Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Ratio Research Articles

Vegetable omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids differentially modulate the antiviral and antibacterial immune responses of Atlantic salmon

The immunomodulatory effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are a crucial subject of investigation for sustainable fish aquaculture, as fish oil is increasingly replaced by terrestrial vegetable oils in aquafeeds. Unlike previous research focusing on fish oil replacement with vegetable alternatives, our study explored how the omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio in low-fish oil aquafeeds influences Atlantic salmon's antiviral and antibacterial immune responses. Atlantic salmon were fed aquafeeds rich in soy oil (high in omega-6) or linseed oil (high in omega-3) for 12 weeks and then challenged with bacterial (formalin-killed Aeromonas salmonicida) or viral-like (polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid) antigens. The head kidneys of salmon fed high dietary omega-3 levels exhibited a more anti-inflammatory fatty acid profile and a restrained induction of pro-inflammatory and neutrophil-related genes during the immune challenges. The high-omega-3 diet also promoted a higher expression of genes associated with the interferon-mediated signaling pathway, potentially enhancing antiviral immunity. This research highlights the capacity of vegetable oils with different omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA ratios to modulate specific components of fish immune responses, offering insights for future research on the intricate lipid nutrition-immunity interplay and the development of novel sustainable low-fish oil clinical aquaculture feeds.

The association between maternal body mass index and breast milk composition: a systematic review.

Breast milk composition is influenced by many factors, ranging from maternal nutritional status to infant sex. Previous studies have explored the relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and breast milk composition; however, the findings have been inconsistent and controversial. To systematically review the evidence on the association of maternal weight and BMI with breast milk composition. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to May 3, 2023, using the following search strategy: ("maternal weight" OR "maternal BMI" OR "mother's weight" OR "mother's BMI") AND ("maternal milk" OR "human milk" OR "breast milk"). A total of 83 publications, involving data from more than 11 310 lactating women, were identified. All extracted data were compiled, compared, and critically analyzed. Overall, maternal BMI was associated with higher levels of leptin and insulin, and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk. However, no conclusive associations were found between maternal BMI and the levels of energy, macronutrients, micronutrients, and other components of breast milk. This systematic review provides robust evidence supporting a positive correlation between maternal BMI and breast milk concentrations of leptin, insulin, and the omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio. Nevertheless, disparities in findings are noticeable for other constituents of breast milk. To comprehensively grasp the influence of maternal weight and BMI on breast milk composition, further research endeavors are imperative. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023458667.

Omega-3 polygenic score protects against altered eating behavior in intrauterine growth-restricted children.

Alterations in eating behavior are common in infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could provide protection. We hypothesized that those born IUGR with a genetic background associated with increased production of omega-3-PUFA will have more adaptive eating behaviors during childhood. IUGR/non-IUGR classified infants from MAVAN and GUSTO cohorts were included at the age of 4 and 5 years, respectively. Their parents reported child's eating behaviors using the child eating behavior questionnaire-CEBQ. Based on the GWAS on serum PUFA (Coltell 2020), three polygenic scores were calculated. Significant interactions between IUGR and polygenic score for omega-3-PUFA on emotional overeating (β = -0.15, P = 0.049 GUSTO) and between IUGR and polygenic score for omega-6/omega-3-PUFA on desire to drink (β = 0.35, P = 0.044 MAVAN), pro-intake/anti-intake ratio (β = 0.10, P = 0.042 MAVAN), and emotional overeating (β = 0.16, P = 0.043 GUSTO) were found. Only in IUGR, a higher polygenic score for omega-3-PUFA associated with lower emotional overeating, while a higher polygenic score for omega-6/omega-3-PUFA ratio was associated with a higher desire to drink, emotional overeating, and pro-intake/anti-intake. Only in IUGR, the genetic background for higher omega-3-PUFA is associated with protection against altered eating behavior, while the genetic score for a higher omega-6/omega-3-PUFA ratio is associated with altered eating behavior. A genetic background related to a higher polygenic score for omega-3 PUFA protected infants born IUGR against eating behavior alterations, while a higher polygenic score for omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio increased the risk of having eating behavior alterations only in infants born IUGR, irrespective of their adiposity in childhood. Genetic individual differences modify the effect of being born IUGR on eating outcomes, increasing the vulnerability/resilience to eating disorders in IUGR group and likely contributing to their risk for developing metabolic diseases later in life.

A prospective analysis of red blood cell membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Published studies report inconsistent associations of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk. We conducted a nested case-control study in Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study participants to evaluate a hypothesis of inverse association of pre-diagnosis red blood cell (RBC) membrane PUFA levels with risk of NHL endpoints. We confirmed 583 NHL cases and matched 583 controls by cohort/sex, age, race and blood draw date/time. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of NHL endpoints using logistic regression. RBC PUFA levels were not associated with all NHL risk; cis 20:2n-6 was associated with follicular lymphoma risk (OR [95% CI] per one standard deviation increase: 1.35 [1.03–1.77]), and the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio was associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma risk (2.33 [1.23–4.43]). Overall, PUFA did not demonstrate a role in NHL etiology; the two unexpected positive associations lack clear biologic explanations.

Joint analyses of human milk fatty acids, phospholipids, and choline in association with cognition and temperament traits during the first 6 months of life.

Early dietary exposure via human milk nutrients offers a window of opportunity to support cognitive and temperament development. While several studies have focused on associations of few pre-selected human milk nutrients with cognition and temperament, it is highly plausible that human milk nutrients synergistically and jointly support cognitive and behavioral development in early life. We aimed to discern the combined associations of three major classes of human milk nutrients with cognition and temperament during the first 6 months of life when human milk is the primary source of an infant’s nutrition and explore whether there were persistent effects up to 18 months old. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Infant Behavior Questionnaires—Revised were used to assess cognition and temperament, respectively, of 54 exclusively/predominantly breastfed infants in the first 6 months of life, whose follow-ups were conducted at 6–9, 9–12, and 12–18 months old. Human milk samples were obtained from the mothers of the participants at less than 6 months of age and analyzed for fatty acids [total monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acid, total saturated fatty acid (TSFA), arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ARA/DHA, omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (n-6/n-3)], phospholipids [phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), sphingomyelin], and choline [free choline, phosphocholine (PCho), glycerophosphocholine]. Feature selection was performed to select nutrients associated with cognition and temperament. The combined effects of selected nutrients were analyzed using multiple regression. A positive association between the arachidonic acid (ARA) and surgency was observed (p = 0.024). A significant effect of DHA, n-6/n-3, PE, and TSFA concentrations on receptive language (R2 = 0.39, p = 0.025) and the elevated ARA, PCho, and PI with increased surgency (R2 = 0.43, p = 0.003) was identified, suggesting that DHA and ARA may have distinct roles for temperament and language functions. Furthermore, the exploratory association analyses suggest that the effects of human milk nutrients on R.L. and surgency may persist beyond the first 6 months of life, particularly surgency at 12–18 months (p = 0.002). Our study highlighted that various human milk nutrients work together to support the development of cognition and temperament traits during early infancy.

Ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Associated With Somatic and Depressive Symptoms in People With Painful Temporomandibular Disorder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Somatic symptom disturbance is among the strongest predictors of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Related psychological constructs, such as anxiety and depression, respond therapeutically to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in clinical trials. This cross-sectional study investigated associations between the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio and somatic symptom disturbance and depressive symptoms in a community-based sample of 501 adults and determined whether these associations differed between adults with and without TMD or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantified PUFAs in circulating erythrocytes. Somatic symptoms and depression were quantified using Symptom Checklist-90-Revised subscales. Presence or absence of TMD and IBS, respectively, were determined by clinical examination and Rome III screening questions. The standardized beta coefficient for the omega-6/omega-3 long-chain PUFA ratio was 0.26 (95% confidence limits (CL): 0.08, 0.43) in a multivariable linear regression model in which somatic symptom disturbance was the dependent variable. When modelling depressive symptoms as the dependent variable, the standardized beta coefficient was 0.17 (95% CL:0.01, 0.34). Both associations were stronger among TMD cases and IBS cases than among non-cases. Future randomized control trials that lower the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio could consider somatic or depressive symptoms as a therapeutic target for TMD or IBS pain. PerspectiveIn people with TMD or IBS, a high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was positively associated with somatic symptom disturbance and depressive symptoms. Both measures of psychological distress were elevated in people with painful TMD and IBS. Future randomized clinical trials will determine whether lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio is therapeutic for pain.

Applications of Cannabis Sativa L. in Food and Its Therapeutic Potential: From a Prohibited Drug to a Nutritional Supplement.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a herbaceous anemophilous plant that belongs to the Cannabinaceae family. The cannabis seed (hemp) has long been utilized as a food source and is commercially important as an edible oil source. In this review, the positive and negative health effects of cannabis, the relationship between cannabis and various diseases, and the use of cannabis in various food products have been discussed. In addition, the scientific literature on the potential use of cannabis and its derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases in animals and humans has been reviewed. Cannabis is being developed as a key ingredient in a variety of food items, including bakery, confectionery, beverages, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Hemp seeds are high in readily digestible proteins, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), insoluble fiber, carbs, and favorable omega-6 PUFA acid to omega-3 PUFA ratio and have high nutritional value. The antioxidants of cannabis, such as polyphenols, help with anxiety, oxidative stress, and the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, digestive problems, and skin diseases. Cannabis has been shown to have negative health impacts on the respiratory system, driving, and psychomotor functions, and the reproductive system. Overall, the purpose of this research is to stimulate more in-depth research on cannabis’s adaptation in various foods and for the treatment of chronic illnesses.

Lipid Metabolism, Carcass Characteristics and Longissimus dorsi Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Tropical Crossbred Beef Cattle in Response to Desmanthus spp. Forage Backgrounding.

Lipid metabolism, carcass characteristics and fatty acid (FA) composition of the Longissimus dorsi (loin eye) muscle were evaluated in tropical crossbred steers backgrounded on Desmanthus spp. (desmanthus) with or without feedlot finishing. It was hypothesized that steers backgrounded on isonitrogenous diets augmented with incremental proportions of desmanthus will produce carcasses with similar characteristics and FA composition. Forty-eight Brahman, Charbray and Droughtmaster crossbred beef steers were backgrounded for 140 days on Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay augmented with 0, 15, 30 or 45 percent desmanthus on dry matter basis. Lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay was added to the 0, 15 and 30 percent desmanthus diets to ensure that they were isonitrogenous with the 45 percent desmanthus diet. After backgrounding, the two heaviest steers in each pen were slaughtered and the rest were finished in the feedlot for 95 days before slaughter. Muscle biopsy samples were taken at the beginning and end of the backgrounding phase. Carcasses were sampled at slaughter for intramuscular fat (IMF) content, fat melting point (FMP) and FA composition analyses. Increasing the proportion of desmanthus in the diet led to a linear increase in docosanoic acid (p = 0.04) and omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio (n-6/n-3 PUFA; p = 0.01), while docosahexaenoic acid decreased linearly (p = 0.01). Feedlot finishing increased hot carcass weight, subcutaneous fat depth at the P8 site and dressing percentage (p ≤ 0.04). The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was within the recommended < 5 for human diets. IMF was within the consumer-preferred ≥3% level for palatability. The hypothesis that steers backgrounded on isonitrogenous diets augmented with incremental proportions of desmanthus will produce similar carcass characteristics and FA composition was accepted. These findings indicate that a combination of tropical beef cattle backgrounding on desmanthus augmented forage and short-term feedlot finishing produces healthy and highly palatable meat.

Anti-Platelet Properties of Apple Must/Skin Yeasts and of Their Fermented Apple Cider Products

Alcoholic beverages like apple cider are considered functional beverages with several health benefits, when consumed in moderation, which are mainly attributed to their microbiota and the plethora of their bioactive compounds. Among them, bio-functional polar lipids (PL) have recently been found in apple cider, which despite low quantities, have exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet properties, while fermentation seems to affect the functionality of apple cider’s PL bioactives. The aim of the present study was to elaborate yeast strains isolated from the complex mixtures of apple surface and must yeasts for evaluating their effects on the anti-platelet functional properties of PL bioactives from their final fermented apple cider products. First, bio-functional PL were extracted and separated from the biomass of the different isolated apple surface/must yeast strains, and were further assessed for their anti-platelet potency against human platelet aggregation induced by the potent inflammatory and thrombotic mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF), or by a classic platelet agonist like adenosine diphopshate (ADP). Novel functional apple ciders were then produced from the fermentation of apple juice by elaborating the most bioactive and resilient yeast strains isolated from the apple must with optimum fermentation properties. PL bioactives extracted from these novel apple cider products were also further assessed for their anti-platelet properties against both the PAF and ADP pathways of human platelet aggregation. These novel cider products were found to contain PL bioactives with lower IC50 values (~40 μg) and thus increased anti-platelet potency against platelet aggregation induced by PAF and ADP. GC-MS analysis of the PL bioactives extracted from these novel apple ciders showed that apple cider PL bioactives are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as the omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) and the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA), with favorably lower levels for their omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio, which further support the observed strong anti-platelet properties putative anti-inflammatory potency for the apple cider PL bioactives. However, further studies are needed in order to elucidate and fully characterize the apple yeast strains that can be utilized for increasing the anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and cardioprotective functional properties of their fermented apple cider products.

An Overview of Analeptic Applications of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This article is an examination of the Analeptic Applications of Omega-3. The scientific development and subsequent clinical applications of Omega-3 in Healthcare continue to influence researchers all over the globe today. This article examines the research done and published by researchers and scientists. Consideration of current trends and data in scientific queries and demonstrates further aspects of the applications of Omega-3 on various health backgrounds, including.&#x0D; Cardiovascular Health: The study addresses the comparison of Omega-3 and Omega-6 in cardiovascular diseases. Higher intake of dietary Omega-3 helps activation, inhibition, and alteration of metabolic and signaling pathways which is associated with better cardiovascular health, while Omega-6 decreases the risk of coronary heart diseases and cardiovascular disease mortality.&#x0D; Immunology: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) have been found to show an anti-inflammatory effect in the body by downregulating the activation of various immune cells. They regulate immunological functions via eicosanoids and resolvins which are anti-inflammatory. External supplementation can reduce chronic and acute inflammation as well as reduce the chances of graft rejection. The regulatory effect is shown by modifying gene expression and/or signal transduction in human cells. They are also involved in altering the membrane composition of Fatty Acids(FA) and as a result, they affect the lipid raft structure and also membrane trafficking.&#x0D; Joint Health: The study shows the effects of omega-3 and other fatty acid consumption in Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA), bone marrow lesions, and knee cartilage lesions. It notes the interrelations between synovitis, plasma levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFAs in OsteoArthritis (OA) patients along with risk factors for OA, which could help consider liable treatments for improvement of OA. The study highlights the importance of the Omega-6:Omega-3 PUFA ratio and clinical and functional outcome measures which can help us in better understanding the role of PUFAs and possible treatments for people with knee osteoarthritis while showing the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on muscle health in RA.&#x0D; Skin Disorders: Fish oils rich in PUFAs are reported to improve several inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. They have also been broadly reported as a potential supplement to ameliorate the severity of some skin disorders such as photoaging, skin cancer, allergy, dermatitis, cutaneous wounds, and melanogenesis. The significance of omega-3 in skin structure was proved by describing a syndrome caused by stringent fat reduction in the diet that leads to erythema with scaling, hair loss, itching, and increased water loss.

Evaluation of dietary-coated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproduction performance, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles in lactating sows and suckling piglets

A total of 16 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were used in a 33-d trial (7 d before expected parturition) to determine the effects of dietary-coated omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on reproduction performance, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles in lactating sows and suckling piglets. Pigs were randomly allotted into two treatments with eight replicates per treatment, and the parity was 4.9. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, corn–soybean-meal-based diet [omega-6:omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio of 17:1] and TRT, CON + 0.9% omega-3 PUFA (omega-6:omega-3 PUFA ratio of 5:1). The supplementation of coated omega-3 increased piglet’s body weight (BW) (day 7) and average daily gain (ADG) (days 0–7) (P &lt; 0.05) from farrowing to weanling compared with control. No differences (P &gt; 0.05) were observed on reproduction performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profile in sows. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the dietary supplementation of 0.9% omega-3 PUFA in corn–soybean-meal-based diet (omega-6:omega3 PUFA ratio of 5:1) improved BW and ADG of suckling piglets during the first week.

Beneficial Anti-Platelet and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Irish Apple Juice and Cider Bioactives.

Several bioactives from fruit juices and beverages like phenolics, nucleotides and polar lipids (PL) have exhibited anti-platelet cardio-protective properties. However, apple juice and cider lipid bioactives have not been evaluated so far. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects and structure activity relationships of Irish apple juice and Real Irish cider lipid bioactives against the platelet-activating factor (PAF)- and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-related thrombotic and inflammatory manifestations in human platelets. Total Lipids (TL) were extracted from low, moderate and high in tannins apple juices and from their derived-through-fermentation cider products, as well as from commercial apple juice and cider. These were separated into neutral lipids (NL) and PL, while all lipid extracts were further assessed for their ability to inhibit aggregation of human platelets induced by PAF and ADP. In all cases, PL exhibited the strongest anti-platelet bioactivities and were further separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis into PL subclasses/fractions that were also assessed for their antiplatelet potency. The PL from low in tannins apple juice exhibited the strongest antiplatelet effects against PAF and ADP, while PL from its fermented cider product were less active. Moreover, the phosphatidylcholines (PC) in apple juices and the phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) in apple ciders were the most bioactive HPLC-derived PL subclasses against PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Structural elucidation of the fatty acid composition by gas chromatography mass spectra (GCMS) analysis showed that PL from all samples are rich in beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and omega 3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), providing a possible explanation for their strong anti-platelet properties, while the favorable low levels of their omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) PUFA ratio, especially for the bioactive PC and PE subclasses, further support an anti-inflammatory cardio-protective potency for these apple products. In conclusion, Irish apple juice and Real Irish cider were found to possess bioactive PL compounds with strong antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties, while fermentation seems to be an important modulating factor on their lipid content, structures and bioactivities. However, further studies are needed to evaluate these effects.

Effects of Three-Month Feeding High Fat Diets with Different Fatty Acid Composition on Myocardial Proteome in Mice.

Westernized diet is characterized by a high content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a low level of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), often accompanied by an imbalance in the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio. Since increased intake of SFA and n-6 PUFA is considered as a cardiovascular disease risk factor, this study was conducted to determine whether a three-month dietary supplementation of high-fat diets (HFDs) with saturated fatty acids and a significant proportion of various n-6 and n-3 PUFA ratios would affect the architecture and protein expression patterns of the murine heart. Therefore, three HFD (n = 6) feeding groups: rich in SFA, dominated by PUFA with the n-6/n-3–14:1, and n-6/n-3–5:1, ratios were compared to animals fed standard mouse chow. For this purpose, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis with MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry-based identification of differentially expressed cardiac proteins, and a histological examination of cardiac morphology. The results indicated that mice fed with all HFDs developed signs of hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Animals fed SFA-rich HFD manifested the most severe cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis lesions, whereas less pronounced changes were observed in the group of animals that ingested the highest amount of omega-3 FA. In general, all HFDs, regardless of FA composition, evoked a comparable pattern of cardiac protein changes and affected the following biological processes: lipid metabolism and FA β-oxidation, glycolysis, TCA cycle, respiratory chain, myocardium contractility, oxidative stress and PUFA eicosanoid metabolism. However, it should be noted that three proteins, namely IDH3A, LDHB, and AK1, were affected differently by various FA contents. High expression of these myocardial proteins found in the group of animals fed a HFD with the highest n-3 PUFA content could be closely related to the observed development of hypertrophy.

The impact of maternal obesity and breast milk inflammation on developmental programming of infant growth.

Background:Little is known about how maternal obesity impacts breast milk (BM) composition and how BM composition may impact growth. We sought to determine the role of maternal body mass index (BMI) on BM inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and to delineate the role of these BM markers on infant growth.Methods:This was a secondary analysis of 40 mother-infant dyads. We first assessed the association between maternal BMI and BM marker (omega-6:omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio (n-6:n-3 PUFA), leptin, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β and malondialdehyde (MDA)) concentration at one (V1) and four (V4) months postpartum. We then examined the association between BM markers on infant growth trajectory from birth to seven months.Results:Higher maternal BMI was associated with higher BM n-6:n-3 PUFA (V1 β=0.12, 95% CI 0.01, 0.2; V4 β=0.13, 95% CI 0.01, 0.3) and leptin (V1 β=107, 95% CI 29, 184; V4 β=254, 95% CI 105, 403) concentrations. Infants exposed to high BM n-6:n-3 PUFA had higher BMI z-scores over time (p=0.01). Higher BM leptin was associated with lower infant percent fat mass at V4 (β=−9, 95% CI −17, −0.6). Infants exposed to high BM IL-8, IL-6, or IL-1β had higher weight z-scores over time (IL-8 p<0.001; IL-6 p<0.001; IL-1β p=0.02). There was no association between BM MDA and maternal BMI or infant growth.Conclusions:Higher maternal BMI is associated with higher BM n-6:n-3 PUFA and leptin concentrations. In addition, higher BM n-6:n-3 PUFA and inflammatory cytokines were associated with accelerated weight gain in infancy.

Obesity, gestational weight gain, and polyunsaturated fatty acids profile in pregnant Saudi women.

Obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with a deficiency of essential fatty acids, affecting maternal health during and after pregnancy. Therefore, it is of interest to identify the associations of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GWG with lipid profiles in Saudi women after giving birth. Hence, a cross-sectional study of 238 pregnant women aged 20-40 years was conducted at the King Abdul Aziz Hospital, in Al-Ahsa Governorate-Saudi Arabia. Thus, socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) levels were assessed from blood samples collected after the women gave birth. The participants generally consumed diets low in omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs and high in SFAs and MUFAs. Among them, 51% had university degrees, only 20.4% were employed, and 50% had pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity. Women with overweight/obesity had a higher omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA ratio than women with normal weight. Overweight, obesity, and excessive GWG were not associated with higher levels of total n-3 PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid, and α-linolenic acid but were associated with higher levels of total n-6 PUFAs and linoleic acid. Women with obesity had significantly higher SFA and MUFA levels than women with normal weight, whereas women with excessive GWG were twice as likely to have higher SFA levels than women with adequate GWG. We show that a higher pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG were significantly associated with abnormal lipid profiles in Saudi women after giving birth. We believe that future studies will help explore these associations in detail.

Increase in omega-6 and decrease in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation elevates the risk of exudative AMD development in adults with Chinese diet

Appropriate diet is essential for the regulation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In particular the type of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and poor antioxidant status including carotenoid levels concomitantly contribute to AMD risk. Build-up of oxidative stress in AMD induces PUFA oxidation, and a mix of lipid oxidation products (LOPs) are generated. However, LOPs are not comprehensively evaluated in AMD. LOPs are considered biomarkers of oxidative stress but also contributes to inflammatory response. In this cross-sectional case-control study, plasma omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratios and antioxidant status (glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase), and plasma and urinary LOPs (41 types) were determined to evaluate its odds-ratio in the risk of developing exudative AMD (n = 99) compared to age-gender-matched healthy controls (n = 198) in adults with Chinese diet. The odds ratio of developing exudative AMD increased with LOPs from omega-6 PUFA and decreased from those of omega-3 PUFA. These observations were associated with a high plasma omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio and low carotenoid levels. In short, poor PUFA and antioxidant status increased the production of omega-6 PUFA LOPs such as dihomo-isoprostane and dihomo-isofuran, and lowered omega-3 PUFA LOPs such as neuroprostanes due to the high omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratios; they were also correlated to the risk of AMD development. These findings indicate the generation of specific LOPs is associated with the development of exudative AMD.

Four-oil intravenous lipid emulsion effect on plasma fatty acid composition, inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in acutely ill patients: A randomised control trial (Foil fact)

Data in critically ill patients on the effect of intravenous lipid emulsions (LEs), containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in parenteral nutrition (PN) are scarce and conflicting. This study compared the effects of a four-oil LE (30% soybean oil, 30% medium-chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil and 15% fish oil (FO)) (SMOFlipid®) to those of a 100% soybean oil-based LE in critically ill adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In this double-blind, randomised study, patients (n=75) predicted to need PN for more than 5 days were randomised to receive either a four-oil LE (Study Group (SG)) or a 100% soybean oil LE (Control Group (CG)). Isocaloric, isonitrogenous PN was administered continuously for 5 days. FO was provided at a dose of 0.09-0.22g/kg body weight. Measurements included biochemical parameters and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score daily and plasma total phospholipid fatty acids (FAs) and cytokine levels on days 1, 3, 6. Days on mechanical ventilation, length of stay and mortality were also recorded. ANOVA was used to compare response variables between the two groups over the time and Pearson correlation was used to measure relationships between continuous variables. 68 patients completed the study (n=35 SG, n=33 CG), with male predominance (66% SG, 56% CG). Average age was 60.8±13.9 years (SG) versus 55.7±14.8 (CG) (p=0.143). The majority were surgical admissions (85% SG versus 91% CG) followed by medical. Plasma phospholipid oleic acid (p=0.022) and alpha-linolenic acid (p<0.0005) increased in both groups. In the SG, plasma phospholipid EPA and DHA increased (both p<0.001), whereas the omega-6:omega-3 PUFA (n-6:n-3 PUFA) ratio decreased (p<0.001). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin decreased in both treatment groups. Considering only the change from day 1 to day 6 there was a bigger decrease in AST, ALT and bilirubin levels in the SG. Concentrations of TNF-α decreased from day 1 to day 6 in the SG, whereas they increased in the CG, but the change was not statistically significant (p=0.112). A significant negative correlation was found between EPA provision on day 3 and the SOFA score (r=-0.4047, p=0.018). Days on mechanical ventilation (1.24±0.83 days in SG versus 0.88±1.63 days in CG, p=0.385) and ICU LOS (9.5±7.09 days in SG versus 10.7±7.6 days in CG, p=0.490) were not different between groups. PN containing a four-oil LE increased plasma EPA and DHA, decreased n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, and was safe and well tolerated. The negative relationship between day 3 EPA and SOFA score seems promising, but EPA intake and effects may have been diluted by enteral nutrition which was started in more than half of patients on day 4. There was no significant difference in terms of other biochemical measurements, SOFA score, length of ICU stay and mortality. More research is needed in this patient population, particularly regarding dose, duration and timing of FO and the effects on clinical outcomes.

Influence of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid on the cardiac mechanical and mitochondrial functions during early sepsis

Sepsis triggers the failure of cardiac mitochondria and this deleterious effect could be prevented by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). To evaluate the influence of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20: 5 omega-3 or EPA) on the mechanical and mitochondrial functions of the heart during early sepsis. Four month-old female Wistar rats were subdivided in 4 groups ( n = 8 per group) according to: (i) the 4-week diet given (deficient in omega-3 PUFA [DEF] or enriched with EPA); (ii) the surgery performed (caecal ligation at 1 cm of the apex of the heart and puncture in order to induce sepsis [CLP] or sham). The cardiac mechanical function was studied in vivo by NMR 48 h after the surgery. Immediately after, part of the myocardium was used in order to extract mitochondria and another part was frozen in order to subsequently analyse the fatty acid composition of cardiac phospholipids. The EPA groups display a large decrease in the omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio of cardiac phospholipids. Sepsis increases the mRNA expression of IL-1beta in the DEF group but not in the EPA one. The mechanical function is altered neither by the diets nor by the surgeries. The DEF/CLP animals have a deficient oxidative phosphorylation compared to the DEF/Sham rats: reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption (−42%, P < 0.001) and ATP production (−37%, P < 0.05). The sepsis-induced mitochondrial damages in this group is due to an increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) release (+130 and +63% for the ROS/respiration and ROS/ATP ratios, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). The dietary EPA prevents these damages ( P < 0.05). A sufficient EPA intake favours the upholding of the mitochondrial function during early sepsis, which could delay the subsequent development of heart failure. We plan to verify this beneficial effect of EPA in Humans affected by acute endocarditis.

Omega-6: Omega-3 PUFA Ratio, Pain, Functioning, and Distress in Adults With Knee Pain.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with inflammation, chronic pain, functional limitations, and psychosocial distress. High omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with lower levels of inflammatory mediators, anti-nociception, and adaptive cognitive/emotional functioning. High omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs are associated with inflammation, nociception, and psychological distress. While findings related to n-3 supplementation in knee OA are mixed, consideration of the n-6:n-3 ratio and additional outcome measures may provide improved understanding of the potential relevance of these fatty acids in OA. On the basis of recommended and typical ranges of the n-6:n-3 ratio, we hypothesized that in adults with knee pain, those with a high n-6:n-3 ratio would have greater pain/functional limitations, experimental pain sensitivity, and psychosocial distress compared with those with a low n-6:n-3 ratio. A cross-sectional investigation of clinical and experimental pain and physical and psychosocial functioning was completed in 167 adults ages 45 to 85 meeting knee OA screening criteria. Blood samples were collected and the plasma n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio determined. Quartile splits were computed and low (n=42) and high (n=41) ratio groups were compared. The high ratio group reported greater pain and functional limitations, (all Ps<0.04), mechanical temporal summation (hand and knee, P<0.05), and perceived stress (P=0.008) but not depressive symptoms. In adults with knee pain, a high n-6:n-3 ratio is associated with greater clinical pain/functional limitations, experimental pain sensitivity, and psychosocial distress compared with a low ratio group. Findings support consideration of the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio and additional clinical endpoints in future research efforts.

Sensory quality and fatty acid content of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) meat: influence of farm location and sex.

Springbok are harvested for meat production irrespective of farm location or sex from which the meat is derived. The present study investigated the influence of farm location (three farms containing different vegetation types) and sex on the sensory quality of springbok longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. The sensory profile (aroma, flavour and texture) was determined by descriptive sensory analysis, in addition to determination of the physical meat quality, proximate and fatty acid composition. Farm location had a significant influence on the sensory quality (gamey and liver-like aroma; beef, liver-like, lamb-like and herbaceous flavour; sweet taste; tenderness; residue; mealiness; Warner-Bratzler shear force; moisture, protein and intramuscular lipid content) and fatty acid content (oleic acid; α-linolenic acid; total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids; polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio; total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid; and omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio) of springbok meat. Sex influenced the chemical composition of springbok meat; however, the influence on the sensory profile was minor (sweet taste; P < 0.001). Farm location could influence the sensory quality and composition of springbok meat and should be considered when harvesting for meat production. Sex does not have to be considered for the marketing of springbok meat. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.