Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles Research Articles

The Presence of Active Brown Adipose Tissue Determines Cold-Induced Energy Expenditure and Oxylipin Profiles in Humans.

Accumulating evidence links brown adipose tissue (BAT) to increased cold-induced energy expenditure (CIEE) and regulation of lipid metabolism in humans. BAT has also been proposed as a novel source for biologically active lipid mediators including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and oxylipins. However, little is known about cold-mediated differences in energy expenditure and various lipid species between individuals with detectable BAT positive (BATpos) and those without BAT negative (BATneg). Here we investigated a unique cohort of matched BATpos and BATneg individuals identified by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography ([18F]-FDG PET/CT). BAT function, CIEE, and circulating oxylipins, were analyzed before and after short-term cold exposure using [18F]-FDG PET/CT, indirect calorimetry, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, respectively. We found that active BAT is the major determinant of CIEE since only BATpos individuals experienced significantly increased energy expenditure in response to cold. A single bout of moderate cold exposure resulted in the dissipation of an additional 20 kcal excess energy in BATpos but not in BATneg individuals. The presence of BAT was associated with a unique systemic PUFA and oxylipin profile characterized by increased levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids as well as cytochrome P450 products but decreased concentrations of some proinflammatory hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids when compared with BATneg individuals. Notably, cold exposure raised circulating levels of various lipids, including the recently identified BAT-derived circulating factors (BATokines) DiHOME and 12-HEPE, only in BATpos individuals. In summary, our data emphasize that BAT in humans is a major contributor toward cold-mediated energy dissipation and a critical organ in the regulation of the systemic lipid pool.

Table Olives: An Overview on Effects of Processing on Nutritional and Sensory Quality.

Table olives are a pickled food product obtained by a partial/total debittering and subsequent fermentation of drupes. Their peculiar sensory properties have led to a their widespread use, especially in Europe, as an appetizer or an ingredient for culinary use. The most relevant literature of the last twenty years has been analyzed in this review with the aim of giving an up-to-date overview of the processing and storage effects on the nutritional and sensory properties of table olives. Analysis of the literature has revealed that the nutritional properties of table olives are mainly influenced by the processing method used, even if preharvest-factors such as irrigation and fruit ripening stage may have a certain weight. Data revealed that the nutritional value of table olives depends mostly on the balanced profile of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and the contents of health-promoting phenolic compounds, which are best retained in natural table olives. Studies on the use of low salt brines and of selected starter cultures have shown the possibility of producing table olives with an improved nutritional profile. Sensory characteristics are mostly process-dependent, and a relevant contribute is achieved by starters, not only for reducing the bitterness of fruits, but also for imparting new and typical taste to table olives. Findings reported in this review confirm, in conclusion, that table olives surely constitute an important food source for their balanced nutritional profile and unique sensory characteristics.

Effects of Dietary Fatty Acids from Different Sources on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Muscle Fatty Acid Deposition, and Antioxidant Capacity in Broilers.

Simple SummaryThe findings in the current study reveal that dietary fish oil or a combination of linseed oil and microalgae could be effective in improving growth performance, carcass traits, muscle fatty acid deposition, and antioxidant capacity in broilers compared with traditional soybean oil in broilers.This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of dietary fatty acids from various sources on growth performance, meat quality, muscle fatty acid deposition and antioxidant capacity in broilers. 126 Arbor Acres broilers (1 d-old, initial body weight of 45.5 ± 0.72 g) were randomly assigned to three treatments with seven cages per treatment and six broilers per cage. The dietary treatments included: (1) corn–soybean meal basal diet containing 3% soybean oil (control diet, CTL); (2) basal diet + 1% microalgae + 1% linseed oil + 1% soybean oil (ML); (3) basal diet + 2% fish oil + 1% soybean oil (FS). The trial consisted of phase 1 (day 1 to 21) and 2 (day 22 to 42). Compared with CTL, broilers fed ML or FS diet showed improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain in phase 1, 2, and overall (day 1 to 42), as well as a decreased (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio in phase 1 and overall. On day 42, broilers supplemented with FS diet showed increased (p ≤ 0.05) the relative weights of pancreas and liver, as well as higher (p < 0.05) redness value in breast and thigh muscle compared with CTL. Broilers offered ML or FS diet had lower (p < 0.05) the relative weight of abdominal fat and total serum cholesterol content in phase 1, and increased (p < 0.05) contents of serum glucose, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosacagetaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity, as well as lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of malondialdehyde, n-6 PUFA, and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in breast and thigh muscle compared with CTL. This research indicates that diets supplemented with fish oil or a combination of microalgae and linseed oil experience improved performance, antioxidant capacities and n-3 PUFA profile in muscle of broilers compared with traditional soybean oil supplemented diets

Erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles are associated with systemic inflammation and fish consumption in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study.

Objective This study aimed to assess polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status and association with systemic inflammation and fish consumption in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Parameters of PUFA status including the proportion of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids in highly unsaturated fatty acids (omega-6%, omega-3%), essential fatty acids linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the omega-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) and the sum of key omega-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid+docosahexaenoic acid (omega-3 status) were measured by gas chromatography in 68 SLE patients (88.2% female, aged 45.7±12.5 years). Associations with serum CRP, disease activity, damage and fish consumption were assessed by linear regression modelling adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. Associations are reported in terms of regression coefficients (β). Results Omega-6 PUFA were associated with higher CRP: omega-6% (β = 0.052, p = 0.02), the ratio of LA/ALA (β = 0.007, p = 0.02) and ARA (β = 0.308, p = 0.001). Conversely, omega-3% was associated with lower CRP (β = −0.051, p = 0.02). Increased dietary PUFA consumption from fish (g/day) was linked to a higher omega-3 status (β = 2.21, p = 0.02) and lower self-reported damage (Brief Index of Lupus Damage; β = −3.22, p = 0.02). Conclusions Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid status differentially reflect systemic inflammation in SLE and are linked to fish consumption.

Dietary lipid sources modulate the intestinal transport of fatty acids in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii

The optimization of feed formulations is an effective strategy to increase the growth of aquatic animals, but the effects of dietary lipid sources other than fish oil are not well established in most of crustacean. In this study, we investigated how different dietary lipid sources influence fatty acid absorption, synthesis, and transport in the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with the following lipid sources: fish oil (FO), corn oil (CO), rapeseed oil (RO), soybean oil (SO), palm oil (PaO), and beef tallow (BT). The crayfish fed FO, SO, or BT exhibited a significantly higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those of crayfish fed PaO. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profiles in the hepatopancreas and muscle tissues closely mirrored those in the diets. Low total triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) contents were observed in the hemolymph and hepatopancreas of crayfish fed FO or BT diet. In the lipid anabolism pathway, fatty acid synthase (fas), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (srebp1), and retinoid X receptor (rxr) were down-regulated by dietary FO but up-regulated by some vegetable oils. A gene involved in fatty acid (FA) uptake and transport, fatty acid binding protein (fabp), was up-regulated by CO in the hepatopancreas and by BT in muscle tissues. With respect to intestinal fatty acid transporters, fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) was up-regulated in the BT diet, diacylglycerol transferase1 (DGAT1) was down-regulated in the FO or BT diet, and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) was down-regulated in the SO diet. Apolipoprotein B-48 (Apo B-48) and fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) were not influenced by dietary lipid sources. According to the observed results, BT is the more suitable candidate for FO replacement in crayfish diets, whereas PaO is not recommended.

Preferential uptake of polyunsaturated fatty acids by colorectal cancer cells

Although a growing body of evidence suggests that colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with alterations of fatty acid (FA) profiles in serum and tumor tissues, available data about polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in CRC patients are inconclusive. Our study showed that CRC tissues contained more PUFAs than normal large intestinal mucosa. However, serum levels of PUFAs in CRC patients were lower than in healthy controls. To explain the mechanism of PUFA alterations in CRC, we measured FA uptake by the colon cancer cells and normal colon cells. The levels of PUFAs in colon cancer cell culture medium decreased significantly with incubation time, while no changes were observed in the medium in which normal colon cells were incubated. Our findings suggest that the alterations in tumor and serum PUFA profiles result from preferential uptake of these FAs by cancer cells; indeed, PUFAs are essential for formation of cell membrane phospholipids during rapid proliferation of cancer cells. This observation puts into question potential benefits of PUFA supplementation in CRC patients.

Colostrum supplementation with n-3 fatty acids and α-tocopherol alters plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid profile and decreases an indicator of oxidative stress in newborn calves

Our objective was to characterize the effects of supplementing newborn calves with n-3 fatty acids (FA) and α-tocopherol on blood lipid profiles and oxidant status in early life. Sixteen calves received 0 or 60 mL of 1:1 fish and flaxseed oil with 200 mg of α-tocopherol in 2.8 L of colostrum within 6 h after birth. Colostrum was >22% on the Brix scale. Blood was sampled on d 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, and 21 after birth for assessment of plasma polyunsaturated FA, α-tocopherol, total serum protein, and oxidant status index, an indirect indicator of oxidative stress that examines the balance between the concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and antioxidant capacity in serum. Health was observed daily. Weight and hip height were recorded at birth, 3 wk, and 8 wk. Data were analyzed with a Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Treatment did not alter concentration of total protein in blood serum, prevalence of diarrhea or other signs of disease, or rate of growth. Feeding n-3 FA and α-tocopherol increased plasma concentrations of the n-3 FA, including α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids, with a concomitant decrease in oxidant status index during the first week of life. Concentrations of α-tocopherol decreased with supplementation, but all calves maintained adequate concentrations. Oxidant status index of treated calves returned to the level of control calves by d 14. We conclude that a colostrum supplement of n-3 FA and α-tocopherol is safe to administer to newborn calves, reduces oxidant status in the first week of life, and may improve health and performance.

Biological Role of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Desaturases in Health and Disease.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered one of the most important components of cells that influence normal development and function of many organisms, both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Unsaturated fatty acid desaturases play a crucial role in the synthesis of PUFAs, inserting additional unsaturated bonds into the acyl chain. The level of expression and activity of different types of desaturases determines profiles of PUFAs. It is well recognized that qualitative and quantitative changes in the PUFA profile, resulting from alterations in the expression and activity of fatty acid desaturases, are associated with many pathological conditions. Understanding of underlying mechanisms of fatty acid desaturase activity and their functional modification will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies in diseases associated with qualitative and quantitative disorders of PUFA.

Oil from hake (Merluccius merluccius): Characterization, antioxidant activity, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects

The aim of this work was to evaluate some biological properties of hake head oil (HHO) as well its lipid composition. The fatty acid profiles showed a dominance of unsaturated fatty acids overtaking 55% of the total fatty acids. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles exhibited a dominance of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) (3.96%) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) (25.39%). The antioxidant activity was determined through two different assays: DPPH scavenging activity and β-carotene bleaching by linoleic acid assay. Eighteen mice were excised on their back and divided into 3 groups, treated with sterile saline, commercial healing cream and HHO, respectively. The wound closure rate, the hydroxyproline contents and the histopathology evolution in skin tissue were elaborated. Also, the anti-inflammatory activity was studied by carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema. Mice were divided into 3 groups treated respectively with sterile saline, anti inflammatory drug reference and HHO. The anti-inflammatory evaluation of HHO in mice exhibited an important inhibition of carrageenan-induced hind paws edema, as confirmed by the histological analysis, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level. HHO displayed a significant wound healing effect probably due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of its EPA and DHA contents. The overall results proved that HHO might be favorable drugs who exert a great therapeutic potential wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects in animal model.

Comparing the plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profile of beef cattle fed on different finishing diets

AbstractRed meat is an important dietary source of protein and many other essential nutrients including omega(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which provide numerous benefits to human health. It is well known that grass-fed meat contains a more favourable fatty acid profile, compared to other feeding regimes, but the feasibility of grass finishing is in decline for many farmers/producers. Therefore, alternative methods to enhance the fatty acid profile of red meats, such as beef, are needed to meet increasing consumer demands for ‘healthier’ products. This study compared plasma PUFA concentrations across cattle finished on three different feeding regimes. Three farms supplied livestock to the current study, where cattle were fed three different feeding regimes for a minimum of 15-weeks prior to slaughter. Feeding regimes were ad lib concentrate (negative control), n3-enriched ad lib concentrate (treatment) or grass-fed only (positive control). Blood was collected at slaughter into EDTA tubes and plasma aliquots were stored at -80°C until analysis. A validated gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was used to quantify individual PUFA concentrations in mg/ml [linoleic acid (LA); arachidonic acid (AA); alpha-linolenic acid (ALA); eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]. Samples from 23, 49 and 40 animals (in control, treatment &amp; grass groups, respectively) were available for the current analysis. One-way ANOVA tests revealed significant differences between groups in all PUFA concentrations quantified (all P &lt; 0.026). Post-hoc (LSD) tests showed mean ± SD n3 PUFA concentrations were significantly different within all three groups (all P &lt; 0.04), increasing from negative control (0.049 ± 0.013 mg/ml), to treatment (0.095 ± 0.034 mg/ml) and grass-fed groups (0.461 ± 0.132 mg/ml). The opposite was observed for mean ± SD n6 PUFA concentrations (1.060 ± 0.297 vs. 0.918 ± 0.267 vs. 0.355 ± 0.085 mg/ml, respectively; all P &lt; 0.02). Cattle finished on either treatment or grass regimes had a more favourable n6:n3 PUFA ratio, compared to negative control (11.98 and 0.79 vs. 22.65, respectively). This study demonstrates that the finishing diet can impact plasma PUFA concentrations of beef cattle. Animals finished on the n3-enriched concentrate had, on average, double the total n3 PUFA concentrations, as well as an improved n6:n3 ratio, compared to control cattle. These results provide preliminary data on an alternative n3-enriched feeding regime for beef cattle to improve PUFA concentrations. Further research, however, is required to confirm if such beneficial changes are also observed in bovine muscle, which would have direct benefits for consumers.

Proximate Composition, Amino Acid Content, and Fatty Acid Profile of the Adductor Muscle and Mantle from Two Species of the Giant Clams Tridacna crocea and Tridacna squamosa

This study determined the biochemical composition of the adductor muscle and mantle of two species of the giant clams Tridacna crocea and Tridacna squamosa harvested from the lagoon of South China Sea. Moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, and ash contents of the giant clams (% wet weight) ranged 77.01%–81.47%, 10.90%–15.59%, 0.39%–1.02%, and 2.25%–3.23%, respectively, with some significant differences between species and tissues (P < 0.05). The total amino acid and essential amino acid contents of the adductor muscle were 62.20–61.07 g/100 g and 24.89–24.80 g/100 g, respectively, significantly higher than those in the mantle (52.80–55.98 g/100 g and 17.85–19.73 g/100 g, respectively) (P < 0.05). Total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were found to be higher than total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), accounting for 41.53%–55.40% for SFA, 25.83%–27.31% for MUFA, and 18.63%–31.25% for PUFA. There was no difference between the MUFA profiles of T. crocea and T. squamosa, whereas the PUFA profiles in T. squamosa were significantly higher than those in T. crocea (P < 0.05). The ratios of total n-3 PUFA to n-6 PUFA were the highest in the mantle of T. squamosa (6.60), followed by the mantle of T. crocea (2.54), and finally, the adductor muscle of T. crocea (1.82) and T. squamosa (1.09). Therefore, these two giant clam species, T. crocea and T. squamosa, are excellent sources of several nutrients that could be beneficial for the health of consumers.

Effect of aquaculture on mercury and polyunsaturated fatty acids in fishes from reservoirs in Southwest China

Aquaculture can affect the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and mercury (Hg) in fish by altering their diet. Here, planktivorous (silver carp and bighead carp), omnivorous and carnivorous fish with different dietary strategies were selected from two reservoirs, one with on-going aquaculture (WJD) and another without aquaculture (HF) in Southwest China. We compared the total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) contents and PUFA profiles of fish and their potential diets in these two reservoirs. THg and MeHg contents in omnivorous and carnivorous fish were lower from the WJD Reservoir, which is related to the lower THg and MeHg contents in the artificial fish food. THg and MeHg contents in silver carp from the WJD Reservoir were lower than those from the HF Reservoir, while they were similar in bighead carps from the two reservoirs. The Hg variation in planktivorous fish were inconsistent with that in plankton. THg contents in phyto- and zooplankton from the HF Reservoir were higher than those from the WJD Reservoir, yet their MeHg contents were similar. Artificial fish food which contained higher total PUFA eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), significantly increased the total PUFA and EPA + DHA contents in carnivorous fish, but had less effect on that in omnivorous fish from the WJD Reservoir. Eutrophication caused by aquaculture reduced total PUFA and EPA + DHA contents of plankton in WJD, yet did not reduce those in planktivorous fish. The impacts of aquaculture on Hg and PUFA accumulated in fish were varied among different fish species, and the mechanism needs further exploration.

HEMPSEED AND COTTONSEED OILS IN THE ACCESSIONS FROM THE VIR COLLECTION AS SOURCES OF FUNCTIONAL FOOD INGREDIENTS

Background. Oils of hemp and cotton presently have reduced retail trade offer in Russia, but are widely produced and used. Industrial hemp is still cultivated and processed domestically. In the 1950s, industrial cotton was cultivated on a hundred thousand hectares in the country, and now there are signs of its restored growing. Both crops have the ability to restore the raw material base to produce textile fibers, seed and oil as well as the potential to improve functional food production, because they contain functional food ingredients in their oil capable of reducing human nutrition disorder risks, preventing or restoring nutrient deficiencies, preserving and improving health.Materials and methods. Unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids’ profiles of hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) and cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L., G. herbaceum L., G. barbadense L.) oils were evaluated. Seeds were grown respectively under the conditions of the Russian North-West (hemp) and Adler District, Krasnodar Territory (cotton). The PUFA profile was measured using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry equipment (Agilent 6850, USA). All data were calculated using the UniChrom software.Results and conclusions. The content of the omega-6 linoleic acid in hemp accessions reached 64.2%; omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, 27.1%; monounsaturated oleic acid, 14.0%. The sum of unsaturated acids was 94.2%; and that of polyunsaturated ones, 87.2%. Compared with hemp oil, cotton oil had a lesser sum of polyunsaturated (maximum 58.0%) acids, while its unsaturated acids were up to 79.0%. Oleic acid was found to reach 22.7% in cottonseed oil. Industrial cultivation of hemp and cotton in Russia need not be limited to textile fiber production, but may serve as a potential base of vegetable oils and food; just because of their PUFA contents, it is promising for the production of functional food ingredients, which have health benefits in reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, lowering the HDL cholesterol levels, and relaxing the smooth muscle cells in arteries, thus increasing the blood flow. Seed cake may be valuable addition to animal feed rations as well. As a result of the evaluations, valuable accessions (cultivars and lines) of hemp and cotton were identified. Although the selected accessions are not the products of previous breeding efforts aimed at the PUFA content improvement, they are promising source materials for the development of new cultivars with seeds enriched with compounds or sets of compounds that provide a beneficial effect on human health when included in the composition of food products (functional food ingredients).

EFECTO DE LA INCLUSIÓN DE DIFERENTES FUENTES LIPÍDICAS EN LA DIETA DE ENGORDE SOBRE EL PERFIL DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS POLIINSATURADOS EN FILETE DE PACO Piaractus brachypomus

La investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de diferentes fuentes lipídicas en la dieta de engorde sobre el perfil de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados AGPI en los filetes de Piaractus brachypomus. Se utilizó cuatro tipos de aceite; palma, maíz, soja y pescado, para elaborar dietas cumpliendo los requerimientos nutricionales de la especie. Se alimentaron durante dos meses con estas cuatro dietas y se utilizó como control un alimento comercial. Se determinó el perfil de ácidos grasos en los aceites, en las dietas y en los filetes de Piaractus brachypomus antes y después del experimento. Los niveles de AGPI omega-6 como el ácido araquidónico (AA) y los AGPI omega-3 como el ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y el docosahexaenoico (DHA) fueron analizados. La dieta elaborada con aceite de pescado obtuvo el mejor perfil de AGPI en los filetes (2,11 %; 4,64 % y 7,0 % de AA; EPA y DHA, respectivamente), sin embargo, la fuente lipídica de origen vegetal, que mejor influyó en el incremento de ácidos grasos omega-3 en filete de Piaractus brachypomus (3,11 %; 0,82 % y 3,71 % de AA, EPA y DHA) fue el aceite de palma. Se demostró la capacidad de mejorar el perfil de AGPI en filetes de Piaractus brachypomus.

Imbalance of n6/n3 fatty acids in the training period and after competition in cross-country Skiers

The aim of the study was to investigate the level of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in athletes into the training period and after endurance race (n=15 high-trained male cross-country skiers, real members of national skiing team). The PUFAs in plasma was determined by the gas-liquid chromatography method. Results demonstrate a deficiency of plasma level of the n-3 PUFA of the almost all skiers during the training period. Competition activity modified the essential PUFA profile in blood across more twice increase of the n-3 docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) (p=0.112) and n-3 alpha-linolenic (ALA) (p=0.048) levels and decrease n-6 PUFA relative to baselines, which expressed in a decrease in n6/n3 ratio (p=0.017). Relationships between n-3/n-6 ratio and base heart rate, diastolic pressure and Maximal oxygen uptake, show on the significant role essential PUFAs in regulation of the cardiovascular system in cross-country skiers.

Maternal and neonatal red blood cell n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inversely associate with infant whole-body fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Research regarding polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status and body composition in neonates is limited. This study tested the relationship between newborn docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status and body composition. Healthy mothers and their term-born infants (n = 100) were studied within 1 month postpartum for anthropometry and whole-body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maternal and infant red blood cell (RBC) membrane PUFA profiles were measured using gas chromatography (expressed as percentage of total fatty acids). Data were grouped according to infant RBC DHA quartiles and tested for differences in n-3 status and infant body composition using mixed-model ANOVA, Spearman correlations, and regression analyses (P < 0.05). Mothers were 32.2 ± 4.6 years (mean ± SD) of age, infants (54% males) were 0.68 ± 0.23 month of age, and 80% exclusively breastfed. Infant RBC DHA (ranged 3.96% to 7.75% of total fatty acids) inversely associated with infant fat mass (r = -0.22, P = 0.03). Infant and maternal RBC n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (r2 = 0.28, P = 0.043; r2 = 0.28, P = 0.041 respectively) were positively associated with fat mass. These results demonstrate that both maternal and infant long-chain PUFA status are associated with neonatal body composition. Novelty Our findings support an early window to further explore the relationship between infant n-3 PUFA status and body composition. Maternal and infant n-3 PUFA status is inversely related to neonatal whole-body fat mass. DHA appears to be the best candidate to test in the development of a lean body phenotype.

Imbalance of n6/n3 fatty acids in the training period and after competition in cross-country Skiers

The aim of the study was to investigate the level of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in athletes into the training period and after endurance race (n=15 high-trained male cross-country skiers, real members of national skiing team). The PUFAs in plasma was determined by the gas-liquid chromatography method. Results demonstrate a deficiency of plasma level of the n-3 PUFA of the almost all skiers during the training period. Competition activity modified the essential PUFA profile in blood across more twice increase of the n-3 docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) (p=0.112) and n-3 alpha-linolenic (ALA) (p=0.048) levels and decrease n-6 PUFA relative to baselines, which expressed in a decrease in n6/n3 ratio (p=0.017). Relationships between n3/n-6 ratio and base heart rate, diastolic pressure and Maximal oxygen uptake, show on the significant role essential PUFAs in regulation of the cardiovascular system in cross-country skiers.

Associations Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Oxidative-Antioxidant Parameters Of The Blood Serum In Coronary Atherosclerosis

Background and Aims: The objective of this work was to study the profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and to search for associations of fatty acids with oxidative-antioxidant parameters of blood serum in men with coronary atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Production of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Lipids from Autotrophic, Mixotrophic and Heterotrophic cultivation of Galdieria sp. strain USBA-GBX-832

A search for extremophile organisms producing bioactive compounds led us to isolate a microalga identified as Galdieria sp. USBA-GBX-832 from acidic thermal springs. We have cultured Galdieria sp. USBA-GBX-832 under autotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions and determined variations of its production of biomass, lipids and PUFAs. Greatest biomass and PUFA production occurred under mixotrophic and heterotrophic conditions, but the highest concentration of lipids occurred under autotrophic conditions. Effects of variations of carbon sources and temperature on biomass and lipid production were evaluated and factorial experiments were used to analyze the effects of substrate concentration, temperature, pH, and organic and inorganic nitrogen on biomass production, lipids and PUFAs. Production of biomass and lipids was significantly dependent on temperature and substrate concentration. Greatest accumulation of PUFAs occurred at the lowest temperature tested. PUFA profiles showed trace concentrations of arachidonic acid (C20:4) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5). This is the first time synthesis of these acids has been reported in Galdieria. These findings demonstrate that under heterotrophic conditions this microalga’s lipid profile is significantly different from those observed in other species of this genus which indicates that the culture conditions evaluated are key determinants of these organisms’ responses to stress conditions and accumulation of these metabolites.

Unusual methylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids of abyssal and hadal invertebrates

The purpose of this study was to identify specific profiles of unusual methylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in megabenthic invertebrates inhabiting the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench, adjacent areas of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk at the depths between 3206 and 9581 m. The analyzed taxa contained twelve of unusual methylene-interrupted PUFAs. The fatty acid (FA) 21:4n-7 was commonly found in many megabenthic invertebrates. A high level of long-chain FA 26:7n-3 was detected in abyssal ophiurioides. Some unusual n-7 FAs (possibly, derived from bacterial precursors) were found in the thyasirid bivalve Axinulus sp., which did not host chemotrophic symbionts, but could use pedal feeding. The sea urchin Kamptosoma sp. and the starfish Eremicaster sp. contained n-8 and n-5 PUFAs, typical of the Foraminifera living in the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. The dominant species of holothurians at the bottom of the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench contained 21:4n-6 and 23:2n-6. An unusual (uncommon) very long-chain FA 32:5n-3 was found in the glass sponge Hyalonema sp. This data can be used to select model taxa for screening biologically active substances. Considering the low biomass levels of deep-sea invertebrates, the development of their cell cultures will be needed for further progress in this field.