Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Dietary lipid constraints of Arthrospira platensis for survival and growth of Daphnia magna

ABSTRACT Arthrospira (previously Spirulina) is a filamentous cyanobacterium used as a dietary supplement for humans and animals because of its high protein content and the production of various bioactive compounds. However, this “superfood” is unsuitable as a sole resource for Daphnia magna, possibly because it lacks essential biochemicals. We explored possible lipid limitation of D. magna feeding on A. platensis by supplementing with cholesterol and/or the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Daphnids were reared on long-filament (untreated), or short-filament (fragmented) A. platensis supplemented with cholesterol- and/or EPA-containing liposomes. For comparison, daphnids were fed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (standard algal food). D. magna reared on cholesterol-supplemented A. platensis survived throughout the study period, grew well, and produced eggs better than those grown on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, whereas D. magna raised on A. platensis supplemented with EPA did not survive as long, demonstrating that sterol limitation is the primary factor explaining the inadequate quality of A. platensis as food for D. magna. The lipid analysis also showed that no sterol was detected in A. platensis, whereas ergosterol and fungisterol were found in C. reinhardtii. Supplementing A. platensis with both cholesterol and EPA enhanced growth and reproduction, implying that A. platensis also has dietary PUFA limitations, which is important once sterol requirements are met. Because sterol limitation has serious consequences on zooplankton life history performance, incorporating dietary lipid limitation as a potential barrier for energy and carbon flow is crucial to enhance our understanding of food web dynamics and ecosystem functioning.

New anchovy burgers: a sustainable and nutritious alternative to red meat in fast food

Abstract This study presents an innovative anchovy burger formulation optimized using response surface methodology and Ideal Profile method. The objective is to create a nutritious, appealing, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional red meat burgers. The research utilized a two-tiered experimental approach: an initial screening using Plackett-Burman Design to evaluate the impact of various ingredients on cooking yield, texture, and moisture retention, followed by an optimization phase employing a Central Composite Design. Key findings revealed that oat fiber and potato flakes significantly enhance the burger’s cooking yield and sensory characteristics. The optimized formulation, comprising 4% oat fibers and 4% potato flakes, exhibited superior texture and consumer preference. Nutritional analysis demonstrates that the optimized anchovy burger outperforms conventional beef and popular fast food chain burgers in terms of protein content and dietary fibers, while also being a rich source of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. This research contributes to the fast-food industry by offering a product that meets sensory and nutritional requirements while also promoting sustainability. The findings lay a foundation for future studies to further explore the interplay of sensory attributes and consumer preferences, potentially guiding the development of innovative and sustainable fast-food products. Graphical Abstract

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Painful Temporomandibular Disorder in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Omega-6 and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play opposing roles in inflammation, anxiety, and nociception, all of which are closely associated with chronic pain. We hypothesized that diets high in omega-6 arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, AA) and low in combined omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) would be associated with higher odds of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). We analyzed baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Two 24-hr dietary recall surveys quantified intake of long-chain omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs along with their precursors, linoleic acid (C18:2n-6, LA) and alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n-3, ALA) respectively. Omega-3 PUFAs supplementation was quantified. Interviewer-administered questions assessed TMD. Survey multiple logistic regression estimated covariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence limits (CL) for associations between PUFAs and TMD. From 2008-2011, HCHS/SOL recruited 16,415 adults of Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Central/South American), through field centers located in Miami, FL; San Diego CA; Chicago, IL; and the Bronx, NY. 13,870 participants with non-missing data. In analysis adjusted for covariates, each standard deviation increase in dietary intake of C20:4n-6, AA was associated with 12% higher odds of TMD (OR=1.12, CL:1.01, 1.24). Although the dietary intake of combined long-chain C20:5n-3, EPA and C22:6n-3 DHA was not associated with TMD, each standard deviation increase in omega-3 dietary supplement was associated with lower odds of TMD. A diet rich in C20:4n-6, AA was associated with higher odds of painful TMD.

A review on lipid inclusion in preterm formula: Characteristics, nutritional support, challenges, and future perspectives.

The lack of nutrient accumulation during the last trimester and the physiological immaturity at birth make nutrition for preterm infants a significant challenge. Lipids are essential for preterm infant growth, neurodevelopment, immune function, and intestinal health. However, the inclusion of novel lipids in preterm formulas has rarely been discussed. This study discusses specific lipid recommendations for preterm infants according to authoritative legislation based on their physiological characteristics. The gaps in lipid composition, such as fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and complex lipids, between preterm formulas and human milk have been summarized. The focus of this study is mainly on the vital roles of lipids in nutritional support, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, structural lipids, milk fat global membrane ingredients, and other minor components. These lipids have potential applications in preterm formulas for improving lipid absorption, regulating lipid metabolism, and protecting against intestinal inflammation. The lipidome and microbiome can be used to provide adequately powered evidence of the effects of lipids. This study proposes nutritional strategies for preterm infants and suggests approaches to enhance their lipid quality in preterm formula.

Modulatory effect of Echium plantagineum oil on the n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity of chicken (Gallus gallus).

Poultry can be a sustainable source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) through the bioconversion of dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3). However, this process is currently limited by the high n-6/n-3 ratio in poultry diets affecting the competition between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) for the same biosynthetic enzymes, and the rate-limiting Δ6 desaturase which act at both, the first and final steps of DHA synthesis pathway. Echium plantagineum oil (EO) is an unusual source of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) which bypasses the first Δ6 desaturase step potentially increasing n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) synthesis. To explore this hypothesis, 60 Canarian male chickens at 18 weeks of age were divided into three groups and fed diets differing only in their FA formulation: soy oil (SO) rich in linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6); linseed oil (LO) rich in ALA; and EO, a balanced LA/ALA oil also rich in SDA and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6). The dietary treatments did not affect the total lipid (TL) content (p>0.05) and did not substantially vary the lipid class (LC) profiles in the brain, liver, intestine, and muscle tissues. However, the inclusion of LO and EO equally increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels in the brain, liver, and intestine compared to animals fed with SO (p<0.05). Moreover, EO increased hepatic relative expressions of the fatty acid elongases (elovl2 and elovl5). Consequently, and in alignment with our hypothesis, EO was more effective than LO in enriching chicken thigh meat with n-3 LC-PUFA (6.0 vs 4.2%; p<0.05). We concluded that lowering the dietary LA/ALA ratio and increasing the SDA content in poultry diets enhance the potential of chicken metabolism for enriching poultry products with n-3 LC-PUFA. Emerging evidence suggest that local plants like those including in Echium genus, rich in SDA and with a balanced LA/ALA ratio, could offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional ALA sources in poultry production.

Molecular pathological characteristics and mechanisms of the liver in metabolic disease-susceptible transgenic pigs.

This study aimed to explore the molecular pathological mechanisms of the liver in metabolic disease-susceptible transgenic pigs via multiomics analysis. The triple-transgenic (PNPLA3I148M-GIPRdn-hIAPP) pig model (TG pig) was successfully constructed in our laboratory via the CRISPR/Cas9 technique previously described. Wild-type (WT) pigs and TG pigs after 2 or 12months of high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHSD) induction (WT2, TG2, WT12, and TG12 groups, respectively) were used as materials. The transcriptome, metabolome, and lipidome were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the liver in pigs. The TG2 pigs presented mild metaflammation and insulin resistance (IR) which was similar to WT12 pigs. Compared with the other three groups, the TG12 pigs presented severe hepatocyte ballooning, fat deposition, and portal area fibrosis. The transcriptome data suggested that the TG2 pigs presented upregulated gene expression in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The TG12 pigs presented more severe metaflammation and exhibited imbalanced glycolipid metabolism. Interestingly, genes such as ETNPPL, GABBR2, and BMP8B might be key regulatory targets for liver injury. The metabolome and lipidome suggested that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and phospholipids with corresponding LCPUFAs were remodelled. Importantly, bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphates (BMPs) and sulfatides (SLs) could be the key regulatory metabolites in liver injury. ETNPPL, GABBR2, and BMP8B might be potential therapeutic targets for liver injury. BMPs and SLs might be biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.

Transcriptomic Signature of Lipid Production in Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20

Aurantiochytrium not only excels in producing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid for humans, but it is also a source of essential fatty acids with minimal impacts on wild fisheries and is vital in the transfer of atmospheric carbon to oceanic carbon sinks and cycles. This study aims to unveil the systems biology of lipid production in the Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20 by comparing the transcriptomic profiles under optimal growth conditions with increased fatty acid production from the early (Day 1) to late exponential growth phase (Day 3). Particular attention was paid to 227 manually annotated genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as FAS (fatty acid synthetase) and subunits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) synthase. PCA analysis showed that differentially expressed genes, related to lipid metabolism, efficiently discriminated Day 3 samples from Day 1, highlighting the key robustness of the developed lipid-biosynthesis signature. Highly significant (pFDR < 0.01) upregulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase subunit B (PFAB) involved in fatty acid synthesis, lipid droplet protein (TLDP) involved in TAG-synthesis, and phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM-2) involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were observed. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted significant enrichment of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (pFDR < 0.01) and carbon metabolism pathways (pFDR < 0.01). This study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional landscape of Australian Aurantiochytrium sp. TC20 in the process of fatty acid production.

The Diet Quality of Ultramarathon Runners Taking Part in an Australian Event: A Cross-Sectional Explorative Study

Background/Objectives: Ultramarathon runners exceed the physical activity guidelines and in doing so are constantly exposed to physical and metabolic demands, requiring strategic dietary practices to support training, performance, and recovery. This study aimed to assess the diet quality and nutrient intake in runners enrolled in an Australian-based ultramarathon. Methods: A 3-day food diary was collected using the Australian smartphone application ‘Easy Diet Diary’ during both peak and taper periods. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were analysed using the AUSNUT 2011–2013 food composition database within the Foodworks professional software, and diet quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index for Australians (HEIFA-2013). Results: A total of 26 runners participated in the study. The results revealed that, although runners met or exceeded protein recommendations, their carbohydrate intake fell short of endurance-specific guidelines, whilst total dietary fat intake exceeded recommendations (excluding long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids). Diet quality scores averaged 63.1 out of 100, reflecting moderate alignment with dietary recommendations. Fruit, vegetable, and wholegrain food groups were inadequately consumed. Conclusions: The findings indicate that ultramarathon runners who easily exceed physical activity recommendations, may paradoxically consume suboptimal diets, characterized by insufficient intake of core food groups such as whole grains and fruits, alongside excessive consumption of discretionary items. This dietary pattern may not only elevate their risk of chronic disease but also impair optimal performance by compromising recovery and adaptation to training. Further research is warranted to better understand the dietary behaviors and nutritional needs of this population.

Abundance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) is determined by diet rather than biosynthesis.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) exhibits a remarkable phenotypic plasticity by occupying both marine and freshwater habitats and transitional areas in between. Because these habitats are characterized by different food sources with different fatty acid compositions, it remains unclear how eels from different habitats obtain essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) to integrate in their lipids. We studied whether the fatty acid composition of eels in three different habitats, that is, a marine lagoon, an estuary, and a river, could be related to the expression levels of genes involved in the LC-PUFA pathways. In general, there were no significant differences in gene expression between eels from marine and freshwater habitats; gene expression in marine and freshwater specimens significantly differed from eels caught in the estuary. However, levels of essential LC-PUFAs and fatty acid ratio markers differed significantly between eels from the river and the marine lagoon. Therefore, we conclude that the LC-PUFA composition of the European eel is likely defined by their food intake from the local environment they are living in and potentially affected by the prevailing conditions, such as food availability, temperature, and salinity.

Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid as a Promising Inducer of Ferroptosis: Dynamics of Action in Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Models.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death (PCD) associated with lipid membrane peroxidation. It has gained attention in cancer research because some tumor cells that are resistant to other forms of PCD are sensitive to ferroptosis. Despite the significant amount of research on ferroptosis, the list of known inducers remains limited, creating opportunities to discover new compounds with clinical potential. Recent studies have shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can function as ferroptosis inducers. In this study, we examined the kinetics of ferroptosis in prostate and colorectal cancer cells under the influence of erastin and DHA. Differences in the kinetics and mechanisms of action were observed. Moreover, cells resistant to erastin were found to be sensitive to DHA, confirming the potential of further research into its use as an anticancer agent.

P0143 Isotretinoin treatment protects against Crohn’s disease development and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive experimental enteritis

Abstract Background The rising incidence of Crohn’s disease (CD) is paralleled by a Westernization of diet including an increased consumption of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Previous research demonstrated that PUFA consumption is positively correlated with clinical disease activity in CD patients1 and mice lacking antioxidant GPX4 in their intestinal epithelial cells develop CD like enteritis when fed a PUFA enriched Western diet2. In this study we investigated whether blocking PUFA signalling through the PUFA receptor RXRα could alleviate experimental enteritis and provide protection against CD development in a Western cohort. Methods We generated mice lacking GPX4 (Gpx4ΔPC) specifically in Paneth cells, fed them a PUFA enriched Western-style diet (PUFA-WD) to induce experimental enteritis and treated them with 9-cis retinoic acid, administered by oral gavage. MODE-K cells (murine IECs) were subjected to GPX4 and RXRα silencing using siRNA and then stimulated with PUFA, 9-cis retinoic acid or isotretinoin (which is partly metabolised to 9-cis retinoic acid3). Cytokine expression was measured using ELISA. Additionally, we conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records via TriNetX4 to evaluate how isotretinoin treatment in US acne patients influences the likelihood of CD development later in life. Results After one month of PUFA-WD feeding, Gpx4ΔPC mice developed CD-like enteritis which was significantly ameliorated when treated with 9-cis retinoic acid during the last 3 days of the experiment. In GPX4 deficient IECs, PUFA induced expression of the neutrophil attracting chemokine CXCL1 was suppressed by RXRα silencing and dose dependently reduced by treatment with the RXRα modulators 9-cis retinoic acid or isotretinoin. This indicates a competitive interaction between PUFA and these modulators for RXRα binding, leading to cytokine production. 85,338 acne patients treated with isotretinoin were compared to 85,259 age and sex matched isotretinoin-untreated acne patients. We analysed outcomes for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease within 1 year in these two cohorts. Isotretinoin therapy was significantly associated with protection from Crohn’s disease (OR 0,641, 95% CI (0.509, 0.806)), but not from ulcerative colitis (OR 0.981, 95% CI (0.789, 1.219)). Conclusion Our findings reveal that PUFA-induced cytokine production mediated by RXRα plays a key role in the development of diet-induced gut inflammation. This process can be mitigated through the use of RXRα modulators, including isotretinoin. Additionally, isotretinoin use is associated with a reduced risk of Crohn’s disease development in US acne patients.

Light-dependent variations in fatty acid profiles and gene expression in Antarctic microalgal cultures.

Photosynthetic eukaryotic microalgae are key primary producers in the Antarctic sea ice environment. Anticipated changes in sea ice thickness and snow load due to climate change may cause substantial shifts in available light to these ice-associated organisms. This study used a laboratory-based experiment to investigate how light levels, simulating different sea ice and snow thicknesses, affect fatty acid (FA) composition in two ice associated microalgae species, the pennate diatom Nitzschia cf. biundulata and the dinoflagellate Polarella glacialis. FA profiling and transcriptomic analyses were used to compare the impact of three light levels: High (baseline culturing conditions 90 ± 1 μmol photons m-2 s-1), mid (10 ± 1 μmol photons m-2 s-1); and low (1.5 ± 1 μmol photons m-2 s-1) on each isolate. Both microalgal isolates had altered growth rates and shifts in FA composition under different light conditions. Nitzschia cf. biundulata exhibited significant changes in specific saturated and monounsaturated FAs, with a notable increase in energy storage-related FAs under conditions emulating thinner ice or reduced snow cover. Polarella glacialis significantly increased production of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) in mid light conditions, particularly octadecapentaenoic acid (C18:5N-3), indicating enhanced membrane fluidity and synthesis of longer-chain PUFAs. Notably, C18:5N-3 has been identified as an ichthyotoxic molecule, with fish mortalities associated with other high producing marine taxa. High light levels caused down regulation of photosynthetic genes in N. cf. biundulata isolates and up-regulation in P. glacialis isolates. This and the FA composition changes show the variability of acclimation strategies for different taxonomic groups, providing insights into the responses of microalgae to light stress. This variability could impact polar food webs under climate change, particularly through changes in macronutrient availability to higher trophic levels due to species specific acclimation responses. Further research on the broader microalgal community is needed to clarify the extent of these effects.

International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) presents this position based on a critical examination of the literature surrounding the effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation on exercise performance, recovery, and brain health. This position stand is intended to provide a scientific foundation for athletes, dietitians, trainers, and other practitioners regarding the effects of supplemental ω-3 PUFA in healthy and athletic populations. The following conclusions represent the official position of the ISSN: Athletes may be at a higher risk for ω-3 PUFA insufficiency.Diets rich in ω-3 PUFA, including supplements, are effective strategies for increasing ω-3 PUFA levels.ω-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been shown to enhance endurance capacity and cardiovascular function during aerobic-type exercise.ω-3 PUFA supplementation may not confer a muscle hypertrophic benefit in young adults.ω-3 PUFA supplementation in combination with resistance training may improve strength in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.ω-3 PUFA supplementation may decrease subjective measures of muscle soreness following intense exercise.ω-3 PUFA supplementation can positively affect various immune cell responses in athletic populations.Prophylactic ω-3 PUFA supplementation may offer neuroprotective benefits in athletes exposed to repeated head impacts.ω-3 PUFA supplementation is associated with improved sleep quality.ω-3 PUFA are classified as prebiotics; however, studies on the gut microbiome and gut health in athletes are currently lacking.

Prospective Cohort Study Investigating Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Chronic Lung Disease in Preterm Infants.

Chronic lung disease (CLD) is a complication of prematurity. Studies examining the effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on CLD are conflicting. This study investigated LC-PUFAs in the red blood cell membrane (RBCM) in preterm infants. This prospective observational study included infants with gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <2 kg and at least one LC-PUFA measurement in the first month of life. Subjects without CLD (CON group) were compared with those with CLD (CLD group) and then by CLD severity. Seventy infants were included (CON n = 29; CLD n = 41). Twenty-six infants had Grade 1 CLD; 12 had Grade 2 CLD; 3 had Grade 3 CLD. When the CLD group was compared with the CON group, the overall mean (95% confidence interval) RBCM% for linoleic acid (LA) was similar (CLD vs. CON 12.5% [11.7-13.4%] vs. 11.2% [10.2-12.3%], p = 0.06) but the overall mean arachidonic acid (ARA) was lower (17.6% [17.1-18.0%] vs. 18.6% [18.1-19.2%], p < 0.01). During weeks 1 to 4, LA% was similar, while ARA% was lower in weeks 2 and 3 (18.8 ± 2.2% vs. 20.0 ± 1.5%, p = 0.05, 16.8 ± 2.0% vs. 18.3 ± 1.6%, p = 0.01). A similar trend was noted when groups were compared by CLD severity. The CLD group had a higher overall mean α-linolenic acid (ALA) compared with the CON group (0.4% [0.3-0.4%] vs. 0.2% [0.2-0.3%], p < 0.01) but no difference in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 3.8% [3.4-4.1%] vs. 3.8% [3.4-4.3%], p = 0.80). During weeks 1 to 4, ALA% was higher during week 1 only (0.4 ± 0.3% vs. 0.2 ± 0.1%, p < 0.01), and DHA% was similar for weeks 1 to 4. Results were similar when groups were compared by CLD severity. In this study, low ARA status was associated with CLD. · In this study, infants with CLD had a similar RBCM% of LA, but a lower percentage of its downstream LC-PUFA, ARA, compared with infants without CLD.. · In this study, infants with CLD had a higher RBCM% of α-linolenic acid, but a similar percentage of its downstream LC-PUFA, DHA, compared with infants without CLD.. · In this study, these trends were similiar when groups were compared by CLD severity..

Impact of Omega-3 Enriched Lipid Emulsions on Retinopathy of Prematurity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

To assess the effects of ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA)-enriched lipid emulsions (SMOFlipid) vs. traditional soybean oil-based lipid emulsions (Intralipid) on the occurrence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with very low birth weight (VLBW). In this retrospective cohort study, 301 VLBW infants who received either SMOFlipid or Intralipid for a minimum of 14 d were included. The main outcome measured was the frequency and severity of ROP, with secondary outcomes covering other complications associated with preterm birth. Of the infants studied, 180 were administered SMOFlipid, while 121 received Intralipid. The incidence of ROP was notably lower in the SMOFlipid group (32.8% vs. 45.5%; RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.94; P = 0.026). Additionally, the occurrence of severe ROP was reduced by 66.06% in infants given SMOFlipid (5.6% vs. 16.5%; RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.13-0.66; P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression suggested that using SMOFlipid was linked to a reduced risk of both ROP (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.24-0.82; P = 0.010) and severe ROP (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.03-0.30; P < 0.001). There were no considerable differences noted in other complications associated with preterm birth between the two groups. Compared to Intralipid, SMOFlipid treatment reduced both the risk and severity of ROP. Parenteral supplementation with fish oil-containing emulsions might offer a novel approach to lowering the incidence and severity of ROP in VLBW infants.

Maternal Omega-6/Omega-3 Concentration Ratio During Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopment: The ECLIPSES Study.

The balance of omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) is crucial for proper brain function as they have opposite physiological roles. To analyze the association between maternal serum ratios of n-6/n-3 in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and the neurodevelopment of their children in the early days after birth in the population of Northern Spain's Mediterranean region. Longitudinal study in which 336 mother-child pairs participated. Mother serum concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA) were determined. Sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle habits, and obstetrical variables were collected. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) was used to assess infant neurodevelopment. Multiple linear regression models adjusting for confounding factors were performed. In the third trimester, a higher maternal n-6/n-3 ratio was negatively associated with infant motor development (β = -0.124, p = 0.023). Similarly, higher ARA/DHA ratios were negatively associated with total motor (β = -2.005, p = 0.002) and fine motor development (β = -0.389, p = 0.001). No significant associations were observed in the first trimester nor for the ARA/EPA ratio in the third trimester. Our findings indicate that an elevated n-6/n-3 ratio and ARA/DHA ratio in the third trimester of pregnancy are associated with poorer motor development outcomes in infants. These results highlight the importance of optimizing maternal fatty acid balance during pregnancy to support fetal neurodevelopment, suggesting a need for further research to verify these associations and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Roles and therapeutic opportunities of ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in lung cancer.

Over the past decades, researchers have continuously investigated the potential functions of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in cancers, including lung cancer. The ω-3 LCPUFAs, primarily consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were found to modify inflammatory tumor microenvironment, induce cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy, and suppress tumor development when administered alone or with other therapeutical strategies. Although the precise anti-tumor mechanism has not been elucidated yet, ω-3 LCPUFAs are often used in the nutritional treatment of patients with cancer due to their ability to significantly improve patient's nutritional status, increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to treatments, and alleviate cancer-related complications. Here we present the key roles of ω-3 LCPUFAs as dietary supplementations in lung cancer, comprehensively review the recent progress on the underlying mechanisms of cancer cell regulation by ω-3 LCPUFAs, and introduce the application of ω-3 LCPUFAs in the clinical management of lung cancer and its malignant complications.

Determinants of maternal and infant omega-3 status at 3 months postpartum: findings from the APrON longitudinal cohort study.

Omega-3 long-chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are important dietary components for maternal and infant health during pregnancy and lactation. This study investigated determinants of maternal and infant LCPUFAs status at 3 mo postpartum and the relationship between maternal serum, maternal milk, and infant LCPUFAs. This cross-sectional study included mothers (n = 1481) and their offspring (n = 526) at 3 mo postpartum from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort. Maternal dietary intake (24-h recall), blood samples from mothers and infants, and maternal milk were collected. Fatty acid composition (relative % of total fatty acids) was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Linear regression analyses explored associations between diet, sociodemographic factors, and fatty acid status. In a multivariable-adjusted analysis, maternal total dietary intake (supplement + food) was positively associated with the percentage of DHA (standardized ß [Sβ] = 0.158; ß = 0.394; 95% [confidence interval] CI: 0.192, 0.558; P < 0.001) in maternal serum phospholipids. Similar associations were found for DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid in maternal milk and plasma phospholipids of infants. Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was negatively associated with DHA (Sß = -0.073; ß = -0.003; 95% CI: -0.006, -0.001; P = 0.008) and positively associated with total saturated fatty acids (Sß = 0.086; ß = 0.111; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.180; P = 0.002) in maternal milk. Infants receiving formula combination with maternal milk had lower percentage of DHA (Sß = -0.177; ß = -0.390; 95% CI: -0.604, -0.175; P < 0.001) and arachidonic acid (Sß = -0.106; ß = -0.595; 95% CI: -1.122, -0.067; P = 0.027) in their plasma phospholipids compared with those who fed exclusively maternal milk. Maternal total dietary intake and prepregnancy BMI are independently associated with their serum fatty acid status during lactation, whereas maternal diet, milk fatty acid composition, and lactation status are important determinants of infant n-3 LCPUFAs fatty acid status. Future research should investigate the impact of these differences in fatty acid status on infant health outcomes.

Enzymes enabling the biosynthesis of various C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids in a sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus.

Sea urchins, integral to marine ecosystems and valued as a delicacy in Asia and Europe, contain physiologically important long-chain (>C20) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in their gonads, including arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and unusual non-methylene-interrupted fatty acids (NMI-FA) such as 20:2Δ5,11. Although these fatty acids may partially be derived from their diet, such as macroalgae, the present study on Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus has uncovered multiple genes encoding enzymes involved in long-chain PUFA biosynthesis. Specifically, 3 fatty acid desaturases (FadsA, FadsC1 and FadsC2) and 13 elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids proteins (Elovl-like, Elovl1/7-like, Elovl2/5-like, Elovl4-like, Elovl8-like and Elovl6-like A-H) were identified in their genome and transcriptomes. Functional analysis showed that FadsA and FadsC2 function as a Δ5 desaturase and a Δ8 desaturase, respectively, enabling the conversion of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 into ARA and EPA, respectively, along with Elovl, particularly Elovl6-like C. Elovl6-like C demonstrates elongase activity towards both C18 PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acids. Consequently, FadsA and Elovl6-like C enable the synthesis of several NMI-FA, including 20:2Δ5,11 and 20:3Δ5,11,14, from C18 precursors. This indicates that H. pulcherrimus can endogenously synthesize a wide variety of C20 PUFA and NMI-FA, highlighting active biosynthesis pathways within sea urchins.

Dietary DHA Regulated the Androgen Production in Male Chinese Tongue Sole Cynoglossus semilaevis

Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) play key roles in sex steroid hormone synthesis in fish. Regarding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), currently the regulating effects were mostly evaluated in female fish rather than males. This study aimed to investigate the DHA effects on the sex steroid hormone production in male Chinese tongue sole. Three experimental diets were prepared, containing different DHA levels: a control (C) group (5.16% DHA of total fatty acids [TFA]), a low DHA group (DHA‐L, 8.93%), and a high DHA group (DHA‐H, 16.47%). A 58‐day feeding experiment was conducted, and each diet was fed to triplicate tanks of fish. Additionally, an in vitro study with Leydig’s cells of this species was conducted to validate the in vivo results. The concentration of testosterone (T) and 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) in the serum increased with increasing levels of dietary DHA. Dietary DHA significantly upregulated the expression of steroid hormone biosynthetic genes p450c17, hsd17b1, hsd3b1, aromatase, hsd11b2, and p45011b in the testis. The protein expression of Hsd17b1 in the testis of the DHA‐H group was significantly higher compared to the other two groups, while the expression level of P450c17 showed an increasing trend with increasing dietary DHA levels. However, the in vitro results confirmed that the final concentration of DHA at 50 μmol/L could significantly increase the gene expression of p450c17 in Leydig’s cells. In conclusion, dietary DHA may promote the synthesis of T and 11‐KT through the regulation of protein (Hsd17b1 and P450c17) and gene (p450c17, hsd17b1, hsd3b1, aromatase, hsd11b2, and p45011b) expression of a series of key steroid hormone biosynthetic enzymes in male Chinese tongue sole.