Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Gallium Triggers Ferroptosis through a Synergistic Mechanism.

The gallium ion (Ga3+ ) has long been believed to disrupt ferric homeostasis in the body by competing with iron cofactors in metalloproteins, ultimately leading to cell death. This study revealed that through an indirect pathway, gallium can trigger ferroptosis, a type of non-apoptotic cell death regulated by iron. This is exemplified by the gallium complex of the salen ligand (Ga-1); we found that Ga-1 acts as an effective anion transporter that can affect the pH gradient and change membrane permeability, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of ferrous iron from the electron transfer chain (ETC). In addition, Ga-1 also targeted protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, preventing the repair of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) system and thus enforcing ferroptosis. Finally, a combination treatment of Ga-1 and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which enhances lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis, showed a synergistic therapeutic effect both in vitro and in vivo. This study provided us with a strategy to synergistically induce Ferroptosis in tumor cells, thereby enhancing the anti-neoplastic effect.

Gallium Triggers Ferroptosis through a Synergistic Mechanism

AbstractThe gallium ion (Ga3+) has long been believed to disrupt ferric homeostasis in the body by competing with iron cofactors in metalloproteins, ultimately leading to cell death. This study revealed that through an indirect pathway, gallium can trigger ferroptosis, a type of non‐apoptotic cell death regulated by iron. This is exemplified by the gallium complex of the salen ligand (Ga‐1); we found that Ga‐1 acts as an effective anion transporter that can affect the pH gradient and change membrane permeability, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of ferrous iron from the electron transfer chain (ETC). In addition, Ga‐1 also targeted protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, preventing the repair of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) system and thus enforcing ferroptosis. Finally, a combination treatment of Ga‐1 and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which enhances lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis, showed a synergistic therapeutic effect both in vitro and in vivo. This study provided us with a strategy to synergistically induce Ferroptosis in tumor cells, thereby enhancing the anti‐neoplastic effect.

Distinct associations between dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake with chronic kidney disease in adults with and without diabetes: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveWe explored the relationship of dietary intake of fatty acids with chronic kidney disease (CKD) according to glycemic status in Japanese people. MethodsA total of 1031 participants aged ≥40 y were included in this population-based, cross-sectional study. A validated self-administered diet history questionnaire was used to measure the dietary intakes of fat and fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and diabetes as the use of antidiabetic medication, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, or hemoglobin A1c of ≥6.5%. Urine biomarkers of kidney injury (liver-type fatty acid–binding protein, β2-microglobulin, and albumin) were also examined. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 62.5 ± 11.2 y, and 482 (46.8%) of them were men. Overall, 177 (17.2%) participants had CKD. In the multivariable model, low omega-3 intake (odds ratio = 0.109; 95% CI, 0.019–0.645) and high omega-6–to–omega-3 ratio (odds ratio = 2.112; 95% CI, 1.167–3.822) were associated with CKD in participants with diabetes but not in those without. In selected participants with diabetes, a substantial trend of urinary liver-type fatty acid–binding protein and β2-microglobulin level elevation along with an increase in the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 was observed. ConclusionsLow dietary omega-3 intake and high omega-6–to–omega-3 ratio were associated with CKD in middle-aged and older Japanese people with diabetes but not in those without diabetes. These results may provide insight into the more tailored approaches for dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids to prevent CKD.

Indigestible Dextrin Alleviates the Intestinal Absorption of Alpha-linolenic Acid More Markedly Than That of Linoleic Acid in Obese Mice

Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) constitute the main dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. Indigestible dextrin (DEX) is a dietary fiber that causes a beneficial decrease in lifestyle-related disease risk factors. We investigated the effects of DEX on intestinal absorption of LA and ALA in obese mice. KK-Ay/TaJcl obese mice were fed an ALA- or LA-abundant diet and provided with water in the absence and presence of 0.06 w/v% DEX for 4 weeks. The levels of lipids in serum samples and the lipase activity in serum and liver were analyzed. The effects of DEX on the intestinal absorption of LA and ALA were investigated using an in vitro model of the intestinal absorption process in the fed-state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) solution. ALA resulted in an increase in the serum triglyceride (TG) levels than those observed upon feeding an LA-abundant diet. DEX suppressed significantly the ALA-dependent increase in serum TG levels. Neither LA nor ALA affected the serum levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as the serum and hepatic lipase activities. Moreover, ALA showed better solubility than LA in FeSSIF solution. The solubility of ALA in FeSSIF solution was significantly suppressed by DEX, whereas that of LA was not affected by DEX. ALA can be absorbed more easily than LA during the intestinal absorption process, probably leading to an increase in the serum TG levels and then DEX more selectively inhibits the intestinal absorption of ALA compared to that of LA.

PTFS08-07-23 Metabolism of Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Gut Microbes

PTFS08-07-23 Metabolism of Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by Gut Microbes

Нейровоспаление и функционирование головного мозга: возможные последствия у детей, инфицированных COVID-19

COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affects children differently than adults, with milder symptoms. However, several cases of neurological manifestations with neuroinflammatory syndromes, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), have been reported following infection. As with other viral infections such as rubella, influenza, and cytomegalovirus, SARS-CoV-2 causes a massive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that affect microglial function, which can be critical for brain development. Along with viral induction of neuroinflammation, other non-infectious conditions may interact to cause additional inflammation, such as imbalances in fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid diets and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In addition, transient thyrotoxicosis caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been reported, with secondary autoimmune hypothyroidism that may go unnoticed during pregnancy. Together, these factors may represent an additional risk of infection by influencing neurodevelopmental mechanisms such as synaptic pruning and the formation of neuronal ensembles. In this review, we discuss these conditions to consider and the possible occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children infected with COVID-19. Keywords: neuroinflammation, children, COVID-19, synapse formation, brain development, nutrition.

Serum visfatin levels are positively correlated with dietary carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

AimsTo investigate the relationship between dietary intake and biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements and serum visfatin concentrations. Study designA case-control study. MethodsThe study was carried out in 30 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 30 sex, age and body mass index (BMI) matches healthy control subjects. Biochemical parameters (glycemic and lipid profile, insulin resistance), anthropometric measurements (weight and bioimpedance) and dietary intake evaluation were obtained. Visfatin was assayed with ELISA method. ResultsThe mean BMI of the case group was 31.36 ± 4.37 kg/m2 and 29.80 ± 3.53 kg/m2 in the control group (p = 0.134). The results revealed a significant increase in the weight, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, visceral fat ratio, fasting glucose level, HbA1c and fasting insulin as well as in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) among T2DM patients when compared with controls (p < 0.05). Serum visfatin levels were higher in the subjects with T2DM than healthy control subjects (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between visfatin levels and biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements in patients with T2DM. Serum visfatin level was positively correlated with carbohydrate (CHO) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in T2DM patients (r = 0.406, p = 0.026; r = 0.404, p = 0.027, respectively). ConclusionT2DM patients compares with healthy control group increased serum visfatin levels. PUFA and CHO intake was found to be positively associated with visfatin levels.

Response-Surface-Methodology-Based Optimization of High-Quality Salvia hispanica L. Seed Oil Extraction: A Pilot Study

Chia seeds play an important role in human health and nutrition since they contain dietary fiber, lipids, protein, polyphenolic compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present study aimed to evaluate the yield and quality of chia seed oil (extracted using the screw press method) in terms of total phenolic content, acid, and peroxide levels. A central composite design was used to optimize the extraction procedure, and the response surface methodology was used to assess the results. The restriction die size of 1 cm, pressing temperature of 53 °C, and no dry heat were the optimal conditions for extracting the desired quality of chia seed oil according to the predicted response surface methodology model. The conditions were evaluated and a 29.47% yield was achieved, with a TPC of 2.20 µg GAE/g of oil, acid content of 0.96 mg KOH/g of oil, and peroxide content of 2.87 mEq/Kg of oil. The extraction process exceeded 45.10 min. Antioxidant activities of 19.21 μg TE/g of oil (ABTS radical scavenging activity), 5.69 μg TE/g of oil (DPPH radical scavenging activity), and 186.68 μg CE/g of oil (nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity) were observed. The fatty acid composition of the chia seed oil samples is also reported herein. We report the optimal conditions for extracting oil from local cultivar chia seeds, thus helping to analyze changes in the composition and impact due to geographical differences in oil quality. The extracted chia seed oil could be utilized for functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Genetic Targeting of Solvatochromic Dyes for Probing Nanoscale Environments of Proteins in Organelles.

A variety of protein tags are available for genetically encoded protein labeling, which allow their precise localization and tracking inside the cells. A new dimension in protein imaging can be offered by combining protein tags with polarity-sensitive fluorescent probes, which provide information about local nanoscale environments of target proteins within the subcellular compartments (organelles). Here, we designed three fluorescent probes based on solvatochromic nile red dye, conjugated to a HaloTag reactive targeting group through polyethylene glycol linkers of varying lengths. The probe with medium linker length, NR12-Halo, was found to label specifically a large variety of proteins localized in defined cell compartments, such as plasma membranes (outer and inner leaflets), endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, cytosol, microtubules, actin, and chromatin. Owing to its polarity-sensitive fluorophore, the probe clearly distinguished the proteins localized within apolar lipid membranes from other proteins. Moreover, it revealed dramatic changes in the environment during the life cycle of proteins from biosynthesis to their expected localization and, finally, to recycling inside lysosomes. Heterogeneity in the local polarity of some membrane proteins also suggested a formation of low-polar protein aggregates, for example, within cell-cell contacts. The approach also showed that mechanical stress (cell shrinking by osmotic shock) induced a general polarity decrease in membrane proteins, probably due to the condensation of biomolecules. Finally, the nanoenvironment of some membrane proteins was affected by a polyunsaturated fatty acid diet, which provided the bridge between organization of lipids and proteins. The developed solvatochromic HaloTag probe constitutes a promising tool for probing nanoscale environments of proteins and their interactions within subcellular structures.

Red Blood Cell Membrane Fatty Acid Composition, Dietary Fatty Acid Intake and Diet Quality as Predictors of Inflammation in a Group of Australian Adults.

Evidence suggests that diet can play a role in modulating systemic inflammation. This study aims to examine the relationship between fatty acids (FAs) (self-reported dietary intake and red blood cell (RBC) membrane fatty acid concentrations), three diet quality scores, and the plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, IL-6; tumour necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α; and C-reactive protein, CRP) in a group of Australian adults (n = 92). Data were collected on their demographic characteristics, health status, supplement intake, dietary intake, RBC-FAs and plasma inflammatory markers over a nine-month period. Mixed-effects models were used to determine the relationship between RBC-FAs, dietary intake of FAs, diet quality scores and inflammatory markers to determine which variable most strongly predicted systemic inflammation. A significant association was identified between dietary saturated fat intake and TNF-α (β = 0.01, p < 0.05). An association was also identified between RBC membrane saturated fatty acids (SFA) and CRP (β = 0.55, p < 0.05). Inverse associations were identified between RBC membrane monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (β = -0.88, p < 0.01), dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (β = -0.21, p < 0.05) and CRP, and the Australian Eating Survey Modified Mediterranean Diet (AES-MED) score and IL-6 (β = -0.21, p < 0.05). In summary, using both objective and subjective measures of fat intake and diet quality, our study has confirmed a positive association between saturated fat and inflammation, while inverse associations were observed between MUFAs, PUFAs, the Mediterranean diet, and inflammation. Our results provide further evidence that manipulating diet quality, in particular fatty acid intake, may be useful for reducing chronic systemic inflammation.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Mechanisms and Clinical Use.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic fatty liver disease worldwide, particularly in obese and type 2 diabetic individuals. Currently, there are no therapies for NAFLD that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Herein, we examine the rationale for using ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in NAFLD therapy. This focus is based on the finding that NAFLD severity is associated with a reduction of hepatic C20-22 ω3 PUFAs. Because C20-22 ω3 PUFAs are pleiotropic regulators of cell function, loss of C20-22 ω3 PUFAs has the potential to significantly impact hepatic function. We describe NAFLD prevalence and pathophysiology as well as current NAFLD therapies. We also present evidence from clinical and preclinical studies that evaluated the capacity of C20-22 ω3 PUFAs to treat NAFLD. Given the clinical and preclinical evidence, dietary C20-22 ω3 PUFA supplementation has the potential to decrease human NAFLD severity by reducing hepatosteatosis and liver injury. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 43 is August 2023. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

The Effect of Increasing Concentrations of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from either Flaxseed Oil or Preformed Docosahexaenoic Acid on Fatty Acid Composition, Plasma Oxylipin, and Immune Response of Laying Hens

BackgroundThere is a lack of nutrition guidelines for the feeding of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to laying hens. Knowledge as to whether the type and concentrations of α-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diet can make a difference to the birds’ immune responses when subjected to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge is limited. ObjectivesThe study was designed to determine the potential nutritional and health benefits to laying hens when receiving dietary omega-3 PUFA from either ALA or DHA. MethodsA total of 80 Lohmann LSL-Classic (white egg layer, 20 wk old) were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 treatment diets (10 hens/treatment), provided 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, or 0.8% of total dietary omega-3 PUFA, provided as either ALA-rich flaxseed oil or DHA-enriched algal biomass. After an 8-wk feeding period, the birds were challenged with Escherichia coli-derived LPS (8 mg/kg; i.v. injection), with terminal sample collection 4 h after challenge. Egg yolk, plasma, liver, and spleen samples were collected for subsequent analyses. ResultsIncreasing dietary omega-3 supplementation yielded predictable responses in egg yolk, plasma, and liver fatty acid concentrations. Dietary intake of ALA contributed mainly to ALA-derived oxylipins. Meanwhile, eicosapentaenoic acid- and DHA-derived oxylipins were primarily influenced by DHA dietary intake. LPS increased the concentrations of almost all the omega-6 PUFA-, ALA-, and DHA-derived oxylipins in plasma and decreased hepatic mRNA expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX (P < 0.001) involved in the biosynthesis of oxylipins. LPS also increased mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and receptor TLR-4 (P < 0.001) in the spleen. ConclusionsThese results revealed that dietary intake of ALA and DHA had unique impacts on fatty acid deposition and their derived oxylipins and inflammatory responses under the administration of LPS in laying hens.

Different Fatty Acid Supplementation in Low-Protein Diets Regulate Nutrient Utilization and Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism in Weaned Pigs Model.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a low-protein (LP) diet supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on nutrient utilization and lipid and amino acid metabolism in weaned pigs. A total of 120 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (initial body weight: 7.93 ± 0.65 kg) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, including the control diet (CON), LP diet, LP + 0.2% SB diet (LP + SB), LP + 0.2% MCFA diet (LP + MCFA) and LP + 0.2% n-3 PUFA diet (LP + PUFA). The results show that the LP + MCFA diet increased (p < 0.05) the digestibility of dry matter and total P in pigs compared with the CON and LP diets. In the liver of the pigs, the metabolites involved in sugar metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation significantly changed with the LP diet compared with the CON diet. Compared with the LP diet, the altered metabolites in the liver of the pigs fed with the LP + SB diet were mainly associated with sugar metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism; the altered metabolites in the liver of pigs fed with the LP + MCFA and LP + PUFA diets were mainly associated with lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. In addition, the LP + PUFA diet increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of glutamate dehydrogenase in the liver of pigs compared with the LP diet. Furthermore, the LP + MCFA and LP + PUFA diets increased (p < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the liver compared with the CON diet. The LP + PUFA diet increased (p < 0.05) mRNA abundances of fatty acid synthase in the liver compared with the CON and LP diets. Collectively, the LP diet supplemented with MCFAs improved nutrient digestibility, and the LP diet supplemented with MCFAs and n-3 PUFAs promoted lipid and amino acid metabolisms.

Are dietary intake and nutritional status of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids correlated with sarcopenia outcomes in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia? – Exploratory results from ENHANce

AimsTo explore the relationship between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake, nutritional PUFAs status and sarcopenia outcomes in sarcopenic older adults.MethodsThe Exercise and Nutrition for Healthy AgeiNg (ENHANce) is an ongoing 5-armed triple blinded randomized controlled trial, in sarcopenic older adults (> 65y) aiming to assess the effect of combined anabolic interventions (protein, omega-3 supplement and exercise) on physical performance in these adults, compared to single/placebo interventions. Baseline data were used for a secondary, exploratory, cross-sectional analysis. Dietary PUFAs intake was assessed with 4-day food records, status with RBC membrane fatty acids profiles. Spearman’s rho(ρ) correlation coefficients were calculated to explore associations of PUFAs intake and status with sarcopenia-defining parameters (muscle strength, mass and physical performance), physical activity (step count) and quality of life (SF-36, SarQoL).ResultsIn total, 29 subjects (9♂/20♀, mean age 76.3 ± 5.4y) were included. Total omega-3 intake of participants (1.99 ± 0.99 g/d) was below the recommended intake (♂:2.8–5.6 g/d; ♀:2.2–4.4 g/d). Intake and status of PUFAs were not correlated. Regarding correlations with outcomes, α-linolenic acid status was inversely associated with appendicular lean mass (aLM) (ρ:-0.439; p = 0.017), whereas docosahexaenoic acid status was positively associated with aLM (ρ:0.388; p = 0.038). Some omega-3 PUFAs intake and status markers were positively associated with step count, SF-36 and SarQoL scores, whereas gamma-linolenic acid status was inversely associated with SF-36 physical component summary score (ρ = -0.426; p = 0.024).ConclusionsAlthough intake of omega-3 and omega-6 was low, the present exploratory study generated new hypotheses for potential correlations of PUFAs intake and status with sarcopenia outcomes in older adults with sarcopenia.

Lysophosphatidylcholine-DHA Specifically Induces Cytotoxic Effects of the MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line In Vitro—Comparative Effects with Other Lipids Containing DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω-3) is a dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid that has an important role in human health. Epidemiological studies linked a high intake of DHA to a reduced risk of certain cancers. Recently, attention focused on how the lipid carrier in which DHA is delivered, i.e., esterified on acylglycerols, phospholipids, or free, affects its biological effects. However, studies comparing the effects of these different forms for DHA supply to cancer cells in vitro are limited. In this study, the effect of free DHA and five lipids carrying one to three DHA chains (LPC-DHA, PC-DHA, MAG-DHA, DAG-DHA and TAG-DHA) on the viability of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line was compared. Our results revealed a strong structure–function relationship of DHA-carrying lipids on the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. Glycerophosphocholine-based lipids are the most effective DHA carriers in reducing the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells, with LPC-DHA being more effective (IC50 = 23.7 µM) than PC-DHA (IC50 = 67 µM). The other tested lipids are less toxic (MAG-DHA, free DHA) or even not toxic (DAG-DHA, TAG-DHA) under our conditions. Investigating the mechanism of cell death induced by LPC-DHA revealed increased oxidative stress and membrane cell damage.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids intake, air pollution, and the risk of lung cancer: A prospective study in UK biobank

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence on the association between specific types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake and lung cancer risk is limited. However, whether dietary-specific PUFAs intake can modify the association between air pollutants and incident lung cancer remains unknown. MethodsCox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline regression were used to evaluate the associations of omega-3 PUFAs, omega-6 PUFAs and the ratio of omega-6 PUFAs to omega-3 PUFAs intake with lung cancer risk. Furthermore, we evaluated the associations between air pollutants and incident lung cancer, and whether dietary-specific PUFAs intake would modify the relationship using stratification analyses. ResultsThis study found significant associations between the risk of lung cancer and omega-3 PUFAs intake (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.73–0.93; per 1 g/d), and omega-6 PUFAs intake (HR, 0.98; 95 % CI, 0.96–0.99; per 1 g/d). We did not observe an association between the omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs intake ratio and incident lung cancer. With regard to air pollution, omega-3 PUFAs intake attenuated the positive relationship between nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollution and lung cancer risk, and an increased incidence of lung cancer was found only in the low omega-3 PUFAs intake group (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, PUFAs intake (regardless of omega-3 PUFAs, omega-6 PUFAs, or in total) reinforced the pro-carcinogenic effects of PM2.5 on lung cancer, and a positive association between PM2.5 pollutants and incident lung cancer was observed only in the high PUFAs groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionsHigher dietary omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs intake was associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer in the study population. As omega-3 PUFAs have different modification effects on NOX and PM2.5 air pollution related lung cancer incidence, precautions should be taken when using omega-3 PUFAs as health-promoting dietary supplements, especially in high PM2.5 burden regions.

Dietary Saturated, Monounsaturated, or Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Estimated 10-Year Risk of a First Hard Cardiovascular Event

BackgroundThe effects of dietary saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids on the risk of cardiovascular events remain controversial. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed in 4211 patients, aged 40 to 79 years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2018. The independent variables were saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The dependent variable was the 10-year risk of a first hard atherosclerotic cardiovascular event. The other variables were considered as the potential confounding factors. Multivariate linear regression models and smooth curve fittings were used to evaluate the association between saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, or monounsaturated fatty acids and the 10-year risk. ResultsThere was no association between dietary saturated fatty acids and 10-year risk after adjusting for all the potential confounding factors; 10-year risk decreased by 0.022% each 1-g increase in monounsaturated fatty acids intake from 0 to 153.772 g, and 0.025% each 1-g increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids intake from 0 to 98.323 g, respectively. Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were both negatively correlated to 10-year risk in nondiabetes and non-high–low-density lipoprotein patients; monounsaturated fatty acids were also negatively associated with 10-year risk in hypertensive patients. ConclusionsThere was no association between dietary saturated fatty acids and 10-year risk. Increased dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased 10-year risk, particularly in nondiabetes, non-high-low density lipoprotein patients.

Mediator subunit MDT-15 promotes expression of propionic acid breakdown genes to prevent embryonic lethality in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The micronutrient vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor for two enzymes: methionine synthase, which plays a key role in the one-carbon cycle; and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, an enzyme in a pathway that breaks down branched-chain amino acids and odd-chain fatty acids. A second, vitamin B12-independent pathway that degrades propionic acid was recently described in Caenorhabditis elegans, the propionate shunt pathway. Activation of five shunt pathway genes in response to low vitamin B12 availability or high propionic acid levels is accomplished by a transcriptional regulatory mechanism involving two nuclear hormone receptors, NHR-10 and NHR-68. Here, we report that the C. elegans Mediator subunit mdt-15 is also essential for the activation of the propionate shunt pathway genes, likely by acting as a transcriptional coregulator for NHR-10. C. elegans mdt-15 mutants fed with a low vitamin B12 diet have transcriptomes resembling those of wild-type worms fed with a high vitamin B12 diet, with low expression of the shunt genes. Phenotypically, the embryonic lethality of mdt-15 mutants is specifically rescued by diets high in vitamin B12, but not by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, which rescue many other phenotypes of the mdt-15 mutants. Finally, NHR-10 binds to MDT-15 in yeast two-hybrid assays, and the transcriptomes of nhr-10 mutants share overlap with those of mdt-15 mutants. Our data show that MDT-15 is a key coregulator for an NHR regulating propionic acid detoxification, adding to roles played by NHR:MDT-15 partnerships in metabolic regulation and pinpointing vitamin B12 availability as a requirement for mdt-15 dependent embryonic development.

Dietary Supplementation with Linseed Oil Ethyl Esters Improves Sexual Behavior and Chosen Seminal Parameters in Porcine Species.

Numerous studies have shown that improvements in the sperm and semen quality of males of many species can be achieved with appropriate dietary supplements added to feed or fodder. Particularly promising seems to be the inclusion of omega polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diets of males. Among other things, it has been shown that linseed oil ethyl esters (EELO can be an excellent source of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in animal diets. These compounds are more durable and resistant to oxidation, epoxidation and resinification processes, and do not exhibit toxic properties in living organisms. At present, there is a lack of data in the literature on the enrichment of boar diets with EELO. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of the addition of EELO to boar diets on the properties of sperm in fresh semen. The study was conducted during the summer on semen collected from 12 boars of the line 990. Linseed oil ethyl esters were administered in each feeding at a rate of 3.0% (45 mL each) in basal diets for each boar on a daily basis for 16 weeks. Ejaculates were collected manually by the gloved-hand technique, at one-week intervals for eight-week periods, from the eighth week onwards after the start of feeding. Eight ejaculates were collected from each boar, totaling 96 samples. The addition of EELO to the diets of boars caused an increase in sperm viability (p < 0.001), semen volume (310 mL versus 216 mL, p < 0.001) and sperm concentration (331 versus 216 million per mL, p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the experimental animals, there was a decrease in the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting DNA fragmentation. The experimental boars also showed an increase in the percentage of gametes without apoptosis and capacitation and an increase in the percentage of viable spermatozoa not showing lipid peroxidation membranes. Consequently, EELO nutritional supplementation resulted in the improved quality of the fresh semen of boars.

Association between maternal gestational diabetes and allergic diseases in offspring: a birth cohort study.

Previous studies have linked gestational diabetes (GDM) with allergies in offspring. However, the effect of specific glucose metabolism metrics was not well characterized, and the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), a modifier of metabolism and the immune system, was understudied. We aimed to investigate the association between maternal GDM and allergic diseases in children and the interaction between glucose metabolism and PUFAs on allergic outcomes. This prospective cohort study included 706 mother-child dyads from Guangzhou, China. Maternal GDM was diagnosed via a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and dietary PUFAs were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Allergic disease diagnoses and the age of onset were obtained from medical records of children within threeyears old. Approximately 19.4% of women had GDM, and 51.3% of children had any allergic diseases. GDM was positively associated with any allergic diseases (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.88) and eczema (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.02-1.97). A unit increase in OGTT after two hours (OGTT-2h) glucose was associated with an 11% (95% CI 2%-21%) higher risk of any allergic diseases and a 17% (95% CI 1-36%) higher risk of food allergy. The positive associations between OGTT-2h glucose and any allergic diseases were strengthened with decreased dietary a-linolenic acid (ALA) and increasedn-6 PUFAs, linoleic acid (LA), LA/ALA ratio, andn-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Maternal GDM was adversely associated with early-life allergic diseases, especially eczema. We were the first to identify OGTT-2h glucose to be more sensitive in inducing allergy risk and that dietary PUFAs might modify the associations.