Lower Arachidonic Acid Research Articles

Docosahexaenoic Acid in Breast Milk Reflects Maternal Fish Intake in Iranian Mothers

To estimate essential fatty acid (FA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) concentrations in early breast milk (BM) in relation to habitual fish intake. BM was collected within 72-hours after delivery from consecutively included mothers, 60 in Guilan (coastal) and 60 in Kermanshah (inland) provinces. Mothers were interviewed to com-plete a food frequency questionnaire. The FA composition was measured with gas chromatography. Mothers in the coastal area had higher intake of fish/seafood. Consumption of saturated fat was higher in Kermanshah and olive intake was higher in Guilan. High fish/seafood intake was associated with higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and lower arachidonic acid (AA)/DHA ratio in BM. There were no differences in linoleic and α-linolenic acid concentrations in BM between the provinces. N-3 FA and DHA concentration were significantly higher in Guilan than Kermanshah, but total n-6 FAs and AA did not differ and were high in both provinces. The ratios of total n-6/n-3 and AA/DHA in BM of mothers from Guilan were significantly lower than those in Kermanshah. The LCPUFA status in BM in two Iranian provinces was generally good and DHA was higher and the AA/DHA was significantly lower in mothers with high fish intake.

Vitamin E Deficiency Decreases Long-Chain PUFA in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

α-Tocopherol is a required, lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects PUFA. We hypothesized that α-Tocopherol deficiency in zebrafish compromises PUFA status. Zebrafish were fed for 1 y either an α-Tocopherol-sufficient (E+; 500 mg α-Tocopherol/kg) or -deficient (E-; 1.1 mg α-Tocopherol/kg) diet containing a-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic (LA) acids but without arachidonic acid (ARA), EPA, or DHA. Vitamin E deficiency in zebrafish decreased by ~20% (n-6) (P <0.05) and (n-3) (P <0.05) PUFA and increased the (n-6):(n-3) PUFA ratio (P <0.05). In E-compared to E+females, long chain-PUFA status was impaired, as assessed by a ~60% lower DHA:ALA ratio (P <0.05) and a ~50% lower ARA:LA ratio (P <0.05).fads2(P <0.05) and elovl2(P <0.05) mRNA expression was doubled in E-compared to E+fish. Thus, inadequate vitamin E status led to a depletion of PUFA that may be a result of either or both increased lipid peroxidtion and an impaired ability to synthesize sufficient PUFA, especially (n-3) PUFA.

First Report of Transheterozygosity in a Patient with An Inherited Platelet Bleeding Disorder Due to Mutations in the Thromboxane A2 Receptor (TBXA2R) and cyclooxygenase1 (PTGS1),

Abstract 3260Platelet aggregation by thromboxane (TBXA2) stimulation of its G protein-coupled receptor TXA2R is initiated after conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) into prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) by cyclooxygenase1 (PTGS1) and subsequently by conversion of PGH2 into TXA2 by thromboxane synthase (TBXAS1). Hirata et al (JCI, 1994) reported the first TBXA2R mutation that resulted in reduced platelet responses to U46619 and low AA concentrations in subjects with a heterozygous R60L mutation. This functional defect in combination with mild clinical bleeding problems was only described for the one patient that was homozygous for this mutation. A second TBXA2 patient with an obvious bleeding diathesis carried a heterozygous D304N mutation but it was reported that this variant by itself could not explain the bleeding phenotype as other family members heterozygous for D304N presented with abnormal aggregation responses but no bleeding problems (Mumford, Blood, 2010). Functional SNPs in PTGS1 were described in pharmacogenetic studies including the L237M variant with 50% reduced COX1 metabolic activity but its effect on platelet function was not studied (Lee CR, Pharmacogenet Genomics, 2007).We here describe a 6-year old patient with ecchymosis, easy bruising and important post-traumatic bleeding complications after adenotonsillectomy and circumcision. The boy presents with normal coagulation parameters, normal platelet count and MPV, structurally normal platelets, normal ATP secretion by collagen, and the PFA100 closure time was normal for Col/Epi and mildly prolonged for Col/ADP. Platelet aggregation studies further showed an absent response to 1 mM AA as determined on different occasions, a reduced but not absent response to U46619 and a normal activation with ADP, ristocetin and Horm collagen. His parents and sister presented with increased sensitivity for ecchymoses but none had severe clinical bleeding problems and their platelets showed normal aggregation responses except for the father and sister with a reduced though not absent response to AA. Thromboxane B2 formation was determined and found to be normal in basal (plasma) and maximal stimulated (serum) conditions. In contrast, TXB2 levels were decreased after activation with U46619 for the patient but also for the father and sister compared to the control or mother. Activation with AA also resulted in reduced TXB2 levels for the patient and mildly reduced levels for all other family member compared to controls. This strongly suggests the presence of an autosomal recessive disorder. The TBXAS1, PTGS1 and TBXA2R genes were sequenced for the patient and we identified two heterozygous mutations in separate genes being R60H in TXBA2R and the functional L237M variant in PTGS1. Interestingly, his mother carried the L237M variant while R60H was present in father and sister with similar functional platelet defects as earlier described for the other heterogenous TBXA2R mutations but no clinical bleeding symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first case of transheterozygosity for mutations explaining an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder. We hypothesize that this pattern of inheritance might be more common than expected and therefore this possibility should be taken into account when analyzing patients in the future using exome or genome wide sequencing platforms. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Unexpected depletion of plasma arachidonate and total protein in cats fed a low arachidonic acid diet due to peroxidation

An opportunity to investigate a low-arachidonic acid (AA) feline diet possibly related to elevated peroxide value (PV) during storage on plasma phospholipid (PL) and reproductive tissue fatty acid (FA) profiles presented itself in the present study. Cats (nine animals per group) had been fed one of three dry extruded, complete and balanced diets for 300 d before spaying. The diets contained adequate AA (0.3 g/kg), similar concentration of antioxidants and were stored at ambient temperature, but differed in FA composition. The diets were designated as follows: diet A (high linoleic acid), diet B (high γ-linolenic acid) and diet C (adequate linoleic acid). Diet samples that were obtained the week before spaying revealed an elevated PV of diet A v. diets B and C (135 v. 5.80 and 2.12 meq/kg fat, respectively). Records revealed decreased food consumption of diet A cats beginning at 240 d but without weight loss; thus an opportunity presented to investigate diet PV effects. Total plasma protein and PL-AA concentrations in group A were significantly decreased at 140 and 300 d. Uterine and ovarian tissues collected at surgery revealed modest decrements of AA. Diet A was below minimum standards at 0.015 % (minimum 0.02 %), probably due to oxidation. The time at which diet A became unacceptable may have occurred between 60 and 140 d because plasma PL-AA was within our normal colony range (approximately 4-7 % relative) after 56 d of feeding. High-linoleic acid-containing diets may be more likely to be oxidised requiring additional antioxidants. The findings suggest that reduced plasma protein in combination with plasma AA concentrations may serve as biomarkers of diet peroxidation in cats before feed refusal, weight loss or tissue depletion.

Arachidonic Acid Randomizes Endothelial Cell Motion and Regulates Adhesion and Migration

Cell adhesion and migration are essential for the evolution, organization, and repair of living organisms. An example of a combination of these processes is the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is mediated by a directed migration and adhesion of endothelial cells (ECs). Angiogenesis is an essential part of wound healing and a prerequisite of cancerous tumor growth. We investigated the effect of the amphiphilic compound arachidonic acid (AA) on EC adhesion and migration by combining live cell imaging with biophysical analysis methods. AA significantly influenced both EC adhesion and migration, in either a stimulating or inhibiting fashion depending on AA concentration. The temporal evolution of cell adhesion area was well described by a two-phase model. In the first phase, the spreading dynamics were independent of AA concentration. In the latter phase, the spreading dynamics increased at low AA concentrations and decreased at high AA concentrations. AA also affected EC migration; though the instantaneous speed of individual cells remained independent of AA concentration, the individual cells lost their sense of direction upon addition of AA, thus giving rise to an overall decrease in the collective motion of a confluent EC monolayer into vacant space. Addition of AA also caused ECs to become more elongated, this possibly being related to incorporation of AA in the EC membrane thus mediating a change in the viscosity of the membrane. Hence, AA is a promising non-receptor specific regulator of wound healing and angiogenesis.

Dietary combination effects of conjugated linoleic acid and flaxseed or fish oil on the concentration of linoleic and arachidonic acid in poultry meat

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the combination of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n-3 fatty acids on the linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) concentrations of broiler chicken breast and thigh muscles. One hundred and twenty broilers were raised to 6 wk of age. All chicks were fed a basal corn-soybean meal diet containing 5 different fat sources at an inclusion level of 2% total fat: 1) CLA, 2) flaxseed oil, 3) menhaden fish oil, 4) CLA and flaxseed oil, and 5) CLA and menhaden fish oil. Eight broilers from each treatment were processed at 4 and 6 wk of age. Breast and thigh muscle samples were collected and analyzed for total fat content and fatty acid composition. The results showed that broilers from the CLA and fish oil treatment had lower arachidonic acid concentrations in both breast and thigh muscles than those fed the flaxseed oil diet or the CLA and flaxseed oil diet (P < 0.05). The arachidonic acid concentration and n-6:n-3 ratio of breast and thigh samples from the menhaden fish oil diet were similar to those of the CLA and fish oil diet (P > 0.05), but the inclusion of linoleic acid into chicken thigh muscles of broilers fed the CLA and menhaden fish oil diet improved significantly when compared with that of the diet containing menhaden fish oil only. Thus, the combination of CLA and menhaden fish oil is recommended to reduce the concentrations of linoleic and arachidonic acids in broiler chicken breast and thigh muscles.

Bacterial colonization of winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus fed live feed enriched with three different commercial diets

The proliferation of bacteria in intensive aquaculture systems may be responsible for poor growth and mass mortality of marine fish larvae. Essential fatty acids provided in the diet could protect larvae by modulation of the immune response via arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus larvae were fed rotifers Brachionus plicatilis enriched with three commercial diets containing different fatty acid profiles. Bacterial colonization on the gills and skin and in the intestinal lumen was evaluated at the end of the rotifer feeding period (day 26), and growth was surveyed until metamorphosis. At 26 days post hatching, larvae fed rotifers containing the higher AA content and with a higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to EPA ratio showed better growth and the lowest bacterial colonization of the intestinal lumen compared to larvae fed rotifers with the lowest AA and DHA : EPA levels. AA had been selectively incorporated into the polar lipids of larvae fed the rotifers enriched with the three diets. This is the first study in winter flounder larvae to report a link between different commercial rotifer enrichments and bacterial density in intestinal lumen.

Parenteral Nutrition of Preterm Infants with a Lipid Emulsion Containing 10% Fish Oil: Effect on Plasma Lipids and Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

To compare plasma lipids in preterm infants given a new lipid emulsion containing 10% fish oil, 50% medium-chain triacylglycerols, and 40% soybean oil, compared with a standard preparation containing 50:50 medium-chain triacylglycerols: soybean oil. Preterm infants weighing <1250 g at birth (n=47) were randomly assigned to receive parenteral nutrition with a fish oil lipid (n=23) or soybean oil (n=24). Plasma lipid classes and plasma and red blood cell fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography in cord blood and on postnatal days 7 and 14. On day 7, the infants receiving fish oil lipid had significantly lower plasma phospholipids, cholesterol esters, and free cholesterol but similar triglyceride concentrations. They also had significantly higher phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid (2.77 ± 0.08 versus 2.46 ± 0.01 mol%, P<.01) and eicosapentaenoic acid (1.58 ± 0.01 versus 0.25 ± 0.01 mol%, P<.01) as well as lower arachidonic acid (10.64 ± 0.29 versus 11.93 ± 0.29 mol%, P<.01) compared with those receiving soybean oil. Similar differences were found in red blood cells. The fish oil lipid emulsion was well tolerated, and infants receiving fish oil had lower plasma lipids and improved fatty acids status. The effect of these changes on inflammation, growth, and neurodevelopment should be explored.

Relation of Aspirin Failure to Clinical Outcome and to Platelet Response to Aspirin in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Aspirin failure, defined as occurrence of an acute coronary syndrome despite aspirin use, has been associated with a higher cardiovascular risk profile and worse prognosis. Whether this phenomenon is a manifestation of patient characteristics or failure of adequate platelet inhibition by aspirin has never been studied. We evaluated 174 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction. Of them, 118 (68%) were aspirin naive and 56 (32%) were regarded as having aspirin failure. Platelet function was analyzed after ≥72 hours of aspirin therapy in all patients. Platelet reactivity was studied by light-transmitted aggregometry and under flow conditions. Six-month incidence of major adverse coronary events (death, recurrent acute coronary syndrome, and/or stroke) was determined. Those with aspirin failure were older (p = 0.002), more hypertensive (p <0.001), more hyperlipidemic (p <0.001), and more likely to have had a previous cardiovascular event and/or procedure (p <0.001). Cumulative 6-month major adverse coronary events were higher in the aspirin-failure group (14.3% vs 2.5% p <0.01). Patients with aspirin failure had lower arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation (32 ± 24 vs 45 ± 30, p = 0.003) after aspirin therapy compared to their aspirin-naive counterparts. However, this was not significant after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics (p = 0.82). Similarly, there were no significant differences in adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation and platelet deposition under flow conditions. In conclusion, our results suggest that aspirin failure is merely a marker of higher-risk patient profiles and not a manifestation of inadequate platelet response to aspirin therapy.

Efficacy of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) chrysalis oil as a lipid source in adult Wistar rats

The effects of silkworm chrysalis oil, rich in n-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA), on lipid metabolism in Wistar rats were investigated. The rats were fed diets containing 7% soybean oil (control), silkworm chrysalis oil (SWO), or fish oil (FO) for 8weeks. Plasma triglyceride and glucose levels were significantly lower in the SWO group after 8weeks compared to the control and FO groups. The total cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen levels were higher in the control group than in the SWO and FO groups at 8weeks post-consumption. However, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase levels were not significantly different among all groups. A higher arachidonic acid (AA) content was detected in the control group, while lower AA levels were observed with the increase in EPA and DHA in the SWO and FO groups. These results suggest that n-3 α-linolenic acid-rich silkworm chrysalis oil can improve hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia.

Changes in the fatty acid composition of blood cell membranes in children with inflammatory diseases

Fatty acid composition of erythrocyte and leukocyte membranes has been studied in children (with normal body mass and obesity) with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and children with bronchial asthma in comparison with basically healthy children. Fifty seven children aged from 7 to 14 years were examined: 13 with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (IDGIT) (eosophagitis, gastroduodenitis, stomach ulcer), 25 with obesity stages (I-III) complicated by IDGIT, 9 with bronchial asthma and 10 basically healthy children. The study revealed that both IDGIT and bronchial asthma caused significant and similar changes in fatty acid composition of cell membranes. These included accumulation of omega3-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the decrease of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); this phenomenon observed in both erythrocyte and leukocyte membranes suggests a common feature of the detected changes in fatty acid composition of cell membranes in inflammation. There was a significant decrease in the level of membrane omega6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), first of all arachidonic acid and total omega6 PUFA. Consequently, EPA accumulation in membranes may be a compensatory response to low dietary arachidonic acid supply and/or its increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotriens, thromboxans) during inflammatory process.

Associations between dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and arachidonic acid compositions in plasma and erythrocytes in young and elderly Japanese volunteers

BackgroundWe reported that the compositions of arachidonic acid (ARA) in erythrocytes and plasma phospholipids (PL) in the elderly were lower than those in the young, though the ARA intake was nearly identical.ObjectiveWe further analyzed data in four study groups with different ages and sexes, and determined that the blood ARA levels were affected by the kinds of dietary fatty acids ingested.MethodsOne hundred and four healthy young and elderly volunteers were recruited. Dietary records together with photographic records from 28 consecutive days were reviewed and the fatty acid composition in plasma lipid fractions and erythrocyte PL was analyzed.ResultsNo correlations for ARA between dietary fatty acids and blood lipid fractions were observed. A significant negative correlation between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake and ARA composition in erythrocyte PL was observed. ARA composition in erythrocyte PL was significantly lower in elderly subjects than in young subjects, because EPA and DHA intake in elderly subjects was higher than in young subjects. However, after removing the effect of dietary EPA+DHA intake, the ARA composition in erythrocyte PL in elderly subjects was significantly lower than that in young subjects.ConclusionsChanges in physical conditions with aging influenced the low ARA composition of erythrocyte in elderly subjects in addition to the effects of dietary EPA and DHA.

Pinolenic acid inhibits human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell metastasis in vitro

Pinolenic acid (PNA), a naturally-occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is found mainly in pine seeds. Although many studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of pine seed oil, there are no reports of the biological effects of PNA on cancer metastasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PNA on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro. We found that PNA did not affect cell viability and cell-matrix adhesion, but it inhibited cell metastasis by suppressing cell invasiveness and motility. Suppression could in part be associated with the modification of the n−6 PUFA composition of cells by PNA which significantly decreased the percentage of arachidonic acid (AA) in phospholipids from 12.6% to 4.9%. The lower AA content of the cancer cells might result in less synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and subsequent down-regulation of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2) expression. Thus, PNA represents a potential anti-cancer agent.

Fatty acid transfer in the food web of a coastal Mediterranean lagoon: Evidence for high arachidonic acid retention in fish

The transfer of fatty acids (FAs) in the food web of a Mediterranean lagoon was studied using FA compositional patterns across several trophic levels. The structure of the food web was inferred from C and N stable isotopes values and an isotope mixing model was used in order to estimate the relative contribution of the different potential food sources to the biomass of consumers. Bidimensional plots of FA composition of food web components against their δ 15N values indicated a general trend of increasing proportions of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) with increasing trophic levels while the proportions of saturated fatty acids (SAFAs) and 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) decreased. Using the relative contributions of food sources to consumers and their FA compositions, a model was built in order to estimate the PUFA composition of consumer mixed diets which was compared to consumer PUFA profiles. The latter allowed the identification of the PUFAs which were mostly enriched/retained in consumer lipids. There was a surprisingly high retention of arachidonic acid (ARA), a trend which challenges the idea of low ARA needs in marine fish and suggests the important physiological role of this essential FA for fish in estuarine environments.

A Simple Method of Supplementation of Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

A relative dietary ω-3 fatty acid deficiency exists in Western diets, and this deficiency may be associated with some chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to supplement yogurt with docosahexaenoic acid and assess whether this fatty acid could be incorporated into plasma lipids. We developed a stable emulsion of docosahexaenoic acid that was incorporated into yogurt. Twelve healthy volunteers agreed to consume 1 serving daily that contained 600 mg of docosahexaenoic acid. After 3 weeks of supplementation, plasma phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid content increased significantly, by 32%, in parallel with a 16% rise in total ω-3 fatty acids. This result was associated with a significant 7% decline in phospholipid arachidonic acid. Fortification of ordinary foods with docosahexaenoic acid is a potentially attractive method of increasing ω-3 fatty acid content of plasma lipids, and might even lower arachidonic acid concentrations.

FADS gene polymorphisms in Koreans: Association with ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids, lipid peroxides, and coronary artery disease

ObjectiveWe investigated the association of polymorphisms in FADS genes with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in serum phospholipids, lipid peroxides, and coronary artery disease (CAD) in Koreans. MethodsIn this case–control study, CAD patients (n=756, 40–79 years) and healthy controls (n=890) were genotyped for rs174537 near FADS1 (FEN1 rs174537G>T), FADS2 (rs174575, rs2727270), and FADS3 (rs1000778). We calculated the odds ratios (ORs) for CAD risk and measured serum PUFA composition and lipid peroxide. ResultsAmong four SNPs, only rs174537G>T differed in allele frequencies between controls and CAD patients after adjustment for age, BMI, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia (P=0.017). The minor T allele was associated with a lower risk of CAD [OR 0.75 (95%CI 0.61–0.92), P=0.006] after adjustment. rs174537T carriers had a significantly higher proportion of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2ω6), lower arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4ω6), and lower ratios of AA/dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3ω6) and AA/LA than G/G subjects in both control and CAD groups. In the control group, 174537T carriers had significantly lower levels of total- and LDL-cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and ox-LDL. In CAD patients, rs174537T carriers showed a larger LDL particle size than G/G subjects. The proportion of AA in serum phospholipids positively correlated with LDL-cholesterol, ox-LDL, and malondialdehyde in controls and with 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α in both control and CAD groups. ConclusionThe rs174537T is associated with a lower proportion of AA in serum phospholipids and reduced CAD risk, in association with reduced total- and LDL-cholesterol and lipid peroxides.

Does radiotherapy increase oxidative stress? A study with nasopharyngeal cancer patients revealing anomalies in isoprostanes measurements

This study aimed to examine if exposure to ionizing radiation during clinical radiotherapy (RT) causes increased oxidative damage. Seven patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) who underwent RT took part in this controlled-trial study. Blood and urine samples were obtained for F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) measurement. Urinary F2-IsoPs levels were elevated pre-treatment and remained high (but did not increase) during treatment, but decreased to the normal range after treatment. Plasma F2-IsoPs decreased significantly after the start of treatment before rising midway through treatment. Levels decreased significantly to below baseline following treatment. However, the patients were observed to have substantially lower levels of plasma esterified arachidonic acid (AA) residues than controls. The data shows that NPC is associated with elevated F2-isoprostanes in urine and in plasma after correction for decreased AA levels. RT did not increase these levels and, indeed, was associated with falls in F2-IsoPs. The validity and usefulness of correction of plasma F2-IsoPs for lowered AA levels is discussed.

Long-term effects of gestational diabetes on offspring health are more pronounced in skeletal growth than body composition and glucose tolerance

Infants of diabetic mothers may have low arachidonic acid (AA) and develop obesity and insulin resistance in adulthood. The present study tested the effect of maternal diabetes and AA supplementation on offspring body composition, bone mass and glucose tolerance from 4 to 12 weeks. Rat dams were randomised into six groups using a 3 × 2 design. The rat dams were treated using the following treatments: saline-placebo, streptozotocin-induced diabetes (STZ) with glucose controlled at < 13 mmol/l (STZ/GC) or poorly controlled at 13-20 mmol/l (STZ/PC) using insulin, and fed either a control or an AA (0.5 % of fat) diet throughout reproduction. Weaned offspring were fed regular chow. Measurements included offspring body composition, bone and oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) plus liver fatty acids of dam and offspring. Comparable to saline-placebo offspring, the STZ/GC offspring had greater (P < 0.03) whole body and regional bone area than STZ/PC offspring. Maternal glucose negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with offspring whole body bone area and mineral content at 4 weeks in all offspring, and with tibia area in males at 12 weeks. Maternal liver DHA negatively (P < 0.03) correlated with femur and tibia mineral content and tibia mineral density of female offspring at 12 weeks. Offspring from AA-supplemented dams had higher (P = 0.004) liver AA at 4 weeks. Liver AA at 4 weeks positively (P = 0.05) correlated with lumbar spine mineral density in males. OGTT was not affected by maternal treatment or diet. These results suggest that maternal glucose control has long-term consequences to bone health of adult offspring. Skeletal growth appears more sensitive to maternal hyperglycaemia than glucose tolerance.

Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid, but not eicosapentaenoic acid, dramatically alters cardiac mitochondrial phospholipid fatty acid composition and prevents permeability transition

Treatment with the ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) exerts cardioprotective effects, and suppresses Ca 2+-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). These effects are associated with increased DHA and EPA, and lower arachidonic acid (ARA) in cardiac phospholipids. While clinical studies suggest the triglyceride lowering effects of DHA and EPA are equivalent, little is known about the independent effects of DHA and EPA on mitochondria function. We compared the effects of dietary supplementation with the ω-3 PUFAs DHA and EPA on cardiac mitochondrial phospholipid fatty acid composition and Ca 2+-induced MPTP opening. Rats were fed a standard lab diet with either normal low levels of ω-3 PUFA, or DHA or EPA at 2.5% of energy intake for 8 weeks, and cardiac mitochondria were isolated and analyzed for Ca 2+-induced MPTP opening and phospholipid fatty acyl composition. DHA supplementation increased both DHA and EPA and decreased ARA in mitochondrial phospholipid, and significantly delayed MPTP opening as assessed by increased Ca 2+ retention capacity and decreased Ca 2+-induced mitochondria swelling. EPA supplementation increased EPA in mitochondrial phospholipids, but did not affect DHA, only modestly lowered ARA, and did not affect MPTP opening. In summary, dietary supplementation with DHA but not EPA, profoundly altered mitochondrial phospholipid fatty acid composition and delayed Ca 2+-induced MPTP opening.

Analysis of nutrient composition and fatty acid profiles of Japanese sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier) reared in seawater and freshwater

The biochemical compositions and fatty acid (FA) profiles of edible tissues of Japanese sea bass reared in seawater (SW) and freshwater (FW) were investigated. Salinity led to higher protein and lipid retention and lower moisture and ash contents in muscle tissue, but had no marked impacts on the biochemical compositions of liver and gonad tissues. Higher n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA, 20:5 n−3), docosahexaenoic acids (DHA, 22:6 n−3) contents and ratio of DHA/EPA and lower arachidonic acids (AA, 20:4 n−6) levels were detected in the SW group. Values of n−6/ n−3 of three tissues ranging from 0.13 to 0.43 indicated their safety for food according to the values recommended by the UK Department of Health.