Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Group Research Articles

Does treatment with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent atrial fibrillation after open heart surgery?

To examine the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) treatment on the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF). A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular repair surgery. The patients received either n-3 PUFA capsules, containing a daily dose of 1240 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 1000 mg docosahexaenoic acid, or olive oil capsules for 5-7 days prior to surgery and post-operatively until hospital discharge. The endpoint was POAF, defined as an episode detected by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, lasting >5 min. A total of 170 patients were enrolled in the study, and 168 patients underwent surgery. Their median age was 67 (range 43-82) years, and 79.2% were males. There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the n-3 PUFA group (n = 83) and the placebo group (n = 85), and the incidence of POAF was 54.2 and 54.1% (P = 0.99), respectively. Factors associated with POAF included advanced age, peak post-operative C-reactive protein level, valvular surgery, lower body mass index, and non-smoking, but n-3 PUFA concentration in plasma lipids was not associated with POAF. There is no evidence for a beneficial effect of treatment with n-3 PUFA on the occurrence of POAF in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

Low ω-6/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios reduce hepatic C-reactive protein expression in apolipoprotein E–null mice

Objective Expression characteristics of C-reactive protein (CRP) for the ω-6/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios have not been evaluated in the well-qualified experimental atherosclerotic mouse model. This work focused on characteristics of CRP expression in the liver of apolipoprotein E–null (apoE −/−) mice influenced by ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratios. Methods Varying ratios of ω-6/ω-3 PUFAs (group 1, 1.28; group 2, 5.03; group 3, 9.98; and group 4, 68.26, respectively) on hepatic and aortic CRP expressions were assessed in male apoE −/− mice fed a diet containing 5% (w/w) experimental fat for 6 wk. Hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ mRNA abundance, hepatic interleukin (IL)-6 protein level, atherosclerotic lesions, and serum cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were examined. Results As the dietary ratio of ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids ascended, so did the expression of hepatic and aortic CRP and hepatic IL-6 protein. However, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ mRNA level had a tendency to decrease. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels did not show a statistical difference among the mice fed the four ratios of the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA diet. The group 4 mice developed a significant increase in atherosclerotic lesions compared with the other groups. Conclusion The results indicated that low ratios of ω-6/ω-3 PUFAs (1.28–9.98) downregulated the hepatic and aortic CRP expressions and reduced aortic en face lesions in apoE −/− mice compared with the high ratio of the ω-6/ω-3 PUFA diet.

Comparison of wild and cultured sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) quality

Chemical composition, nutritional value and other physico-chemical parameters of sea bass from two different geographical areas (Greece and Spain) and from aquaculture and wild origin were studied. Farmed and wild fish differ in proximate composition, colour, and especially in texture, fatty acids and free amino acids (FAAs) profiles. Flesh of wild fish was firmer, which could be attributed to their lower fat content and higher level of activity. Cultured fish showed a higher content of monounsaturated fatty acids and lower of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Within the PUFA group, n−3 fatty acids were predominant in wild sea bass, while n−6 were more abundant in farmed fish. Some FAAs related to the characteristic flavour of fish, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, and glycine were more abundant in cultured sea bass. No differences between fish from both farms were found, due to the similar composition of the feed used.

Beneficial Effects of Intravenously Administered N-3 Fatty Acids for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting operation (CABG). Experimental data have shown antiarrhythmic effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on myocardial cells. Orally administered PUFA could significantly reduce the rate of postoperative AF. We assessed the efficacy of PUFA for the prevention of AF after CABG. PUFA were given intravenously to prevent variation in bioavailability. 52 patients were randomized to the interventional group, 50 served as controls. In the control group free fatty acids (100 mg soya oil/kg body weight/day) were infused via perfusion pump, starting on admission to hospital and ending at discharge from intensive care. In the interventional group PUFA were given at a dosage of 100 mg fish oil/kg body weight/day. Primary end point was the postoperative development of AF, documented by surface ECG. Secondary end point was the length of stay in the ICU. The demographic, clinical and surgical characteristics of the patients in the two groups were similar. Postoperative AF occurred in 15 patients (30.6 %) in the control and in 9 (17.3 %) in the PUFA group ( P < 0.05). After CABG, the PUFA patients had to be treated in the ICU for a shorter time than the control patients. No adverse effects were observed. Perioperative intravenous infusion of PUFA reduces the incidence of AF after CABG and leads to a shorter stay in the ICU and in hospital. Our data suggest that perioperative intravenous infusion of PUFA should be recommended for patients undergoing CABG.

Proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic approaches to unravel the roles of polyunsaturated fatty acid nutrition in the developing liver

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulate metabolism in adult liver; PUFA accumulation in fetal and infant liver depends on diet. We used combined proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics to address whether PUFA nutrition impacts metabolic development in neonatal rat liver. Rats were fed as % energy, 3.9% 18:2n‐6 and 1.5% 18:3n‐3 (high PUFA), or 1 % 18:2n‐6 and &lt;0.1% 18:3n‐3 (low PUFA) in gestation and lactation. On day 3 postnatal, lipidomics using HPLC and GLC showed lower n‐3/n‐6 PUFA, but no difference in lipid classes in low compared to high PUFA offspring. Liver proteins were resolved on 2D gels, resolving over 800 proteins. PDQuest analysis showed 24 proteins up‐regulated and 1 down‐regulated over 3 fold in the high compared to low PUFA group, and these were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. Up‐regulated proteins included F‐1,6‐biphosphatase 1, G‐3‐P dehydrogenase, galactokinase 1, catalase and 60 kDa heat shock protein, with argininosuccinate synthase down‐regulated. GC‐MS profiling of small molecules in liver extracts, with principal component analysis to address changes in flux through metabolic pathways showed higher gluconeogenic amino acids in the high PUFA group. Finally, integration of results from the proteomic and metabolomic analyses into metabolic pathways shows that maternal lipid nutrition impacts pathways of gluconeogenesis and oxidative stress in developing liver. Funded by CIHRGrant Funding SourceMichael Smith Fdn Health Research Studentship

Omega-3 fatty acid treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Although several clinical trials have evaluated the impact of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), changes in plasma PUFA composition were not always assessed following n-3 supplementation. Furthermore, no reports are available on the efficacy of n-3 PUFA in Canadian youth with ADHD. To determine fatty acid (FA) composition, and the efficacy and safety of n-3 PUFA supplementation on ADHD clinical symptoms in French Canadian primary school children. The Strengths and Weaknesses in ADHD and Normal Behaviors (SWAN) and Conners' questionnaires were used to assess changes in ADHD symptoms in 37 children (only 26 children completed the study from zero to 16 weeks). They were divided into two groups (A and B), and participated in a 16-week, double-blind, one-way, crossover randomized study. In the first phase, group A received the n-3 PUFA supplement and group B received n-6 PUFA (sunflower oil) as a placebo. During the second phase, group B received the active n-3 PUFA supplement that was continued in group A. FA composition and lipid profile were assessed during the phases of the study. FA differences between groups were observed in the 26 patients. Supplementation with n-3 PUFA resulted in significant increases in eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in group A, while group B was enriched with alpha-linolenic, gamma-linolenic and homo-gamma-linolenic acids. The n-3 PUFA supplement was tolerated without any adverse effects. A statistically significant improvement in symptoms was noted based on the parent version of the Conners' questionnaire from baseline to the end of phase 1, and this amelioration continued from phases 1 to 2, although the latter changes from phases 1 and 2 were not statistically significant in any of the subscales except for the subscale measuring inattention in group B. The improvement was greater in patients from group A in phase 1 and in patients from group B in phase 2. A subgroup of eight patients (four in each group) displayed a statistically significant clinical improvement following the administration of the n-3 PUFA supplement, particularly for the inattention and global Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, total Conners' subscales. A subgroup of children with ADHD who used n-3 PUFA supplements achieved and maintained symptom control. The data of the present study also supported n-3 PUFA safety and tolerability, but limited changes were noted in the FA profile in French Canadians with ADHD.

Hypercaloric diets differing in fat composition have similar effects on serum leptin and weight gain in female subjects with anorexia nervosa

Weight regain in subjects with anorexia nervosa is associated with an increase in serum leptin concentrations that is hypothesized to impair full weight restoration. As diets rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been described to lower serum leptin concentrations, we tested the hypothesis that consumption of a hypercaloric diet rich in n-3 PUFA is associated with an attenuated increase in serum leptin and a higher efficiency of body weight gain in subjects with anorexia nervosa. Twenty-five female subjects with anorexia nervosa were enrolled into this controlled dietary intervention study. Four subjects discontinued therapy or participation in the study prematurely, and six were excluded. 15 subjects completed the study. Subjects consumed hypercaloric diets rich in either saturated fatty acids (SFA, n = 8) or n-3 PUFA (n = 7) for 5 weeks. Primary endpoints were the change in serum leptin concentrations and body weight gain relative to energy consumed. Serum leptin concentrations increased distinctly throughout the study (P < .001), and to a similar extend in both groups [+2.9 (SD 2.4) vs. +2.8 (SD 3.4) ng/mL in the SFA- and n-3 PUFA group, respectively; P = .487]. The efficiency of body weight gain also did not differ significantly between groups, with a body weight gain of 63.1 (SD 12.4) vs. 79.2 (SD 26.0) g per 4.2 MJ (1000 kcal) consumed in the SFA- and n-3 PUFA group, respectively (P = .132). Hypercaloric diets rich in either SFA or n-3 PUFA do not differ in their effects on serum leptin concentrations and the efficiency of body weight gain in female subjects with anorexia nervosa.

Effects of Different Dietary Fatty Acids on the Fatty Acid Compositions and the Expression of Lipid Metabolic-Related Genes in Mammary Tumor Tissues of Rats

In this study, the effects of dietary fatty acids on the fatty acid compositions and lipid metabolic-related genes expression in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis were evaluated. The 50-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were intervened by different dietary fats (15% wt/wt), including saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), n-3 PUFA, 1:1 n-6/n-3, 5:1 n-6/n-3, 10:1 n-6/n-3, and 1:2:1 S/M/P (1:1 n-6/n-3), alone or in combination with MNU. There was no mammary tumor occurrence in the control and MNU-treated n-3 PUFA groups after 18 wk. n-3 PUFA diet retarded the weight growth of rats. 1:1 n-6/n-3 diet significantly reduced the MNU-induced tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity compared with SFA, MUFA, n-6 PUFA, 5:1 n-6/n-3, 10:1 n-6/n-3 and 1:2:1 S/M/P diets (42.86% vs. 83.33%–92.31%, 0.79 vs. 2.62–2.85, P < 0.01). Additionally, 1:1 n-6/n-3 diet substantially increased cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid and cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid levels, whereas it decreased C20:4 level and the mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in mammary tissues (P < 0.05). These results suggest that 1:1 n-6/n-3 in the diet is effective in the prevention of mammary tumor development by increasing the n-3 PUFA content and reducing the expression of lipid metabolic-related genes.

Effect of n–3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Asthma after Low-Dose Allergen Challenge

Background: We investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on specific bronchial inflammation. Allergic asthmatics were challenged using a low-dose allergen provocation model. Methods: Our parallel double-blinded study randomly assigned 23 house dust mite-allergic asthmatics (aged 22–29 years; 13 females, 10 males) to dietary supplementation with either an n–3 PUFA-enriched fat blend (0.69 g/day) or placebo for 5 weeks. After 3 weeks, the patients were challenged daily with low doses of mite allergen for 2 weeks. Primary outcome parameters were effects on lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV₁) and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) as a marker of bronchial inflammation. Results: Even before the bronchial challenge, eNO was significantly lower in the n–3 PUFA group (p = 0.014). Levels of eNO increased during allergen exposure in both groups, but differences in means were significantly lower in the n–3 PUFA group (p = 0.022). During the low-dose allergen challenge, there were no differences between the groups with regard to symptoms, FEV₁ or the allergen dose required to induce deterioration of lung function (PD₂₀). Numbers of sputum eosinophils did not differ significantly, while serum eosinophils (10.1 ± 0.1.84 vs. 5.79 ± 0.69%) as well as changes in eosinophilic cationic protein (20.5 ± 9.93 vs. –1.68 ± 4.36 ng/ml) and in vitro cysteinyl leukotriene release (2,889 ± 872 vs. 1,120 ± 173 ng/ml) were significantly lower in the n–3 PUFA group (p < 0.05 each). Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that dietary supplementation with n–3 PUFA is able to reduce bronchial inflammation even after low-dose allergen challenge.

Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with chronic heart failure (the GISSI-HF trial): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Several epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can exert favourable effects on atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmias. We investigated whether n-3 PUFA could improve morbidity and mortality in a large population of patients with symptomatic heart failure of any cause. We undertook a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 326 cardiology and 31 internal medicine centres in Italy. We enrolled patients with chronic heart failure of New York Heart Association class II-IV, irrespective of cause and left ventricular ejection fraction, and randomly assigned them to n-3 PUFA 1 g daily (n=3494) or placebo (n=3481) by a concealed, computerised telephone randomisation system. Patients were followed up for a median of 3.9 years (IQR 3.0-4.5). Primary endpoints were time to death, and time to death or admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00336336. We analysed all randomised patients. 955 (27%) patients died from any cause in the n-3 PUFA group and 1014 (29%) in the placebo group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.91 [95.5% CI 0.833-0.998], p=0.041). 1981 (57%) patients in the n-3 PUFA group and 2053 (59%) in the placebo group died or were admitted to hospital for cardiovascular reasons (adjusted HR 0.92 [99% CI 0.849-0.999], p=0.009). In absolute terms, 56 patients needed to be treated for a median duration of 3.9 years to avoid one death or 44 to avoid one event like death or admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons. In both groups, gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequent adverse reaction (96 [3%] n-3 PUFA group vs 92 [3%] placebo group). A simple and safe treatment with n-3 PUFA can provide a small beneficial advantage in terms of mortality and admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons in patients with heart failure in a context of usual care.

Combined treatment with renin-angiotensin system blockers and polyunsaturated fatty acids in proteinuric IgA nephropathy: a randomized controlled trial

Currently, several therapeutic protocols exist for IgA nephropathy (IgAN); results in slowing the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are variable, but approximately 30-40% of patients require replacement therapy (dialysis or renal transplantation) by 20 years from the onset. The adverse effects brought by the chronic assumption of drugs can be a potential limit. Actually, the most used therapies for IgAN are renin-angiotensin system blockers (RASB), glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. Trials with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in IgAN have been done since the first successful attempt by Hamazaki in 1984, resulting in alternate answers, but no trials have ever been done testing the efficacy of combined therapy with RASB and PUFA. We tested the effect of a 6-month course of PUFA (3 grams/day) in a group of 30 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and proteinuria already treated with RASB randomized to receive PUFA supplementation or to continue their standard therapy. The primary end-point was the percent reduction of proteinuria from the baseline. Secondary end-points were modifications in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure, serum triglycerides and erythrocyturia. At the end of the 6-month trial, the percent reduction of proteinuria was 72.9% in the PUFA group and 11.3% in the RASB group (P < 0.001). A reduction of >or=50% of baseline proteinuria was achieved in 80.0% of PUFA patients and 20.0% of RASB patients (P = 0.002). Erythrocyturia was significantly lower in the PUFA group (P = 0.031). No significant changes in renal function, blood pressure and triglycerides were observed. PUFA associated with RASB reduced proteinuria in patients with IgAN more than RASB alone.

The effect of n-3 fatty acids on lipids and lipoproteins in patients treated with chronic haemodialysis: a randomized placebo-controlled intervention study

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an increased mortality, mainly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). ESRD is accompanied by several lipid abnormalities, which may be responsible for part of the increased risk of CVD in this population. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) lower plasma triglycerides in patients with normal renal function. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of n-3 PUFA on serum lipid and lipoproteins in patients treated with chronic haemodialysis (HD). In a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design, patients with documented CVD, treated with HD for a minimum of 6 months, were randomized to treatment with n-3 PUFA or a control treatment (olive oil). A dietary intake of n-3 PUFA was assessed with a dietary questionnaire. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins and the content of n-3 PUFA in serum phospholipids were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Two hundred and six patients were included. Serum phospholipid levels of n-3 PUFA were significantly higher in patients reporting a high fish intake compared to patients reporting a low fish intake. After 3 months, a significant decrease was seen in serum triglycerides in the n-3 PUFA group compared to the control group (P = 0.01). No significant effect was seen on total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, Lp(a) or apoB. In patients treated with HD, consumption of fish increases levels of n-3 PUFA. Additional supplementation with n-3 PUFA for 3 months further increases levels of n-3 PUFA and lowers serum triglycerides, but does not significantly affect other plasma lipids or lipoproteins.

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease feelings of anger in substance abusers

It has been suggested that low levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a role in the pathophysiology of some psychiatric disorders. In light of the existence of strong associations between high-frequency and high-severity aggressive behaviors and substance use disorders and of our observation that substance abusers have poor dietary habits, the possibility that the administration of supplements of n-3 PUFAs would decrease their anger levels was explored. A lifelong history of aggressive behaviors and problems with the law was obtained in 24 patients. Thirteen patients received on a daily basis capsules containing 3 g of n-3 PUFAs (EPA + DHA). Eleven patients received placebo capsules. The trial was double-blind, randomized, and lasted 3 months. An anger scale was administered at baseline and every month thereafter. Six PUFA group patients and eight placebo group patients were followed for an additional 3 months after treatment discontinuation. Four patients in each group had a history of assaultive behavior. The baseline fish and n-3 PUFA intakes of these eight patients were significantly lower than those of the non-aggressive patients. When given for 3 months, n-3 PUFAs were superior to placebo in diminishing anger scores. Scores remained decreased for 3 months following treatment discontinuation. These data provide further support for emerging evidence indicating that supplementation with long-chain n-3 PUFAs could be beneficial in the treatment of some individuals with aggressive tendencies.

C-reactive protein and n–3 fatty acids in patients with a previous myocardial infarction

Dietary intake of the marine long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may reduce mortality after a myocardial infarction (MI). This may partly be attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties. To investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA on C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with a previous MI. In a double-blind design, forty-one patients (mean age 63 +/- 7 years) were randomized to receive daily supplements with 5.2 g of n-3 PUFA or olive oil (control). Serum CRP was measured with a highly sensitive assay (hs-CRP) before and after 12 weeks supplements. Compliance was monitored by measuring the incorporation of n-3 PUFA into platelets. The content of n-3 PUFA in platelets increased significantly in the n-3 PUFA supplemented group, whereas no changes were seen in controls. There was a minor increase in hs-CRP in the n-3 PUFA group (2.46 vs. 2.70 mg/l) and a small decrease in hs-CRP in the control group (2.52 vs. 1.67 mg/l). The changes, however, were not statistically significant (P = 0.30 and 0.43, respectively). Supplementation with 5.2 g of n-3 PUFA for 12 weeks had no hs-CRP lowering effect in patients with a previous MI.

Physical fatty acid deficiency signs in children with ADHD symptoms

Fatty acid deficiency symptoms (FADS) of dry hair and skin, frequent thirst and urination have been observed to be higher in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two studies investigated FADS in 7–12-year-old children; Study 1 in a general population ( N=347) and Study 2 in children with ADHD symptoms ( N=104). Correlations between FADS and ADHD-related symptoms were found at baseline in Study 1 but not Study 2. FADS did not improve after supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) versus placebo after 15 weeks in Study 2, and were not related to improvements in ADHD symptoms in the PUFA groups. However, FADS did improve in all groups, possibly attributable to the linoleic acid present in both the PUFA and placebo (palm oil) supplements. FADS are not a reliable selection criterion for children with ADHD who might benefit from omega-3 PUFA supplementation.

The Effect of n-3 Fatty Acids on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). C-reactive protein (CRP), a strong independent risk marker of CVD, is elevated in a large proportion of patients with CRF. The long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have cardioprotective effects, which may be partly attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties. The study objective was to investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA on serum levels of CRP in patients with CRF. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The study took place at an outpatients clinic at the Department of Nephrology, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark. The study comprised 46 patients (30 men and 16 women; mean age 59 +/- 11 years) with a serum creatinine level in the range of 150 to 400 micromol/L. The patients were randomly assigned to daily supplementation with 2.4 g n-3 PUFA or identical capsules containing 2.4 g of olive oil (control) for 8 weeks. CRP was measured with a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay and the content of n-3 PUFA in granulocyte membranes before and after supplementation. The n-3 PUFA concentration increased in granulocytes after the n-3 PUFA supplements but was unaltered by the control oil. A nonsignificant reduction in hs-CRP was observed in the n-3 PUFA group after supplementation (2.46 vs. 1.47 mg/L; P = .06), and hs-CRP was unaltered by the control oil (3.27 vs. 3.14 mg/L; P = .12). There was no difference in median hs-CRP change in the two groups. A trend was seen toward a reduction in hs-CRP in the n-3 PUFA group, but there was no significant difference in hs-CRP levels when both groups were compared.

Effects of different dietary fatty acid on expression of nuclear receptor genes in breast cancer of rats

To study the effects of different dietary fatty acid on the expression of nuclear receptor genes in the breast cancer of rats. Fifty-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on eight different diets containing following fatty acids: saturated fatty acid (SFA); monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA); n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA); n-3 PUFA; 1:1 n-6/n-3; 5:1 n-6/n-3; 10:1 n-6/n-3; 1:2:1 S/M/P (n-6/n-3 at 1:1). The rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of methyl-nitrosourea (MNU) at 50 mg/kg body weight to establish the rat model of mammary carcinogenesis, the ultrastructure changes of mammary gland cells in rats were observed by transmission electron microscope, the cell proliferation activity was detected by BrdU-labeled immunocytochemistry, and the expression of PPARbeta and PPARgamma mRNA were assayed by RT-PCR. There was no breast cancer occurring in control groups and the MNU-treated n-3 PUFA group, and the ultrastructure and proliferation activity of mammary gland cells in these groups were normal. In contrast, there appeared obvious marker of adenocarcinomas in mammary gland cells of MNU-induced breast cancer, and a high cell proliferation activity was found in tumor growth-enhancing groups (SFA, MUFA, n-6 PUFA, 5:1 n-6/n-3, 10:1 n-6/n-3 and S/M/P, 21% - 22% of BrdU-labeled cells), while a low cell proliferation activity was detected in rats fed with 1:1 n-6/n-3 diet (13% of BrdU-labeled cells, P < 0.05). Moreover, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), as important nuclear receptor genes of relating lipid metabolism, the expressions of PPARbeta and PPARgamma mRNA were significantly up-regulated in mammary adipose tissues of MNU-induced breast cancer as compared with the control groups, but the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in rats fed with 1:1 n-6/n-3 group were lowest (P < 0.05). The different dietary fatty acid compositions should diversely adjust the expression of PPARs gene in rats, which maybe have an important role in affecting incidence of breast cancer.

Reduction in Triglyceride Level With N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in HIV-Infected Patients Taking Potent Antiretroviral Therapy

To assess the evolution of triglyceride (TG) levels in HIV-infected patients receiving stable potent antiretroviral therapy treated with N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), a prospective double-blind randomized design for a reliable assessment of TG evolution was performed. One hundred twenty-two patients with TG levels >2 g/L and < or =10 g/L after a 4-week diet (baseline TG: 4.5 +/- 1.9 g/L) were randomized for 8 weeks to N-3 PUFAs (2 capsules containing 1 g of fish oil 3 times daily, n = 60), or placebo (1 g of paraffin oil capsules, n = 62). An 8-week open-label phase of N-3 PUFAs followed. Evaluation criteria were TG percent change at week 8, percentage of responders (normalization or > or =20% TG decrease), and safety issues. Ten patients with baseline TG levels >10 g/L were not randomized and received N-3 PUFAs as open treatment. The difference (PUFA - placebo) in TG percent change at week 8 was -24.6% (range: -40.9% to -8.4%; P = 0.0033), the median was -25.5% in the PUFA group versus 1% in the placebo group, and mean TG levels at week 8 were 3.4 +/- 1.8 g/L and 4.8 +/- 3.1 g/L, respectively. TG levels were normalized in 22.4% (PUFA) versus 6.5% (placebo) of patients (P = 0.013) with a > or =20% reduction in 58.6% (PUFA) versus 33.9% (placebo) of patients (P = 0.007). Under the open-label phase of N-3 PUFAs, the decrease in TG levels was sustained at week 16 for patients in the PUFA group (mean TG: 3.4 +/- 1.7 g/L), whereas a 21.2% decrease in TG levels occurred for patients in the placebo group (mean TG: 3.3 +/- 1.4 g/L). No significant differences were observed between groups in the occurrence of adverse events. The median TG change at week 8 was -43.6% (range: Q1-Q3; 95% CI: -66.5% to -4.6%) for patients with baseline TG levels >10 g/L. The difference in mean total cholesterol between groups (PUFA - placebo) at week 8 was -8.5% (P = 0.0117). This study demonstrated the efficacy of PUFAs to lower elevated TG levels in treated HIV-infected hypertriglyceridemic patients. N-3 PUFAs have a good safety profile.

Supplementation of Ω‐3 Fatty Acids in Parenteral Nutrition Beneficially Alters Phospholipid Fatty Acid Pattern

The clinical safety and the uptake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) into the serum phospholipids and erythrocyte membranes after administration of fish-oil-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) was investigated in colorectal surgical patients. Forty patients undergoing colorectal surgery (n = 40) and with an indication for PN were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, randomized study to receive an omega-3 PUFA-supplemented 20% lipid emulsion (Lipoplus; B. Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany; test group, n = 19) for 5 days postoperatively. The control group received a standard 20% fat emulsion (Lipofundin MCT/LCT, B. Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany, control group, n = 21). Clinical outcome parameters and safety were assessed by means of adverse events recording clinical parameters and hematologic analyses. The contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as arachidonic acid (AA), in phospholipid fractions in plasma and in erythrocytes were analyzed preoperatively, on postoperative days 1, 6, and 10 using liquid gas chromatography. Both fat emulsions were well tolerated, and none of the adverse events was considered to be related to treatment. Postoperative infectious complications occurred in 4 patients of the omega-3 PUFA group vs 7 patients in the control group. As compared with the control group, the omega-3 PUFA group had significantly increased levels of EPA in the membranes of the erythrocytes in postoperative day 6 (2.0% +/- 0.9% vs 0.8% +/- 0.5% fatty acid methyl esters, [FAME]) and postoperative day 10 (2.1% +/- 0.8% vs 0.9% +/- 0.7% FAME, p < .05). Also, the EPA levels in the serum phospholipids were significantly higher than in the control group on the same postoperative days (7.0% +/- 2.6% vs 1.3% +/- 0.8% and 3.6% +/- 1.0% vs 1.0% +/- 0.4% FAME, p < .05). The DHA levels in the serum phospholipids were significantly higher in the omega-3 PUFA group compared with the control on postoperative days 6 and 10 (11.8% +/- 1.9% vs 8.4% +/- 1.5% and 11.2% +/- 1.6% vs 8.5% +/- 1.4% FAME, p < .05). AA levels were not significantly different in the both groups. Omega-3-fatty-acids-supplemented fat emulsions for parenteral administration are safe and very well tolerated. This study demonstrates that parenteral administration of omega-3-PUFA-enriched fat emulsions leads to increased incorporation of EPA and DHA into phospholipids in serum and erythrocytes, whereas AA levels remain unchanged. Thus, postoperative parenteral administration of omega-3-PUFA-enriched lipid emulsions could have an impact on the postoperative inflammatory response after abdominal surgery and could be used in standard postoperative care when PN is indicated.

Effects of nutritional factors on juvenile development in male European ground squirrels ( Spermophilus citellus)

In European ground squirrels ( Spermophilus citellus) as in other obligate hibernators, physiological processes underlie strict time constraints. Especially for the juveniles growth and prehibernatory fattening are temporally very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of specific nutritional factors on development in juvenile males. Male ground squirrels were investigated for a 7-week period starting at natal emergence. Individuals were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups and were provided with a diet either high in proteins or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The third group was used as a control and was fed with a standard rat diet. Food quality affected growth in that males of the high-protein group had significantly larger head lengths in week 4, 5, and 6 after natal emergence than those of the other 2 groups. However, body mass did not differ significantly between the groups. All juvenile males showed an increase in plasma testosterone levels from week 1–2 to week 3–4 post-emergence, thereafter testosterone secretion remained stable until week 5–6. The daily testosterone increase after the first 2 weeks was significantly higher in the PUFA group compared to the other 2 groups. The results underline the importance of diet composition for growth rates and the timing of gonadal activation during early development in this species.