N3 PUFAs Research Articles

Evaluation and Discrimination of Lipid Components and Iron and Zinc Levels in Chicken and Quail Eggs Available on the Polish Market.

All over the world, birds' eggs are an important and valuable component of the human diet. This study aimed to compare the content of lipid components and their nutritional value as well as iron and zinc levels in chicken and quail eggs commonly available on the market. In egg lipids, unsaturated fatty acids were dominant, especially oleic acid, the content of which was about 40% of the total fatty acids (TFAs). Linoleic acid was the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. Compared to other products of animal origin, eggs were characterized by favorable values of lipid quality indices, especially the index of atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, and the hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic ratio. In the present study, no differences were found in the content of tested nutrients between eggs from different production methods (organic, free-range, barn, cages). Based on linear discriminant analysis, inter-breed differences were noticed. Cluster analysis showed that eggs enriched in n3 PUFAs (according to the producers' declarations) differed from other groups of chicken eggs. However, in eggs from one producer only, the amount of EPA and DHA exceeds 80 mg per 100 g, entitling the use of the nutrition claim on the package. Quail eggs differed from chicken eggs in FA profile and cholesterol and iron levels.

Abstract 1605 Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Mice with Endogenously Increased n3 PUFAs: Effect on Alcohol Associated Liver Disease

Abstract 1605 Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Mice with Endogenously Increased n3 PUFAs: Effect on Alcohol Associated Liver Disease

Morphometric traits, carcass characteristics and biochemical composition of meat between local and synthetic Algerian rabbit genotypes

The aim of this research was to study the genetic and sex effects on morphometric traits, carcass characteristics and biochemical composition of rabbit meat of two Algerian breeds, local population and synthetic line (ITELV2006). For this purpose, 60 animals (30 per group) from 90 d of age were used. The body weight and the morphometric traits recorded were determined using a digital weighing scale and flexible tape. At slaughter, carcass traits, and biochemical meat quality characteristics such us protein, fat, ash, moisture content and fatty acids composition were measured. The results obtained revealed that the synthetic line has higher values of morphometric measurements than the local breed. The sex factor and the interaction genotype X sex had a significant effect only on chest circumference (P < 0.05). It is also observed, that the majority of carcass characteristics were more affected by genetic than by genetics. Which body weight at slaughter of males and females derived from synthetic lines were 41% and 22% higher than local rabbits respectively. Furthermore, the new line displayed a good meat yield (60%) with a higher mean value (+ 5%) of dressing out % rather than the local one. Regarding, the proximate biochemical composition of meat, the synthetic line has shown also the highest content of protein and fat (P < 0.05). Concerning with fatty acids profile; the local breed exhibited the highest content of n3 and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 and n6 PUFAs), consequently, the lower value of n-6: n-3 ratio (9.82) and the highest value of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (PUFAs/SFAs: 0.73). Finally, it should be emphasized that the relevant differences recorded in this experiment are assumed to be primarily genetic, thus, sex might be regarded as a minor factor. The synthetic showed better characteristics due to its genetic potential. Therefore, it is recommended to be used for Algerian meat production.

β-Hydroxy-β-methyl Butyrate Regulates the Lipid Metabolism, Mitochondrial Function, and Fat Browning of Adipocytes.

A growing number of in vivo studies demonstrated that β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) can serve as a lipid-lowering nutrient. Despite this interesting observation, the use of adipocytes as a model for research is yet to be explored. To ascertain the effects of HMB on the lipid metabolism of adipocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the 3T3-L1 cell line was employed. Firstly, serial doses of HMB were added to 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to evaluate the effects of HMB on cell proliferation. HMB (50 µM) significantly promoted the proliferation of preadipocytes. Next, we investigated whether HMB could attenuate fat accumulation in adipocytes. The results show that HMB treatment (50 µM) reduced the triglyceride (TG) content. Furthermore, HMB was found to inhibit lipid accumulation by suppressing the expression of lipogenic proteins (C/EBPα and PPARγ) and increasing the expression of lipolysis-related proteins (p-AMPK, p-Sirt1, HSL, and UCP3). We also determined the concentrations of several lipid metabolism-related enzymes and fatty acid composition in adipocytes. The HMB-treated cells showed reduced G6PD, LPL, and ATGL concentrations. Moreover, HMB improved the fatty acid composition in adipocytes, manifested by increases in the contents of n6 and n3 PUFAs. The enhancement of the mitochondrial respiratory function of 3T3-L1 adipocytes was confirmed via Seahorse metabolic assay, which showed that HMB treatment elevated basal mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, H+ leak, maximal respiration, and non-mitochondrial respiration. In addition, HMB enhanced fat browning of adipocytes, and this effect might be associated with the activation of the PRDM16/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway. Taken together, HMB-induced changes in the lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function may contribute to preventing fat deposition and improving insulin sensitivity.

Transcriptional signatures of the small intestinal mucosa in response to ethanol in transgenic mice rich in endogenous n3 fatty acids

The intestine interacts with many factors, including dietary components and ethanol (EtOH), which can impact intestinal health. Previous studies showed that different types of dietary fats can modulate EtOH-induced changes in the intestine; however, mechanisms underlying these effects are not completely understood. Here, we examined intestinal transcriptional responses to EtOH in WT and transgenic fat-1 mice (which endogenously convert n6 to n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs]) to identify novel genes and pathways involved in EtOH-associated gut pathology and discern the impact of n3 PUFA enrichment. WT and fat-1 mice were chronically fed EtOH, and ileum RNA-seq and bioinformatic analyses were performed. EtOH consumption led to a marked down-regulation of genes encoding digestive and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and transcription factors involved in developmental processes and tissue regeneration. Compared to WT, fat-1 mice exhibited a markedly plastic transcriptome response to EtOH. Cell death, inflammation, and tuft cell markers were downregulated in fat-1 mice in response to EtOH, while defense responses and PPAR signaling were upregulated. This transcriptional reprogramming may contribute to the beneficial effects of n3 PUFAs on EtOH-induced intestinal pathology. In summary, our study provides a reference dataset of the intestinal mucosa transcriptional responses to chronic EtOH exposure for future hypothesis-driven mechanistic studies.

Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Effects on Growth, Metabolism, and Body Composition of the Offspring.

Simple SummaryThe present study aimed to determine benefits and risks of a dietary supplementation combining hydroxytyrosol and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on developmental patterns and metabolic traits of offspring in swine, a model of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pregnancies. There were no deleterious effects on the reproductive traits of the sows and the postnatal features of the piglets. Piglets from the supplemented sows, in spite of a lower mean weight and corpulence at birth, showed higher average daily weight gain and fractional growth rate afterwards. Consequently, they reached higher weight and corpulence with increased muscle development and better lipidemic and fatty acids profiles than control offspring at juvenile stages.Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-weight neonates. The present study aimed to determine benefits and risks of a dietary supplementation combining hydroxytyrosol, a polyphenol from olive leaves and fruits, and n3 PUFAs, from linseed oil, on developmental patterns and metabolic traits of offspring in swine, a model of IUGR pregnancies. The results obtained indicate that maternal supplementation with hydroxytyrosol and n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy has no deleterious effects on the reproductive traits of the sows (prolificacy, homogeneity of the litter, and percentage of stillborns and low-birth-weight, LBW, piglets) and the postnatal features of the piglets (growth patterns, adiposity, and metabolic traits). Conversely, in spite of a lower mean weight and corpulence at birth, piglets from the supplemented sows showed higher average daily weight gain and fractional growth rate. Thus, at juvenile stages afterwards, the offspring from the treated group reached higher weight and corpulence, with increased muscle development and better lipidemic and fatty acid profiles, in spite of similar adiposity, than offspring in the control group. However, much caution and more research are still needed before practical recommendation and use in human pregnancies.

Decrease of n6/n3 PUFA Ratio Augmented Growth and Improved Markers of Intestinal Barrier Integrity in Small Intestinal Organoids Derived from Naïve and Alcohol‐Fed Mice

IntroductionIntestinal stem cells (ISCs) play an important role in gut homeostasis and function, including the maintenance of gut barrier integrity. Disruption of the intestinal barrier, specifically tight junctions, results in “leakage” of microbe‐derived compounds/toxins such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the blood stream leading to endotoxemia and liver injury. We have previously demonstrated that both alcohol and nutritional factors are key players in alcohol‐induced intestinal and liver pathology. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol and modulation of the n6/n3 PUFA ratio on ISC homeostasis. To this end, we used transgenic fat‐1 mice, which endogenously decrease the n6/n3 ratio by converting n6 PUFAs to n3.Hypothesisintestinal organoids derived from fat‐1 mice will show improved growth and proliferation, as well as attenuation of alcohol‐associated alterations in markers of tight junctions and antimicrobial defense.Materials and MethodsIntestinal crypts were isolated from small intestines of naïve or chronic ethanol‐fed WT C57BL/6 and fat‐1 mice. Crypts were cultured for seven days in StemCell IntestiCult growth media supplemented with gentamicin. Growth of ex vivo 3‐dimensional organoids was monitored daily by measuring cross‐sectional area, which was calculated digitally in ImageJ software. RNA was isolated with the Qiagen RNeasy kit, converted to cDNA, and used to quantify ISC growth/proliferation, tight junction, and antimicrobial defense markers by RT‐qPCR.ResultsCrypts derived from naïve fat‐1 mice grew organoids that were significantly larger than those derived from naïve WT mice after four days of culture, whereas ethanol had no significant effect. ISC markers Lgr5 and Bmi1 were significantly upregulated in organoids derived from fat‐1 as compared to WT mice in both pair‐fed and ethanol‐fed animals. No difference between WT and fat‐1 mice was seen in the expression of Axin2, a downstream target of the pro‐growth/proliferation Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Expression of tight junction proteins ZO1 and Occludin were upregulated in ethanol‐fed fat‐1 mice as compared to their ethanol‐fed WT littermates. Bpi1, an antimicrobial peptide, was significantly increased in both ethanol‐fed and pair‐fed fat‐1 mice compared to WT animals. A similar trend was seen with Muc2, a marker of intestinal goblet cells.ConclusionsDecrease in the n6/n3 PUFA ratio and a significant increase in endogenous n3 PUFAs resulted in augmented growth of small intestinal organoids derived from naïve fat‐1 compared to WT mice. Chronic alcohol exposure compromised growth and proliferation in WT but not fat‐1 mice, as shown by expression of Lgr5 and Bmi1. Similarly, expression of tight junction and antimicrobial defense markers was greater in mice with higher endogenous n3 PUFA levels.Support or Funding InformationNational Institutes of HealthThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and clozapine abrogates poly I: C-induced immune alterations in primary hippocampal neurons

The viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) is an important tool to study the consequences of viral infection to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, based on the premise of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFAs) as supplemental treatment to antipsychotics in schizophrenia, we investigated the involvement of NFkB pathway in the effects of n3 PUFAs or of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine in hippocampal poly I:C-challenged neurons. Primary hippocampal neuronal cultures were exposed to n3 PUFAs (DHA4.35 μM/EPA7.10 μM, DHA 8.7 μM/EPA14.21 μM or DHA17.4 μM/EPA28.42 μM) or clozapine (1.5 or 3 μM) in the presence or absence of poly I:C. MTT assay revealed that poly I:C-induced reduction in cell viability was prevented by n3 PUFAs or clozapine. N3 PUFAs (DHA 8.7 μM/EPA14.21 μM) or clozapine (3 μM) significantly reduced poly I:C-induced increase in iNOS, NFkB (p50/p65), IL-6 and nitrite when compared to non-treated cells. Only n3 PUFAs prevented poly I:C-induced deficits in BDNF. On the other hand, poly I:C caused a marked reduction in DCX immunoexpression, which was prevented only by clozapine. Thus, n3 PUFAs and clozapine exert in vitro neuroprotective effects against poly I:C immune challenge in hippocampal neurons, by mechanisms possibly involving the inhibition of canonical NFkB pathway. The present study adds further evidences to the mechanisms underlying n3 PUFAs and clozapine neuroprotective effects against viral immune challenges. Since n3 PUFAs is a safe strategy for use during pregnancy, our results also add further evidence for the use of this supplement in order to prevent alterations induced by viral hits during this developmental period.

Seasonal and Sexual Variations of Total Protein, Fat and Fatty Acid Composition of an Endemic Freshwater Fish Species (Capoeta antalyensis)

<div><!--block-->In this study, the total protein and lipid contents and fatty acid composition of endemic freshwater fish Capoeta antalyensis was investigated according to the variation in seasons and gender. Total protein content (%) of C. antalyensis varied from 63.80% to 78.15% and total fat content from 4.57% to 21.29% in different seasons. The palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids were the most abundant fatty acids in the muscles of C. antalyensis. The ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in muscles of both genders was higher in spring and autumn, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ratio was higher in winter. The ratio of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFAs) content in the muscles reached the highest level in spring in males and in summer in females. The ratios of n-3 PUFAs to omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n6 PUFAs) in muscles of C. antalyensis of both genders changed from 3.29 to 5.44 as the seasons changed. Total fat and fatty acid contents were found to be at the lowest level in both genders during winter. This shows that nutritional content of C. antalyensis species is quite affected by variation in seasonal conditions.</div>

Combination of low dose major n3 PUFAs in fresh water mussel lipid is an alternative of EPA–DHA supplementation in inflammatory conditions of arthritis and LPS stimulated macrophages

This article deals with the nutritional aspect of fresh water mussel Lamellidens marginalis and its pharmacological potential in inflammatory disorders. Fresh water mussel extract shows anti-inflammatory activity after oral supplementation. Therefore, the present work was aimed to elucidate anti-inflammatory activity of Lamellidens lipid in in vivo adjuvant induced arthritis and in vitro LPS induced macrophage activation model, where its activity was compared with pharmaceutical grade EPA–DHA supplement. Parameters that showed better response to mussel lipid, than to EPA–DHA supplement, were paw and ankle diameters, paw weight, urinary hydroxyproline, glucosamine, serum phosphatases, macrophage lipid peroxidation level and pro-inflammatory interleukin level in adjuvant induced arthritis and TNFα, NO level, intracellular ROS generation as well as nuclear translocation of NFκB p65 in LPS activated in vitro primary macrophage culture. Fresh water mussel lipid was found to have lower n3:n6 ratio than that in marine species but contain all the major n3 fatty acids. This study, for the first time, showed anti-inflammatory potential of lipid from a fresh water species. It has also raised the possibility of the presence of balanced fatty acid combination in a dietary dose, rather than the established EPA–DHA supplement, to be more effective against inflammatory conditions of arthritis and LPS stimulated macrophages.

Seasonal and sexual variations of fatty acid composition in fillet of Capoeta erhani

The lowest lipid levels of Capoeta erhani observed in winter and vice versa in summer. The fatty acid composition of the fillets was significantly different among seasons ( P 0.05). The ratios of the unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were higher than half of the total fatty acids among all seasons. The level of PUFA was highest in autumn (25.91%), and lowest in summer (22.11%). Among seasons and sexes, the levels of total n3 PUFAs in total fatty acids changed from 15.43% to 21.89% and n6 PUFAs from 3.8% to 7.97%, respectively. The level of n3 PUFAs was present in excess that of the n6 PUFAs. The ratios of the n3 PUFAs to n6 PUFAs in the fillets of C. erhani were highest in autumn for both sexes and remarkably influenced by seasons.

Effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on human placental cytokine production

IntroductionDietary supplementation with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may exert benefits in pregnancy through inhibition of placental inflammation. However, studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of n-3 PUFAs in the placenta are lacking. We compared the cytokine responses of human placental explants in vitro after 4 days pre-incubation with either: a) individual n-3 or n-6 PUFAs (20 μM), or b) physiologically relevant combinations of low, medium or high n-3 or n-6 PUFA concentrations. MethodsPlacental cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) mRNA expression and protein production were assessed at 4 h and 12 h, respectively. Cytokine and fatty acid concentrations were also measured in placentas delivered at term by women who ingested either low (n = 12) or high (n = 10) amounts of fish/fish oil in the month prior to delivery. ResultsPre-exposure to n-3 PUFAs as individual fatty acids results in reduced placental IL-6 production (P < 0.05), whereas exposure to complex fatty acid mixtures enriched in n-3 PUFAs (high n-3:n-6 ratios) results in a significant stimulation of IL-6 production (P < 0.05). There were no differences in placental n-3 or n-6 PUFA levels between women with either high or low dietary fish oil intake and no differences in cytokine expression. DiscussionIn summary, data from our complex lipid explant model and an observational cohort study do not support a role for n3 PUFAs in the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the human placenta. Results from studies of placental tissues exposed to single n-3 and n-6 PUFAs should be interpreted with considerable caution.

N3 PUFAs Reduce Mouse CD4+ T-Cell Ex Vivo Polarization into Th17 Cells

Little is known about the impact of n3 (ω3) PUFAs on polarization of CD4+ T cells into effector subsets other than Th1 and Th2. We assessed the effects of dietary fat [corn oil (CO) vs. fish oil (FO)] and fermentable fiber [cellulose (C) vs. pectin (P)] (2 × 2 design) in male C57BL/6 mice fed CO-C, CO-P, FO-C, or FO-P diets for 3 wk on the ex vivo polarization of purified splenic CD4+ T cells (using magnetic microbeads) into regulatory T cells [Tregs; forkhead box P3 (Foxp3+) cells] or Th17 cells [interleukin (IL)-17A+ and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR) γτ+ cells] by flow cytometry. Treg polarization was unaffected by diet; however, FO independently reduced the percentage of both CD4+ IL-17A+ (P < 0.05) and CD4+ RORγτ+ cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, expression of another critical Th17-cell–related transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, was reduced by FO. Dietary FO reduced the surface expression of both IL-6R and IL-23R on polarized Th17 cells (P ≤ 0.05), thus interfering with the promotive effects of these critical cytokines on Th17 polarization. Additionally, C57BL/6 mice fed diets enriched in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or DHA + EPA similarly reduced Th17-cell polarization in comparison to CO by reducing expression of the Th17-cell signature cytokine (IL-17A; P = 0.0015) and transcription factor (RORγτ P = 0.02), whereas Treg polarization was unaffected. Collectively, these data show that n3 PUFAs exert a direct effect on the development of Th17 cells in healthy mice, implicating a novel n3 PUFA–dependent, anti-inflammatory mechanism of action via the suppression of the initial development of this inflammatory T-cell subset.

A High-Fat SFA, MUFA, or n3 PUFA Challenge Affects the Vascular Response and Initiates an Activated State of Cellular Adherence in Lean and Obese Middle-Aged Men

BMI and fatty acid type affect postprandial metabolic TG responses, but whether these factors also affect vascular, inflammatory, and leukocyte adherence responses remains unclear. We therefore compared those postprandial responses between lean and obese men after 3 high-fat challenges differing in fatty acid composition. In a crossover double-blind study, 18 lean (BMI: 18–25 kg/m2) and 18 obese (BMI >29 kg/m2) middle-aged men received 3 isocaloric high-fat milkshakes containing 95 g fat (88% of energy), either high in SFAs (54% of energy/total fat), MUFAs (83% of energy/total fat), or n3 (omega-3) PUFAs (40% of energy/total fat). Hemodynamics, augmentation index (AIX), leukocyte cell surface adhesion markers, and plasma cytokines involved in vascular adherence, coagulation, and inflammation were measured before and after consumption of the milkshakes. In both groups and after all shakes were consumed, AIX decreased; plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) 1, sICAM3, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) 1, and interleukin-8 increased; monocyte CD11a, CD11b, and CD621 expression increased; neutrophil CD11a, CD11b, and CD621 expression increased; and lymphocyte CD62l expression increased (P < 0.05). Lymphocyte CD11a and CD11b expression decreased in lean participants after consumption of all shakes but did not change in obese participants (P < 0.05). Obese participants had a less pronounced decrease in heart rate after the consumption of all shakes (P < 0.05). MUFA consumption induced a more pronounced decrease in blood pressure and AIX compared with the other milkshakes in both lean and obese participants (P < 0.05). High-fat consumption initiates an activated state of cellular adherence and an atherogenic milieu. This response was independent of fatty acid type consumed or of being lean or obese, despite the clear differences in postprandial TG responses between the groups and different milkshakes. These findings suggest that in addition to increased TGs, other mechanisms are involved in the high-fat consumption–induced activated state of cellular adherence.

Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementations Reduce Platelet Aggregation and Hemostatic Markers Differentially in Men and Women

Although long-chain n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [n3 PUFAs; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] have been reported to reduce platelet aggregation, the available evidence on this is equivocal. We previously demonstrated that the acute effects of n3 PUFA supplementation on platelet aggregation are sex specific. We aimed to determine if this gender bias is maintained during long-term n3 PUFA supplementation and whether this translates to other hemostatic markers. A double-blinded, randomized, placebo controlled trial was conducted in 94 healthy men and women. Platelet aggregation, thromboxane (TX) B2, P-selectin (P-sel), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were measured at baseline and 4 wk postsupplementation with EPA-rich (1000 mg EPA:200 mg DHA) or DHA-rich (200 mg EPA:1000 mg DHA) oil capsules daily. The effects of n3 PUFA on platelet activity were compared between men and women. In men and women combined, EPA and DHA reduced platelet aggregation following 4 wk of supplementation relative to placebo (−11.8%, P = 0.016; and −14.8%, P = 0.001, respectively). In subgroup analyses, in men, only the EPA treatment reduced platelet aggregation by −18.4% compared with placebo (P = 0.005) and women (P = 0.011). In contrast, in women, only the DHA treatment reduced platelet aggregation (−18.9%) compared with placebo (P = 0.001) and men (P = 0.017). Significant sex × treatment interactions were also observed on hemostatic markers and uptake of n3 PUFAs. The significant interactions between sex and specific, supplemental, long-chain n3 PUFAs result in platelet aggregation being differentially affected in men and women. With respect to thrombotic disease risk, men are more likely to benefit from supplementation with EPA, whereas women are more responsive to DHA.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation: Mechanism and Current Evidence in Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Available pharmacologic antiarrhythmic therapies are often ineffective in preventing the recurrence of AF, possibly because these drugs target a single pathophysiological mechanism. Given their beneficial effects on ventricular arrhythmias, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have recently been investigated as possible candidates in the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias. In this review, we explore the current understanding of the antiarrhythmic effects attributed to n-3 PUFAs including direct modulation of ionic channels, improvement of membrane fluidity, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, and modulation of sympatho-vagal balance. We will then focus on the results of epidemiologic studies exploring the associations between nutritional intake of n3 PUFAs and the incidence of AF, and will review the findings of the clinical trials investigating the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation in the prophylaxis of AF and in the prevention of its recurrences.

Marine n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enhance resistance to mitochondrial permeability transition in heart failure but do not improve survival

Mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure includes greater susceptibility to mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), which may worsen cardiac function and decrease survival. Treatment with a mixture of the n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFAs) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is beneficial in heart failure patients and increases resistance to MPT in animal models. We assessed whether DHA and EPA have similar effects when given individually, and whether they prolong survival in heart failure. Male δ-sarcoglycan null cardiomyopathic hamsters were untreated or given either DHA, EPA, or a 1:1 mixture of DHA + EPA at 2.1% of energy intake. Treatment did not prolong survival: mean survival was 298 ± 15 days in untreated hamsters and 335 ± 17, 328 ± 14, and 311 ± 15 days with DHA, EPA, and DHA + EPA, respectively (n = 27-32/group). A subgroup of cardiomyopathic hamsters treated for 26 wk had impaired left ventricular function and increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis compared with normal hamsters, which was unaffected by n3 PUFA treatment. Evaluation of oxidative phosphorylation in isolated subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria with substrates for complex I or II showed no effect of n3 PUFA treatment. On the other hand, interfibrillar mitochondria from cardiomyopathic hamsters were significantly more sensitive to Ca(2+)-induced MPT, which was completely normalized by treatment with DHA and partially corrected by EPA. In conclusion, treatment with DHA or EPA normalizes Ca(2+)-induced MPT in cardiomyopathic hamsters but does not prolong survival or improve cardiac function. This suggest that greater susceptibility to MPT is not a contributor to cardiac pathology and poor survival in heart failure.

PWE-009 Dietary docosahexaenoic acid is inversely associated with the risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma: a UK prospective study in the EPIC-Norfolk cohort, using information from 7-day food diaries

IntroductionDietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanaenoic acid (EPA) are both n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3 PUFAs) which have both anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions, including inhibiting angiogenesis and tumour cell proliferation,...

Fatty acids intake in the Mexican population. Results of the National Nutrition Survey 2006

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that quality, rather that quantity of fat is the determinant of cardiovascular risk. The objective of the study is to describe quantitatively the intake and adequacy of fatty acid classes among the Mexican population aged 5-90 years from a probabilistic survey.MethodsDietary intake of individual and classes of fatty acids was computed from the dataset of the 2006 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT2006), collected by a food frequency questionnaire. Adequacy was calculated in reference to authoritative recommendations.ResultsThe mean intake of total fatty acids (TFA ≈ 25%E) fell within WHO recommendations; the intakes of saturated fatty acids (SFA) among all age-groups (45-60%) and of trans fatty acids (TrFA) in 30% of school-age children and adolescents and 20% of adults exceeded international recommendations. The mean intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and particularly of n6 and n3 PUFAS, was inadequately insufficient in 50% of the sample.ConclusionsThe main public health concerns are the high intake of SFA and the suboptimal intake of PUFA in Mexican population. The TrFA intake represents a low public health risk.

Fatty acid profiles and fat contents of commercially important seawater and freshwater fish species of Turkey: A comparative study

The fat content and fatty acid compositions of edible muscle of commercially important seawater and freshwater fish species were investigated. The fatty acid compositions of seawater fish species were found to be 25.5–39.4% saturated (SFA), 13.2–29.0% monounsaturated (MUFAs) and 25.2–48.2% polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs), whereas the fatty acid compositions of freshwater fish from Lake Seyhan consisted of 28.0–34.6% saturated (SFA), 10.7–22.7% monounsaturated (MUFAs) and 23.2–43.7% polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs). The proportions of n3 PUFAs of seawater fish (ranging from 22.6 for waker to 44.2% for blue fish) were higher than those of n3 PUFAs of freshwater fish (ranging from 11.5% for North African catfish to 28.4% for zander). However, the levels of n6 PUFAs of seawater fish (ranging from 0.43% for blue fish to 14.4% for sea bass) were lower than those of n6 PUFAs of freshwater fish (ranging from 5.27% for kutum to 16.8% for tench). The results showed that fatty acid profiles of most freshwater fish are basically comparable to those of seawater fish as sources of PUFAs.