Source Of PUFA Research Articles

Down-regulation of genes related to photoaging and inflammation in UVBirradiated mice premature skin photoaging by linoleic acid-rich tempeh oil

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are natural substances that are considered for skin protection caused by UVB exposure. The increased levels of photoaging and inflammation markers, i.e. matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) are correlated with the signs of photoaging and inflammation in the skin. Tempeh, one of the Indonesian fermented foods is a promising source of PUFAs for food applications including nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. In this study, PUFA-rich oil was extracted from white and black soybean tempeh and tested on its efficacy on down-regulating several genes related to photoaging and inflammation in UVB-irradiated premature skin aging in mice model by conducting hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. Tempeh oil was extracted in methanol and chloroform using Bligh and Dyer method, and PUFA constituents in tempeh oil were determined by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py/GC-MS) analysis. Mice skin dorsal was irradiated with UVB gradually for 4 weeks to induce premature photoaging. Mice were grouped into negative control; positive control; black soybean tempeh oil at 100 and 300 mg/kg; white soybean tempeh oil at 100 and 300 mg/kg; and omega 3 standard. Mice were orally supplemented with tempeh oil for 4 weeks along with UVB irradiation. The py/GC-MS profiling revealed that both tempeh oils contained major linoleic acid PUFA with 52.3% in white tempeh oil and 85.69% in black tempeh oil, respectively. H&E staining demonstrated that UVB irradiation caused premature skin photoaging in mice, indicating by necrosis, epidermal atrophy, and tissue damage. Orally tempeh oil treatment improved tissue damage and increased the proliferation of hair follicle in the skin. Tempeh oil was found to be effectively inhibited the genes expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, COX-2 and iNOS in UVB-irradiated mice skin. Among these genes, tempeh oil from black and white soybean tempeh exerted a significant effect on down-regulating the expression of MMP-9 gene in UVB-irradiated mice skin. In conclusion, tempeh oil may offer the promising photoprotective ingredient in application of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals for protecting skin photoaging.

Determination of fatty acid composition in relation to the growth of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) cultured in net cages

The aim of this study was to determine the composition of fatty acids of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) produced in net cages at a private company in the Aegean Sea. Regular samples were taken over the study period by random sampling for the estimation of fatty acid contents. At the end of the study, the highest mean (± SD) fatty acids in fish flesh were recorded as oleic acid (26.46 ± 0.01%), linoleic acid (20.91 ± 0.01%) and palmitic acid (15.99 ± 0.01%). Mean (± SD) total saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid values were determined as 26.17 ± 0.03%, 32.62 ± 0.03% and 31.24 ± 0.01% respectively. The total values of omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were 8.73 ± 0.01 – 14.51 ± 0.04%, 18.78 ± 0.03 – 25.26 ± 0.01%, 27.12 ± 0.01 – 30.5 ± 0.01%, 1.39 ± 0.01 – 3.52 ± 0.01% and 4.24 ± 0.01 – 7.64 ± 0.01% respectively and all these values varied significantly over time (P < 0.05). Despite having a low crude fat content, the meagre could be a good source of PUFA, in terms of fatty acids.

Fish oil supplementation during adolescence attenuates metabolic programming of perinatal maternal high-fat diet in adult offspring.

Perinatal maternal high-fat diet (HFD) increases susceptibility to obesity and fatty liver diseases in adult offspring, which can be attenuated by the potent hypolipidaemic action of fish oil (FO), an n-3 PUFA source, during adult life. Previously, we described that adolescent HFD offspring showed resistance to FO hypolipidaemic effects, although FO promoted hepatic molecular changes suggestive of reduced lipid accumulation. Here, we investigated whether this FO intervention only during the adolescence period could affect offspring metabolism in adulthood. Then, female Wistar rats received isoenergetic, standard (STD: 9 % fat) or high-fat (HFD: 28·6 % fat) diet before mating, and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring received the standard diet; and from 25 to 45 d old they received oral administration of soyabean oil or FO. At 150 d old, serum and hepatic metabolic parameters were evaluated. Maternal HFD adult offspring showed increased body weight, visceral adiposity, hyperleptinaemia and decreased hepatic pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio, suggestive of hepatic leptin resistance. FO intake only during the adolescence period reduced visceral adiposity and serum leptin, regardless of maternal diet. Maternal HFD promoted dyslipidaemia and hepatic TAG accumulation, which was correlated with reduced hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1a content, suggesting lipid oxidation impairment. FO intake did not change serum lipids; however, it restored hepatic TAG content and hepatic markers of lipid oxidation to STD offspring levels. Therefore, we concluded that FO intake exclusively during adolescence programmed STD offspring and reprogrammed HFD offspring male rats to a healthier metabolic phenotype in adult life, reducing visceral adiposity, serum leptin and hepatic TAG content in offspring adulthood.

BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON SOME PLANT OILS.

Hypercholestermia is the most common pathologic process underlying atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3, omega-3) is believed to protect the cardiovascular system. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of linseed, soybean, or walnut oils as omega-3 rich oils in rats compared to control diet. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of linseed, soybean and walnut rich diets on lipid profile and liver functions of rats after feeding high fat diet. This study also was carried out to evaluate the hepatic bioconversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3, omega-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, omega-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6, omega-3) in rats fed on diets rich with oils from linseed, soybean and walnut. The physical and chemical properties as well as the content of fatty acids and sterols of linseed, soybean and walnut oils were studied. Two biological experiments were carried out to investigate the aims of such study.The obtained results showed that the overall beneficial effects provided by high level of ALA were better than those given by low levels of ALA. Linseed oil exerted a hypolipidemic effect and could be considered as a promising functional food in cardiovascular disease and as an alternative source of omega-3 PUFAs that could provide important benefits to our cardiovascular health.

Is essential fatty acid interconversion an important source of PUFA in humans?

Humans can obtain pre-formed long-chain PUFA from the diet and are also able to convert essential fatty acids (EFA) to longer-chain PUFA. The metabolic pathway responsible for EFA interconversion involves alternating desaturation and carbon chain elongation reactions, and carbon chain shortening by peroxisomal β-oxidation. Studies using stable isotope tracers or diets supplemented with EFA show that capacity for PUFA synthesis is limited in humans, such that DHA (22 : 6n-3) synthesis in men is negligible. PUFA synthesis is higher in women of reproductive age compared with men. However, the magnitude of the contribution of hepatic PUFA synthesis to whole-body PUFA status remains unclear. A number of extra-hepatic tissues have been shown to synthesise PUFA or to express genes for enzymes involved in this pathway. The precise function of extra-hepatic PUFA synthesis is largely unknown, although in T lymphocytes PUFA synthesis is involved in the regulation of cell activation and proliferation. Local PUFA synthesis may also be important for spermatogenesis and fertility. One possible role of extra-hepatic PUFA synthesis is that it may provide PUFA in a timely manner to facilitate specific cell functions. If so, this may suggest novel insights into the effect of dietary PUFA and/or polymorphisms in genes involved in PUFA synthesis on health and tissue function.

Chemical characterization and biological activities of two varieties of xoconostle fruits Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar.

The present work focusses on the chemical characterization and bioactive properties of Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar fruits. This research showed that xoconostle cv. Cuaresmeño (O. joconostle) and xoconostle cv. Rosa (O. matudae) are a good source of PUFAs and tocopherols. Moreover, both fruits revealed the presence of ten phenolic compounds (e.g., ferulic acid hexoside, quercetin-O-di-deoxyhexosyl-hexoside, and kaempferol-O-(di-deoxyhexosyl)-hexoside), as well as other organic acids (oxalic, malic, ascorbic and citric acids), and two betacyanins (betanin and isobetain). The hydroethanolic extracts of both fruits exhibited antioxidant activity, and inhibited the growth of several bacteria strains and of the yeast Candida albicans. As expected, xoconostle cv. Cuaresmeño was the fruit with highest antioxidant potential, since it was also the one that showed the highest content of bioactive compounds, with the exception of betacyanins. Overall, both fruits are revealed to be a good source of nutritive and bioactive compounds.

Metabolites Unravel Nutraceutical Potential of Edible Seaweeds: An Emerging Source of Functional Food.

Functional foods are nutritional compounds which also provide health and medicinal benefits. Daily food intake has much impact on the quality of life, and therefore inclusion of functional foods is now essential to our diet. Nutraceuticals are neither food nor drug but are added to food to provide extra nutritional and physiological properties. Though nutraceutical compounds provide minimal actions, their regular involvement in the diet can provide major and long-term health benefits. Global demand for additional and sustainable biomass for the production of important metabolites with nutraceutical potential has resulted in renewed interest in seaweeds. Seaweeds have been consumed from ancient times in Asian areas, and in recent times they have been demonstrated to possess many medicinal effects. Seaweeds are considered a rich source of various nutritional ingredients and metabolites that have pharmaceutical properties. It has been observed that total protein, from terrestrial plants such as soybean and wheat, produces an allergic response on consumption. Therefore, seaweed proteins can be considered a promising source for food industries. Overall, seaweeds are a rich source of PUFAs, metabolites, proteins, sulfated polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, which are all responsible for different bioactivities; they are therefore considered a promising functional food (nutraceutical). In this review we discuss the nutraceutical potential of seaweeds regarding different metabolites (primary and secondary), variation in composition, probable biological applications, limitations, research gaps, and future prospects.

Will global warming affect the functional need for essential fatty acids in juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)? A first overview of the consequences of lower availability of nutritional fatty acids on growth performance

Global climate changes have led to a depletion in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in marine phytoplankton that—with food web transfers—could negatively impact fish performance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a reduction in the dietary availability of n-3 PUFA on growth performance, organ allometry, and fatty acid composition in juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) raised at two different temperatures: 15 °C (natural conditions) and 20 °C (global warming scenario). Fish were fed for 5 months with two isoenergetic and isoproteic diets: a reference diet (RD; 1.65% n-3 PUFA on a dry matter basis, DM) used as a proxy of trophic networks where n-3 PUFA were plentiful, and a lower n-3 PUFA diet (LD; 0.73% n-3 PUFA on DM) designed to mimic the expected decrease in n-3 PUFA sources resulting from global climate changes. Results showed decreasing growth rates and slight changes in the muscle polar lipid profile in LD-fed sea bass juveniles, whereas neutral lipids were more affected over the long term. The relative masses of the heart and gastrointestinal system were higher at 20 °C, while liver mass was higher at 15 °C in LD-fed juveniles. However, the mesenteric fat of RD-fed juveniles was higher at 15 °C. Altogether the results suggest that sea bass juveniles are able to implement physiological mechanisms to cope with a decrease in dietary n-3 PUFA and are able to improve growth at the higher temperature, even with a decreased availability of n-3 PUFA. The temperature-driven increase in growth is also observed under the restricted n-3 PUFA diet, and this is accompanied by significant effects on organ allometry and FA profiles. This may indicate the presence of some metabolic costs that remain to be evaluated, but which illustrate that the combination of warming temperatures and n-3 PUFA depletion has significant effects on life history traits.

Dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alters endometrial expression of genes involved in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway in breeding sows (Sus scrofa)

The present investigation was designed to study the effect of dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) PUFA on endometrial expression of fertility-related genes in breeding sows. Sixteen crossbred sows were randomized to receive diets containing 4% (wt/wt) flaxseed oil as n-3 PUFA source (TRT group) or iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric standard control diet (CON group), starting from the first day of estrus up to 40 days and were artificially bred on the second estrus. Endometrial samples were collected during days 10–11 and 15–16 post-mating for studying relative expression profile of candidate genes viz. Prostaglandin F Synthase (PGFS), microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Carbonyl Reductase-1 (CBR-1) using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Expression level of mPGES-1 gene transcript was 2.1-fold higher (P < 0.05) during 10–11 days of pregnancy and 1.4-fold higher (P > 0.05) during 15–16 days of pregnancy in TRT group as compared to CON group. Relative expression of PGFS gene transcript was significantly lower (P < 0.05) during 10–11 days of pregnancy in TRT group while there was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of dietary supplementation during 15–16 days of pregnancy. Endometrial mRNA level of CBR1 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) with 3.93-fold decrease in TRT group during 10–11 days of pregnancy whereas 2.82-fold reduction in expression (P > 0.05) was observed subsequently during 15–16 days of pregnancy as compared to CON group. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation can modulate gene expression of key enzymes in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway during early gestation, which in turn might have beneficial impact on overall reproductive response in breeding sows. These findings partly support strategic dietary supplementation of plant-based source of n-3 PUFA with an aim to improve overall reproductive performance in sows.

Effect of chia and hemp seeds on the physical quality of egg component

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of incorporation of chia (salvia hispanica L.) and hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) in laying hens diet as source of PUFA on the physical quality of egg component. A total 160 white leghorn laying hens of above 40 weeks of age were divided into five different groups having 4 replicates of 8 birds in each. The standard basal (C) layer ration supplemented with chia seed @ 1% (CS1.0) and 2% (CS2.0) and hemp seed was added @ 1.5% (HS1.5) and 3% (HS3.0) respectively. Iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared and fed to different treatment groups for 100 days. Physical quality of eggs were analyzed and recorded at the end of each month of the experimental period. At end of each month (30 days interval) eight eggs randomly selected from each treatment and they used for recording physical egg quality parameters. The egg weight and shell weight was affected significantly (Pd”0.05) at the end of first and third month. The average egg weight, egg width, average yolk diameter, yolk index and shell weight at the end of third month of this study showed significant (Pd0.05) difference between the various treatments. Feeding of hemp seed significantly increased egg weight, shell weight and albumin height during the study period. However, shape index was not affected by inclusion of chia or hemp seed in the laying hen diet.

DHA supplementation during pregnancy as phospholipids or TAG produces different placental uptake but similar fetal brain accretion in neonatal piglets.

The great variety of n-3 long-chain PUFA sources raises the question of the most adequate for using as a DHA supplement during pregnancy. Placental and fetal availability of different DHA sources remains unclear. We investigated DHA availability in maternal lipoproteins, placenta and fetal tissues in pregnant sows fed DHA as phospholipid (PL) or TAG to identify the best DHA source during this period. Pregnant Iberian sows were fed diets containing 0·8 % DHA of total fatty acids as PL from egg yolk or TAG from algae oil during the last third of gestation (40 d). Maternal tissues, placentas and fetal tissues were obtained at delivery and DHA quantified by GC. Major Facilitator Superfamily Domain Containing 2a (MFSD2a) carrier expression was analysed in both placenta and fetal brain by Western blotting. Sows fed the DHA-PL diet showed higher DHA incorporation in plasma LDL but not in plasma total lipids. No differences were found in DHA content between groups in maternal liver, adipose tissue or brain. Placental tissue incorporated more DHA in both total lipids and PL fraction in sows fed DHA-PL. However, this did not lead to an enhanced DHA accretion either in fetal plasma, fetal liver or fetal brain. MFSD2a expression was similar between both experimental groups. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy in sow either as PL or TAG produces similar DHA accretion in fetal tissues but not in placenta. Both fat sources are equally available for fetal brain.

Compound-specific isotope analysis resolves the dietary origin of docosahexaenoic acid in the mouse brain

DHA (22:6n-3) may be derived from two dietary sources, preformed dietary DHA or through synthesis from α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3). However, conventional methods cannot distinguish between DHA derived from either source without the use of costly labeled tracers. In the present study, we demonstrate the proof-of-concept that compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) by GC-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) can differentiate between sources of brain DHA based on differences in natural 13C enrichment. Mice were fed diets containing either purified ALA or DHA as the sole n-3 PUFA. Extracted lipids were analyzed by CSIA for natural abundance 13C enrichment. Brain DHA from DHA-fed mice was significantly more enriched (-23.32‰ to -21.92‰) compared with mice on the ALA diet (-28.25‰ to -27.49‰). The measured 13C enrichment of brain DHA closely resembled the dietary n-3 PUFA source, -21.86‰ and -28.22‰ for DHA and ALA, respectively. The dietary effect on DHA 13C enrichment was similar in liver and blood fractions. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of CSIA, at natural 13C enrichment, to differentiate between the incorporation of preformed or synthesized DHA into the brain and other tissues without the need for tracers.

Fatty acid and carotenoid composition of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) seed arils: a potentially valuable source of lycopene

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) is the traditional vegetable used as medicinal food in tropical and subtropical countries, including Korea, China, and India. The present work aimed to determine the content of carotenoids and fatty acid composition from pericarp and seed arils of ripened bitter melon fruits. Using HPLC–DAD, five major carotenoids in the pericarp and six carotenoids in seed arils of ripened bitter melon fruits were quantified. In pericarp, all-E-zeaxanthin was recorded in highest quantity (4.76 μg/g FW), followed by all-E-β-cryptoxanthin (2.68 μg/g FW) and all-E-violaxanthin (1.91 μg/g FW). All-E-lycopene was found as the most dominant carotenoid in red seed arils accounting for 273.15 μg/g (FW) with total carotenoid contents of 360.51 μg/g (FW). Using GC–FID, 11 fatty acids were identified in pericarp and seed arils. In pericarp, palmitic acid (C16:0) was found in highest quantity (29.53%) followed by linoleic acid (LA, C18:2, cis-9,12) (23.69%) and stearic acid (C18:0) (10.21%). In contrast, palmitic acid (39.28%), α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3, cis-9,12,15) (19.15%) and LA (15.28%) were the most dominant fatty acids in seed arils. The results of the present investigation revealed that the seed arils of ripened bitter melon fruits are rich sources of lycopene and PUFAs which can be used in food preparations as colorant and flavor enhancer to improve the health benefits, including lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, cancer, xerophthalmia and night blindness.

Dietary fatty acids influence the growth and fatty acid composition of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Fat is the second most abundant component of the nutrient composition of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) that represents also an interesting source of PUFA, especially n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, involved in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the possibility of modifying the fat content and the FA composition of yellow mealworms through feeding and how this would be influenced by developmental stages, pupal sex, and generation with the future aim of applying this coleopteran as a diet supplement for human health. Growth rate and cumulative mortality percentage on the different feeding substrates were also evaluated to select the optimal conditions for a mass-raising of this insect species. Despite the different fat content in the six different breeding substrates used, T.molitor larvae and pupae contained a constant fat percentage (>34% in larvae and>30% in pupae). A similar total fat content was found comparing larvae and male and female pupae of the second generation to those of the first generation. On the contrary, FA composition differed both in larvae and pupae reared on the different feeding substrates. However, the exemplars reared on the diets based on 100% bread and 100% oat flour showed SFA, PUFA percentages, and an n-6/n-3 ratio more suitable for human consumption; the diet based on beer yeast, wheat flour, and oat flour resulted in a contemporary diet that most satisfied the balance between a fat composition of high quality and favorable growth conditions.

Chemical composition and fatty acid profile in meat from grazing lamb diets supplemented with ryegrass hay, fishmeal and soya bean meal as PUFA sources

ABSTRACT: This study examined the characteristics of the fatty acids profile in the meat of lambs fed grazing and supplemented with different PUFA sources. Thirty Suffolk lambs were used (37.2±5.4kg BW), grazing on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) (12h d-1) and supplemented (30g kg-1 BW0.75) with ryegrass hay (RGH), or supplements formulated with fishmeal (FHM) or soybean meal (SBM). Lambs were used in a completely randomized design. Results showed an effect on total SFA, with SBM higher than RGH (P=0.033), and SBM and FHM showing higher MUFA content compared with RGH (P=0.001). Total PUFA content was higher for RGH, followed by FHM and with the lowest content for SBM (P=0.001). Concluding that there is a variation in fatty acid content depending on the lipid-protein source used in supplementation in grazing sheep, the content of PUFA was higher for grazing lambs supplemented with RGH compared with those supplemented with FHM or SBM.

Nutritional and Fatty Acids Profile Analyses of Commonly Consumed Fresh Water Fish Species in Pakistan

The aim of this study is to evaluate nutritional value of selected commonly consumed fresh water fish species of Pakistan. Proximate composition and fatty acids profile of mostly consumed fresh water fish species of Pakistan namely Balm or Baam (Anguilla anguilla), Sole (Channa marulius), Damra (Labeo rohita) and Malhi (Wallago atto) were analysed. Proximate composition data showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the nutritional components except carbohydrate and gross energy contents. Protein and moisture contents found plenteous in the Baam (Anguilla anguilla) whereas ash and fat contents in Malhi (Wallagoatto) are found copious. Saturated Fatty Acids (SFAs) and Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs) found to be principal Fatty Acids (FAs) with their ranges from (48.43 to 65.76%) and (25.72 to 31.37%) respectively. In SFAs and MUFAs, palmitic acid (32.4 to 47.71%) and oleic acid (10.97 to 21.26%) were identified as major FAs respectively in all species. The existence of short and medium chain SFAs is advantageous for designation of these fish species as alterative diet as these above mentioned FAs not only involved in metabolic regulation but also helpful to remove the metabolic disparities related to Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD), brain seizure, Alzheimer disease, glucose homeostasis, appetite and gastric acid secretion. Among the PUFAs, Omega-6 PUFAs are found to be more abundant than Omega-3 with Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2?6) as predominant PUFA in A. anguilla (9.137%) and L. rohita (9.128%) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3?6) and cis-8, 11, 14 Eicosatrienoic (hGLA, C20:3 ?6) as most prevailing PUFAs in C. marulius (2.3%) and W. atto (1.61%) respectively. These species found to be a substantial source of Omega-6 PUFAs with ?3/?6 ratio less than 1. The overall all summation of Eicosapentaenoic (EPA, C20:5 ?3) acid and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ?3) ranged from 0.38% in C. marulius to 1.93% in L. rohita.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Different Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Expression of Genes Related to Somatotropic Axis Function in the Liver, Selected Blood Indicators, Milk Yield and Milk Fatty Acids Profile in Dairy Cows

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA s) affects expression of genes related to somatotropic axis and the plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxyl butyrate acids (BHBA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and milk fatty acids profile. Right after calving, Holstein cows (n=45) were randomly assigned to one of three diets supplemented with roasted whole soybean as a source of omega-6 PUFA (omega-6, n=15), linseed as a source of omega-3 PUFA (omega-3, n=15) or palm oil (control, n=15). Each cow was in the study over a period of 70 days. Blood samples were collected every two weeks from day 1 to 70 of lactation and plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, NEFA, BHBA and IGF1 were determined. Liver samples were taken from a subset of 18 cows (6 per diet) at day 70 postpartum and hepatic mRNA level of total growth hormone-receptor 1A (GHR1A), insulin receptor (INSR), IGF1 and insulinlike growth factor binding protein (IGFBP2) was assessed. Experimental diets did not affect milk yield. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were greater for omega-3 treatment compared to omega-6 and control treatments. Cows fed diets enriched in omega-3 exhibited greater INSR and GHR1A mRNA expression, and a tendency for greater IGF1 mRNA expression in the liver compared to omega-6 and control cows. Plasma IGF1 concentration was significantly higher in omega-3 treatment compared with omega-6 and control treatments. Results of this study suggest that feeding omega-3 PUFA s during early postpartum couples with the somatotropic axis, leading to an increase in plasma IGF1 concentration in dairy cows.

Genetic variation in fatty acid composition of fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed oil

An analysis has been carried out to explore the genetic variation in seventeen selected varieties of fenugreek. Sixteen fatty acids were identified in seed oil. Linoleic acid (18:2; n-6) and a-Linolenic acid (18:3; n-3) were the major contributor found in the range of 26-43% in variety Lam Selection. The MUFA content varied from 3.50% in Azad Methi to 19.31 % in Hisar Madhvi. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids indicated that fenugreek seed lipids are a good source of PUFA. PCA identified linolenic and oleic acid as the most important traits responsible for variation in presented material and improving quality through breeding. Estimates of genetic distance values showed wide range of variation among the fenugreek genotypes. The Euclidean based UPGMA clustering revealed three real and four singleton clusters. Genetic diversity showed no relationship to geographical origin. Dissimilarities obtained showed a wide variation in oil content and in composition.

Lipid biosynthesis of ten thraustochytrid strains isolated from mangrove Xuan Thuy, Nam Dinh

The features of polyunsaturated fatty acid-PUFA structures were corresponded to each separate functions as adjusting the cellular physiology and gene expression. Therefore, lack of PUFA could lead to abnormalities in skin, kidney, neural networks, immune responses and inflammation; cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory and reproductive systems. In fish oil, PUFA content were low, thus it was difficult to produce on a large scale. Therefore, the exploration of PUFA sources particularly as arachidonic acid-AA, eicosapentaenoic acid EPA, docosapentaenoic acid-DPA/DHA attracted many researches. Heterotrophic microalgae Thraustochytrids were capable of producing high amounts of DHA and PUFA composition varied. DHA can be synthesized by the metabolism of AA, EPA and DPA. The different types of PUFA reflected relationships in classification. Ten heterotrophic microalgae thraustochytrids isolated from mangrove Xuan Thuy, Nam Dinh contain fatty acid composition varied from C12 to C28. Especially, they had two important fatty acids of PUFA as EPA and DPA. Polyunsaturated fatty acids - PUFA content of ten thraustochytrid strains were from 28.95 to 49.62% total lipid. DPA compared to other PUFA were high for all thraustochytrid strains studied, accounting 20.22 to 39.35% TFA. Ten thraustochytrid strains had the highest growth with carbon source as glucose, total lipid reached 7 to 12.35 % dry weight biomass after 72 hours. Growth rate and lipid biosynthesis in organic nitrogen source were higher than in inorganic nitrogen sources. The best source of nitrogen for growth and lipid biosynthesis of ten thraustochytrid strains is yeast extract, total lipid were 8.57 to 18.87% dry weight biomass after 72 hours.

An assessment of the techno-functional and sensory properties of yoghurt fortified with a lipid extract from the microalga Pavlova lutheri

Marine microalgae are potential sources of functional bioactive compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n − 3 PUFA), pigments and minerals. In this study, plain yoghurt was manufactured with or without a food grade lipid extract of the microalgae species Pavlova lutheri (0.25% and 0.5% w/v). Techno-functional properties, fatty acid analysis and sensory characteristics were evaluated over 28 days storage to assess the suitability of yoghurt as a vehicle for the microalgal extract. Inclusion of the extract at 0.25% and 0.5% w/v had no significant impact on yoghurt composition, viscosity, pH, starter culture viability (for 21 days) or whey separation. Addition of the extract dose-dependently increased concentrations of total n − 3 PUFA (p < 0.0001) in the yoghurt. Sensory analysis revealed that supplemented yoghurts were not well accepted by the panellists compared with the control yoghurt. These results suggest that techno-functional properties of yoghurt are unaffected following manufacture with a lipid extract of P. lutheri. In addition, incorporation of this extract into yoghurt is a suitable method to increase n − 3 PUFA concentration, however further research is warranted to improve the perceived negative sensory attributes associated with the presence of the extract in yoghurt. This study is of particular relevance to the food industry because it examines the use of yoghurt as an effective method for the delivery of an omega-3-rich microalgae lipid extract. Omega-3 PUFA consumption has declined rapidly in place of other fats, particularly omega-6 PUFA, in the Western diet, which has likely contributed to the drastic increase in rates of chronic disease. Hence increasing omega-3 PUFA intake may help ameliorate and prevent certain chronic disease processes. The most potent sources of omega-3 PUFA are oily fish, however rapidly declining global fish stocks and increasing rates of marine pollution pose serious challenges to dietary intake of omega-3 PUFA from fish. Marine microalgae are potent producers of omega-3 PUFA and other bioactive compounds. Industrial production of omega-3 microalgal oils has expanded greatly in recent times for use as nutritional supplements and for the fortification of infant formula. Fortification of staple foods has been proven as a successful technique for the incorporation of functional ingredients into habitual diets, and previous studies have examined supplementation of dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, with fish oil. The microalgal species P. lutheri has previously been demonstrated as a potent producer of omega-3 PUFA and in addition has previously demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. However, there is currently no published information on the incorporation of P. lutheri into a carrier food. The incorporation of an omega-3 PUFA-rich lipid extract of P. lutheri into yoghurt is a novel and innovative idea. These data reveal that fortification of yoghurt with a P. lutheri lipid extract has no negative effects on the technofunctional properties of yoghurt.