Limited effects of changing prey fish communities on food quality for aquatic predators in the eastern Canadian Arctic in terms of essential fatty acids, methylmercury and selenium.

We determined concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (EPA + DHA), Σomega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFA), selenium, methylmercury, and selenium:methylmercury (Se:Hg) ratios in native and northward-redistributing sub-Arctic marine fish and invertebrates from low, mid-, and high Canadian Arctic latitudes. There was no clear latitudinal trend in nutrient or contaminant concentrations. Among species, EPA + DHA concentrations in native Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) were similar to concentrations in sub-Arctic capelin (Mallotus villosus) and sand lance (Ammodytes spp.) (444-658 mg.100 g-1), and higher than in most other species. Concentrations of EPA + DHA were related to lipid content, but to a greater extent for higher trophic position species (R2 = 0.83) than for species at lower trophic positions (R2 = 0.61). Selenium concentrations were higher in sand lance (1.15 ±â€¯0.16 µg g-1) than in all other species (0.30-0.69 µg g-1), which was significantly, but weakly, explained by more pelagic feeding in sand lance. Methylmercury concentrations were similar (and Se:Hg ratios were higher) in capelin, sand lance, and Arctic cod (0.01-0.03 µg g-1 wet weight (ww)) and lower than in other prey (0.12-0.26 µg g-1 ww), which was significantly explained by the smaller size of these species and more pelagic feeding habits than other fish. These results suggested that a shift in prey fish composition from Arctic cod to capelin and/or sand lance is unlikely to reduce the food quality of the prey available to marine predators at least with respect to concentrations of essential fatty acids, selenium, and Se:Hg ratios.

Control of canine idiopathic nasal hyperkeratosis with a natural skin restorative balm: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Nasal hyperkeratosis may cause discomfort in dogs by predisposing them to fissures and secondary bacterial infection. Approaches to treatment have been described anecdotally; the effectiveness of such therapies remains unproven. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of a balm containing essential oils and essential fatty acids in dogs with idiopathic nasal hyperkeratosis. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with noncomplicated nasal hyperkeratosis. METHODS: The study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel group design and two month follow-up period. Dogs received daily topical application of a commercial balm product (group DBB) or placebo (aqueous gelling agent with preservatives, group PB). The main outcome variables were lichenification, dryness, suppleness and extent of lesions. Subjective owner satisfaction index score was a secondary variable. Evaluation was performed on days (D)0, 30 and 60. Response to treatment was assessed as the change from baseline to each examination day for each criterion. RESULTS: Forty eight dogs, principally French (26 of 48) and English (seven of 48) bulldogs, were included and 39 completed the study. No major adverse events were reported. On D60, changes from baseline for lichenification, lesion extent, suppleness and total score were -31.2%, -18.3%, -72.8% and -36.8% in group DBB (23 dogs) and -11.9%, 2.3%, -42.1% and -14% in group PB (16 dogs), respectively. The total score was significantly improved on D60 in group DBB compared to PB (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-test, P = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The balm proved safe and helpful in managing canine idiopathic noncomplicated nasal hyperkeratosis.

Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of depression.

Depression is a common, recurrent, and debilitating illness that has become more prevalent over the past 100 years. This report reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of depression, and explores the role of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) as a possible treatment. In seeking to understand depression, genetic factors and environmental influences have been extensively investigated. Research has led to several hypotheses for the pathophysiological basis of depression but a definitive pathogenic mechanism, or group thereof, has hitherto remained equivocal. To date, treatment has been based on the monoamine hypothesis and hence, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been the most widely used class of medication. In the last decade, there has been considerable interest in n-3 PUFAs and their role in depression. These fatty acids are critical for development and function of the central nervous system. Increasing evidence from epidemiological, laboratory, and randomized placebo-controlled trials suggests deficiency of dietary n-3 PUFAs may contribute to development of mood disorders, and supplementation with n-3 PUFAs may provide a new treatment option. Conclusions based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published trials to date vary. Research into the effects of n-3 PUFAs on depressed mood is limited. Furthermore, results from such have led to conflicting conclusions regarding the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs in affecting reduction in symptoms of depression. PUFAs are generally well tolerated by adults and children although mild gastrointestinal effects are reported. There is mounting evidence to suggest that n-3 PUFAs play a role in depression and deserve greater research efforts.

Comparison of Formulas Based on Lipid Emulsions of Olive Oil, Soybean Oil, or Several Oils for Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Many studies have reported that olive oil-based lipid emulsion (LE) formulas of soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) may be a viable alternative for parenteral nutrition. However, some randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) have raised concerns regarding the nutritional benefits and safety of SMOFs. We searched principally the MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to March 2014 for the relevant literature and conducted a meta-analysis of 15 selected RCTs that 1) compared either olive oil- or SMOF-based LEs with soybean oil-based LEs and 2) reported plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol, oleic acid, and ω-6 (n-6) and ω-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and liver concentrations of total bilirubin and the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transferase. The meta-analysis suggested that SMOF-based LEs were associated with higher plasma concentrations of plasma α-tocopherol, oleic acid, and the ω-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. Olive oil- and SMOF-based LEs correlated with lower plasma concentrations of long-chain ω-6 PUFAs and were similar to soybean oil-based LEs with regard to their effects on liver function indicators. In summary, olive oil- and SMOF-based LEs have nutritional advantages over soybean oil-based LEs and are similarly safe. However, their performance in clinical settings requires further investigation.

The addition of medium-chain triglycerides to a purified fish oil-based diet alters inflammatory profiles in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Parenteral nutrition associated liver disease (PNALD) is a deadly complication of long term parenteral nutrition (PN) use in infants. Fish oil-based lipid emulsion has been shown in recent years to effectively treat PNALD. Alternative fat sources free of essential fatty acids have recently been investigated for health benefits related to decreased inflammatory response. We hypothesized that the addition of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) to a purified fish oil-based diet would decrease the response to inflammatory challenge in mice, while allowing for sufficient growth and development. MATERIALS/METHODS: Six groups of ten adult male C57/Bl6 mice were pair-fed different dietary treatments for a period of twelve weeks, varying only in fat source (percent calories by weight): 10.84% soybean oil (SOY), 10% coconut oil (HCO), 10% medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), 3% purified fish oil (PFO), 3% purified fish oil with 3% medium-chain triglycerides (50:50 MCT:PFO) and 3% purified fish oil with 7.59% medium-chain triglycerides (70:30 MCT:PFO). An endotoxin challenge was administered to half of the animals in each group at the completion of dietary treatment. RESULTS: All groups demonstrated normal growth throughout the study period. Groups fed MCT and HCO diets demonstrated biochemical essential fatty acid deficiency and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α response to endotoxin challenge. Groups containing PFO had increased inflammatory response to endotoxin challenge, and the addition of MCT to PFO mitigated this inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the addition of MCT to PFO formulations may decrease the host response to inflammatory challenge, which may pose potential for optimized PN formulations. Inclusion of MCT in lipid emulsions given with PN formulations may be of use in therapeutic interventions for disease states resulting from chronic inflammation.

The influence of short-chain essential fatty acids on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Essential fatty acids (EFA) are needed for normal sensory, cognitive, and motor function. The EFA blood profile seems to be different in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as compared to matched controls. Previous open EFA supplementation trials were successful in demonstrating significant therapeutic effects in this population, whereas most of the randomized controlled trials failed to show any benefit over placebo. The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial tested the influence of short-chain EFA supplementation on ADHD children, using parent and teacher questionnaires and a computerized continuous performance test. A total of 73 unmedicated children aged 7-13 years with a diagnosis of ADHD participated in the study; 63 children completed the study. The EFA supplement contained 480 mg of linoleic acid and 120 mg of alpha-linolenic acid, and the placebo contained 1000 mg of vitamin C (daily amounts); both were given for a 7-week supplementation period. Analysis of variance for repeated measures revealed that both treatments ameliorated some of the symptoms, but no significant differences were found between the groups in any of the treatment effects.

Randomised controlled trial of essential fatty acid supplementation in phenylketonuria.

OBJECTIVE: The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) status of children with PKU is often compromised. LC-PUFA, which are important fatty acids in the development of the CNS, can be synthesised endogenously from the parent essential fatty acids (EFA) provided dietary intakes are adequate. This study was designed to assess the biochemical effect over a 20-week period of a phe-free protein substitute that has been supplemented with a balanced blend of n-3 and n-6 EFAs on LC-PUFA status of children with PKU. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Fifty three community-living children aged 1-10 years diagnosed with PKU in the newborn period were recruited from seven tertiary centres in the UK and France and randomised to a fat-free control formula or the EFA-supplemented test-treatment formula in an open, prospective study. Forty four children completed the study (20 controls, 24 test-treatments). Fatty acid status was assessed at entry and 20-weeks follow-up. Three day dietary diaries were recorded at 20 weeks' follow-up. The safety, efficacy and palatability of the test-treatment formula were also assessed. RESULTS: The test-treatment group had significantly higher intakes of fat and EFA than the control group. There was a significant between group difference (P=0.04) in increases in median docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations in erythrocyte phospholipids, which increased by 19% in the test-treatment group and by 0.5% in the control group over the study period. Growth and phe control were satisfactory in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing the diets of children with PKU with a balanced blend of n-6 and n-3 EFA improves DHA status without compromising AA status.

Influence of essential fatty acid deprivation on thrombocyte aggregation in rainbow trout

Many reports have indicated that differences in blood cells formation and function in fish could be of dietary origino Essential fatty acids are certainly connected with these cells by virtue of being a source of important compounds like eicosanoids, platelet activating factor in mammals, as well as the cell membrane phospholipids. The thrombocytes from fish fed the commercial diet containing adequate amount of essential fatty acids exhibited greater capacity for aggregation when induced by Collagen Type I(56%), however, this capacity was reduced when fish were fed the essential fatty acids deficient diet (37%). The results obtained in this study demonstrated that EFA exert influence in thrombocytes by affecting their aggregation capacity.

Indicações sobre alterações na formação das células sanguíneas e em suas funções nos peixes têm sido relatadas em diversos trabalhos. Os ácidos graxos essenciais (EFA) certamente estão ligados a essas células devido ao fato de constituírem fonte de componentes importantes, como os eicosanoides, fatores de ativação de plaquetas nos mamíferos, bem como de fosfolipídios de membrana. Trombócitos oriundos de peixes alimentados com uma dieta comercial contendo quantidades adequadas de EFA mostraram uma grande capacidade de agregação quando induzidos por colágeno do tipo I (56%), contudo, essa capacidade encontrou-se reduzida quando os peixes foram alimentados com uma dieta deficiente em EFA (37%). Os resultados obtidos nesse estudo demonstraram que os ácidos graxos essenciais exercem influência nos trombócitos afetando sua capacidade de agregação.

Diet and asthma: has the role of dietary lipids been overlooked in the management of asthma?

OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the role of diet in the management of asthma. Readers will gain an understanding of how evolution of the western diet has contributed to increased asthma prevalence and how dietary modification that includes management of dietary lipids may reduce symptoms of asthma. DATA SOURCES: Relevant studies published in English were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: Medline search to identify peer-reviewed abstracts and journal articles. RESULTS: Asthma and obesity, which often occur together, have increased in prevalence in recent years. Studies suggest adaption of a western diet has not only contributed to obesity, but that increased intake of specific nutrients can cause changes in the frequency and severity of asthma. Increased asthma prevalence has also been proposed to arise from increased exposure to diesel particles or lack of exposure to infectious agents or endotoxins during childhood, generating a biased Th2 immune response, and increased cytokine and leukotriene production. Antagonists directed against these pro-inflammatory mediators include anticytokines and antileukotrienes. A reduction in the levels of inflammatory mediators associated with asthma has also been seen with dietary interventions, such as the administration of oils containing gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests elevated body mass index and dietary patterns, especially intake of dietary lipids, contribute to symptoms of asthma. Dietary modification may help patients manage their asthma as well as contribute to their overall health.

Evening primrose oil and fish oil for severe chronic mastalgia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil and fish oil on breast pain in premenopausal women with severe chronic mastalgia, in a randomized double-blind factorial clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred twenty women were placed randomly into four groups: (1) fish oil and control oil, (2) evening primrose oil and control oil, (3) fish and evening primrose oils, or (4) both control oils during 6 months. Corn oil and corn oil with wheat germ oil were used as control oils. The change in the percentage of days with breast pain after 6 months of treatment was analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: The decrease in days with pain was 12.3 % for evening primrose oil and 13.8% for its control oil (P =.73); the decrease in days with pain was 15.5% for fish oil and 10.6% for its control oil (P =.28). CONCLUSION: All groups showed a decrease in pain. Neither evening primrose oil nor fish oil offered clear benefit over control oils in the treatment of mastalgia.

Safety considerations of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients; intake of relatively small amounts of these fatty acids prevents nutritional deficiencies. Replacing dietary saturated fat with PUFAs may confer health gains. Experimental data support the notion that high intake of n-6 PUFAs may increase in vivo lipid peroxidation. This effect may be counteracted by dietary antioxidant supplementation. The influence of a high n-3 PUFA intake on measures of lipid peroxidation has been equivocal. In clinical trials, subjects who consumed diets rich in n-6 or n-3 PUFAs had fewer atherothrombotic endpoints than did control groups. In this report, data regarding the influence of PUFAs on lipid peroxidation as well as on cholesterol and glucose metabolism, hemostasis, and other aspects of interest are reviewed and discussed. Currently, daily intake of PUFAs as >10% of total energy is not recommended. Below this ceiling there is little evidence that high dietary intake of n-6 or n-3 PUFAs implies health risks.

A double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a new coal tar preparation (Exorex) in the treatment of chronic, plaque type psoriasis.

Exorex is a new topical formulation for the treatment of psoriasis; it contains 1% coal tar and a synthetic analogue resembling components identified in banana skin (a complex of esterified essential fatty acids). To determine whether the esterified essential fatty acid complex confers any therapeutic advantage over coal tar alone, patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 20) were entered into a double-blind, randomized, right/left comparison of Exorex, and Exorex without the essential fatty acid component (known hereafter as coal tar control) for 8 weeks. Target plaques were scored (0-4) for erythema, desquamation and infiltration at day 0 and at 2 week intervals throughout the study. No significant differences were detected between Exorex and coal tar control with respect to changes in the summed scores at baseline and following 8 weeks of treatment (mean difference in summed score changes from baseline between Exorex and coal tar control 0.2, 95% confidence interval - 0.44 to 0.84; P = 0.52) or in the area under the response-time curve (P = 0.16). Mean percentage improvement in summed scores of target plaques were 53.9% (SE = 4%) and 56.1% (SE = 4.9%) for Exorex and coal tar control, respectively. Results suggest that the complex of esterified essential fatty acids is not exerting any clinically important therapeutic effect in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Essential fatty acids and breast cancer: a case-control study in Uruguay.

The relationship between frequency of intake of different types of fat and breast cancer was investigated in a case-control study conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the time period 1994-1996. Our study comprised 365 cases and 397 controls. A moderate and non-significant increase in risk of breast cancer, associated with total fat intake, was found. Saturated and monounsaturated fat intake were not associated to an increased risk of this malignancy, whereas polyunsaturated fat and linoleic acid were associated with a significantly reduced risk (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13-0.53). On the contrary, both alpha-linolenic acid and cholesterol intakes were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (OR for the upper quartile of intake of alpha-linolenic acid 3.79, 95% CI 1.53-9.40). When alpha-linolenic was examined at different levels of intake, the OR's were significantly higher at low levels of linoleic acid intake (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.9-28.8).

Impact of portacaval anastomosis on plasma fatty acid profile in cirrhosis: a randomized 24-month follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Portacaval anastomosis has an hypolipemic effect in familial hypercholesterolemia and in healthy animals. In cirrhosis, it raises serum cholesterol, but there is no information on its effect upon plasma fatty acids. However, indirect data suggest that portacaval shunting might contribute to the polyunsaturated fatty acid deficit of these patients. We assessed the effect of portacaval anastomosis on plasma fatty acid profile in cirrhosis. METHODS: Forty-four Child-Pugh class A/B bleeding cirrhotics were randomized to be treated with portacaval anastomosis (n = 20) or nonsurgical therapy (n = 24). Fatty acid profile in plasma total lipids, alcohol intake, anthropometry, Child-Pugh score, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and antioxidant micronutrients were assessed before and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery or the start of nonsurgical therapy. Time course of plasma fatty acids was assessed using unbalanced repeated measures models with the above mentioned variables acting as covariates. RESULTS: No changes in the time course of percent plasma saturated, monounsaturated, and essential fatty acids were found between groups. Percent long-chain omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased during follow-up in shunted patients compared with controls (p = .007 and p < .0005). However, this was not due to a true decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid levels but to greater increases in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations in shunted patients compared with control patients (p = .047 and p = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Portacaval anastomosis does not worsen plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency in cirrhosis. However, by increasing saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, it further decreases plasma lipid unsaturation.

Trophic effects of essential fatty acids on pig skin.

The daily oral administration of 3 ml of two oils (So-5407 and So-1129) containing essential fatty acids (EFAs) for 16 weeks resulted in a transient increase in cell proliferative activity in the skin of female Large White pigs. The So-5407 oil contained 7% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) whereas So-1129 was an oil of similar composition, but with no GLA. Hyperplasia of the epidermis was observed after the administration of both oils, and this was characterized by an increase in the size of the rete pegs. The maximum effect occurred at 4 weeks after the start of oil administration, at which time the number of viable cell layers had increased by a factor of approximately 1.5, and mean epidermal thickness (excluding the stratum corneum) was approximately 40% greater than that of the epidermis prior to oil administration. There was a marked increase in the labelling index (LI) of the basal cell layer of the epidermis in pigs receiving So-5407. Maximum LIs were quantified at 4 weeks after the start of administration and were 18.8 +/- 1.3% and 13.1 +/- 1.7% for pigs receiving So-5407 and So-1129, respectively. After this time the LI declined progressively and had returned to values within normal limits (P > 0.1) by 8 weeks after the start of administration of both oils. A similar pattern of change in the LI was seen in the follicular epithelium, although the peak values at 4 weeks after the start of oil administration of 12.2 +/- 1.8% and 10.8 +/- 0.9 for the groups receiving So-5407 and So-1129, respectively, were lower than in the epidermis. Labelled cells were also counted in the papillary dermis and maximum values were again seen at 4 weeks after the start of oil administration. Of the two oils, So-1129 had the greatest effect, with the number of labelled cells in the papillary dermis being a factor of three to four-fold higher than in skin prior to oil administration, between 2 and 12 weeks after the start of administration.

A double-blind placebo controlled trial of Efamol Marine on skin and joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

Fish oil may be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis and in RA. We examined the potential benefit of Efamol Marine, a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil in the treatment of 38 patients with PsA. Patients with PsA were entered in a double-blind placebo controlled study and received either 12 Efamol Marine capsules or 12 placebo capsules daily for 9 months. All patients received placebo capsules for a further 3 months. At month 3 of the study patients were asked to reduce their intake of NSAIDs and maintain that decrease provided there was no worsening of their joint symptoms. Clinical assessments of skin and joint disease severity and activity were performed at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. All measures of skin disease activity including severity, percentage body affected and itch were unchanged by Efamol Marine. The NSAID requirement remained the same between both treatment groups. In addition, there was no change demonstrated in the activity of arthritis as measured by duration of morning stiffness. Ritchie articular index, number of active joints, ESR and CRP. However, a rise in serum TXB2 was observed in the active group during the placebo phase; in addition a fall in leukotriene B4 production occurred during the active phase period followed by a marked rise during the placebo phase suggesting some laboratory documented anti-inflammatory effect. In conclusion, this study suggests that Efamol Marine may alter prostaglandin metabolism in patients with PsA, although it did not produce a clinical improvement and did not allow reduction in NSAID requirement. A larger dose of essential fatty acid may be needed to produce a clinical benefit.