Levels Of Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Comparative transcriptomics reveals domestication-associated features of Atlantic salmon lipid metabolism.

Domestication of animals imposes strong targeted selection for desired traits but can also result in unintended selection due to new domestic environments. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salmar) was domesticated in the 1970s and has subsequently been selected for faster growth in systematic breeding programmes. More recently, salmon aquaculture has replaced fish oils (FOs) with vegetable oils (VOs) in feed, radically changing the levels of essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). Our aim here was to study the impact of domestication on metabolism and explore the hypothesis that the shift to VO diets has unintentionally selected for a domestication-specific lipid metabolism. We conducted a 96-day feeding trial of domesticated and wild salmon fed diets based on FOs, VOs or phospholipids, and compared transcriptomes and fatty acids in tissues involved in lipid absorption (pyloric caeca) and lipid turnover and synthesis (liver). Domesticated salmon had faster growth and higher gene expression in glucose and lipid metabolism compared to wild fish, possibly linked to differences in regulation of circadian rhythm pathways. Only the domesticated salmon increased expression of LC-PUFA synthesis genes when given VOs. This transcriptome response difference was mirrored at the physiological level, with domesticated salmon having higher LC-PUFA levels but lower 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 levels. In line with this, the VO diet decreased growth rate in wild but not domesticated salmon. Our study revealed a clear impact of domestication on transcriptomic regulation linked to metabolism and suggests that unintentional selection in the domestic environment has resulted in evolution of stronger compensatory mechanisms to a diet low in LC-PUFAs.

Region-specific changes in the mRNA and protein expression of LCPUFA biosynthesis enzymes and transporters in the placentae of women with preeclampsia

The biosynthesis and transport of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) require the activity of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) enzymes, fatty acid transport proteins (FATP) and fatty acid binding proteins (FABP). In a previous study we have demonstrated region-specific changes in the LCPUFA levels in preeclampsia (PE) as compared to the normotensive control (NC) placentae. AimTo understand the region-specific changes in the mRNA levels and protein expression of biosynthesis enzymes and transporters of LCPUFA in PE and NC placentae. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 20 NC women and 44 women with PE (23 term (TPE) and 21 preterm PE (PTPE)) were recruited. The samples were collected from four regions of the placentae considering cord insertion as the center (CM, central maternal/basal; CF, central fetal/chorionic; PM, peripheral maternal/basal and PF, peripheral fetal/chorionic). The mRNA levels were estimated using qRT-PCR. Statistical analysis was done using both post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test and Benjamini Hochberg correction in the analysis of covariance. Preliminarily, localization and expression of proteins were studied by immunohistochemistry (n = 3/group). ResultsThe mRNA levels of FADS1, FADS2 and FATP1 were lower in the central regions (CM and CF) of the PE placentae (both TPE and PTPE) as compared to NC. These differences in the mRNA levels were observed by the LSD test and were not significant after the Benjamini Hochberg correction. Preliminary findings of IHC indicate that the protein expression of FADS1 and FATP4 was higher in the basal regions (CM and PM) of the PE placentae as compared to NC. FADS1, FADS2 and FATP4 proteins were localized in the syncytiotrophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells of the fetal capillaries and extravillous trophoblasts of the placenta. ConclusionFADS enzymes are detected in the placentae of Indian women. In PE placentae, there are region-specific alterations in the mRNA and protein levels of LCPUFA biosynthesis enzymes (FADS1 and FADS2) and transporters (FATP1, FATP4 and FABP3) as compared to term NC. These changes were more pronounced toward the basal side and region around the cord insertion.

High Variability in Erythrocyte, Plasma and Whole Blood EPA and DHA Levels in Response to Supplementation.

(1) Aim: the aim of this secondary analysis was to report the variability in response to n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) supplementation in erythrocytes, plasma and whole blood of a previously published dose response study. (2) Methods: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of parallel design was conducted, whereby pre-menopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 0.35, 0.7 or 1 g/day of supplemental eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fasted blood samples were taken at baseline and after eight weeks intervention. Erythrocyte, plasma and whole blood fatty acids were extracted using the method of Lepage and Roy and analysed using gas chromatography. (3) Results: There were significant increases in EPA plus DHA levels in the 0.7 g and 1 g dose groups, with the highest increase with the 1 g dose notably: in erythrocytes (from 5.69% to 7.59%), plasma (from 2.94% to 5.48%) and in whole blood (from 3.81% to 6.03%). There was high variability in response to the supplement in erythrocytes, plasma and whole blood across the different doses. (4) Conclusion: there is high individual variability in n-3 LCPUFA levels in response to n-3 LCPUFA supplementation, which should be taken into account in clinical trials using n-3 LCPUFA supplements.

Marine species as safe source of LC-PUFA and micronutrients: Insights in new promising marine food in Peru

Seafood could be a promising way to supplement healthy fatty acids and trace elements to the Peruvian diet. Seafood from northern Peru was characterized with the highest relative concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), while in the center region marine species had the lowest As and Pb contents. Peruvian marine species are rich in LC-PUFAs and micro-nutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn), including species considered as potentially edible (e.g. Cycloxanthops sexdecimdentatus), but also non-edible species (e.g. Caulerpa filiformis). Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider toxic metals, e.g. As and Cd, which could pose a risk for consumers. High levels of beneficial LC-PUFAs and micro-nutrients would be taken up (up to 80% of the recommended values) when the Peruvian population would consume the estimated safe amount of seafood. Scoring species for fatty acid and metal content resulted in gastropods (e.g. Bursa ventricosa) as being the least beneficial species.

Adequate n-3 LC-PUFA levels in broodstock diets optimize reproductive performance in GnRH injected greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) equaling to spontaneously spawning broodstock

Dietary lipids and fatty acids composition play an important role in the reproductive processes, embryo development and larval survival in marine fish. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are especially important for egg and larval quality. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary n-3 LC-PUFA levels on spawning performance and egg quality of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). Sixteen mature broodfish were distributed in four 40 m3 circular tanks and fed four diets containing different levels of n-3 LC-PUFA: diet D1 with 1% of the dry weight basis (dw), diet D2 with 1.7% dw, diet D3 with 2.3% dw and diet D4 with 3% dw. The fecundity was significantly higher (P < .05) in broodstock fed D2. Moreover, a higher fertilization rate (P < .05) was obtained from broodstock fed D2 (91.8 ± 3.1%) and D1 (86.3 ± 1.7%) in comparison to those fed D3 (69.0 ± 7.4%) and D4 (52.4 ± 10.6%). The same trend was found in egg viability at 24 h, hatching and larval survival rates, where highest (P < .05) when broodstock were fed D1 and D2. In addition, fertilization, hatching rates and larval survival at 1- and 3-days post-hatching showed a negative correlation with dietary n-3 LC-PUFA. The fatty acid composition of eggs showed marked differences, reflecting the influence of fatty acid profiles in the broodstock diets. Based on the overall results the recommended dietary n-3 LC-PUFA level for greater amberjack broodstock suggested is between 1 and 1.7% dw.

Impact of erythrocyte long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in early pregnancy on birth outcomes: findings from a Belgian cohort study.

To examine the association between maternal erythrocyte long-chain omega-3 PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA), measured in early pregnancy, and pregnancy and birth outcomes. One hundred and eight healthy women with a singleton pregnancy were included. Erythrocyte fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography. Gestational length, birth anthropometric measures, and pregnancy-associated complications were collected from hospital medical records. We observed significant positive associations between maternal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels (p = 0.024) and omega-3 index values (p = 0.021) and gestational length in adjusted linear regression models. Each point in maternal DHA level was associated with 2.19 days longer gestational duration (β = 2.19; 95% CI 0.29-4.09). No consistent associations were found between n-3 PUFA levels and composite pregnancy outcome. These findings suggest that the gestational length is positively affected by maternal n-3 LCPUFA status as soon as the early stages of pregnancy.

The influence of dietary fish oil replacement with mixture of vegetable oils on reproductive performance, immune responses and dynamic of fatty acids during embryogenesis in Oncorhynchus mykiss

A 90-day feeding trial was carried out to examine the influence of fish oil (FO) substitution with blends of vegetable oils (VOs) on reproductive efficiency of female brooders and fluctuation in fatty acid (FA) profile of embryos in Oncorhynchus mykiss. A basal diet was formulated in which 20% (80FO/20VO), 50% (50FO/50VO), 75% (25FO/75VO) and 100% (100VO) of FO were replaced by mixture of VO. Reproductive performance of brooders was not affected by drastic alternations in FA profile of diets. The level of saturated and monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) significantly increased, whereas the levels of long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs), mainly docosahexaenoic acid, profoundly decreased during embryogenesis. The concentrations of MUFA and n−6 PUFA increased in the eggs with increasing the incorporation of VO mixture in diets; however, the concentration of LC-PUFA and n−3/n−6 PUFA ratio decreased. Haematological parameters and humoral immune responses including total immunoglobulin content, lysozyme and alternative complement pathway activities in brooders fed with the experimental diets did not statically different. In summary, incorporating mixture of various VO sources especially linseed and sunflower oils as good sources of α-linolenic and linoleic acids, respectively, along with low levels of residual fat from fish meal in diet suggested a good strategy for providing the appropriate essential FA requirements of O. mykiss brooders for their successful reproduction.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of \u03945 and \u03946 desaturases impairs \u03948-desaturation and docosahexaenoic acid synthesis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

The in vivo functions of Atlantic salmon fatty acyl desaturases (fads2), Δ6fads2-a, Δ6fads2-b, Δ6fads2-c and Δ5fads2 in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) synthesis in salmon and fish in general remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigate in vivo functions and in vivo functional redundancy of salmon fads2 using two CRISPR-mediated partial knockout salmon, Δ6abc/5Mt with mutations in Δ6fads2-a, Δ6fads2-b, Δ6fads2-c and Δ5fads2, and Δ6bcMt with mutations in Δ6fads2-b and Δ6fads2-c. F0 fish displaying high degree of gene editing (50–100%) were fed low LC-PUFA and high LC-PUFA diets, the former containing reduced levels of eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3) acids but higher content of linoleic (18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3) acids, and the latter containing high levels of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 but reduced compositions of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. The Δ6abc/5Mt showed reduced 22:6n-3 levels and accumulated Δ6-desaturation substrates (18:2n-6, 18:3n-3) and Δ5-desaturation substrate (20:4n-3), demonstrating impaired 22:6n-3 synthesis compared to wildtypes (WT). Δ6bcMt showed no effect on Δ6-desaturation compared to WT, suggesting Δ6 Fads2-a as having the predominant Δ6-desaturation activity in salmon, at least in the tissues analyzed. Both Δ6abc/5Mt and Δ6bcMt demonstrated significant accumulation of Δ8-desaturation substrates (20:2n-6, 20:3n-3) when fed low LC-PUFA diet. Additionally, Δ6abc/5Mt demonstrated significant upregulation of the lipogenic transcription regulator, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (srebp-1) in liver and pyloric caeca under reduced dietary LC-PUFA. Our data suggest a combined effect of endogenous LC-PUFA synthesis and dietary LC-PUFA levels on srebp-1 expression which ultimately affects LC-PUFA synthesis in salmon. Our data also suggest Δ8-desaturation activities for salmon Δ6 Fads2 enzymes.

Associations of erythrocyte fatty acid compositions with FADS1 gene polymorphism in Japanese mothers and infants

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are involved in the fetal growth in utero, and are essential for the development of visual and cognitive functions during infancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of erythrocyte fatty acid compositions with FADS1 gene polymorphism in Japanese mothers and infants. The subjects were 383 mothers who participated in an adjunct birth cohort study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). In maternal FADS1 SNP genotypes, the precursor fatty acids composition of the Δ5 desaturase in the maternal blood showed significant differences in levels among the groups, and showed increasing values in the order of TT < TC < CC genotype groups. On the other hand, many product fatty acids levels were significantly reduced in the order of TT > TC > CC genotype groups, and DHA levels were significantly lower in the CC genotype group relative to the other groups. Likewise, the relationship between fetal genotype group and fatty acid composition in cord blood was very similar to the maternal relationship. These results indicate the maternal and fetal blood fatty acid compositions are strongly influenced by the FADS1 genotypes. With respect to the cord blood DHA composition, the levels in the fetal CC genotype group showed a trend toward lower values in the maternal CC genotype group pair (p = 0.066) compared to the maternal TC genotype group pair. However, in the fetal TT and TC genotype groups (p = 0.131, p = 0.729, respectively), the maternal genotype did not have a significant effect. The DHA composition was more influenced by the maternal genotype in the fetal CC genotype group than in the fetal TT and TC genotype groups. It was shown that DHA transport via the placenta from the mother might be promoted in the fetal CC genotype compared to the other fetal genotype groups. In conclusion, differences in the FADS1 SNP genotypes of pregnant women and their children may greatly affect the supply of LC-PUFAs. Further studies on the involvement of the FADS1 polymorphisms and the fetal LC-PUFA levels in the fetal growth and development are warranted.

Oxylipins and Free Fatty Acids in Parenteral Lipid Emulsions Currently Used in Preterm Infant Care: An In Vitro Study.

Lipid emulsions used to support nutrition in preterm infants contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) as a source of essential fatty acids; these LCPUFAs and their parent polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) can be oxidized by a variety of mechanisms to bioactive molecules called oxylipins, which are signaling molecules that initiate and/or resolve inflammation. The aim of this study was to explore levels of free LCPUFA and their related oxylipins in 3 commercially available lipid emulsions (Intralipid, SMOFlipid, and ClinOleic) using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy. Free LCPUFA were detected in all lipid emulsions tested. Seven, 8, and 9 different oxylipin compounds were detected in the 3 emulsions, respectively. The oxylipins detected were mainly derived from omega-6 PUFAs; these included 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid from linoleic acid and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid derived from arachidonic acid. It may be clinically important to know that oxylipins exist in lipid emulsions and to evaluate their potential effects on preterm infants.

Effects of LC-PUFA Supplementation in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials.

Evidence suggests a role of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), in which animal foods are especially rich, in optimal neural development. The LC-PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid, found in high concentrations in the brain and retina, have potential beneficial effects on cognition, and motor and visual functions. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism. The treatment of PKU consists of a phenylalanine-free diet, which limits the intake of natural proteins of high biological value. In this systematic review, we summarize the available evidence supporting a role for LC-PUFA supplementation as an effective means of increasing LC-PUFA levels and improving visual and neurocognitive functions in PKU patients. Data from controlled trials of children and adults (up to 47 years of age) were obtained by searching the MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. For each selected study, the risk of bias was assessed applying the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration. The findings indicate that DHA supplementation in PKU patients from 2 weeks to 47 years of age improves DHA status and decreases visual evoked potential P100 wave latency in PKU children from 1 to 11 years old. Neurocognitive data are inconclusive.

Short-term lecithin enrichments can enhance the phospholipid and DHA contents of the polar lipid fraction of Artemia nauplii

Wild copepods are the main natural diet of marine finfish and they meet the larvae's requirements in phospholipids and essential fatty acids (EFA). While Artemia nauplii are an easier and more reliable live feed to produce in hatcheries for marine fish larvae than wild zooplankton, enrichment products commercially used lack phospholipids and essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). This is particularly true for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within their polar lipid fraction (PLDHA), which is critical to the survival and good development of the larvae. In this study, we showed that it is possible to increase the levels of phospholipids and DHA within the PL fraction of Artemia nauplii using marine lecithin through a process referred to as “boosting”. A cheaper alternative to marine lecithin, soya lecithin, was also tested but resulted only in a significant increase of the phospholipid content of the nauplii with no positive effect on the essential LC-PUFA levels, due to the absence of LC-PUFA in the soya lecithin. This study also showed that the levels of PLDHA in the Artemia boosted with marine lecithin did not reflect the levels of PLDHA in the lecithin, highlighting there the complexity of the boosting process. Finally, chilling enriched Artemia nauplii at 5 °C for up to 10 h did not impact on their nutritional quality post-enrichment. Ultimately, this study proposes innovative and sound enrichment strategies to produce Artemia nauplii rich in EFA and/or PL, similarly to that of the wild copepods' lipid profile.

Essential fatty acid deficiency increases hepatic non-infectious granulomatosis incidence in meagre (Argyrosomus regius, Asso 1801) fingerlings

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is a promising new aquaculture species, however with some bottlenecks to high-scale commercial production. One of those constraints are the scarce information about its nutritional requirements, which difficult the production of optimized diets and can lead to pathological alterations in liver, such as hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, meagre production is widely affected by granulomatosis, an infectious or non-infectious disease that may compromise fish performance and appearance. The cause of non-infectious granulomatosis is still unclear, but nutritional deficiencies are potential explanations. Since essential fatty acids are nutrients required to sustain vital functions, growth, but also immune status and disease resistance, the present work evaluated, in a 30-day feeding trial, the effect of 5 dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid levels (0.8, 1.4, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.5% in dry weight of the diet) on liver health status of meagre fingerlings. Fish fed the lowest n-3 LC-PUFA diets (0.8 and 1.4%) showed a higher hepatosomatic index, as well as a higher hepatic lipid infiltration, which resulted in severe hepatic steatosis. Oleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were the most important fatty acids driving the variability of meagre hepatic fatty acid composition and, consequently, hepatic histological alterations. Although fatty acid composition of phospholipids was less affected by the dietary n-3 LC-PUFA, meagre fed 0.8% n-3 LC-PUFA tended to present lower levels of essential fatty acids and higher levels of oleic acid in polar lipids. Moreover, the diet with the lowest n-3 LC-PUFA content (0.8%) led to a higher incidence of hepatic granulomas, suggesting a possible relation between essential fatty acid deficiency and hepatic granulomatosis in meagre. These results suggest that the inclusion of vegetable oils in diets for meagre fingerlings should be taken with careful, guaranteeing that, at least, 2.0% DW of n-3 LC-PUFA is available in feeds, in order to maintain the normal hepatic function in meagre.

Non-dietary factors associated with n-3 long-chain PUFA levels in humans – a systematic literature review

Numerous health benefits are attributed to the n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA); EPA and DHA. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate factors, other than diet, that are associated with the n-3 LCPUFA levels. The inclusion criteria were papers written in English, carried out in adult non-pregnant humans, n-3 LCPUFA measured in blood or tissue, data from cross-sectional studies, or baseline data from intervention studies. The search revealed 5076 unique articles of which seventy were included in the qualitative synthesis. Three main groups of factors potentially associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels were identified: (1) unmodifiable factors (sex, genetics, age), (2) modifiable factors (body size, physical activity, alcohol, smoking) and (3) bioavailability factors (chemically bound form of supplements, krill oil v. fish oil, and conversion of plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) to n-3 LCPUFA). Results showed that factors positively associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels were age, female sex (women younger than 50 years), wine consumption and the TAG form. Factors negatively associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels were genetics, BMI (if erythrocyte EPA and DHA levels are &lt;5·6 %) and smoking. The evidence for girth, physical activity and krill oil v. fish oil associated with n-3 LCPUFA levels is inconclusive. There is also evidence that higher ALA consumption leads to increased levels of EPA but not DHA. In conclusion, sex, age, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking and the form of n-3 LCPUFA are all factors that need to be taken into account in n-3 LCPUFA research.

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on postnatal ileum development using the fat-1 transgenic mouse model.

BackgroundLong-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) play a critical role in neonatal health. We hypothesized that LCPUFAs play an essential role in priming postnatal gut development. We studied the effect of LCPUFAs on postnatal gut development using fat-1 transgenic mice, which are capable of converting n-6 to n-3 LCPUFAs, and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice.ResultsFat-1 mice, relative to WT mice, showed increased n-3 LCPUFAs levels (α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, p<0.05) and decreased arachidonic acid levels (p<0.05) in the ileum. Pre-weaning fat-1 mice, compared to WT, showed >50% reduced muc2, Tff3, TLR9 and Camp expression (p<0.05), markers of the innate immune response. There was a >2-fold increased expression of Fzd5 and EphB2, markers of cell differentiation (p<0.05), and Fabp2 and 6, regulators of fatty acid transport and metabolism (p<0.05). Despite reduced expression of tight junction genes, intestinal permeability in fat-1 was comparable to WT mice.ConclusionsOur data support the hypothesis that fatty acid profiles early in development modulate intestinal gene expression in formative domains such as cell differentiation, tight junctions, other innate host defenses, and lipid metabolism.

Nutritional Effects of Zinc on Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes: Mechanisms and Main Findings in Human Studies.

Zinc (Zn) plays crucial roles in mammalian metabolism. There is increasing interest about the potential beneficial effects of Zn on the prevention or treatment of non-communicable diseases. This review critically analyzes the information related to the role of Zn on the metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D), and summarizes the biological basis of these potential effects of Zn. There are several mechanisms by which Zn may help to prevent the development or progression of MetS and T2D, respectively. Zn is involved in both insulin secretion and action in peripheral tissues. Specifically, Zn has insulin-mimetic properties that increase the activity of the insulin signaling pathway. Zn modulates long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids levels through its action on the absorption of essential fatty acids in the intestine and its subsequent desaturation. Zn is also involved in both the assembly of chylomicrons and lipoproteins as well as their clearance, and thus, plays a role in lipolysis regulation. Finally, Zn has been found to play a role in redox metabolism, and in turn, on blood pressure. The evidence related to the association between Zn status and occurrence of MetS is inconsistent. Although there are several studies reporting an inverse relationship between Zn status or dietary Zn intake and MetS prevalence, others found a direct relationship between Zn status and MetS prevalence. Intervention studies also provide confusing information about this issue, making it hard to reach firm conclusions. Zn as part of the treatment for patients with T2D has been shown to have positive responses in terms of glucose control outcomes, but only among those with Zn deficiency.

Neurocognitive Functions in Infants with Malnutrition; Relation with Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Micronutrients Levels and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

PurposeMalnutrition may influence neurocognitive development in children by directly affecting the brain structural development, or indirectly by affecting the children's cognition experience. Malnutrition alters the cell numbers, cell migration, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmission due to inadequate availability of necessary micronutrients to support cell growth. We aimed to analyze neurocognitive development in infants with malnutrition and its association with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), micronutrients levels and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings.MethodsThe study included two groups; group 1, infants with malnutrition (n=24), group 2; healthy infants (n=21). Peripheral blood was obtained from the participants for studying micronutrients and LC-PUFA levels. The neurocognitive development was analyzed by the use of an Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory test. MRS were performed on all infants.ResultsAll parameters of neurocognitive development and serum calcium (9.6±0.9 mg/dL vs. 10.4±0.3 mg/dL, p<0.05) and magnesium (2.02±0.27 mg/dL vs. 2.2±0.14 mg/dL, p<0.05) levels were noted as being low in infants with marked malnutrition. No difference was found in LC-PUFA levels between healthy and malnourished infants. Thalamic choline/creatine levels were significantly high in infants with malnutrition (1.33±0.22 vs. 1.18±0.22, p<0.05). Total neurocognitive development in infants was positively correlated with serum calcium levels (p<0.05, r=0.381).ConclusionCalcium supplementation may improve neurocognitive development in malnourished infants.

Dietary fish oil and flaxseed for rabbit does: fatty acids distribution and Δ6-desaturase enzyme expression of different tissues

Standard feeds are imbalanced in term of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio, with a low proportion of the latter. The reproductive system appears to be strongly affected by administration of n-3 PUFA, and ingredients rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA; i.e. vegetable sources) or EPA and DHA acids (i.e. fish oil) can be included in animal diets to balance PUFA intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with flaxseed (ALA) or fish oil (EPA and DHA) on PUFA metabolism in rabbit does. A total of 60 New Zealand White female rabbits were assigned to three experimental groups: control group, FLAX group fed 10% extruded flaxseed and FISH group fed 3% fish oil. Blood, milk, liver and ovaries were collected from the does to assess the lipid composition; furthermore, FADS2 gene expression was assessed in liver and ovary tissues. Reproductive performance of does was also recorded. The fertility rate and number of weaned rabbits improved with n-3 dietary supplementation: does at first parity showed the lowest reproductive results, but the administration of n-3 reduced the gap between primiparous and multiparous does. Feed consumption and milk production were not affected by the feeding regime. The fatty acid composition of milk, plasma, liver and ovaries were widely influenced by diet, showing higher concentrations of n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCP) in does fed with n-3 enriched diets. FISH diet resulted in the highest n-3 LCP enrichment, whereas in the FLAX group, this increase was lower. Blood and milk showed low levels of LCP, whereas liver and ovaries were the main sites of n-3 LCP synthesis and accumulation. Accordingly, although the liver is the main metabolic centre for LCP synthesis, ovaries also have a prominent role in LCP generation. FADS2 expression in liver and ovary tissue was downregulated by FISH administration. In conclusion, the enrichment of diets with n-3 PUFA could be an effective strategy for improving the reproductive performance of does.

Dietary pattern regulates fatty acid desaturase 1 gene expression in Indian pregnant women to spare overall long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids levels.

The aim of this study was to determine if the dietary pattern of pregnant women has any compensatory effect on the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene expression, thus enhancing the conversion of precursors to long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) to spare the overall LCPUFA levels. The dietary intake of plant-based precursor polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influences circulating levels of LCPUFA. We hypothesized that low LCPUFA diets during pregnancy would compensate by higher expression of FADS genes to enhance the conversion of precursors to LCPUFA to spare the overall LCPUFA levels. Seventy-five pregnant women were enrolled during the last trimester of pregnancy based on the eligibility and exclusion criteria. Maternal LCPUFA in plasma, expression of FADS1 and FADS2 genes, FADS2 Indel genotype status and neonate birth weight were studied.In the vegetarian group (n = 25), plasma α-linolenic acid (ALA) but not linoleic acid (LA) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the non-vegetarian group (n = 50). No significant differences were found for arachidonic acid (AA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels. FADS1 expression was significantly higher in the vegetarian group compared to the non-vegetarian group. There was no significant difference in the birth weight of the neonates between two groups. No significant correlation was observed between FADS2 Indel genotype and birth weight. Our small sample size study demonstrated an increase FADS1expression during pregnancy in vegetarian pregnant women that may have contributed to the maintenance of AA, eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA levels thereby ensuring that the overall LCPUFA levels of the neonate is not compromised.

Are Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids the Link between the Immune System and the Microbiome towards Modulating Cancer?

Three recent studies revealed synergy between immune-checkpoint inhibitors and the microbiome as a new approach in the treatment of cancer. Incidentally, there has been significant progress in understanding the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in modulating cancer and the immune system, as well as in regulating the microbiome. Inflammation seems to be the common denominator among these seemingly unrelated biological entities—immune system, the microbiome, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). This commentary presents a hypothesis proposing the existence of an optimal level of LC-PUFAs that nurtures the suitable gut microbiota preventing dysbiosis. This synergy between optimal LC-PUFAs and gut microbiota helps the immune system overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment including enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. A model on how LC-PUFAs (such as omega(n)-3 and n-6 fatty acids) forms a synergistic triad with the immune system and the microbiome in regulating inflammation to maintain homeostasis is presented. The principles underlying the hypothesis provide a basis in managing and even preventing cancer and other chronic diseases associated with inflammation.