N3 Ratio Research Articles

The use of faba bean and sweet lupin seeds in fattening lamb feed. 2. Effects on meat quality and fatty acid composition

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using faba bean and lupin seeds used singly or in association as protein sources in the diet of fattening lambs. The physical and chemical characteristics of the meat and its fatty acid composition were investigated.Twenty-four “Gentile di Puglia” male lambs, weaned at 38±2 days of age and at an average initial body weight of 15.8±0.5kg (mean±sd), were divided into three homogeneous groups (n=8) and fed for 8 weeks with three different experimental diets: FB containing 300g/kg diet (on as fed basis) of faba bean seeds; FB+L containing 150g/kg diet of faba bean seeds plus 150g/kg diet of lupin seeds; L containing 250g/kg diet of lupin seeds. Three types of pelleted total mixed rations were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Meat chemical composition, pH, colour and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force were not influenced by dietary treatment. Analysis of the intramuscular fat showed a higher percentage of the saturated fatty acid (SFA) myristic acid (C14:0) in the meat of L lambs than in FB and FB+L (7.13 vs 4.41–4.71%; P<0.05); comparison of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) percentages showed that the faba bean diet gave higher levels of linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6 cis9, cis12) than lupin (3.35 vs 2.44%; P<0.05) and lower levels (0.31 vs 0.39%; P<0.05) of linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3). The n-6/n3 ratio and the thrombogenicity index were not influenced by diet, whereas the atherogenicity index was lower, and therefore better, when lambs were fed the faba bean diet in comparison with the lupin diet (0.89 vs 1.29; P<0.05). In general, for the parameters we studied, the use of lupin in association with faba gave intermediate values, without any significant differences compared to those for the protein sources used singly. In conclusion, the diet containing lupin had a negative effect on fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat, while this effect was mitigated by the use of lupin+faba in association.

Association of n3 and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in red blood cell membrane and plasma with severity of normal tension glaucoma.

To determine whether red blood cell (RBC) membrane and plasma lipids, particularly long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA) are significantly correlated with severity of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). This study included 35 patients with NTG and 12 healthy normal control subjects, matched for age and sex with the study group. The stage of glaucoma was determined according to the Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson classification. Lipids were extracted from RBC membranes and plasma, and fatty acid methyl esters prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). When RBC lipids were analyzed, the levels of EPA, the levels of DHA and the ratio of n3 to n6 were positively associated with the Humphrey Perimetry mean deviation (MD) score (r=0.617, P<0.001; r=0.727, P<0.001 and r=0.720, P<0.001, respectively), while the level of AA was negatively associated with the MD score (r=-0.427, P=0.001). When plasma lipids were analyzed, there was a significant positive relationship between the levels of EPA and the MD score (r=0.648, P<0.001), and the levels of AA were inversely correlated with the MD score (r=-0.638, P<0.001). The levels of n3 and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in RBC membrane and plasma lipids were associated with severity of NTG.

Lactation-induced changes in metabolic status and follicular-fluid metabolomic profile in postpartum dairy cows.

The aim was to investigate the effect of lactation on the composition of pre-ovulatory follicular fluid (FF). Forty in-calf primiparous heifers and 20 maiden heifers were enrolled. Immediately after calving, half of the cows were dried off while the remainder were milked twice daily. Serum samples were collected twice weekly from two weeks pre- to 84 days postpartum (dpp). FF was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate were higher, while glucose, insulin and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) concentrations were lower in lactating cows compared with non-lactating cows and heifers (P<0.01). Principal component analysis of FF metabolites revealed a clear separation of the lactating group from both non-lactating cows and heifers. The amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine and valine and fatty acids heneicosanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were all lower in FF from lactating compared with dry cows (P<0.05). FF from lactating cows was higher in aminoadipic acid, α-aminobutyric acid, glycine and serine while histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine and ornithine were all lower than in dry cows and heifers (P<0.05). The ratio of n6:n3 was higher in lactating cows compared with both non-lactating cows and heifers, whereas total n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pentadecanoic, linolenic, elaidic and arachidonic acids were all lower in the FF of lactating cows than both non-lactating cows and heifers (P<0.05). In conclusion, lactation induces distinct changes in the overall metabolic status of postpartum lactating dairy cows which are associated with divergent metabolite profiles in FF.

The effects of long (C20/22) and short (C18) chain omega-3 fatty acids on keel bone fractures, bone biomechanics, behavior, and egg production in free-range laying hens

Keel fractures in the laying hen are the most critical animal welfare issue facing the egg production industry, particularly with the increased use of extensive systems in response to the 2012 EU directive banning conventional battery cages. The current study is aimed at assessing the effects of 2 omega-3 (n3) enhanced diets on bone health, production endpoints, and behavior in free-range laying hens. Data was collected from 2 experiments over 2 laying cycles, each of which compared a (n3) supplemented diet with a control diet. Experiment 1 employed a diet supplemented with a 60:40 fish oil-linseed mixture (n3:n6 to 1.35) compared with a control diet (n3:n6 to 0.11), whereas the n3 diet in Experiment 2 was supplemented with a 40:60 fish oil-linseed (n3:n6 to 0.77) compared to the control diet (n3:n6 to 0.11). The n3 enhanced diet of Experiment 1 had a higher n3:n6 ratio, and a greater proportion of n3 in the long chain (C20/22) form (0.41 LC:SC) than that of Experiment 2 (0.12 LC:SC). Although dietary treatment was successful in reducing the frequency of fractures by approximately 27% in Experiment 2, data from Experiment 1 indicated the diet actually induced a greater likelihood of fracture (odds ratio: 1.2) and had substantial production detriment. Reduced keel breakage during Experiment 2 could be related to changes in bone health as n3-supplemented birds demonstrated greater load at failure of the keel, and tibiae and humeri that were more flexible. These results support previous findings that n3-supplemented diets can reduce fracture likely by increasing bone strength, and that this can be achieved without detriment to production. However, our findings suggest diets with excessive quantities of n3, or very high levels of C20/22, may experience health and production detriments. Further research is needed to optimize the quantity and type of n3 in terms of bone health and production variables and investigate the potential associated mechanisms.

The Effect of Dietary Polyunsaturated Acid (PUFA) Concentration and n6:n3 Ratio on Azoxymethane + Dextran Sodium Sulfate (AOM+DSS) Inflammation‐Associated Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Previously, we showed that both the total dietary PUFA concentration and the ratio of n3 and n6 PUFA affected systemic inflammation when mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide. Therefore, we sought to determine whether total PUFA concentration and/or ratio of n3 and n6 PUFA modulates CRC susceptibility using the AOM+DSS inflammation mediated model of colon cancer. Mice were fed the following diets that were identical except for the fat profile: 1) AIN93G control diet; 2) 10% (kcal) dietary PUFA, 1:1 n6:n3 ratio; 3) 10% PUFA, 20:1 n6:n3; 4) 2.5% PUFA, 1:1 n6:n3; or 5) 2.5% PUFA, 20:1 n6:n3. Dietary PUFA was provided as either linoleic or linolenic acid. Mice fed the AIN93G and the 2.5% PUFA, 1:1 n6:n3 diets had significantly higher colon tumor multiplicity than all other treatments (P < 0.05). The n6:n3 ratio but not PUFA concentration had a significant effect on tumor size. Mice fed diets with a n6:n3 ratio of 1:1 had significantly larger tumors than mice fed the 20:1 n6:n3 ratio diets (P = 0.012). Colon length was used to assess inflammation severity; however, there were no significant differences between treatments. These results suggest that the dietary PUFA profile may affect colorectal carcinogenesis and that higher ratios of n6 to n3 may be protective against AOM+DSS induced tumorigenesis. Support was provided by the Utah State University Office of Research and Graduate Studies.

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.

Chemical composition of red, brown and green macroalgae from Buarcos bay in Central West Coast of Portugal

Six representative edible seaweeds from the Central West Portuguese Coast, including the less studied Osmundea pinnatifida, were harvested from Buarcos bay, Portugal and their chemical characterization determined. Protein content, total sugar and fat contents ranged between 14.4% and 23.8%, 32.4% and 49.3% and 0.6–3.6%. Highest total phenolic content was observed in Codium tomentosum followed by Sargassum muticum and O. pinnatifida. Fatty acid (FA) composition covered the branched chain C13ai to C22:5 n3 with variable content in n6 and n3 FA; low n6:n3 ratios were observed in O. pinnatifida, Grateloupia turuturu and C. tomentosum. Some seaweed species may be seen as good sources of Ca, K, Mg and Fe, corroborating their good nutritional value. According to FTIR-ATR spectra, G. turuturu was associated with carrageenan seaweed producers whereas Gracilaria gracilis and O. pinnatifida were mostly agar producers. In the brown algae, S. muticum and Saccorhiza polyschides, alginates and fucoidans were the main polysaccharides found.

Biotic invasions can alter nutritional composition of zooplankton communities

Ecologists and ecosystem managers often base their understanding of trophic dynamics on consumer and resource biomass. However, the factors that alter the relative nutritional value of resources are often poorly understood, despite their potential to decouple trophic interactions. Recent population declines in pelagic fishes of the upper San Francisco Estuary were not accompanied by an equivalent decrease in zooplankton biomass, which are the main resource for the fish and their larvae. It was hypothesized that changes in zooplankton nutritional conditions following the establishment of invasive species caused food‐quality related limitations for these higher‐order consumers. Using stable isotopes, elemental stoichiometry and fatty acid analyses for all dominant invasive and native zooplankton taxa and seston, we characterized the plankton community structure in the estuary and demonstrated taxon‐specific differences in their nutritional value. We then quantified the temporal dynamics in meso‐zooplankton proportions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and ratio of n3:n6 fatty acids. We found temporal increase in the community‐level DHA, n3 to n6 fatty acid ratio, decrease in the community‐level EPA and PUFA in the brackish water region, but no change in the bulk PUFA proportions in the freshwater region of the estuary. These changes were caused mainly by declines of native cladocerans that are rich in EPA and by an increase in the dominance of invasive taxa with high DHA concentrations, similar to that of native taxa. Although we showed temporal shifts in individual fatty acid classes, the proportion of the essential fatty acids remained relatively high, suggesting that nutritional prey availability for fish remained unchanged with the shift in species composition. We argue that the nutritional content of resource communities should be considered when analyzing the long‐term trophic dynamics and designing effective management and restoration strategies.

The Effect of Dietary n6:n3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Ratio on Chronic Reflux Esophagitis in Rats

Introduction: Reflux esophagitis (RE) is one of the typical lesions of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The incidence of GERD is thought related to high fat diet, while the ratio of dietary n6: n3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) is believed to play a role in the regulation of the inflammatory process. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of dietary n6: n3 PUFAs ratio on chronic RE in a rat model and the relationship with lipid peroxidation. Methods: Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the n-6: n-3 PUFAs ratios in feed, including 1:1.5,10:1, 5:1 and pure n-6 PUFAs groups, and a sham operation group (10 rats, which were fed with pure n-6 PUFAs) was set up as blank control. Rat RE model (Pyloric Nylon Loop-induced Chronic Acid Reflux Esophagitis) was established by pyloric clip and section ligation. After 14 days treatment, pathological changes of the esophagus were determined, and the expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNFα protein and mRNA in esophageal tissue homogenate were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively, while the MDA and SOD levels were evaluated by ELISA, respectively. Results: The food intake and body weights in the rats showed no significant difference before operation (P>0.05), while those were reduced in all groups except sham group in postoperative d7 (P<0.05) and were recovered in d14, and no intergroup differences were found (P>0.05). In PUFA1:1.5, PUFA5:1, PUFA10:1, n-6 PUFA groups and sham operation group, the postoperative d14 survival rates were 70%, 60%, 80%, 70% and 100%, respectively (P=0.306). The degree of esophagitis was lower in PUFA1:1.5 group when compared to that in the other model groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found among PUFA5:1, PUFA10:1 and n-6 PUFA groups(P>0.05). The protein and mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNFα, and the MDA levels were increased in all model groups when compared to that in sham group (P<0.05), which showed a rising tendency from PUFA1:1.5, PUFA5:1, PUFA10:1 groups to n-6 PUFA group. The SOD levels were decreased in all model groups when compared to that in sham group (P<0.05), which showed a reducing tendency from PUFA1:1.5, PUFA5:1, PUFA10:1 groups to n-6 PUFA group. Conclusion: The results indicate that the reflux related esophageal mucosal damage could be lightened by adding more n-3 PUFAs in diet, which was associated with an up-regulation of antioxidant activity and a down-regulation of lipid peroxidation in esophageal epithelium. Dietary n-6/n-3 PUFAs ratio reduction may be a beneficial strategy for gastroesophageal reflux disease management.

Effect of feeding phenolic compounds from propolis extracts to dairy cows on milk production, milk fatty acid composition, and the antioxidant capacity of milk

Four ruminally cannulated primiparous lactating cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the effects of propolis-based products (PBP; obtained under different concentrations of propolis and levels of alcohol) on milk production, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, and the antioxidant capacity of milk. The total mixed ration consisted of 591.9g/kg of corn silage and 408.1g/kg of concentrate [dry matter (DM) basis], and treatments differed with regard to the inclusion or exclusion of PBP as follows: control (CON; excipient without phenolic compounds from the propolis extract), PBP1–PBP3 (3.81, 3.27 and 1.93mg of phenolic compounds/kg of ingested DM, respectively). Adding propolis to the diets had no effects on DM intake, milk production, feed conversion efficiency, milk solid concentrations, or somatic cell score. Milk FA composition was changed by the addition of PBP. The content of cis9,trans11-18:2 (CLA isomer) was 50.8% higher in the PBP2 than in the CON (P<0.001). The PBP3 increased monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) contents and reduced (P=0.029) the proportion of saturated FA (SFA). Further, the addition of PBP reduced (P<0.001) the n6:n3 ratio in milk fat when compared with that in the CON. The antioxidant capacity of milk increased (P<0.001) with the addition of phenolic compounds from PBP in the diet. Propolis improves milk quality when added to the diet of dairy cows, but different amounts of phenolic compounds can influence the beneficial effects of PBP on dairy milk.

Abstract P411: Associations Between Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intakes And Serum C-reactive Protein Concentrations In Adults From Nhanes 2003-10

Background: Multiple clinical studies and literature reviews suggest that elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration may be associated with risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type-2 diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, and infection or inflammation. Data are very limited and inconsistent about impact of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intakes on CRP concentrations. Method: PUFA intakes and CRP measurement in adults (aged 19 years and elder) were extracted from databases of NHANES 2003-10. Non-normally distributed data were normalized by log-transformation. SAS survey-mean and survey-regression procedures were used to analyze the dataset extracted. Result: In total, 17,785 participants who had valid CRP and PUFA intake data were included in this work. Means of PUFA intake, CRP concentration, and n6- to n3- fatty acids (FA) ratio were 15.11 g/d (median 15.56 and SE 0.07), 1.79 mg/L (median 1.80, SE 0.006), and 9.81 (median 9.21, SE 0.027), respectively. 38.94% (n=6925) participants had CRP concentration ≥3 mg/L with mean PUFA intake 14.36 g/d, 9.54% (n=1,696) ≥10~&gt;30 mg/L with mean PUFA intake 14.41 g/d, and 1.43% (n=254) ≥30mg/L with mean PUFA intake 12.91 g/d. From regression analyses, CRP concentration was significantly and inversely correlated with PUFA intake (P&lt;0.0001) with adjustment for saturated fat intake, gender, age, and BMI, but not correlated with the ratio of n6 to n3 FA (P=0.57). CRP concentration was also significantly and inversely correlated with PUFA intake quartiles (P=&lt;0.0001) with the same adjustment setting. Least square (LS) mean of CRP concentration in the lowest quartile group (2.06 mg/L) was significantly higher (P= 0.001~&lt;0.0001) than the LS means of all other 3 PUFA intake quartile groups. LS means of CRP concentration in the 2nd lowest and the 3 rd quartile groups (1.85 and 1.79 mg/L) were also significantly higher (P=0.005 and 0.046, respectively) than the LS mean of the highest quartile group (1.69 mg/L). Conclusion: Descriptive statistics and multi-covariate regression showed that dietary PUFA intakes were inversely associated with serum CRP concentration in the adult population, but not associated with n6- to n3- FA ratio. This finding is consistent with previous suggestions that sufficient PUFA or n3 FA intakes may enhance immune function, reduce risk of infection, and infection/inflammation-related diseases, such as CVD. In the population analyzed, intakes of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, n3 FA, n6 FA, and total PUFA were tightly correlated with each other (r=0.833-0.999, Spearman).

Effects of Prenatal Social Stress and Maternal Dietary Fatty Acid Ratio on Infant Temperament: Does Race Matter?

BackgroundInfant temperament predicts a range of developmental and behavioral outcomes throughout childhood. Both maternal fatty acid intake and psychosocial stress exposures during pregnancy may influence infant temperament. Furthermore, maternal race may modify prenatal diet and stress effects. The goals of this study are to examine the joint effects of prenatal diet and stress and the modifying effects of race on infant behavior.MethodsAnalyses included N=255 mother-infant dyads, primarily minorities (21% Blacks; 42% Hispanics), enrolled in an urban pregnancy cohort. Maternal prenatal stress was indexed by a negative life events (NLEs) score on the Crisis in Family Systems-Revised survey. Prenatal total daily intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (n3, n6) were estimated from a food frequency questionnaire; n3:n6 ratios were calculated. Mothers completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R), a measure of infant temperament, when the children were 6 months old. Three commonly used dimensions were derived: Orienting & Regulation, Extraversion, and Negative Affectivity. Associations among prenatal stress, maternal n3:n6 ratio, and race/ethnicity on infant temperament, controlling for maternal education and age and child sex, were examined.ResultsAmong Blacks, prenatal stress effects on infant Orienting & Regulation scores were modified by maternal n3:n6 ratios (p=0.03): As NLEs increased, lower n3:n6 ratios predicted lower infant Orienting & Regulation scores, whereas higher n3:n6 ratios attenuated the effect of prenatal stress. There were no main or interaction effects predicting Extraversion or Negative Affectivity.ConclusionsAn optimal PUFA ratio may protect the fetus from stress effects on infant behavior, particularly among Blacks. These findings may have implications for later neurodevelopment and social functioning predicted by early temperamental characteristics.

Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fish among US children 12-60 months of age.

This study aimed to estimate intake of individual polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), identify major dietary sources of PUFAs and estimate the proportion of individuals consuming fish among US children 12-60 months of age, by age and race and ethnicity. The study employed a cross-sectional design using US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Representative sample of US population based on selected counties. 2496 US children aged 12-60 months. Mean daily intake of n-6 PUFAs and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) varied by age, with children 12-24 months of age having lower average intakes (mg or g day(-1) ) than children 49-60 months of age and the lowest n6 : n3 ratio, upon adjustment for energy intake. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was low (20 mg day(-1) ) compared to typical infant intake and did not change with age. Compared to non-Hispanic white children, Mexican American children had higher DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) intake. In the previous 30 days, 53.7% of children ever consumed fish. Non-Hispanic black children were more likely than non-Hispanic white children to have consumed fish (64.0% vs. 53.0%). Results indicate low prevalence of fish intake and key n-3 PUFAs, relative to n-6 fatty acids, which suggests room for improvement in the diets of US children. More research is needed to determine how increasing dietary intakes of n-3 PUFAs like DHA could benefit child health.

The Dietary n6:n3 Fatty Acid Ratio during Pregnancy Is Inversely Associated with Child Neurodevelopment in the EDEN Mother-Child Cohort

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) of the n6 (ω6) and n3 series are essential for the development of a child’s brain. Fetal LC-PUFA exposure as well as infant exposure via breast milk depend on the maternal intake of these LC-PUFAs and of their respective dietary precursors (PUFAs). We aimed to investigate the associations between maternal LC-PUFA and PUFA [(LC)PUFA] dietary intake during pregnancy and child neurodevelopment at ages 2 and 3 y. In 1335 mother-child pairs from the EDEN cohort, we evaluated associations between daily maternal (LC)PUFA intake during the last 3 months of pregnancy with the child’s language at age 2 y and with different assessments of development at age 3 y. Associations were investigated separately in breastfed and never-breastfed children. We examined interactions between the ratios of n6 and n3 (LC)PUFA intakes (n6:n3 fatty acid ratio) and duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers had a lower n6:n3 fatty acid ratio (8.4 vs. 8.8; P = 0.02). Among never-breastfed children (n = 338), we found negative associations between maternal dietary n6:n3 fatty acid ratios and neurodevelopment, as reflected by the child’s language at age 2 y (β ± SE = −2.1 ± 0.7; P = 0.001) and development assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire at age 3 y (−1.5 ± 0.8; P = 0.05). Among mothers with a high n6:n3 fatty acid ratio only, breastfeeding duration was positively associated with language at age 2 y (P-interaction < 0.05). This suggests that the ratio between maternal dietary n6 and n3 (LC)PUFA intake possibly influences the child’s brain development during fetal life but not during or by breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding might compensate for prenatal imbalance in maternal dietary n6:n3 fatty acid ratio.

OP024 BODY COMPOSITION AS A PREDICTOR OF DOSE LIMITING CHEMOTHERAPY TOXICITY IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

of a potential role of n-3FA in treatment of cancer requires regular long-term administration. Methods: As part of a phase II trial in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, up to 100 g of n-3FA (Lipidem, BBraun, Melsungen) was administered with gemcitabine chemotherapy weekly, with a rest every fourth week for up to six months. Pre-treatment serum and erythrocyte cell membrane (ECM) pellet samples were obtained for the entire treatment course of each patient. Post-treatment samples were obtained for the first two cycles only to assess rapid uptake. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were produced by gas chromatography and their proportions as a total of sample lipid composition analysed using a mixed effects linear regression model. Results: Twenty nine patients were evaluated with median treatment length of 3.5 months (range 0 6 months). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) FAMEs showed rapid uptake into plasma, and EPA into ECM pellets in post-treatment samples (p = 0.03). There was significant sustained uptake of EPA and DHA FAMEs into ECM pellets over the cohort’s pooled treatment course (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04 respectively) with corresponding reduction in the n6:n3 ratio (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Parenteral n-3FA administered in weekly highdose rate regimens results in rapid and sustained cellular uptake over a period of up to six months. This regimen is appropriate for therapies aimed at increasing n-3FA content of cellular membranes and reduction of the n6:n3 ratio.

Fatty acid composition differences between adipose depot sites in dairy and beef steer breeds

The objective of the study was to compare fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi (LD) and kidney fat (KF) in Holstein steers (HS), Simmental steers (SS) and Chinese LongDong Yellow Cattle steers (CLD). All steers received the same nutrition and management but in different locations. Cattle were harvested at approximately 550kg and fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi and kidney fat was analyzed in samples taken after 3days of aging. There was evidence (P < 0.05) that C18:3n6 was greater in KF than LD in CLD cattle but not in HS or SS cattle. Percentage C18:1n9, C18:2n6, C18:3n3, and n6 fatty acids were greater in LD than KF for all breeds (P < 0.05), but the difference between fat sources for n6 in CLD cattle was smaller than the other two breeds. The LD had greater percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and a greater ratio of n6:n3 PUFAs compared to the KF in each breed (P < 0.05). The △(9)-desaturase catalytic activity index was greater in LD than in KF in each breed group (P < 0.05). Percentage cis-9, trans-11 CLA was greater in KF than LD in HS (P < 0.05) but not SS or CLD cattle. These results indicate fatty acid percentages generally differed between longissimus dorsi fat and kidney fat. Further, there was some indication that some of these differences between fatty acid deposition sites were not consistent across breed group.

Ratio of Pro-Resolving and Pro-Inflammatory Lipid Mediator Precursors as Potential Markers for Aggressive Periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a rapidly progressing type of periodontal disease in otherwise healthy individuals which causes destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth. The disease is initiated by pathogenic bacteria in the dental biofilm, and the severity of inflammation and attachment loss varies with the host response. Recently, there has been an increased interest in determining the role of lipid mediators in inflammatory events and the concept of pro-inflammatory and pro-resolution lipid mediators has been brought into focus also in periodontal disease. The present study aimed to determine the profile of omega-3 or n3- as well as omega-6 or n6- polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and PUFA-metabolites of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva and serum in AgP patients and healthy controls. In total, 60 selected n3- and n6-PUFAs and various PUFA metabolites were measured using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS). Of these, 51 could be quantified in this study. The concentrations of the majority were low in saliva samples compared with serum and GCF, but were mainly higher in AgP patients compared with healthy controls in all three kinds of sample. Ratios of n3- to n6-PUFAs (DHA + EPA)/AA were significantly lower in the GCF of AgP patients than in the healthy controls. Furthermore, various ratios of the direct precursors of the pro-resolution lipid mediators (precursors of resolvins and protectins) were calculated against the precursors of mainly pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. These ratios were mainly lower in GCF and saliva of AgP patients, compared with healthy controls, but only reached significance in GCF (P<0.05). To conclude, the ratios of precursors of pro-resolution/pro-inflammatory lipid mediators seem to be more relevant for describing the disease status of AgP than the concentration of specific lipid mediators.

Milk production, fatty acid composition and vitamin E content of Payoya goats according to grazing level in summer on Mediterranean shrublands

Dietary intake of certain unsaturated fatty acids (FA), in particular conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 FA (n-3 FA), and fat-soluble antioxidants (e.g. α-tocopherol) has been linked to potential health benefits. Nevertheless, there is little information about how Mediterranean shrublands affect the fat composition and fat-soluble antioxidants of milk of dairy goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect during the summer of different grazing levels on Mediterranean scrublands on milk production, milk FA profile and vitamin E content from Payoya goats. Eight farms were selected and data were collected monthly from June to October of 2010. Indicators for feeding management and productivity were obtained. The Percentage of the milking goat's net energy requirements obtained from grazing (NERG) was calculated. Farms were segregated in two groups according to the grazing level: high (HG, n=3) and medium grazing (MG, n=5). Whole milk was collected monthly from bulk tanks of the farms and analyzed for chemical composition, FA profile, α-tocopherol content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). NERG differed between treatment groups and months (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). No differences between groups were observed for the most studied chemical parameters. The percentages of C16:1 (P<0.01), C18:1 n-9 trans (P<0.05), C18:1 n-9 cis (P<0.05) and MUFA (P<0.01) were significantly higher and the total SFA significantly lower (P<0.01) in milk from MG farms compared with HG farms. In contrast, percentages of the nutritionally desirable FA (α-linolenic acid, C22:5 n-3, total n-3 PUFA) were significantly higher, while levels of total n-6 PUFA and n6:n3 ratio were significantly lower in milk from HG group. In addition, the percentages of NERG were correlated positively with the contents of several n-3 FA and negatively with the n-6 FA and n-6:n-3 ratio. CLA cis-9, trans-11 and CLA trans-10, cis-12 were not affected by grazing level. The short and long-chain FA showed significant variations during the period of study. HG farms showed significant higher α-tocopherol content in September (P=0.030) and October (P=0.025). The TAC levels did not significantly vary according to the grazing level and the month. In conclusions, the high grazing farms showed significantly higher levels of n-3 FA and α-tocopherol compared with the medium grazing farms, which are widely recognized as having beneficial effects on human health.

Summer diet selection of dairy goats grazing in a Mediterranean shrubland and the quality of secreted fat

This study aims to evaluate the preferences and nutritive value of dairy goats summer diet selection in a Mediterranean shrubland and its effect on milk yield and quality, with specific reference to fatty acid (FA) composition. A commercial flock of the indigenous Payoya goat was used in the present study, carried out from August to October of 2008. The goats were divided into two groups: a free-range grazing group (goats had free access to pasture, (G) n=100) and an indoor group (goats were housed in a stable, and received 1.5–2kg/goat/day of alfalfa hay and pea straw mixture, (I) n=60). A supplementary concentrate was fed to both groups at 0.5kg/goat/d, during milking. Diet composition of the grazing goats was estimated through in situ observations. Chemical composition and nutritive value of selected diets, hay and concentrate samples were analyzed. Milk samples were taken from pooled milk of all animals in each group the day after diet observations, and basic chemical composition and FA profile were performed. Myrtus communis and Pistacia lentiscus were the most frequently ingested species. Milk yield and basic chemical composition were greater in group I than in group G for most of the studied parameters. The percentages of the nutritionally desirable FA (α-linolenic acid, C20:5 n-3, total n-3 PUFA) were significantly higher in milk from the G group, while the C18:2 n-6 cis, total n-6 PUFA and n6:n3 ratio were significantly lower than in I group. Total conjugate linoleic acid and its isomers were not affected by feeding-type group. In conclusion, the pastures selected could be considered to be of low to intermediate nutritional quality (4MJ/kg DM of net energy for lactation). In addition, small but significant differences were found on milk yield and milk FA composition according to feeding treatment (grazing vs. concentrate-forage diet). Particularly, grazing goats showed higher levels of FA recognized as having beneficial effects on human health.

Effects Of Modifying Both The Linoleic and Linolenic Acid Content of a 45% Kcal DIO Diet on Body Weight And Metabolic Parameters in C57BL6J Mice

The objective of this study was to test the effects of modifying both the ratio and concentration of linoleic and linolenic acids in a DIO mouse model of metabolic inflammation. B6 mice were fed high‐fat diets (45% kcal) for 18 weeks: AIN‐93G (control); 10% (kcal) n6 1% n3 (HL; 10:1 ratio); 10% n6 5% n3 (HH; 2:1 ratio); 5% n6 1% n3 (LL; 5:1 ratio); 5% n6 5% n3 (LH; 1:1 ratio). Plasma cytokines and metabolic hormones were measured with a multiplexed bead assay. Results indicate the diets did not affect food intake, body mass, liver weight, subcutaneous, gonadal, retroperitoneal and total body fat, fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, OGTT or plasma LPS. All experimental groups had higher body weight, fat depots, GIP and leptin than control. HH group consumed less food during weeks 3–12 and had lower plasma insulin at the end compared with the other groups. LH group had more mesenteric fat and lower plasma IL10 compared with the other experimental groups. LL group had lower GLP‐1 and MCP‐1 compared with the other 4 groups. Taken together, high n3 PUFA reduced anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL10, low PUFA reduced inflammatory cytokine MCP‐1, high PUFA reduced food intake and plasma insulin. In conclusion, PUFA at 6–15% kcal with different n6:n3 ratios had statistically significant, but seemingly minor effects on metabolic inflammation in a DIO mouse model. This project was funded by a USDA NIFA grant UTA01065.