Giant Squid (Dosidicus gigas) Meal in Chicken Diets to Enrich Meat with n-3 Fatty Acids.

The main marketed parts of squid are the mantle, the head with tentacles, and fins. However, when the whole squid does not meet quality standards for human consumption it can be used for broiler feed. The objective of the study was to include giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) meal (GSM) in broiler rations to increase the content of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in chicken meat. Two hundred Ross 380 chickens, half male, half female, and one day old, were randomly distributed in a 4x2x2 factorial arrangement. The factors were the treatment (0%, 1.67%, 3.34%, and 5.01% of GSM in the diet), sex, and content of n-3 in the legs with thighs and the breasts. Each treatment had five repetitions with 10 birds each. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the production parameters for both sexes. The contents of EPA, DPA, and DHA increased in the females and in the legs with thighs (p < 0.05) with GSM. Acceptance for the flavor and texture of meat was higher in the treatment with 1.67% GSM than in the other treatments. It is concluded that GSM is an alternative for increasing the amount of n-3 in chicken meat.

Oral administration of n-3 fatty acids positively affect the mucosal lesions after experimental ischemic enteritis in the rat.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in experimental ischemic enteritis in rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were submitted to control narrowing of the superior mesenteric artery and were divided in two groups: N3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which received a high-molecular polymer solution of artificial total enteral nutrition enriched with n-3 fatty acids and CONTROL which received a high-molecular polymer solution of artificial total enteral nutrition. RESULTS: Reduction of the animals' body weight was observed in both groups, but there was no difference between the two groups. Regarding the level of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Ischemic lesions to the small bowel mucosa were observed in both groups. A statistically significant difference in the extent of intestinal lesions was observed between the two groups with the animals that received enteral nutrition enriched with n-3 fatty acid developing fewer lesions. CONCLUSION: Enteral nutrition enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the mucosal lesions caused by mesenteric ischemia compared to standard enteral nutrition, by modifying the local, but not the systemic, immune, and inflammatory response.

OBJETIVO: El propósito del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la administración oral de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados n-3 en enteritis isquémica experimental en ratas. MÉTODOS: 40 ratas Wistar fueron sometidas a un estrechamiento controlado de la arteria mesentérica superior y se dividieron en dos grupos: N3PUFA, que recibieron una solución de polímero de alto peso molecular de nutrición enteral total artificial enriquecida con ácidos grasos n-3 y CONTROL que recibió un alto -Solución de polímero molecular de nutrición enteral total artificial. RESULTADOS: Se observó una reducción del peso corporal de los animales en ambos grupos, pero no hubo diferencias entre los dos grupos. Con respecto al nivel de citocinas IL-1b, IL-6 y TNF-a, no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los dos grupos. Se observaron lesiones isquémicas de la mucosa del intestino delgado en ambos grupos. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la extensión de las lesiones intestinales entre los dos grupos y los animales que recibieron nutrición enteral enriquecida con ácido graso n-3 desarrollaron menos lesiones. CONCLUSIÓN: La nutrición enteral enriquecida con ácidos grasos poliinsaturados n-3 reduce las lesiones mucosas causadas por isquemia mesentérica en comparación con la nutrición enteral estándar, al modificar la respuesta local, pero no sistémica, inmunitaria e inflamatoria.

Effect of flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplemented in caiman diet on meat fatty acids.

Increasing polyunsaturated or long-chain fatty acids in meat for human consumption improves both nutritional quality and consumer perception. The increase could occur through the addition of rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids (such as flaxseed or flaxseed oil) to the animal diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplement with two presentations of flax (crushed seeds or oil) on the change of FA content in two cuts of caiman meat (tail and neck). We measured fatty profile in two different caiman meat cuts (neck and tail) from 30 animals (total length 96.7 ± 4.9 cm, snout-vent length 47.8 ± 3 cm, weight 4.2 ± 0.6 kg), raised in individual enclosures, fed three a week for 50 days with crushed chicken head and a dry food formulated for these reptiles in a 70/30 ratio (C, n = 10), control diet with 10% crushed flaxseed (FS, n = 10), and control diet with 10% flaxseed oil (FO, n = 10), while the remaining days animals were fed the control diet. Meats from animals fed both enrichment diet (FS and FO) showed an increase of C18:3n-3 and ΣUFA with respect to control diet. Although both enriched diets raised the levels of C18:3n-3, the neck showed higher values than the tail. We observed that the neck is more susceptible than the tail to be improved by FO, which could suggest that it is more beneficial to consume neck meat. In order to be implemented in caiman farms, flaxseed oil is more expensive than seed, but more effective, easier to manage, and is practical for application on caiman farms.

Efecto de la suplementación con ácidos grasos n-3 sobre el perfil de lípidos séricos de ratas

RESUMEN La grasa alimentaria influye en la modulación de las funciones inmunitarias y los procesos inflamatorios; la mayor parte del impacto se atribuye a los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (AGPI). Los ácidos grasos esenciales (AGE), como el Ácido Linoleico (AL; 18:2n-6) y el Ácido α-Linolénico (AAL; 18:3n-3), que deben ser incorporados con la dieta, son precursores de otros ácidos grasos de gran importancia para el organismo. El AAL, perteneciente a la familia n-3, da origen a los ácidos Eicosapentaenoico (EPA; 20:5n-3) y Docosahexaenoico (DHA; 22:6n-3). Ellos confieren flexibilidad, fluidez y permeabilidad a las membranas, que favorece la salud cardiovascular, reduce el riesgo de deficiencias en la visión y el desarrollo neural de bebés y niños y de demencia en adultos mayores; algunos son precursores en la síntesis de prostaglandinas. También se han observado efectos en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades coronarias, hipertensión, diabetes, artritis, inflamaciones, desórdenes autoinmunes y cáncer. Estos efectos pueden explicarse a través de las acciones específicas de cada uno de ellos. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el efecto de una dieta a base de manteca, con y sin la suplementación de AGPI n-3 sobre los lípidos y perfil de AG séricos, de ratas en período de crecimiento activo. Ratas Wistar al destete, recibieron durante 10 días una dieta normocalórica a base de manteca (M). Los otros grupos recibieron la misma dieta suplementada con 24 mg/día de aceite de pescado (MP) -aportador de EPA y DHA- o aceite de chía (MCh)- que proporciona ácido α-linolénico (AAL). El control recibió dieta según AIN´93. Se determinó colesterol total y triglicéridos por métodos enzimáticos y el perfil de ácidos grasos sérico, por cromatografía gaseosa. Resultados: Los grupos M, MP y MCh mostraron niveles más bajos de linoleico y más altos de oleico serie n-9, comparados con C. Sólo M y MP presentan valores bajos de AAL. Los grupos MP y MCh presentaron altos niveles de EPA y DHA. La suplementación con aceite de chía, es más beneficiosa que con aceite de pescado, incrementando el EPA y DHA sérico junto con el AAL. Conclusión: No sólo es importante el porcentaje de lípidos dietarios que se consumen sino también el perfil de ácidos grasos que componen los alimentos.

ABSTRACT Dietary fat influences the modulation of immune functions and inflammatory processes; most of the impact is attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, such as Linoleic Acid (AL) and α-Linolenic Acid (ALA), which must be incorporated in the diet, are precursors of other fatty acids of great importance for the body. ALA, belonging to n-3 family, gives rise to Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. They confer flexibility, fluidity and selective permeability to the membranes, which favor cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of deficiencies in vision and neural development in infants and children, and dementia in older adults; some are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Effects have also been observed in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. These effects can be explained through the specific actions of each of them. The objective was to analyze the effect of a butter-based diet, with and without n-3 fatty acid supplementation, on the lipids and serum fatty acid profile of rats in a period of active growth. Wistar rats at weaning received a normo-caloric butter-based diet for 10 days (M). The other groups received the same diet supplemented with 24 mg / day of fish oil (MP) -providing EPA and DHA- or chia oil (MCh)- containing linolenic acid (ALA). The control (C) received a diet according to AIN'93. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods and the serum fatty acid profile, by gas chromatography. Results: M, MP and MCh groups showed lower levels of linoleic and higher levels of oleic-n-9, compared to C. Only M and MP have low values of ALA. The MP and MCh groups presented high levels of EPA and DHA. Chia oil supplementation is more beneficial than fish oil, increasing serum EPA and DHA along with ALA. Conclusion: Not only the dietary lipids percentage is important but also the fatty acid profile of the source too.

Efficacy of Docosahexaenoic Acid for the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory bowel disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. In this study, a randomized double-blind parallel-group (1:1) trial was carried out in two neonatal intensive care units of two tertiary hospitals. Two hundred and twenty-five preterm newborns with an expected functional gastrointestinal tract were recruited and received an enteral dose of 75 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/kg body weight or high-oleic sunflower oil daily for 14 days from the first enteral feed after birth. Confirmed NEC was evaluated with Bell's scale from stage ≥ IIa. Two hundred and fourteen randomized infants were analyzed in terms of the intent-to-treat (DHA-group: n = 105; control-group: n = 109); data for two hundred infants were analysed per protocol. Confirmed NEC was lower in infants from the DHA-group compared with the control-group (0/100 vs. 7/100; p = 0.007), with RR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.881 to 0.981), risk difference = -7%, (95% CI -12.00 to -1.99), and number needed-to-treat = 15 (95% CI 8.3 to 50). Intent-to-treat analysis showed a lower level of treatment failure in the DHA-group compared with the control-group (6/105 (6%) vs. 16/109 (15%); p = 0.03, RR = 0.905, (95% CI 0.826 to 0.991)). The results after multivariate-regression analysis remained significant. Adverse events (apart from the incidence of NEC) were not different between groups. A daily dose of DHA for 14 days starting with the first enteral feed may prevent NEC in preterm infants.

DHA from microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) modifies the inflammatory response and gonadal lipid profile in domestic cats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response, oxidative status and fatty acid deposition in reproductive tissues of cats supplemented with the dried microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) as a DHA source. Thirty-seven cats (males, n 21; females, n 16; 11·5 (sd 0·5) months of age) were divided by sex into five groups. Treatment diets contained algae biomass at 4·0, 8·0, 12·0 or 16·0 g/kg replacing poultry fat (n-6 source). Cats were fed the respective diet for 62 d and neutered on day 58. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (day 1), before neutering (day 58) and 4 d after surgery (day 62) for analysis of inflammation and oxidative markers. Acute-phase protein levels were altered (P < 0·01) in the postoperative period, without any treatment effect (P > 0·05). PGE2 concentrations after surgery were reduced linearly (R2 0·8706; P = 0·002) with microalgal inclusion. Blood platelet count was reduced (P = 0·001) after the surgery regardless treatment, but it was higher in the DHA group compared with control (P < 0·001). The DHA deposition (testicles, R2 0·846; ovaries, R2 0·869) and the n-6:n-3 ratio (testicles, R2 0·859; ovaries, R2 0·955) in gonads had a pattern which fitted a quadratic model. DHA from Schizochytrium spp. modifies PGE2 response after the surgery in cats. The physiological roles of the DHA in the reproduction of cats were not investigated, but its gonadal deposition after supplementation was observed.

Evaluación oxidativa, microbiológica, sensorial y perfil de ácidos grasos de un yogur con ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA) extraído de aceite de microalgas / Oxidative, sensory and fatty acid profile evaluation of a yogurt with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) extracted from microalgae oil

RESUMEN Las necesidades de ácido docosahexaenoico (DHA), se incrementan en la mujer gestante para el desarrollo visual y neurológico del feto y el lactante. En este trabajo, se desarrolló y se evaluó un yogur adicionado con aceite de microalgas, que contribuyera a la recomendación dietaria de DHA en mujeres gestantes y lactantes. Se diseñaron tres formulaciones de yogur con 0,075; 0,125 y 0,175% de aceite de microalga y se compararon con una muestra control. Se evaluaron propiedades fisicoquímicas, sensoriales, microbiológicas, perfil de ácidos grasos, potencial antioxidante (ABTS, fenoles totales) y peroxidación lipídica (sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico [TBARS]). Los yogures adicionados con el aceite de microalga cubrieron en 30, 45 y 63% las recomendaciones de DHA para mujeres gestantes y lactantes por porción (200 mL). Se observó estabilidad del ácido graso, excepto en la muestra de mayor adición del aceite. La muestra con adición de 0,125% de aceite de microalga fue la de mejor calificación por el panel sensorial. Todas las muestras cumplieron con el estándar microbiológico y fisicoquímico para un yogur entero adicionado con dulce. Se observó potencial antioxidante promisorio en el yogur, capaz de proteger el DHA. Se concluye que las bebidas lácteas como el yogur son matrices adecuadas para la adición de aceite de microalga con la finalidad de aumentar el DHA en la dieta, especialmente en etapas en que las necesidades de este componente son más altas, como en periodo de gestación y lactancia.

ABSTRACT The needs for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are increased during pregnancy for the visual and neurological development of the fetus and the breastfed infant. In this study, a yogurt with microalgae oil added to contribute to the dietary recommendation of DHA in pregnant and breastfeeding women was developed and evaluated. Three yogurt formulations were designed with 0.075; 0.125 and 0.175 microalgae oil percentage and compared with a control sample. Fatty acid profile, antioxidant potential (ABTS, total phenols), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbitrical acid reactive substances [TBARS]), physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological properties were evaluated. Yogurts with microalgae oil added covered 30, 45 and 63% of DHA recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women per portion (200 mL). Fat acid stability was observed, except in the one with the greatest oil addition. The sample with 0.125% of microalgae oil added was rated the highest by the sensory panel. All samples met the microbiological and physicochemical standard for a whole yogurt added with sugar. Promising antioxidant potential capable of protecting DHA was observed in the yogurt. We conclude that dairy drinks such as yogurt are suitable matrices for adding microalgae oil in order to increase DHA in the diet, especially in stages where the needs of this component are higher as is the case during pregnancy and lactation periods.

Effect on Adipose Tissue of Diabetic Mice Supplemented with n-3 Fatty Acids Extracted from Microalgae.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is considered a chronic noncommunicable disease in which oxidative stress is expected as a result of hyperglycaemia. One of the most recent approaches is the study of microalgae fatty acids and their possible antioxidant effect. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse the effect of supplementation with n-3 fatty acids extracted from microalgae on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation of adipose tissue and plasma from diabetic (db/db) and healthy (CD1) mice. METHODS: Mice were supplemented with lyophilized n-3 fatty acids extracted from microalgae or added to the diet, from week 8 to 16. TAC assay and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances assay (TBARS) were performed on adipose tissue and plasma samples. RESULTS: The supplementation of lyophilized n-3 fatty acids from microalgae increased the total antioxidant capacity in adipose tissue of diabetic mice (615.67µM Trolox equivalents vs 405.02µM Trolox equivalents from control mice, p<0.01) and in the plasma of healthy mice (1132.97±85.75µM Trolox equivalents vs 930.64±32µM Trolox equivalents from modified diet mice, p<0.01). There was no significant effect on lipid peroxidation on both strains. CONCLUSION: The use of n-3 fatty acids extracted from microalgae could be a useful strategy to improve total antioxidant capacity in T2DM.

Fatty acids, epigenetic mechanisms and chronic diseases: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic illnesses like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases, are worldwide major causes of morbidity and mortality. These pathological conditions involve interactions between environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Recent advances in nutriepigenomics are contributing to clarify the role of some nutritional factors, including dietary fatty acids in gene expression regulation. This systematic review assesses currently available information concerning the role of the different fatty acids on epigenetic mechanisms that affect the development of chronic diseases or induce protective effects on metabolic alterations. METHODS: A targeted search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline databases using the keywords "fatty acids and epigenetic". The data were analyzed according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. RESULTS: Consumption fatty acids like n-3 PUFA: EPA and DHA, and MUFA: oleic and palmitoleic acid was associated with an improvement of metabolic alterations. On the other hand, fatty acids that have been associated with the presence or development of obesity, T2D, pro-inflammatory profile, atherosclerosis and IR were n-6 PUFA, saturated fatty acids (stearic and palmitic), and trans fatty acids (elaidic), have been also linked with epigenetic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Fatty acids can regulate gene expression by modifying epigenetic mechanisms and consequently result in positive or negative impacts on metabolic outcomes.

Fish oil decreases the severity of treatment-related adverse events in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Due to its high peroxidizable characteristics, n-3 fatty acids, present in fish oil, could increase tumor cells sensitivity to conventional cancer treatment while non-neoplastic cells remain unaffected, this may lead to an increase in cancer treatment response with no increase on adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-cancer treatment response, performance status and adverse events in gastrointestinal cancer patients supplemented with fish oil. Oxidative stress parameters were investigated in blood non-neoplastic cells as an indicator of cytotoxicity. METHODS: This is a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fish oil group (FOG) received two capsules of fish oil containing 1.55 g of EPA + DHA a day for nine weeks, placebo group (PG) received two capsules containing olive oil. Baseline was set right before the administration of the first chemotherapy, oxidative stress parameters, adverse events presence and grading and performance status were assessed at baseline and after nine weeks of supplementation. Tumor markers, response to treatment and survival were evaluated at baseline and after one year of study inclusion. RESULTS: 76 patients were considered eligible, 56 were randomized, and 51 remained for analysis. After nine weeks, although there were no differences between groups for treatment response and presence of adverse events, PG patients were graded with more severe diarrhea than FOG patients (p = 0.03) and with higher (worse) performance status score (p = 0.02). No differences in lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil may lead to a better performance status for gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy while does not seem to increase treatment-related toxicity. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT02699047, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

EFECTOS DE DIFERENTES FUENTES DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS N-3 (CHÍA, VEGETAL Y MARINA, ANIMAL) SOBRE COMPONENTES DEL SÍNDROME METABÓLICO EN MODELOS EXPERIMENTALES (RATAS/RATONES) / EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF N-3 FATTY ACIDS (CHIA, VEGETAL AND MARINE, ANIMAL) ON METABOLIC SYNDROME COMPONENTS IN EXPERIMENTAL MODELS (RATS/MOUSES)

El síndrome metabólico (SM) constituye una constelación de factores interrelacionados que elevan el riesgo de padecer enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes mellitus tipo 2. La composición de la dieta es crucial en la modificación de estos factores. Numerosos trabajos focalizaron su atención en fuentes de ácidos grasos n-3 de origen marino (animal) en el manejo de estos trastornos, pero más escasos y contemporáneos son aquellos de fuentes n-3 de origen vegetal.

Performance Parameters, Plasma Lipid Status, and Lymphoid Tissue Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Chicks Fed Camelina Cake

The effects of dietary camelina cake (CAMC) on broiler chicksgrowth performance, plasma lipid status and fatty acid profile (FA) of lymphoid organs were evaluated. Six hundred broilers (3-week-old, Cobb 500) were randomly allotted for 20 days in a feeding trials into 2 groups: control (C; corn-soybean meal-canola meal basal diet) and experimental (CAMC; 80 g CAMC/kg diet replaces canola meal from C diet). Blood samples (n=12/group) were collected on day 42 for plasma profile analysis (glucose, Glu; total cholesterol, TC; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C; triglycerides) and immune organs (spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius) for FA analysis. The FA profile of lymphoid tissue was determined by gas chromatography. Feeding the CAMC diet did not influence broilers performance parameters or relative weights of lymphoid tissue, except the weight of bursa that decreased (p 0.05). Plasma lipids profile was affected by decreasing (p 0.05) the concentrations of Glu, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C in broilers fed the CAMC diet. In all lymphoid tissue, the total content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p 0.001) and the total level of n-6 PUFA decreased (p 0.001) as the effect of the CAMC diet. The n-6:n-3 ratio decreased (p 0.001) up to 5:1 in all lymphoid tissue. The higher (p 0.05) concentration of arachidonic acid was found in the spleen, followed by the thymus and the bursa of the chicks fed the CAMC diet. Our results indicate that feeding 80 g/kg camelina cakes in broiler chicks finisher diet had no negative impact on productivity, beneficially alter the plasma lipid status and fatty acids profile of lymphoid tissue.

Performance Parameters, Plasma Lipid Status, and Lymphoid Tissue Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Chicks Fed Camelina Cake

The effects of dietary camelina cake (CAMC) on broiler chicksgrowth performance, plasma lipid status and fatty acid profile (FA) of lymphoid organs were evaluated. Six hundred broilers (3-week-old, Cobb 500) were randomly allotted for 20 days in a feeding trials into 2 groups: control (C; corn-soybean meal-canola meal basal diet) and experimental (CAMC; 80 g CAMC/kg diet replaces canola meal from C diet). Blood samples (n=12/group) were collected on day 42 for plasma profile analysis (glucose, Glu; total cholesterol, TC; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C; triglycerides) and immune organs (spleen, thymus, bursa of Fabricius) for FA analysis. The FA profile of lymphoid tissue was determined by gas chromatography. Feeding the CAMC diet did not influence broilers performance parameters or relative weights of lymphoid tissue, except the weight of bursa that decreased (p 0.05). Plasma lipids profile was affected by decreasing (p 0.05) the concentrations of Glu, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C in broilers fed the CAMC diet. In all lymphoid tissue, the total content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p 0.001) and the total level of n-6 PUFA decreased (p 0.001) as the effect of the CAMC diet. The n-6:n-3 ratio decreased (p 0.001) up to 5:1 in all lymphoid tissue. The higher (p 0.05) concentration of arachidonic acid was found in the spleen, followed by the thymus and the bursa of the chicks fed the CAMC diet. Our results indicate that feeding 80 g/kg camelina cakes in broiler chicks finisher diet had no negative impact on productivity, beneficially alter the plasma lipid status and fatty acids profile of lymphoid tissue.(AU)

Benefits of Fish Oil Consumption over Other Sources of Lipids on Metabolic Parameters in Obese Rats.

This study evaluated the effect of the consumption of different levels and sources of lipids on metabolic parameters of Wistar rats. Animals were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) containing 20% of lard for 12 weeks to cause metabolic obesity. Subsequently, the animals were divided into six groups and were fed diets with lipid concentrations of 5% or 20% of lard (LD), soybean oil (SO) or fish oil (FO), for 4 weeks. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (two-way) followed by Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). The groups that consumed FO showed less weight gain and lower serum levels of triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol and fractions, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, atherogenic index, less amount of fat in the carcass, decreased Lee index and lower total leukocyte counting (p < 0.05). These same parameters were higher in LD treatment (p < 0.05). In the concentration of 20%, carcass fat content, blood glucose levels, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) decreased in FO groups (p < 0.05). The SO group had intermediate results regarding the other two treatments (FO and LD). We concluded that fish oil intake was able to modulate positively the metabolic changes resulting from HFD.

Flaxseed oil rich in omega-3 protects aorta against inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress partially mediated by GPR120 receptor in obese, diabetic and dyslipidemic mice models.

The "first hit" to atherogenesis is driven by toll-like receptor 4, endoplasmic reticulum stress and ultimately metabolic dysfunction. In this study, we hypothesized that a flaxseed oil-enriched diet (FS) abolishes these inflammatory signaling pathway and restore metabolic homeostasis by activating the fatty acid receptor GPR120 in aorta of obese mice. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by GTT and ITT; lipidomics was performed using a Hybrid Ion Trap-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer; serum lipids were measured using colorimetric assays; GPR120 and infiltrating macrophages were analyzed by immunofluorescence; protein immunoprecipitation and gene expression were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. There were no differences in body weight and food intake between the groups from both strains (Swiss and LDLr-KO mice). GTT and cholesterol levels were improved by FS in both mice models. Lipidomics showed an increase in ω3 (C18:3) content, meanwhile stearic acid (C18:0) was not detected in endothelial tissue in response to FS. Moreover, FS markedly decreased pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF-α, pIκBα, pIKKß) and unfolded protein response markers (ATF6 and GRP78) in aorta. In Swiss mice, GPR120 was partially involved in the ω3-mediated anti-inflammatory actions, disrupting TLR4 pathway, but not in LDLr-KO mice. Partial replacement of dietary saturated by unsaturated ω3 fatty acids contributes to inhibition of cardiovascular risk markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines and ER stress sensors and effectors in the aorta. However, downregulation of inflammation is not mediated by arterial GPR120 activation.

Anxiolytic- and Antidepressant-Like Effects of Fish Oil-Enriched Diet in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deficient Mice.

Despite significant advances in the understanding of the therapeutic activity of antidepressant drugs, treatment-resistant depression is a public health issue prompting research to identify new therapeutic strategies. Evidence strongly suggests that nutrition might exert a significant impact on the onset, the duration and the severity of major depression. Accordingly, preclinical and clinical investigations demonstrated the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in anxiety and mood disorders. Although the neurobiological substrates of its action remain poorly documented, basic research has shown that omega-3 increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in brain regions associated with depression, as antidepressant drugs do. In contrast, low BDNF levels and hippocampal atrophy were observed in animal models of depression. In this context, the present study compared the effects of long-lasting fish oil-enriched diet, an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, between heterozygous BDNF+/- mice and their wild-type littermates. Our results demonstrated lower activation of Erk in BDNF+/- mice whereas this deficit was rescued by fish oil-enriched diet. In parallel, BDNF+/- mice displayed elevated hippocampal extracellular 5-HT levels in relation with a local decreased serotonin transporter protein level. Fish oil-enriched diet restored normal serotonergic tone by increasing the protein levels of serotonin transporter. At the cellular level, fish oil-enriched diet increased the pool of immature neurons in the dentate gyrus of BDNF+/- mice and the latter observations coincide with its ability to promote anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like response in these mutants. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of long-term exposure to fish oil-enriched diet in behavioral paradigms known to recapitulate diverse abnormalities related to the depressive state specifically in mice with a partial loss of BDNF. These findings contrast with the mechanism of action of currently available antidepressant drugs for which the full manifestation of their therapeutic activity depends on the enhancement of serotoninergic and BDNF signaling. Further studies are warranted to determine whether fish oil supplementation could be used as an add-on strategy to conventional pharmacological interventions in treatment-resistant patients and relevant animal models.

The effects of EPA and DHA enriched fish oil on nutritional and immunological markers of treatment naïve breast cancer patients: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effects of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids enriched fish oil (FO) on nutritional and immunological parameters of treatment naïve breast cancer patients. METHODS: In a randomized double blind controlled trial, the FO group (FG) patients were supplemented with 2 g/ day of FO concentrate containing 1.8 g of n-3 fatty acids during 30 days. The placebo group (PG) received 2 g/ day of mineral oil. At baseline and after the intervention, plasma levels of n-3 fatty acids, dietary intake, weight, body composition, biochemical and immunological markers were assessed. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention period, no between group differences were observed regarding anthropometric parameters. There was a significant increase in the plasma phospholipid EPA (p = 0.004), DHA (p = 0.007) of the FG patients. In FG patients the percentages of peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were maintained while in PG patients there was a significant increase in hsCRP (p = 0.024). We also observed a significant reduction in the percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood (p = 0.042) of PG patients. No changes in serum proinflammatory cytokine and prostaglandin E2 levels were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with EPA and DHA led to a significant change in the composition of plasma fatty acids, maintained the level of CD4+ T cells and serum levels of hsCRP, suggestive of a beneficial effect on the immune system and less active inflammatory response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC): RBR-2b2hqh. Registered 29 April 2013, retrospectively registered.

Protective effect of soybean oil- or fish oil-rich diets on allergic airway inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The increased prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases in westernized societies has been associated with increased intake of diets rich in n-6 fatty acids (FAs) and poor in n-3 FAs. This study aimed to analyze the prophylactic effects of treatment with a soybean oil-rich diet (rich in n-6) or fish oil (rich in n-3) in an allergic airway inflammation model on lung inflammation score, leukocyte migration, T-helper cell (Th)-2 (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5) and Th1 (interferon [IFN]-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α) cytokines, lipoxin A4, nitric oxide, bradykinin, and corticosterone levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or lungs. METHODS: Male Wistar rats fed with soybean oil- or fish oil-rich diet or standard rat chow were sensitized twice with ovalbumin-alumen and challenged twice with ovalbumin aerosol. The BAL and lungs were examined 24 hours later. RESULTS: Both diets, rich in n-6 or n-3 FAs, impaired the allergic lung inflammation and reduced leukocyte migration, eosinophil and neutrophil percentages, and IL-4/IL-5/bradykinin levels in BAL and/or lungs, as well as increased the nitric oxide levels in BAL. The soybean oil-rich diet additionally increased the levels of lipoxin A4 and corticosterone in the lungs. CONCLUSION: Data presented demonstrated that the n-6 FA-rich diet had protective effect upon allergic airway inflammation and was as anti-inflammatory as the n-3 FA-rich diet, although through different mechanisms, suggesting that both diets could be considered as complementary therapy or a prophylactic alternative for allergic airway inflammation.

Toxicological aspects of trans fat consumption over two sequential generations of rats: Oxidative damage and preference for amphetamine.

Chronic consumption of processed food causes structural changes in membrane phospholipids, affecting brain neurotransmission. Here we evaluated noxious influences of dietary fats over two generations of rats on amphetamine (AMPH)-conditioned place preference (CPP). Female rats received soybean oil (SO, rich in n-6 fatty acids (FA)), fish oil (FO, rich in n-3 FA) and hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF, rich in trans fatty acids (TFA)) for two successive generations. Male pups from the 2nd generation were maintained on the same supplementation until 41 days of age, when they were conditioned with AMPH in CPP. While the FO group showed higher incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated-FA (PUFA) in cortex/hippocampus, the HVF group showed TFA incorporation in these same brain areas. The SO and HVF groups showed AMPH-preference and anxiety-like symptoms during abstinence. Higher levels of protein carbonyl (PC) and lower levels of non-protein thiols (NPSH) were observed in cortex/hippocampus of the HVF group, indicating antioxidant defense system impairment. In contrast, the FO group showed no drug-preference and lower PC levels in cortex. Cortical PC was positively correlated with n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, locomotion and anxiety-like behavior, and hippocampal PC was positively correlated with AMPH-preference, reinforcing connections between oxidative damage and AMPH-induced preference/abstinence behaviors. As brain incorporation of trans and n-6 PUFA modifies its physiological functions, it may facilitate drug addiction.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake during late pregnancy affects fatty acid composition of mature breast milk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate how maternal polyunsaturated fatty acid intake at different periods during pregnancy affects the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mature human milk. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted involving 45 pregnant women, aged between 18 and 35 y, who had full-term pregnancies and practiced exclusive or predominant breast-feeding. Mature breast milk samples were collected after the 5th postpartum week by manual expression; fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Fatty acid intake during pregnancy and puerperium was estimated through multiple 24-h dietary recalls. Linear regression models, adjusted by postpartum body mass index and deattenuated, were used to determine associations between estimated fatty acids in maternal diet during each trimester of pregnancy and fatty acid content in mature human milk. RESULTS: A positive association was identified between maternal intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (ß, 1.873; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.545, 3.203) and docosahexaenoic acid (ß, 0.464; 95% CI, 0.212-0.714) during the third trimester of pregnancy, as well as the maternal dietary ω-3 to ω-6 ratio (ß, 0.093; 95% CI, 0.016-0.170) during the second and third trimesters and postpartum period, with these fatty acids content in mature breast milk. CONCLUSIONS: The maternal dietary docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid content during late pregnancy may affect the fatty acid composition of mature breast milk. Additionally, the maternal dietary intake of ω-3 to ω-6 fatty acid ratio, during late pregnancy and the postpartum period, can affect the polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of breast milk.