Long-chain N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Genomic analysis in the colon tissues of omega-3 fatty acid-treated rats identifies novel gene signatures implicated in ulcerative colitis

Several long-term intervention trials only studied the ex vivo immunological function to elucidate the beneficial mechanisms of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the ulcerative colitis (UC). An unbiased whole-transcriptome analysis would be more valuable to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the processes and genes regulated by n-3 PUFA in vivo. In this study, we have performed microarray analysis in the colon tissues of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in rats supplemented with n-6 PUFA, n-3PUFA and long-chain n-3PUFA (LC-n3PUFA). We have identified the novel gene signatures previously not linked to colitis such as Etv3, Clec4d, CD180, CD72, Megf11, and Angptl4 which are most downregulated in both n-3PUFA and LC-n3PUFA groups compared to the n-6PUFA group. The most upregulated genes were Nr1i3, Nptx2, and Zfp810 in both n-3PUFA and LC-n3PUFA groups. The RT-PCR analysis confirmed similar results. Interestingly, LPS treatment in macrophages upregulated the Megf11, Etv3, CD180, and Angptl4, and correlated with increased secretion of cytokines. Gene silencing of Etv3, Megf11, and CD180 in rats using intravascular delivery of siRNA-lipoparticles attenuated the DSS-induced ulceration and mucosal damage. Thus, our genome-wide microarray analysis identified novel genes regulated by omega-3 PUFA and offers new drug targets that could prevent or reduce UC.

Effect of maternal fish oil supplementation during lactation on socioemotional wellbeing and physical activity in 13-year-old children: A randomized clinical trial

Early dietary long-chain n-3PUFA (n-3LCPUFA) may affect brain development. We investigated if fish oil supplementation of lactating mothers affected socioemotional wellbeing in adolescents in a potentially gender-specific manner. At age 13, we invited 92 children of mothers who completed a randomized trial with 1.5 g/d n-3 LCPUFA or olive oil during the first 4 months of lactation and 48 children of mothers with a high habitual fish intake. Children and parents answered validated questionnaires regarding socioemotional wellbeing and physical activity was monitored by ActiGraph for 7 days. Participation rate was 71%. Univariate correlations between children's and parents’ ratings on the individual scales were moderate-strong, but correlations across questionnaires indicated that parents might base their ratings on proxy markers. We found no group differences in self-rated socioemotional outcomes or physical activity. Although the study was small, it was the first follow-up on effects of perinatal n-3LCPUFA supply on socioemotional wellbeing in adolescence.

Long Chain N3-PUFA Decreases ACE2 Protein Levels and Prevents SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a target of interest for both COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease management. Even though lower ACE2 levels may be beneficial in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, maintaining the ACE1/ACE2 balance is also crucial for cardiovascular health. So far, reports describing conditions capable of altering ACE2 protein levels, especially via dietary components, are limited. In this study, the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) on the protein levels of ACE1 and ACE2 in rodent tissues, human endothelial and kidney cell lines, and human plasma were examined. The ability of n3-PUFA to affect the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into cells was also tested. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and in some cases eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not α-linoleic acid (ALA), reduced both ACE1 and ACE2 (non-glycosylated p100 and glycosylated p130 forms) in the heart, aorta, and kidneys of obese rats, as well as in human EA.hy926 endothelial and HEK293 kidney cells. Dietary supplementation with either DHA or ALA had no effect on plasma soluble ACE2 levels in humans. However, treatment of HEK293 cells with 80 and 125 µM DHA for 16 h inhibited the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. These results strongly suggest that DHA treatment may reduce the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells via a mechanism involving a decrease in the absolute level of ACE2 protein as well as its glycosylation. Our findings warrant further evaluation of long-chain n3-PUFA supplements as a novel option for restricting SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in the general population.

Combined association of early exposure to long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mercury and selenium with cognitive performance in 1-year-old infants

BackgroundPrevious studies on long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFAs) and infant neurodevelopment did not consider effect modifications of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se). ObjectivesTo examine the joint association of prenatal LCn3PUFAs, Hg and Se with infant cognitive performance, and to explore whether DNA methylation may explain this potential association. MethodsA total of 484 newborns were enrolled from the Shanghai Birth Cohort with available data on cord blood LCn3PUFA, nail Hg and Se during 2015–2016. Cord blood LCn3PUFA concentrations were assessed by gas chromatography, and nail Hg and Se concentrations were measured using clippings collected within 6 months of birth by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Five aspects of infant neurodevelopment (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills) were assessed using the Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ) at ages 6 and 12 months. Multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equations models were performed to examine the associations between cord blood LCn3PUFA concentrations and ASQ test scores, and these associations were stratified by nail Hg and Se levels. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation in cord blood was compared in a random subgroup consisting of 19 infants from the highest and 21 from the lowest decile of LCn3PUFA concentrations. ResultsLCn3PUFAs were not significantly associated with any ASQ test scores. However, in the subgroup with lower Hg (<median 0.13 ppm) and higher Se (≥median 0.87 ppm) levels, infants with higher LCn3PUFA concentrations had higher ASQ scores indicating better performance in gross motor skills [quartile 4 vs. 1: mean difference = 7.78; 95% confidence interval=(3.47, 12.09); Ptrend<0.01; Pinteraction = 0.03]. Additionally, twenty CpG sites were differentially methylated when comparing high to low LCn3PUFA groups. ConclusionThe association of prenatal LCn3PUFA concentrations with infant neurodevelopment, particularly gross motor skills, may be observed among infants with high Se and low Hg levels.

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in liver and muscle tissues of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus 1758)

PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the lipid content and fatty acid composition in the liver and muscle of a porcupinefish species inhabiting waters around the Ryukyu Islands to investigate their potential as a source of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs).Design/methodology/approachPorcupinefish were collected along the Okinawa Island coast. The composition of fatty acids and cholesterol in both liver and muscle were analyzed using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer.FindingsThe liver of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish was rich in lipids whose content correlated to the proportion of liver/body weight. Fatty acid compositions in their liver and muscles were similar to each other. LC-PUFAs occupied 44% of total fatty acids, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being the dominant (42%), whereas eicosapentaenoic acid occupied 2.4%. The liver contained 1,690 mg of cholesterol and 14.8 g of DHA per 100 g, whose proportion decreased in summer compared to other seasons (p = 0.036).Originality/valueThe liver of Okinawan long-spine porcupinefish, which has not yet been commercially used although its non-toxicity is claimed, can be an excellent source of LC-PUFAs, especially DHA, accentuating its potential in food supplements’ production.

Associations Between Intakes of Seafood and Long Chain &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt;-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplement During Pregnancy and Subsequent Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Large Prospective Cohort Study of Norwegian Women

Background: While seafood is considered an important component of a healthy diet, concerns have been raised related to contaminant exposures and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study investigated the associations between total seafood, lean fish, fatty fish, and long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) from supplements and risk of T2DM in women after pregnancy in a Norwegian population consuming more fish than in most Western countries. Methods: Women free of diabetes mellitus (DM) at baseline (n=60 831) who participated in the population-based Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort study (MoBa) were prospectively evaluated for incident T2DM identified through medication usage more than 90 days after delivery ascertained by the Norwegian Prescription Database. Dietary intake data was obtained by a validated 255-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which assessed habitual diet during the first four to five months of pregnancy. Contaminant intake (methylmercury (MeHg) and sum of dioxin and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs)) was derived using a contaminant database and the FFQ. Findings: Median (IQR) age was 31 (27, 34) years at time of delivery and median follow up time was 7·5 (6·5, 8·5) years. T2DM occurred in 683 (1·1%) participants. Multivariable Cox regression analyses identified a reduced risk of T2DM with increasing energy adjusted lean fish intake per 25g/1000 kcal (HR 0·71, 95% CI 0·53 to 0·95, p=0·022). There were no associations between intake of total seafood, fatty fish, or LCn-3PUFA from supplements and T2DM in multivariable models. MeHg intake was low but the sum of dioxins and dl-PCBs (pg TEQ/kg bw/wk) exceeded the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) for the majority of participants. Interpretation: Intake of lean fish was associated with reduced risk of pharmacologically-treated T2DM in Norwegian women. Funding Statement: The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services and the Ministry of Education and Research. Declaration of Interests: None of the authors have any financial or personal relationship with other people or organizations. Ethics Approval Statement: The establishment of MoBa and initial data collection was based on a license from the Norwegian Data Protection Agency and approval from the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics and complies to the Norwegian Health Registry Act. The current research project was approved by all relevant agencies and the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics (Region West 2013/740) with amendments (14.03.2019) for including T2DM as an outcome measure.

Lean Fish Intake Decreases the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Norwegian Women (P18-036-19)

ObjectivesThe potential impact of seafood consumption and long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) supplement use on the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is not yet fully clarified. The aim of this large cohort study was to investigate the associations between prenatal intake of total seafood, lean fish, fatty fish and LCn-3PUFA supplement use and the risk of T2DM in women after pregnancy. MethodsThe study subjects (n = 60 831, median age 31 years) participates in the ongoing population-based Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) initiated and maintained by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Recruitment lasted from 1999 through 2009. The MoBa database is linked to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. For the current study we also obtained permission to link the data to the Norwegian Prescription Database for ascertainment of medications dispensed for diabetes (ATC code A10) 90 days or more after delivery. Dietary intake was obtained by a validated 255-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and assessed habitual diet during the first four to five months of pregnancy. ResultsDuring a median (IQR) follow up time of 7.5 (6.5, 8.5) years, T2DM was identified for 711 (1.2%) of the participants. Adjusted linear Cox regression analyses estimated a decreased risk of T2DM with increased lean fish intake as g/1000 kcal intake (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97, 0.99, P = 0.010). Modeling intake as quintiles, a decreased risk of T2DM was seen among those in quintiles two to five compared to the first quintile of energy adjusted lean fish intake (P for trend across quintiles = 0.002). No associations between total seafood, fatty fish, or LCn-3PUFA supplement use and pharmacologically treated T2DM were identified in adjusted models. ConclusionsIntake of lean fish was associated with decreased risk of T2DM. Funding SourcesThe Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services and the Ministry of Education and Research, NIH/NINDS (grant no.1 UO1 NS 047537–01 and grant no.2 UO1 NS 047537-06A1).

Serum long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and aortic calcification in middle-aged men: The population-based cross-sectional ERA-JUMP study

Background and aimFew studies have examined the association of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFAs) with the measures of atherosclerosis in the general population. This study aimed to examine the relationship of total LCn-3PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with aortic calcification. Methods and resultsIn a multiethnic population-based cross-sectional study of 998 asymptomatic men aged 40–49 years (300 US-White, 101 US-Black, 287 Japanese American, and 310 Japanese in Japan), we examined the relationship of serum LCn-3PUFAs to aortic calcification (measured by electron-beam computed tomography and quantified using the Agatston method) using Tobit regression and ordinal logistic regression after adjusting for potential confounders. Overall 56.5% participants had an aortic calcification score (AoCaS) > 0. The means (SD) of total LCn-3PUFAs, EPA, and DHA were 5.8% (3.3%), 1.4% (1.3%), and 3.7% (2.1%), respectively. In multivariable-adjusted Tobit regression, a 1-SD increase in total LCn-3PUFAs, EPA, and DHA was associated with 29% (95% CI = 0.51, 1.00), 9% (95% CI = 0.68, 1.23), and 35% (95% CI = 0.46, 0.91) lower AoCaS, respectively. Results were similar in ordinal logistic regression analysis. There was no significant interaction between race/ethnicity and total LCn–3PUFAs, EPA or DHA on aortic calcification. ConclusionsThis study showed the significant inverse association of LCn-3PUFAs with aortic calcification independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors among men in the general population. This association appeared to be driven by DHA but not EPA.

Effects of fish oils on ex vivo B-cell responses of obese subjects upon BCR/TLR stimulation: a pilot study

The long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil have immunomodulatory properties. B cells are a poorly studied target of EPA/DHA in humans. Therefore, in this pilot study, we tested how n-3 LC-PUFAs influence B-cell responses of obese humans. Obese men and women were assigned to consume four 1-g capsules per day of olive oil (OO, n=12), fish oil (FO, n=12) concentrate or high-DHA-FO concentrate (n=10) for 12 weeks in a parallel design. Relative to baseline, FO (n=9) lowered the percentage of circulating memory and plasma B cells, whereas the other supplements had no effect. There were no postintervention differences between the three supplements. Next, ex vivo B-cell cytokines were assayed after stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and/or the B-cell receptor (BCR) to determine if the effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs were pathway-dependent. B-cell IL-10 and TNFα secretion was respectively increased with high DHA-FO (n=10), relative to baseline, with respective TLR9 and TLR9+BCR stimulation. OO (n=12) and FO (n=12) had no influence on B-cell cytokines compared to baseline, and there were no differences in postintervention cytokine levels between treatment groups. Finally, ex vivo antibody levels were assayed with FO (n=7) after TLR9+BCR stimulation. Compared to baseline, FO lowered IgM but not IgG levels accompanied by select modifications to the plasma lipidome. Altogether, the results suggest that n-3 LC-PUFAs could modulate B-cell activity in humans, which will require further testing in a larger cohort.

Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are not associated with circulating T-helper type 1 cells: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

T-helper type 1 (Th1) cells are pro-inflammatory and provide signals to immune cells. Animal models and in vitro human cell culture experiments have indicated that long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFAs) reduce Th1 cell levels; however, the association is unknown in healthy humans. We hypothesized that circulating levels and dietary intake of LCn3PUFAs have an inverse association with circulating levels of Th1 cells and studied 895 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (age 61 ± 10 years at exam 1, 52% women, 44% white, 21% African-American, 24% Hispanic-American, 11% Chinese-American). Phospholipid LCn3PUFAs (% of total fatty acids), measured by gas chromatography, and intake of LCn3PUFAs, evaluated by food frequency questionnaire, were evaluated at exam 1 (2000-02) and defined as the sum of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Th1 cells were measured by flow cytometry at exam 4 (2005-07), expressed as a percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes that were interferon-γ+ (%Th1: CD4+IFN-γ+). Median (interquartile range) plasma LCn3PUFA, dietary LCn3PUFA, and %Th1 levels were 4.31% (3.40–5.82%), 0.09 (0.05–0.16) g/day, and 14.4% (9.8–20.0%), respectively. When the association of LCn3PUFA-quartiles with %Th1 was analyzed using general linear models, neither plasma nor dietary LCn3PUFAs were significantly associated with %Th1 (P-trend = 0.58 and 0.80, respectively), which remained even after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors, lipids, season, and cytomegalovirus titers. In this multi-ethnic U.S. population, circulating levels and dietary intake of LCn3PUFAs were not significantly associated with Th1 cell levels. Further research is needed to assess potential benefits of supplementation and much higher dietary consumption of LCn3PUFAs on Th1 cells.

Maternal intake of seafood and supplementary long chain n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids and preterm delivery

BackgroundPreterm delivery increases the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Studies suggest that maternal diet may affect the prevalence of preterm delivery. The aim of this study was to assess whether maternal intakes of seafood and marine long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) from supplements were associated with preterm delivery.MethodsThe study population included 67,007 women from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Maternal food and supplement intakes were assessed by a validated self-reported food frequency questionnaire in mid-pregnancy. Information about gestational duration was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between total seafood, lean fish, fatty fish, and LCn-3PUFA intakes and preterm delivery. Preterm was defined as any onset of delivery before gestational week 37, and as spontaneous or iatrogenic deliveries and as preterm delivery at early, moderate, and late preterm gestations.ResultsLean fish constituted 56%, fatty fish 34% and shellfish 10% of seafood intake. Any intake of seafood above no/rare intake (>5 g/d) was associated with lower prevalence of preterm delivery. Adjusted HRs were 0.76 (CI: 0.66, 0.88) for 1–2 servings/week (20–40 g/d), 0.72 (CI: 0.62, 0.83) for 2–3 servings/week (40–60 g/d), and 0.72 (CI: 0.61, 0.85) for ≥3 servings/week (>60 g/d), p-trend <0.001. The association was seen for lean fish (p-trend: 0.005) but not for fatty fish (p-trend: 0.411). The intake of supplementary LCn-3PUFA was associated only with lower prevalence of early preterm delivery (before 32 gestational weeks), while increasing intake of LCn-3PUFA from food was associated with lower prevalence of overall preterm delivery (p-trend: 0.002). Any seafood intake above no/rare was associated with lower prevalence of both spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm delivery, and with lower prevalence of late preterm delivery.ConclusionsAny intake of seafood above no/rare consumption was associated with lower prevalence of preterm delivery. The association was stronger for lean than for fatty fish. Intake of supplementary LCn-3PUFA was associated only with early preterm delivery. The findings corroborate the current advice to include fish and seafood as part of a balanced diet during pregnancy.

Long-chain n-3 PUFA supplied by the usual diet decrease plasma stearoyl-CoA desaturase index in non-hypertriglyceridemic older adults at high vascular risk

The activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), the central enzyme in the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), has been associated with de novo lipogenesis. In experimental models SCD1 is down-regulated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), but clinical studies are scarce. The effect of long-chain n-3 PUFA (LCn-3PUFA) supplied by the regular diet, in the absence of fatty fish or fish oil supplementation, remains to be explored. We related 1-y changes in plasma SCD1 index, as assessed by the C16:1n-7/C16:0 ratio, to both adiposity traits and nutrient intake changes in a sub-cohort (n=243) of non-hypertriglyceridemic subjects of the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterranea) trial. After adjustment for confounders, including changes in fasting triglycerides, plasma SCD1 index increased in parallel with body weight (0.221 [95% confidence interval, 0.021 to 0.422], P=0.031) and BMI (0.115 [0.027 to 0.202], P=0.011). Additionally, dietary LCn-3PUFA (but not MUFA or plant-derived PUFA) were associated with decreased plasma SCD1 index (-0.544 [-1.044 to-0.043], P=0.033, for each 1g/d-increase in LCn-3PUFA). No associations were found for other food groups, but there was a trend for fatty fish intake (-0.083 [-0.177 to 0.012], P=0.085, for each 10g/d-increase). Our data add clinical evidence on the down-regulation of plasma SCD1 index by LCn-3PUFA in the context of realistic changes in fish consumption in the customary, non-supplemented diet. http://www.Controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN35739639.

Why are fish oil supplements apparently failing to reproduce fish consumption epidemiology in RCT for cardiovascular disease?

Why are fish oil supplements apparently failing to reproduce fish consumption epidemiology in RCT for cardiovascular disease?

Fatty acid composition of chicken breast meat is dependent on genotype-related variation of FADS1 and FADS2 gene expression and desaturating activity

In Western countries the dietary guidance emphasizes the need to decrease the intake of saturated fatty acids and to replace them with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly long chain n-3 PUFA (LC-PUFA). The production of poultry meat having a lower fat content and healthier fatty acid (FA) profile is a hot topic for the poultry industry, and the possibility to identify genotypes able to produce meat with a higher LC-PUFA content deserves attention. The aims of the present study were to evidence in chicken (i) a genotype-related different expression of the desaturating enzymes delta-6 (Δ6, EC 1.14.99.25), delta-5 (Δ5, EC 1.14.19.) and delta-9 (Δ9, EC 1.14.19.1); (ii) the impact of the hypothesized different expression on the meat FA composition; (iii) the distribution of desaturase products in the different lipid classes. Slow (SG), medium (MG) and fast (FG) growing chickens fed the same diet were evaluated either for the relative expression of FADS1, FADS2 and SCD1 genes in liver (by q-PCR), or for the FA composition of breast meat. MG and particularly SG birds showed a greater expression of FADS2 and FADS1 genes, a higher Δ6 and Δ5 activity (estimated using desaturase indices), and consequently a higher LC-PUFA content in the breast meat than FG birds. The relationship between genotype and desaturating ability was demonstrated, with a significant impact on the PUFA content of breast meat. Due to the high consumption rate of avian meat, the identification of the best genotypes for meat production could represent an important goal not only for the food industry, but also for the improvement of human nutrition.

Dietary or Supplementary Intake Modulates Inflammatory Response in Asthma Response in Asthma

Summary The importance of diet and supplement intake in the onset and development of asthma has been advocated recently, and it may be important in the prevention and management of bronchial asthma. Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3PUFAs), vitamins (Vit), choline, and probiotics may be candidates to reduce medication use and provide some protection from risk. Experimental studies of diet in bronchial asthma have demonstrated modification of pulmonary function and the immune system through mechanisms involving antioxidant effect, T-helper (Th) 2 and Th17 inhibition, tolerogenic regulatory T cell (Treg) function promotion, nuclear transcription factors and epigenetic regulation. Although studies in animal models have provided evidence of supportive effects of diet in asthma, there have been few longitudinal studies of dietary or supplement intake and asthma, and the available epidemiological data remain controversial and inconclusive.

DHA-Rich Tuna Oil Effectively Suppresses Allergic Symptoms in Mice Allergic to Whey or Peanut

Background: Supplementation with long-chain n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) has been found to reduce the development of allergic disease.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of fish oil diets rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n–3; EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n–3; DHA) in suppressing food allergic symptoms.Methods: Mice were fed a control diet (10% soybean oil) or fish oil diet rich in EPA (4% soybean oil + 6% EPA oil containing 28.8% EPA and 13.7% DHA) or DHA (4% soybean oil + 6% DHA oil containing 7% EPA and 27.8% DHA), starting 14 d before and for 5 wk during oral sensitization with peanut extract (PE) or whey. Acute allergic skin responses, serum immunoglobulins (Igs), and mucosal mast cell protease-1 (mmcp-1) were assessed. Hyperimmune serum was transferred to naive recipient mice fed the different diets.Results: The DHA diet effectively reduced the acute allergic skin response compared with the control or EPA diet in PE-allergic mice (control, 159 ± 15, or EPA, 129 ± 8, vs. DHA, 78 ± 7 μm; P < 0.0001 or P < 0.05, respectively). In contrast, both the DHA and EPA diets reduced the allergic skin response in whey allergic mice (control, 169 ± 9, vs. DHA, 91 ± 13, or EPA, 106 ± 14 μm; P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively); however, only the DHA diet reduced mmcp-1 and whey-specific IgE and IgG1. The DHA and EPA diets also reduced the acute skin response in passively immunized mice.Conclusions: The DHA-rich fish oil diet reduced allergic sensitization to whey and allergic symptoms in both PE- and whey-allergic mice. These data suggest that DHA-rich fish oil is useful as an intervention to prevent or treat food allergy symptoms.

Association of red blood cell n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with plasma inflammatory biomarkers among the Quebec Cree population.

We examined the prevalence of elevated plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and associations with red blood cell (RBC) long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) in the James Bay Cree population from the province of Quebec (Canada). A total of 744 Cree adults (18-91 years) from seven communities of Eastern James Bay were included in these cross-sectional analyses. Associations between RBC LCn-3PUFA and proinflammatory markers (hs-CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) were assessed by using multivariate general linear models with adjustment for sex, age and waist circumference. An arbitrary inflammation score was defined based on the sum of the quartiles of hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations (range=3-12). Elevated hs-CRP concentrations (>3 mg/l) were present in 46.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 43.3-50.5) of the James Bay Cree population. RBC docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3; C22:5n-3) was inversely associated with hs-CRP, TNF-α and the inflammation score (all P trend<0.02), whereas eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) in RBC were not associated with inflammation (all P trend>0.18). Among participants with RBC DPAn-3 levels above the median of the population, odds ratio of having an elevated inflammation score (≥9) was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.48-0.93) compared with participants below the median. RESULTS indicate that low-grade systemic inflammation is highly prevalent and that higher RBC DPAn-3 levels are associated with a lower risk of systemic inflammation in the James Bay Cree population.

Effects of different cooking methods on fatty acid profiles in four freshwater fishes from the Laurentian Great Lakes region

Fish is often promoted as a healthy part of the human diet due its high content of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). Previous studies have shown that cooked fish can have different fatty acid profiles than raw fillets, depending on the cooking method and fish species. In this study, the fatty acid content of broiled, baked or fried skinless, boneless fillets of four fish species from the tributaries of the Great Lakes, or connecting rivers, was compared to fatty acid profiles in raw sections from the same fillet. Cooking treatments had little effect on n-3 fatty acid content; however, fried treatments generally had higher n-6 and MUFA content, which is likely a result of the cooking oil used (canola). Broiling or baking is generally the most healthy option presented in this study, as these methods result in lower levels of less-favourable fatty acids; however, the choice of cooking oil may also influence the overall fatty acid content in cooked fish.

Circulating Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

We assessed the associations of serum, red blood cell membranes (RBCM) and dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We included 290 patients of the Nutritional AMD Treatment 2 Study (NAT2) with neovascular AMD in one eye and early AMD lesions in the other eye, and 144 normal vision controls without AMD. Dietary intake of seafood was estimated by food frequency questionnaire. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) composition in serum and RBCM were determined by gas chromatography from 12-hour fasting blood samples and was expressed as percentages of total fatty acids profile. Logistic regressions estimated associations of neovascular AMD with dietary intake of seafood and circulating n-3 LC-PUFAs. Dietary oily fish and seafood intake were significantly lower in AMD patients than in controls. After adjustment for all potential confounders (age, sex, CFH Y402H, ARMS2 A69S, and ApoE4 polymorphisms, plasma triglycerides, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and family history of AMD), serum EPA was associated significantly with a lower risk for neovascular AMD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.77; P = 0.005). Analysis of RBCM revealed that EPA and EPA+DHA were associated significantly with a lower risk for neovascular AMD (OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.13-0.47; P < 0.0001 and OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.94; P = 0.03, respectively). The RBCM EPA and EPA+DHA, as long-term biomarkers of n-3 dietary PUFA status, were associated strongly with neovascular AMD and may represent an objective marker identifying subjects at high risk for neovascular AMD, who may most benefit from nutritional interventions. (http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn number, ISRCTN98246501).

Increasing long-chain n-3PUFA consumption improves small peripheral artery function in patients at intermediate–high cardiovascular risk

Dietary long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) improve endothelial function in medium–large-sized arteries, but effects on small peripheral arteries, responsible for most arterial resistance, are little known. We investigated the effects of increasing LCn-3PUFA intake with the usual diet on small artery reactive hyperemia index (saRHI). Within a clinical trial evaluating the effects of 1 year of intensive lifestyle intervention versus standard care on cardiovascular markers in subjects at risk, we selected 108 participants regardless of treatment allocation (n=47 standard care; n=61 intensive intervention) with complete baseline and follow-up information on dietary, clinical, saRHI and biochemical data, including biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial activation. At the end of follow-up, saRHI increased across tertiles of change in dietary LCn-3PUFA. Subjects in the top tertile (increased LCn-3PUFA intake) increased serum ApoA1 and decreased hs-CRP, serum TNF-α, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and oxLDL from baseline. After pooling data, in unadjusted models, changes in saRHI significantly correlated to changes in LCn-3PUFA intake and ApoA1 (directly) and changes in systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, TNF-α, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin (inversely). In a multivariate model, changes in dietary LCn-3PUFA were significantly associated with changes in saRHI [B=0.08 (95% confidence interval=0.083–0.291) for an increase by 100 mg/day]. Systolic blood pressure was inversely associated with saRHI changes [B=−0.203 (−0.441 to −0.029) for a 9-mmHg increase]. We conclude that increased dietary consumption of LCn-3PUFA might be a cost-effective strategy to improve peripheral vasoactivity.