3 (P < 0.001) and increased n-6 PUFA (P < 0.001) proportions. In conclusion, EMFA composition reflects particularly well the intakes of n-3 PUFA, whereas other associations remained lower. Yet, all main sources of dietary fat were related with EMFA. The dietary effect on the nervonic acid proportion was confirmed.

Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and C‐reactive protein in persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

BackgroundC‐reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with disease progression in HIV‐positive people. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to be inversely related to CRP in people without HIV. We tested the hypothesis of an independent relationship between PUFA and CRP in a HIV‐positive people.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 250 HIV‐positive people aged 20 to 60 years residing in Nepal. Serum high‐sensitivity CRP concentrations were measured by the latex agglutination nephelometry method. Dietary intake was assessed using two nonconsecutive 24‐hour dietary recalls. The relationship between PUFA and CRP were assessed using multiple regression analysis.ResultsMultivariate‐adjusted mean values of serum CRP concentrations decreased with increased intake of PUFA. The mean values of serum CRP concentrations in the first, second, and third tertiles of PUFA were 1.73 mg/L, 1.32 mg/L, and 1.26 mg/L, respectively (P for trend=0.11). The mean values of serum CRP concentrations in the first, second, and third tertiles of PUFA in women were 1.93 mg/L, 1.62 mg/L, and 1.09 mg/L, respectively (P for trend=0.04). No clear association was seen between PUFA and CRP in men.ConclusionThe higher intakes of PUFA may have a beneficial role against inflammation in HIV‐positive people.Source of research support: Grant‐in‐Aid for Young Scientists (B) (22790581), Japan.

The Relation between Erythrocyte Trans Fat and Triglyceride, VLDL- and HDL-Cholesterol Concentrations Depends on Polyunsaturated Fat

BackgroundTrans fatty acids (TFA) lower HDL and increase triglyceride concentrations while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) lower triglycerides and may decrease HDL concentrations. The effect of the interaction between trans fat and PUFA on lipids is uncertain.MethodsMen and women (n = 1032) in the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study were included. Fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured with gas chromatography while data on potential confounders were obtained from questionnaires. To test the interaction between total erythrocyte PUFA (ePUFA) and TFA (eTFA) on lipid concentrations we distributed eTFA into tertiles and dichotomized ePUFA at the median concentration.ResultsFor the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tertiles of eTFA, multivariate-adjusted means±s.e.m for HDL were 46.2±1.1, 46.3±1.1 and 45.5±1.0 mg/dL among those with low ePUFA, respectively, while they were 50.0±1.1, 46.9±1.1 and 44.7±1.1 mg/dL among those with high ePUFA, respectively (P for interaction = 0.01). For the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tertiles of eTFA, multivariate-adjusted means±s.e.m for triglycerides were 178.6±11.3, 144.7±10.9 and 140.8±10.6, respectively, among those with low ePUFA, while they were 133.8±11.3, 145.7±10.9 and 149.3±11.5, respectively, among those with high ePUFA (P for interaction = 0.005). Results for VLDL were similar to those for triglycerides. No significant interactions were observed for LDL or total cholesterol.ConclusionsThe relation between trans fat and HDL, VLDL and triglycerides may depend on PUFA. The benefit of avoiding trans fat may be greater among individuals with higher PUFA intake. Supplementation with PUFA among individuals with relatively high trans fat intake may have limited benefits on lipid profiles.

Risk of Parkinson's Disease (PD) Associated with the Herbicide Paraquat Is Attenuated by High Dietary Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) (S42.004)

Objective: Evaluate associations of PD with paraquat exposure and dietary PUFA intake, separately and in combination. Background PD risk may be associated with exposure to the herbicide paraquat, possibly through a mechanism involving oxidative stress. Dietary intake of PUFAs may reduce oxidative stress, potentially modifying the association of PD risk with paraquat. Design/Methods: We recruited PD cases and controls from the Agricultural Health Study, a cohort including 84,739 private pesticide applicators and spouses. Diagnosis was confirmed by movement disorder specialists. Using a food frequency questionnaire, we collected information from 89 cases on diet before diagnosis and from 336 matched controls on diet before a corresponding date. We also collected information on lifetime use of paraquat in agriculture. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, state, smoking, and total energy intake, PD risk was inversely associated with intake of PUFAs (highest vs lowest tertile: OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.1), particularly the two essential fatty acids linoleic acid (0.6, 0.3-1.2) and alpha-linolenic acid (0.4, 0.2-0.8). Compared to individuals with high linoleic acid intake and no exposure, the increase in PD risk was modest in those with either low intake and no exposure (1.3, 0.7-2.5) or high intake and paraquat exposure (1.4, 0.5-3.9) but substantial in those with both low intake and paraquat exposure (4.5, 1.7-12). Similar results were observed with alpha-linolenic acid (ORs 1.2, 1.2, and 3.6 respectively). Conclusions: PD risk associated with paraquat was lower in individuals with high intake of PUFAs, consistent with the hypothesis that the mechanism of paraquat toxicity involves oxidative stress. These results may suggest approaches to preventing or modifying progression of PD. Supported by: NIEHS R01-ES10803, Intramural Research Program of the NIH (NIEHS Z01-ES044007 and Z01-ES049030, NCI Z01-CP010119), and James and Sharron Clark. Disclosure: Dr. Kamel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Richardson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Umbach has nothing to disclose. Dr. Richards has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bhudhikanok has nothing to disclose. Dr. Blair has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chade has nothing to disclose. Dr. Comyns has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goldman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hoppin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kasten has nothing to disclose. Dr. Korell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marras has received personal compensation for activities with Solvay Pharmaeuticals as a consultant. Dr. Meng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ross has nothing to disclose. Dr. Langston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sandler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tanner has received personal compensation for activities with Impax Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Inc. & Genentech, Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Tanner has received research support from Michael J. Fox Foundation, Department of Defense, Parkinson9s Disease Foundation, Parkinson9s Institute, Unity Walk and Brin Foundation.

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Risk for Age-Related Maculopathy: The Alienor Study

Previous studies have suggested a lower risk for age-related maculopathy (ARM) in subjects with high dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The authors report the associations of ARM with past dietary intakes in French elderly subjects. The Alienor Study is a population-based epidemiologic study on nutrition and age-related eye diseases performed in residents of Bordeaux 73 years of age and older. Six hundred sixty-six subjects (1289 eyes) with complete data were included in the analyses. ARM was classified from retinal photographs taken in 2006 to 2008 in five exclusive stages: late neovascular ARM (n = 21 subjects, 29 eyes); late atrophic ARM (n = 19 subjects, 33 eyes); large soft indistinct drusen and/or reticular drusen and/or large distinct drusen with pigment abnormalities (early ARM2, n = 67 subjects, 100 eyes); large soft distinct drusen alone or pigment abnormalities alone (early ARM1, n = 119 subjects, 163 eyes); and no ARM (n = 440 subjects, 964 eyes). Dietary intakes were estimated from a 24-hour dietary recall performed by dieticians (2001-2002). Associations were estimated using logistic Generalized Estimating Equation. After multivariate adjustment, subjects with high intake of long-chain omega-3 PUFA showed a decreased risk for early ARM1 (odds ratio [OR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.71-0.98; P = 0.03) and late neovascular ARM (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.83; P = 0.02). Associations with late atrophic ARM were in the same direction but did not reach statistical significance (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.52-1.06; P = 0.10). Overall, high intakes of long-chain omega-3 PUFA were associated with reduced risk for late ARM (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.88; P = 0.01). These results confirm a decreased risk for ARM in subjects with high intake of long-chain omega-3 PUFA.

Evaluation of different vitamin E recommendations and bioactivity of α-tocopherol isomers in broiler nutrition by measuring oxidative stress in vivo and the oxidative stability of meat

The aim of this study was to compare recommendations for vitamin E supplementation regarding high polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and to compare the bioactivity of RRR- and all-rac-α-tocopherol with respect to oxidative stress in vivo and the oxidative stability of broiler meat. Fifty male broilers were divided into 5 groups. All groups received diets with a high inclusion of fat (7.5%), one with palm fat and the others with linseed oil, which were either unsupplemented or supplemented with vitamin E to contain in total 85 or 200 IU of vitamin E as all-rac-α-tocopherol and 85 IU as RRR-α-tocopherol. Oxidative stress in vivo was studied by measuring the DNA damage; measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, liver, and breast muscle; and analyzing the antioxidant capacity of the lipid-soluble compounds, total antioxidant status of plasma, and antioxidant enzyme assays. The tocopherols in plasma, liver, and breast muscle were also analyzed. In vitro oxidative stability was studied by measuring MDA in fresh, stored, and heat-treated breast meat. Linseed oil, as opposed to palm fat, induced DNA fragmentation and MDA formation. Both forms and concentrations of vitamin E reduced DNA damage and breast muscle MDA. The groups receiving 200 IU of all-rac-α-tocopherol and 85 IU of RRR-α-tocopherol had much higher values for antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble compounds than did the controls. No differences were observed in the values of antioxidant enzymes. The α-tocopherol levels in tissues and plasma were significantly influenced by the level of α-tocopherol supplementation. Malondialdehyde formation in meat from the vitamin E-supplemented groups was decreased in comparison with that from the control linseed oil group. We conclude that both vitamin E concentrations were insufficient to prevent all harmful effects of lipid oxidation in vivo and that both were equally effective. On the contrary, to ensure good stability of meat lipids, higher vitamin E supplementation is needed, especially after heat treatment. The results of in vivo oxidative stress and meat lipid oxidation confirmed the currently accepted bioactivity of the RRR-α- to all-rac-α-tocopherol ratio of 1.39 in in vivo and in vitro systems.

Increased Intake of Dietary Polyunsaturated Fat Does Not Promote Whole Body or Preferential Abdominal Fat Mass Loss in Overweight Adults

Objective: There is evidence that increasing the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in a diet can enhance the rate of fat oxidation acutely. Higher PUFA in a diet has also been associated with greater abdominal fat loss in longer term studies. This study aimed to investigate if higher PUFA intake would result in greater fat mass loss over a 12-week period, mainly from the abdominal region. Methods: Data at the 12-week time point from two weight loss studies, both comparing high PUFA versus low PUFA diets was, accessed for 141 overweight subjects from the same area. Specifically, data on anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, body composition, waist and hip circumference, SAT, VAT) and dietary intake were analyzed. The relationship between fat mass and VAT changes was examined using a differential equation. Results: Energy consumption decreased significantly in both study groups. The low fat groups decreased total dietary fat while the HPUFA groups increased PUFA intake significantly. All anthropometric measurements reduced significantly over time but there was no difference between the two dietary groups. The relationship between fat mass and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) loss was allometric. Conclusion: A higher PUFA intake did not lead to greater fat mass loss and there was no additional preferential loss of VAT following higher PUFA consumption.

1032 Dietary Fatty Acid Composition During Pregnancy and Risk of Asthma in the Offspring

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest that the increasing frequency of asthma and allergic diseases are in part related to changes in dietary habits. More margarines and vegetable oils are consumed, while the reverse is true for oily fish and fish-products, leading to an increase in the intake of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and decrease in the intake of n-3 PUFA. Fatty acids (FA) modulate the immune system and have been proposed to affect the incidence of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. We explored the association of dietary FA composition during pregnancy with the risk of asthma in the offspring. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed by a validated 181-item food frequency questionnaire covering the 8th month of pregnancy. The occurrence of asthma was assessed at the age of 5 years with a questionnaire modified from International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Logistic regression was used for statistical analyses. Results: Lower maternal intake of α-linoleic acid (18:3n-3), linoleic acid (18:2n-6), n-6-PUFA, n-3- PUFA and total PUFA during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of asthma in the offspring. The ratios of n-6 to n-3-PUFA and 18:2n-6 to 18:2n-3 and the maternal intake of oils, fish and fish products were not associated with the risk of asthma. Conclusion: In the present study, higher intakes of PUFA, n-3-PUFA and 18:3n-3 during pregnancy were protective against asthma in the offspring. The finding that higher intake of total n-6-PUFA and 18:2n-6 also protects against asthma does not support the original lipid hypothesis.

High α-linolenic acid and fish oil ingestion promotes ovulation to the same extent in rats

Prostaglandins (PG) have a regulatory influence on ovulation. α-Linolenic acid (ALA) vs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) differently influence PG biosynthesis. Whereas high EPA/DHA reduces PGE₂, enhancing ovulation, we hypothesized that ALA would not affect ovulation. Our objective was to determine the effect of low and high ALA intake vs EPA/DHA on ovarian phospholipids, ovulation, and PG synthesis in rats. Following 27 days on diet and ovulation induction, ovaries were isolated and analyzed in 22 pups per diet. Ovarian phospholipid (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) incorporation increased with EPA/DHA ingestion. With significant ovarian (n-3) PUFA or EPA (P < .05) enrichment in the high-n-3 PUFA diets, ova release increased. Although high ALA did not enrich total (n-3), it increased ova release and tissue EPA over low ALA or control. Dietary EPA/DHA more effectively reduced ovarian arachidonic acid levels than dietary ALA. Dietary ALA increased PGF and very high intake reduced PGE, whereas EPA/DHA did not alter PGE or PGF. Enhanced ova release with high (n-3) PUFA intake may be induced via multiple mechanisms including reduced ovarian arachidonic acid. Significant ovarian retention of EPA and DHA enhanced ovulation with unchanged total PGE and PGF. Lack of change in PGE may have resulted from reduced PGE₂ combined with increased PGE₃. When EPA alone was elevated, PGE was reduced, whereas PGF was increased. Results indicate that very high ALA intake enhances ovulation similar to very high EPA/DHA ingestion, an effect potentially mediated via similar patterns of PGF₂α and PGE₂ synthesis.