Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Holistic approaches to living well with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common chronic non curable neuro-inflammatory condition, which can cause endometriosis-related pelvic pain (ERPP). Sufferers may struggle with side effects and/or risks from conventional medical and surgical treatments, or not get pain relief. Increasing numbers of endometriosis patients wish to explore holistic management with fewer side effects, however it is important that medical professionals maintain an evidence-based practice for recommended treatments. We present up-to-date evidence of holistic strategies used for managing ERPP including nutrition, body and mind therapies, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the use of adjunct devices such as phallus length reducers and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Recent findings: Nutrition: Gluten-free, low-nickel and high intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids diets improve ERPP. Low FODMAP (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols), plant-based diet and antioxidant vitamin supplementation is helpful including those with concurrent irritable bowel syndrome. Body and Mind: Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is beneficial in postoperative pain reduction, whilst mindfulness has been shown to reduce pain scores and dyschezia. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy and regular yoga sessions improve ERPP and Quality of life. Acupuncture: Acupuncture and moxibustion show improved pain scores compared to conventional therapies alone. Adjunct devices: TENS improves deep dyspareunia and reduces the number of days pain is experienced. Summary: Holistic management strategies for ERPP should be incorporated into routine counselling when discussing conservative, medical and or surgical treatments for endometriosis. The growing evidence presented for the use of holistic management strategies gives hope to those patients who cannot have, or don’t respond to conventional approaches and as an adjunct alongside standard treatments. These findings should be incorporated into the routine counselling when seeing patients in the gynaecology outpatient setting presenting with chronic pelvic pain.

Biovalorization of whey waste as economic nutriment for mycogenic production of single cell oils with promising antibiofilm and anticancer potentiality

The production of value-added bio-compounds from rejuvenated sources and their recruitment for healthcare services are paramount objectives in the agenda of white biotechnology. Hereupon, the current study focused on economic production of single cell oils (SCOs) from oleaginous fungi Alternaria sp. (A-OS) and Drechslera sp. (D-OS) using cheese whey waste stream, followed by their evaluation as antibiofilm and anticancer agents, for the first time. As a sole substrate for growth, the whey aided in lipid accumulation by 3.22 and 4.33 g/L, which representing 45.3 and 48.2% lipid content in Drechslera sp. (D-OS) and Alternaria sp. (A-OS), respectively. Meanwhile, a higher unsaturation degree was detected in A-OS by 62.18% comparing to 53.15% of D-OS, with advantageous presence of omega-6 poly unsaturated fatty acid by 22.67% and 15.04% for A-OS and D-OD, respectively, as revealed by GC-MS and FTIR characterization analysis. Interestingly, an eminent and significant (P ≤ 0.05) antibiofilm potency was observed in a dose-dependent modality upon employing both SCOs as antibiofilm agents. Whereas, 100 µg/mL of A-OS recorded superior inhibition of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans biofilms development by 84.10 ± 0.445, 90.37 ± 0.065 and 94.96 ± 0.21%, respectively. Whereas, D-OS (100 µg/mL) thwarted the biofilms of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans by 47.41 ± 2.83, 62.63 ± 5.82 and 78.67 ± 0.23%, correspondingly. Besides, the metabolic performance of cells within biofilm matrix, protein, carbohydrate contents and hydrophobicity of examined biofilms were also curtailed in a significant correlation with biofilm biomass (r ≥ 0.9). Further, as anticancer agents, D-OS recorded higher potency against A549 and CaCo-2 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.55 and 3.425% and SI values of 10.1 and 7.5, respectively. However, A-OS recorded 8.275% and 2.88 for IC50 and SI of Caco-2 cells, respectively. Additionally, A-OS activated caspase 3 by 64.23 ± 1.18% and 53.77 ± 0.995% more than D-OS (52.09 ± 0.222% and 49.72 ± 0.952%) in A549 and Caco-2 cells, respectively. Furthermore, the enzymes, which associated with cancer invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis (i.e., MMP2 and MMP9) were strongly inhibited by A-OS with 18.58% and 8.295%, respectively as IC50 values; while D-OS results recorded 23.61% and 13.16%, respectively, which could be ascribed to the higher ω-6/ω-3 contents of A-OS. The promising results of the current study opens up the vision to employ SCOs as anti-infective nutraceuticals and in complementary/alternative therapy and prophylactic programs as well.

Association between dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake and all-cause mortality in patients with osteoarthritis: a population-based prospective cohort study

A correlation between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) and osteoarthritis (OA) incidence has been established, but research on the long-term outlook of OA patients remains limited. This study investigates the association between omega-3 PUFA intake and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in the U.S. OA population. A cohort of 3,467 OA patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018 was studied. Cox proportional hazards regression models, Kaplan-Meier curves, and subgroup analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between omega-3 PUFA intake and mortality. The dose-response relationship was examined using a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. Among the 3,467 OA patients, there were 459 all-cause deaths and 175 CV deaths. Omega-3 PUFAs were significantly negatively correlated with all-cause mortality (95% CI: 0.59–0.93, p = 0.011) but not with CV mortality (95% CI: 0.29–1.04, p = 0.056). Higher omega-3 PUFA intake was associated with a 49% decrease in all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves showed lower all-cause mortality rates in those with higher omega-3 PUFA intake. The inverse correlation was more pronounced among individuals living with a partner. The dose-response analysis indicated a linear negative relationship between omega-3 PUFA intake and all-cause mortality. Increased intake of omega-3 PUFAs is associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality in OA patients.

Dietary omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids mitigate intestinal barrier integrity alterations in mice fed a high-fat diet: Implications for pancreatic carcinogenesis

BackgroundAlthough body fatness is a recognized risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the underlying mechanisms of how fat composition affects pancreatic carcinogenesis are poorly understood. High fat diets (HFD) can disrupt intestinal barrier function, potentially accelerating carcinogenesis. Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) have anti-inflammatory properties and help preserve intestinal integrity.Objective: to evaluate how ω-3 FAs affect the colonic barrier in the context of HFD-induced changes, in a mouse model of PDAC [p48-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D (KC)]. MethodsMale and female KC mice were randomized into one of four groups: i) a control diet containing approximately 11% total calories from fat with an ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio of 10:1 (C); ii) the control diet with high levels of ω-3 FA with an ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio of 1:1 (Cω3); iii) a HFD containing 60% total calories from fat with an ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio of approximately 10:1 (HF); iv) a HFD with high levels of ω-3 FA with an ω-6:ω-3 FA ratio of 1:1 (HFω3). ResultsConsumption of a HFD for 8 weeks caused: i) disruption of tight junction structure and function; ii) decreased Goblet cell number, iii) higher colonic TLR4 and NOX1 expression; iv) activation of TLR4-triggered pathways, i.e. NF-κB, JNK1/2; v) elevated plasma LPS levels; v) higher pancreatic TLR4 expression, and vi) accelerated acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. All of these events were mitigated in mice fed the HFω3. ConclusionsOur findings support the concept that, in the context of obesity, ω-3 FA have protective effects during early-stage pancreatic carcinogenesis through the regulation of intestinal permeability and endotoxemia.

Safe and well-tolerated long-term parenteral nutrition regimen: omega-3-fatty-acid-enriched Medium Chained/ Long Chained Triglycerides emulsion.

Background and AimsA limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the use of lipid emulsions (LEs) of different compositions in home parenteral nutrition (HPN), and there are very few data on the long-term use of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The study´s objective was to assess safety and tolerability of an n-3 PUFA-enriched LE in adult patients suffering from chronic intestinal failure (CIF) requiring long-term HPN. MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicentre, international clinical trial, which was conducted at eleven sites, adult patients in need of HPN including lipids received either the investigational product, an n-3 PUFA-enriched medium/long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) LE, or the reference product, a standard MCT/LCT LE, for an average duration of eight weeks. The primary outcome was the sum of changes of liver function parameters (total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) from baseline to final visit. Secondary objectives included fatty acid pattern in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) and triene:tetraene ratio in plasma. Results74 patients were enrolled up to premature study termination. Liver function parameters showed no clinically relevant differences between study groups and remained within normal ranges. The n-3 PUFAs EPA and DHA increased in plasma and RBCs in the Lipidem group and were higher in the Lipidem group than the reference group at the end of the study resulting in an increased n-3-index in RBCs with Lipidem. Average n-3-index was >8. The plasma triene:tetraene ratio decreased in both groups. ConclusionThis study is one of the largest comparing two LEs in the complex setting of HPN treatment of adult patients. Although it has been early terminated its results considerably contribute to the evidence on safety and efficacy of longer-term use of LEs in HPN treatment. The n-3 PUFA-enriched LE Lipidem was safe and well-tolerated, particularly in terms of liver function. Lipidem provided an additional supply of n-3 PUFAs and led to positive changes in fatty acid profiles of plasma and RBCs. The n-3-index was in the desirable range at the end of the study in patients receiving Lipidem. There was no evidence of essential fatty acid deficiency with Lipidem. ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT03282955 Trial RegistrationEudraCT Number: 2015-000849-23

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

The role for ω-3 polyunsaturated and short chain fatty acids in hypertension: an updated view on the interaction with gut microbiota

As of 2024, arterial hypertension is still considered the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and, due to high rates of undertreatment and poor blood pressure control, the major contributor to human morbidity and mortality. Development of new treatment options and better interventions in lifestyle correction have become a priority of experimental and clinical research. In the last decades, dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and generation of gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have surged as potential and promising interventions for hypertension and cardiovascular prevention. ω-3 PUFAs are considered “essential” fatty acids that can be obtained only from dietary sources. Although previous intervention trials were not consistent in reporting a significant benefit of ω-3 PUFAs, the recent REDUCE-IT trial has provided robust evidence in support of their role in cardiovascular prevention. Recent studies have also identified the intestinal microbiota as a potential player in the pathophysiology and progression of hypertension. Although this might occur through many pathways, generation of SCFAs that is highly dependent on dietary fiber intake is primarily involved, providing an additional target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. For these reasons, some scientific societies currently recommend dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs and fiber-containing foods in patients with hypertension. In this narrative review, we summarize the results of studies that examined the effects of ω-3 PUFAs and SCFAs on blood pressure, highlighting the mechanisms of action on the vascular system and their possible impact on hypertension, hypertension-related organ damage and, ultimately, cardiovascular outcomes.

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce cytochrome c oxidase in brain white matter and sensorimotor regions while increasing functional interactions between neural systems related to escape behavior in postpartum rats

IntroductionPreviously, we showed that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (PUFA) supplementation improved the performance of postpartum rats in the shuttle box escape test (SBET).MethodsThe brains of these rats were used in the current study which examined brain cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in white matter bundles and 39 regions spanning sensorimotor, limbic, and cognitive areas to determine the effects of n-3 PUFAs on neural metabolic capacity and network interactions.ResultsWe found that n-3 PUFA supplementation decreased CCO activity in white matter bundles, deep and superficial areas within the inferior colliculus, the anterior and barrel field regions of the primary somatic sensorimotor cortex, the secondary somatic sensorimotor cortex, the lateral, anterior regions of the secondary visual cortex and the ventral posterior nucleus of the thalamus, and the medial nucleus of the amygdala. Structural equation modeling revealed that animals consuming diets without n-3 PUFAs exhibited fewer inter-regional interactions when compared to those fed diets with n-3 PUFAs. Without n-3 PUFAs, inter-regional interactions were observed between the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala as well as among amygdala subregions. With n-3 PUFAs, more inter-regional interactions were observed, particularly between regions associated with fear memory processing and escape. Correlations between regional CCO activity and SBET behavior were observed in rats lacking dietary n-3 PUFAs but not in those supplemented with these nutrients.DiscussionIn conclusion, consumption of n-3 PUFAs results in reduced CCO activity in white matter bundles and sensorimotor regions, reflecting more efficient neurotransmission, and an increase in inter-regional interactions, facilitating escape from footshock.

Association between fish consumption and mortality in the E3N French women’s cohort

Western studies have shown a non-linear association between fish consumption and mortality, which might be explained by exposure to chemical contaminants. This study aims to explore the associations between fish consumption or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and mortality within the prospective E3N French cohort, and to investigate the role of dietary exposure to contaminants in these associations. In the E3N cohort composed of 72,585 women, we assessed fish consumption and n-3 PUFA intake through a food questionnaire sent in 1993. To estimate the dietary exposure to contaminants, we used the food contamination database of the second French total diet study. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between fish, lean fish, fatty fish, and n-3 PUFA intake, with the risk of all-cause or cause-specific mortality. During the follow-up (1993–2014), 6,441 deaths were recorded. A U-shaped association was observed between fish consumption and all-cause mortality (Poverall_association = 0.017). A similar association was observed with lean fish consumption, while the non-linear association between fatty fish consumption or n-3 PUFA intake and all-cause mortality did not reach statistical significance. A non-linear association was observed between fish consumption and lung cancer mortality (Poverall_association = 0.005). A positive and linear association was observed between fatty fish consumption or n-3 PUFA intake and breast cancer mortality (HR [CI95%]: 1.07 [1.01–1.15] and 1.08 [1.01–1.15]). Our results remained unchanged when further adjusting on dietary exposure to contaminants. Our results showed a U-shaped association between fish consumption and all-cause mortality and suggest a notable role of lean fish consumption in this association, but no role of dietary exposure to contaminants. Further studies are needed to better clarify this U-shaped association and the different impacts of fatty and lean fish consumption on health.

Progress in Investigating the Relationship between Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a globally common cardiovascular disorder, characterized by atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries, leading to narrowing or blockage of the vessels, which subsequently causes myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, and even necrosis. This condition significantly impacts the daily life of patients and represents a major contributor to both morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA), Principally extracted from marine pisces and certain plants, have been increasingly shown in recent years to be closely associated with various pathophysiological mechanisms related to CHD, which holds significant value in the prevention and treatment of CHD. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the sources of ω-3 PUFA, explores the pathophysiological mechanisms of CHD, and offers an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted contribution of ω-3 PUFA in mitigating the susceptibility to CHD, particularly focusing on their effects on lipid metabolism, endothelial function, and inflammatory pathways, thereby contributing new research perspectives for the tactics for the risk mitigation and administration of CHD, including both preventive measures and therapeutic interventions.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neuroinflammation in Depression: Targeting Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and Neural Biomarkers

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition with a complex pathophysiology involving neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and disruptions in neuronal and glial cell function. Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, release inflammatory cytokines in response to pathological changes associated with MDD. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) act as alarms, triggering microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory cytokine release. This review examines the cellular mechanisms underlying MDD pathophysiology, focusing on the lipid-mediated modulation of neuroinflammation. We explore the intricate roles of microglia and astrocytes in propagating inflammatory cascades and discuss how these processes affect neuronal integrity at the cellular level. Central to our analysis are three key molecules: High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and S100 Calcium Binding Protein β (S100β) as alarmins, and Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) as an indicator of neuronal stress. We present evidence from in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrating how these molecules reflect and contribute to the neuroinflammatory milieu characteristic of MDD. The review then explores the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) as neuroinflammation modulators, examining their effects on microglial activation, cytokine production, and neuronal resilience in cellular models of depression. We critically analyze experimental data on how ω-3 PUFA supplementation influences the expression and release of HMGB1, S100β, and NSE in neuronal and glial cultures. By integrating findings from lipidomic and cellular neurobiology, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs may exert their antidepressant effects through modulation of neuroinflammatory markers. These insights contribute to our understanding of lipid-mediated neuroprotection in MDD and may inform the development of targeted, lipid-based therapies for both depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Placebo in Subjects at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis: The PURPOSE Randomized Clinical Trial.

In the past 2 decades, substantial effort has been put into research on therapeutic options for people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for developing a first episode of psychosis (FEP), focusing on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in preventing transition to psychosis. Despite an initial positive finding, subsequent studies failed to find a beneficial effect. The current study aimed to further investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs in UHR, to determine whether this line of research is worth pursuing. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study testing the efficacy of 6-month treatment with omega-3 PUFAs in 135 subjects at UHR for FEP, aged 13 to 20 years on the prevention of a transition to psychosis, followed up for 18 months post-treatment. The trial was conducted at 16 general hospitals and psychiatric specialty centers located in 8 European countries and Israel. There was no beneficial effect of treatment with omega-3 PUFAs compared to placebo; the rate of transition over 2 years did not differ between treatment arms nor was there a difference in change in symptom severity after 6-month treatment. Dropout rates and serious adverse events were similar across the groups. This is the third study that fails to replicate the original finding on the protective effect of omega-3 PUFAs in UHR subjects for transition to psychosis. The accumulating evidence therefore suggests that omega-3 PUFAs do not reduce transition rates to psychosis in those at increased risk at 2 years follow-up. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02597439; Study Details | Placebo-controlled Trial in Subjects at Ultra-high Risk for Psychosis With Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Europe | ClinicalTrials.gov).

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids intake on the occurrence of current asthma among children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke: NHANES 2007–2018

BackgroundAsthma is an airway inflammatory disease driven by multiple factors with a high incidence in children and adolescents. Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) and diet are inducing factors for asthma. The potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to alleviate asthma symptoms by their anti-inflammatory effects has been explored. However, to date, no studies have explored the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke.ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the effect of dietary PUFAs intake on the current asthma in children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke.MethodsData of this cross-sectional were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018. Children and adolescents with serum cotinine concentration ≥ 0.05 ng/mL were defined to exposed to tobacco smoke. Dietary PUFAs intake information were obtained from 24 h recall interview. The weighted univariate and multivariate were utilized to explore the effect of PUFAs on the association of asthma and TSE, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). These moderating effects were further explored based on the age, gender and body mass index (BMI) and sedentary time.ResultsTotally, 7981 eligible children and adolescents were included, with the mean age of 11.96 ± 0.06 years old. Of whom, 1.024 (12.83%) had current asthma. After adjusted all covariates, we found children and adolescents with TSE had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.03–1.63); We also found omega-3 PUFAs intake (P for interaction = 0.010), not omega-6 PUFAs (P for interaction = 0.546), has a moderating effect on the association of TSE and current asthma. Moreover, we further observed that children and adolescents with TSE and low omega-3 PUFAs intake had high occurrence of current asthma (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.19–2.10), while no significant association was found in children and adolescents with high omega-3 PUFAs intake (all P > 0.05). This moderating effect was more prominent in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years old (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.06–2.47), girls (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.15–3.98), overweight (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.47) and sedentary time > 6 h (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.00–3.86).ConclusionWe found dietary omega-3 PUFAs plays a moderating effect on the association of asthma and TSE in children and adolescents, especially in children and adolescents aged ≤ 12 years, girls, overweight or sedentary time > 6 h. This moderating effect suggested higher omega-3 intake has potential benefits in decreasing the occurrence of asthma in children and adolescents who exposed to tobacco smoke.

Exosomes Derived from DPA-treated UCMSCs Attenuated Depression-like Behaviors and Neuroinflammation in a Model of Depression Induced by Chronic Stress.

Depression is characterized by both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Exosomes (Exo) have been shown to function as inhibitors of inflammation and promoters of neurogenesis. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, can combat depression by increasing levels of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). This study explored the effects of DPA on the therapeutic potential of Exo derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in glia-induced neuroinflammation associated with depression. Exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) over six weeks induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, while decreasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine. Molecularly, CUMS increased the concentrations of the microglial M1 markers Iba1, iNOS, and IL-1β, while reducing the M2 markers Arg1, CD206, and IL-10 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. However, Exo therapy reversed these effects. Moreover, DPA treatment of Exo demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating depressive behaviors, neurotransmitter deficiencies, and M1 microglial activation. In vitro, Exo suppressed LPS-stimulated BV2 cell viability and M1 microglial activation, while mitigating the SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis triggered by treatment with the conditioned medium from LPS-activated BV2 cells. Furthermore, administration of DPA enhanced this effect. Mechanically, DPA enhanced Exo function by upregulating miR125b-5p expression, thereby targeting the MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway. In summary, Exo exhibited antidepressant effects by suppressing M1 microglial neuroinflammation, while DPA treatment provided a more potent therapeutic effect on depression-like changes through the upregulation of miR125b-5p targeting the MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

Effect of the Mediterranean diet on the fecal long-chain fatty acid composition and intestinal barrier integrity: An exploratory analysis of the randomized controlled LIBRE trial.

We recently showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased the proportion of plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which was associated with an improved intestinal barrier integrity. In the present exploratory analysis, we assessed fecal fatty acids in the same cohort, aiming to investigate possible associations with intestinal barrier integrity. Women from the LIBRE randomized controlled trial, characterized by an impaired intestinal barrier integrity, followed either a Mediterranean diet (intervention group, IG, n=33) or a standard diet (control group, CG, n=35). At baseline (BL), month 3 (V1), and month 12 (V2), plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), fecal zonulin, and fecal fatty acids were measured. In the IG, fecal proportions of palmitoleic acid (16:1, n-7) and arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6) decreased, while the proportion of linoleic acid (18:2, n-6) and alpha linoleic acid (18:3, n-3) increased (BL-V1 and BL-V2, all P<0.08). In the CG, fecal proportions of palmitic acid and arachidic acid increased while the proportion of linoleic acid decreased (BL-V1, all P<0.05). The decrease in the proportion of palmitoleic acid correlated with the decrease in plasma LBP (∆V1-BL r=0.72, P<0.001; ∆V2-BL r=0.39, P<0.05) and correlated inversely with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Mediterranean diet score; ∆V1-BL r=-0.42, P=0.03; ∆V2-BL r=-0.53, P=0.005) in the IG. Our data show that adherence to the Mediterranean diet induces distinct changes in the fecal fatty acid composition. Furthermore, our data indicate that the fecal proportion of palmitoleic acid, but not fecal n-3 PUFAs, are associated with intestinal barrier integrity in the IG.

Meta analysis studies: effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation on clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients

Meta analysis studies: effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation on clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients

Associations of plasma omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids with overall and 19 site-specific cancers: A population-based cohort study in UK Biobank.

Previous epidemiological studies on the associations between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cancer incidence have been inconsistent. We investigated the associations of plasma omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs with the incidence of overall and 19 site-specific cancers in a large prospective cohort. 253,138 eligible UK Biobank participants were included in our study. With a mean follow-up of 12.9 years, 29,838 participants were diagnosed with cancer. The plasma levels of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs were expressed as percentages of total fatty acids (omega-3% and omega-6%). In our main models, both omega-6% and omega-3% were inversely associated with overall cancer incidence (HR per SD = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99; HR per SD = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.97-1.00; respectively). Of the 19 site-specific cancers available, 14 were associated with omega-6% and five with omega-3%, all indicating inverse associations, with the exception that prostate cancer was positively associated with omega-3% (HR per SD = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01-1.05). Our population-based cohort study in UK Biobank indicates small inverse associations of plasma omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs with the incidence of overall and most site-specific cancers, although there are notable exceptions, such as prostate cancer.

Periconceptional omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake plane and postpartum depression: a nationwide birth cohort-the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has favorable effects on the prevention of postpartum depression, but fish, the principal source of omega-3 PUFAs, are becoming a depleted resource. We therefore examined whether lower periconceptional intake of omega-6 PUFAs, whose metabolic pathways are antagonistic to those of omega-3 PUFAs, is associated with lower prevalence of postpartum depression while simultaneously considering omega-3 PUFA intake. The participants were 92,595 mothers involved in the ongoing Japan Environment and Children's Study. Periconceptional intakes of omega-6 and -3 PUFA were measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Postpartum depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Generalized additive mixed model analysis was used to draw contour plots of postpartum depression on a plane with omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA intakes on the x- and y-axes, respectively. The adjusted prevalence ranged from 11.0% to 26.3% within the respective 1st to 99th percentile intake ranges and monotonously decreased with decreasing omega-6 PUFA intake. In contrast, the prevalence decreased with increasing omega-3 PUFA intake, but the trend almost disappeared above 2 g/day. Our results highlight the potential importance of focusing on omega-6 PUFAs as well as omega-3 PUFAs prior to conception to reduce postpartum depression.

FADS1 Genetic Variant and Omega-3 Supplementation Are Associated with Changes in Fatty Acid Composition in Red Blood Cells of Subjects with Obesity.

Obesity is characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation, which can be modulated by lipid mediators derived from omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Obesity is a multifactorial disease, where genetic and environmental factors strongly interact to increase its development. In this context, the FADS1 gene encodes the delta-5 desaturase protein, which catalyzes the desaturation of PUFA. The rs174547 genetic variant of FADS1 has been associated with alterations in lipid metabolism, particularly with decreases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations. To analyze the effect of an n-3-supplemented diet on the fatty acid profile and composition in red blood cells (RBCs) of obese subjects carrying the rs174547 variant of the FADS1 gene. Seventy-six subjects with obesity were divided into two groups: omega-3 (1.5 g of n-3/day) and placebo (1.5 g of sunflower oil/day). The dietary intervention consisted of a four-month follow-up. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary variables were evaluated monthly. The total fatty acid profile in RBC was determined using gas chromatography. The rs174547 variant was analyzed through allelic discrimination. The n-3 index (O3I) increased at the end of the intervention in both groups. Subjects carrying the CC genotype showed significant differences (minor increase) in n-6, n-3, total PUFA, EPA, DHA, and the O3I in RBCs compared to TT genotype carriers in the n-3 group. The diet supplemented with EPA and DHA is ideal for providing the direct products that bypass the synthesis step affected by the FADS1 rs174547 variant in subjects carrying the CC genotype. The O3I confirmed an increase in n-3 fatty acids in RBCs at the end of the intervention.

Association of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults

ABSTRACT Objective Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and improving cognitive function and brain health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between omega-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The frequency and quantity of omega-3 PUFA intake were assessed using an omega-3 food frequency questionnaire. Results A total of 175 participants were recruited for this study. Participants in the lowest omega-3 PUFA tertile group scored significantly lower in the visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive domains (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the visuospatial/executive domain (p = 0.02) and the higher intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the attention domain (p = 0.04). The participants who did not consume walnuts showed a significant lower MoCA score than those who did (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found with other omega-3 PUFA sources. Conclusion Higher intake of omega-3 PUFAs was positively associated with visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults.