To evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of combined nutritional supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and biotin, alone and in combination with half-dose fluoxetine, in a Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) model of depression inrats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, disease control, fluoxetine-treated (5 mg/kg), nutrient combination (omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and biotin), and nutrient combination with half-dose fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg). Depression was induced using the CUMS model for four weeks. Behavioral assessments were performed using the sucrose preference test and elevated plus maze (EPM). Biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, thiol levels, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were estimated. Histopathological examination of hippocampus and dentate gyrus was conducted. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoctest. The nutrient combination and half-dose fluoxetine with nutrient combination groups showed significant behavioral improvement vs. the disease control group, with higher sucrose preference and greater open-arm time in the EPM. Catalase activity was significantly higher in the nutrient combination group (2.50±0.71 vs. 0.16±0.03 pmol/min), while the half-dose fluoxetine with nutrient combination group demonstrated significantly higher SOD (2.11±0.03 vs. 0.07±0.01 milliunit/mg protein) and lower MDA (1.35±0.10 vs. 4.70±0.09 μM/L) compared with disease control. Both these groups showed increased healthy neurons in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus in histopathological analysis, suggesting neuroprotection and neuronal regeneration. Combined nutrient supplementation demonstrated significant antidepressant-like effects compared to fluoxetine alone, indicating potential adjunctive benefits requiring further validation.

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids relate to lower liver lipids and adipose-tissue insulin resistance, modulated by fatty acid desaturase 1 rs174546 in type 2 diabetes.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling psychiatric condition, increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder involving central and peripheral pathophysiological alterations. In this study, we used a multidimensional approach using zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to an unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) protocol as a model of MDD, to unravel the plasticity of the lipidome in this mental disorder. Behavioral analyses revealed a reduction in sociability and locomotor activity in stressed animals, accompanied by significantly elevated cortisol levels. Fatty acid profiling demonstrated a decrease in n-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and an increase in n-3 (omega-6) PUFA, which was more evident in the brain than in the muscle. After UCS, lipidomic analysis revealed a remodeling of the brain lipid profile, including the modulation of several phospholipid and sphingolipid species that may impact cell membrane properties and cause neuronal dysfunction. Some of these species have been previously correlated with neuroinflammation and impaired neurotransmission. An increase in plasmalogen phospholipids, well-known endogenous oxidant signaling molecules, suggests a dysregulation of the redox state. In muscle, lipidomic alterations were characterized by elevated levels of acylcarnitines, indicative of altered mitochondrial energy metabolism, and ceramides, well-known pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic molecules. This study highlights the relevance of lipidomic plasticity in the pathophysiology of MDD, associated with behavioral effects similar to MDD symptoms.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of donor human milk for preterm infants.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for risk reduction of preterm birth: Evidence and current recommendations Due to an increased need, pregnant women are recommended to take 350-450 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) daily from food or supplements. Pregnant women with a low intake of DHA (<150 mg/day) or low blood levels of DHA (omega-3 index<4%) are at increased risk of preterm birth<34 weeks of gestation. Numerous studies have shown controversial results regarding a reduction in preterm birth rates through supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In pregnant women with a low omega-3 index, daily supplementation of up to 1000 mg DHA was found to be associated with a significant decrease in the rate of preterm birth<34 weeks of gestation. Hence, these pregnant women are advised to take 600-1000 mg DHA+EPA/day or DHA alone in the same dosages commencing before 20 weeks of gestation until 37 weeks of gestation. Identification of women at increased risk of preterm birth is achievable by screening using the DHA food frequency questionnaire or assessing the omega-3 index.

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality, disability, and premature loss of working capacity worldwide. Nutrition is one of the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, as dietary habits directly influence lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, endothelial function, blood pressure regulation, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Excessive intake of salt, saturated fats, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and ultra-processed foods contributes to dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. The aim of the study. To summarise current scientific evidence regarding the role of nutrients in the prevention and complex treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as well as to evaluate the potential of nutrient correction in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving patient prognosis. Materials and methods. An analytical review of current scientific publications, clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised clinical trials was conducted. The effects of dietary patterns, macro- and micronutrients on cardiometabolic risk were analysed. Results. Adequate intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, dietary fibre, antioxidants, and polyphenols was associated with improved lipid profile, endothelial function, blood pressure stabilisation, and reduced inflammatory activity. The Mediterranean and DASH diets demonstrated the strongest cardioprotective effects. Conclusions. Nutrient correction is an important component of cardiovascular prevention and complex treatment. Rational nutrition should be combined with lifestyle modification, individualised dietary recommendations, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy.

Chitosan-coated zein microcapsules for rumen-protected docosahexaenoic acid delivery and enrichment in goat milk.

Microalgae are promising sustainable sources of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, conventional stress-based strategies for increasing omega-3 accumulation often reduce biomass productivity and may compromise overall process efficiency. This review evaluates the use of exogenous phytohormones to modulate microalgal growth and omega-3 biosynthesis, with a focus on potential applications in culture engineering and bioprocess design, as well as in a wastewater-based production system for sustainable omega-3 manufacturing. Across reported studies, phytohormone responses are highly species-, dose-, and condition-dependent, with outcomes ranging from omega-3 enrichment with limited biomass penalties to neutral or inhibitory effects, and to hormetic dose-response behavior. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of carbon flux allocation, photosynthesis, redox balance, and lipid biosynthetic pathways, although these effects are not general across microalgae. Technical, economic, and regulatory considerations are discussed, and the integration of phytohormone supplementation with wastewater-based microalgal culture for omega-3 production is presented as a promising yet underexplored strategy that requires validation under scale-relevant conditions. Overall, phytohormones should be regarded as conditional metabolic modulators that require species-specific optimization rather than universal solutions for enhancing omega-3 levels.

Seafood provides important nutrients to our diets, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Compared with other common seafood, sea snails represent an underutilized resource that may be exploited to help meet global PUFA demands. However, sea snails exhibit complex fatty acid (FA) profiles, making an accurate and detailed characterization a considerable analytical challenge. By employing an advanced mass spectrometry (MS) technique, i.e., covalent adduct chemical ionization (CACI), we characterized the FA profiles of five commonly consumed sea snail species. A straightforward method was established to distinguish monounsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from isobaric dimethyl acetals (DMA), verifiable by retention-time models. FAME double-bond positional isomers were further identified by CACI-MS/MS diagnostic ions. Sea snails are abundant in plasmalogens at 82-333 mg/100 g food and long-chain omega-3 PUFA up to 174 mg/100 g food. Therefore, sea snails, particularly saltwater varieties, show promise as mainstream seafood because of their high nutritional values.

Third-trimester polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and increased blood loss at vaginal delivery: A prospective birth cohort study.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients undergoing hemodialysis, while effective preventive strategies remain limited. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in the general population. We evaluated the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation in adults receiving hemodialysis. PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched through November 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing n-3 PUFAs versus placebo in adult hemodialysis patients. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and reported as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed based on Diabetes, Hypertension, Age and Follow-up. n-3 PUFA supplementation did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality (RR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.80-1.08; p = 0.33). In contrast, cardiovascular mortality was significantly reduced (RR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.42-0.71; p < 0.001) along with fewer vascular access related events (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.73-0.95; p = 0.005). significant effects were observed for fatal or non-fatal MI (RR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.36-0.68; p < 0.001). n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduces cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and vascular access events in hemodialysis patients without affecting all-cause mortality. While these findings support n-3 PUFAs as adjunctive cardioprotective therapy in this population, the concentration of evidence in a single large trial warrants cautious interpretation, and confirmation from further large RCTs remains necessary.

To compare the therapeutic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplements across different formulations and dry eye disease (DED) etiologies. Studies were systematically searched in six databases without language restrictions. Dry eye symptom scores, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) scores were extracted as outcomes. Meta-regression, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were implemented to investigate significant heterogeneity. Twenty-seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Systemic omega-3 supplementation appeared to improve all assessed outcomes in the overall pooled analysis; however, subgroup analyses revealed formulation- and etiology-dependent effects. Among systemic long-chain omega-3 formulations, efficacy was etiology-dependent: no significant benefits were observed in MGD-associated dry eye or in cases of unspecified etiology, whereas significant improvements were found in video display terminal-related dry eye and contact lens-associated dry eye. Given the limited evidence, findings were synthesized qualitatively: omega-3 supplements demonstrated beneficial effects in rosacea-associated and Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye, whereas no clinically meaningful improvement was observed in LASIK-induced dry eye. In contrast, neither systemic short-chain fatty acids nor the combination of long- and short-chain omega-3 PUFAs achieved statistical significance. Furthermore, topical omega-3 delivery failed to demonstrate significant benefits compared with artificial tears. Meta-regression analysis revealed a significant association between omega-3 supplementation and several external factors, including mean age, geographic location, assessment methodologies, omega-3 dose, and publication year. Our research suggests that omega-3 supplements in different forms fail to demonstrate consistent effectiveness for DED of various etiological origins. Therefore, personalized guidance from healthcare providers regarding the application of omega-3 PUFAs for the management of ocular surface disorders is warranted. CRD42024623916.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important roles in cardiometabolic and mental health, and the dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratio has emerged as a key determinant of inflammatory and psychological outcomes. Despite generally low omega-3 intake in Iran, little is known about how dietary fatty acid patterns relate to mental health in young adults, who may be particularly vulnerable due to nutritional constraints and high rates of depressive symptoms. Moreover, prior studies in Iran have not simultaneously examined omega-3 intake, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio, BMI, and depressive symptoms within the same analytical framework. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the associations between the intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, the omega-6:3 ratio, body mass index, and depressive symptoms in young Iranian adults. Dietary data on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were obtained through semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to measure depressive symptom. We applied logistic regression to assess the relationships between variables. A total of 440 university students aged 18-30 years were included. After adjustment for age, sex, and total energy intake, higher BMI was associated with greater odds of depressive symptoms (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.20). Compared with the lowest quintile, participants in the highest quintile of omega-3 intake had lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17-0.71). In contrast, a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio was associated with greater odds of depressive symptoms, with nearly tenfold higher odds observed in the highest versus lowest quintile (OR: 9.94; 95% CI: 3.89-25.43). Higher omega-3 intake was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms, whereas higher BMI and a greater omega-6/omega-3 ratio were associated with higher odds. These findings suggest that dietary fatty-acid balance and body weight may be relevant correlates of mental health in young adults. Prospective and interventional studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Despite advances in glycemic and ophthalmologic management, additional modifiable factors influencing DR onset and progression require further exploration. Emerging evidence suggests a pivotal role of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in retinal vascular health. To systematically synthesize and quantify associations between omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), and related metabolites, and the incidence, presence, progression, predictive performance, and reported adverse or non-retinal clinical outcomes of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among individuals with diabetes. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, EBSCO Open Research, and Google Scholar from database inception to August 15, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and Mendelian randomization analyses that evaluated omega-6 fatty acid exposure, circulating omega-6 biomarkers, or omega-6-related metabolites in relation to DR. Quantitative synthesis was performed only for outcomes with sufficient methodological and clinical comparability. Predictive-model studies and Mendelian randomization evidence were synthesized separately. Publication bias assessments were treated as exploratory because of the small number of studies per outcome. Ten studies were included (n = 1306 clinical participants plus one Mendelian randomization dataset >400,000 individuals). Higher total omega-6 levels were associated with reduced DR risk, with a random-effects odds ratio (OR) of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.81; I² = 53%). LA demonstrated a consistent inverse association with DR (OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85; I² = 31%). In contrast, AA was associated with increased DR risk (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08-1.22; I² = 0%). Mendelian randomization supported an inverse association between genetically predicted omega-6 levels and DR risk in type 2 diabetes, with an OR of 0.75 per standard deviation (SD) increase (95% CI, 0.62-0.92). Predictive models incorporating omega-6 lipid profiles reported area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.79-0.92; exploratory logit-transformed synthesis suggested good discrimination but should be interpreted cautiously because of methodological heterogeneity. Safety data were limited and heterogeneous, and any quantitative synthesis should be considered exploratory. Current evidence suggests that higher LA and related omega-6 measures may be associated with lower odds of DR, whereas higher AA and certain downstream metabolites may be associated with a higher risk. Because the evidence base remains heterogeneous in design, exposure definition, and outcome ascertainment, omega-6-related biomarkers should be regarded as promising risk-stratification candidates rather than clinically actionable markers at present.

Background/Objectives: Canine athletes have a higher energy requirement and are more susceptible to nutrient depletion, electrolyte imbalance, and metabolic stress than sedentary pets. The objective of this study was to characterize the plasma metabolome of American Foxhound dogs following a bout of unstructured exercise. Methods: Thirty-nine adult American Foxhound dogs (32 intact males, 7 spayed females; age: 6.2 ± 3.1 yr; BW: 36.3 ± 5.3 kg) were allotted to a standard performance diet (CTRL) or NUTRO® Natural Choice® Adult High Endurance Formula (TEST). After 80 d in the study, blood samples were collected prior to (0 h), and 3 h and 25 h post-exercise (average: 17.7 km run over 2-3 h). Plasma samples of the 10 top performers of each treatment group were analyzed for untargeted metabolite profiling. Results: Of the 566 named metabolites identified, >200 and >185 metabolites were impacted (p < 0.05) by exercise and diet, respectively. Principal component analysis indicated distinct clustering by diet. Random forest analysis highlighted several metabolites having a high degree of predictive accuracy based on diet and exercise, with most related to amino acid, lipid, xenobiotic, and cofactor and vitamin metabolism. Relating to exercise, glycolytic end-products and citric acid cycle intermediates were increased at 3 h post-exercise. Similarly, tocopherols and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in dogs fed TEST than those fed CTRL during recovery, indicating a lower oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory response. Conclusions: Overall, the data suggest a protective effect (lower susceptibility to oxidative stress and muscle fatigue) of feeding a nutrient-fortified diet for dogs undergoing unstructured exercise.

Assessment of effects of water trace element pollution and abiotic factors on muscle and otolith microchemistry and muscle fatty acid profiles, and health risks in populations of Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810) sampled from Mauritanian and Tunisian waters.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper respiratory tract mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, has been proposed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. However, research on the effects of ALA on AR and the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Therefore, we evaluated oral ALA intervention in an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized AR mouse model. Nasal symptoms were recorded, and nasal mucosal pathology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Goblet cell hyperplasia and mast cell accumulation were determined by periodic acid-Schiff and toluidine blue staining. Serum OVA-specific IgE and inflammatory cytokines (interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin-4 [IL-4], IL-6, and IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, pathway-related molecules in the nasal mucosa were identified by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Results indicated that ALA significantly alleviated AR-like symptoms, improved nasal mucosal damage, reduced mast cell aggregation and goblet cell hyperplasia, decreased serum OVA-specific IgE, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, and increased IFN-γ levels. Furthermore, ALA inhibited the NF-κB pathway and reduced the phosphorylation levels of IKK and NF-κB p65(Rela). These data indicate that ALA alleviates AR-associated inflammatory responses and may represent a potential therapeutic candidate for AR.

Heavy metals bioaccumulation and its impact on fatty acids composition in the benthic crustacean mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) and associated human health risk.

Short-, medium-, versus long-chain fatty acids: mechanisms of immunomodulation and disease pathogenesis.

Activation of G protein-coupled receptor 40 alleviates STAT6 activation, airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in allergic asthma.