Oxylipin profiling analyses reveal that ω-3 PUFA is more susceptible to lipid oxidation in sheep testis under oxidative stress.

Reactive oxygen species causes oxidative stress, which oxidizes polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to form oxidative metabolites. Sertoli cell is an important cellular metabolism of PUFA in testicular cells, and it regulates the testis development and spermatogenesis. However, the oxylipins generated in testes with different developmental statuses are lacking. In this study, twelve 6-month-old Hu sheep were selected and divided into large testicular group (L) and the small testicular group (S) (n=6). UPLC-MS/MS was conducted to screen oxylipins in the testis, and the total oxylipin and ω-3 PUFA-derived oxylipin contents in the S group were higher. A total of 20 differential oxylipins between the two groups were screened. Among them, the contents of ω-3 PUFA, DHA-derived oxylipins were increased in the S group. The arachidonic acid-derived oxylipin was lower in the S group. The mRNA expression levels of genes related to oxylipin regulation (AKR1B1, PTGER2, and PTGDS) were higher in the S group (P < 0.05). In vitro, 200 µM α-linolenic acid alleviated oxidative stress damage to Sertoli cells and improved cell viability by increasing the superoxide dismutase contents and mRNA expression levels of GPX4 and Bcl2. These results indicate that ω-3 PUFA is more susceptible to lipid oxidation in the S group under oxidative stress, which might alleviate the damage of oxidative stress to testis. Moreover, ALA could stimulate the proliferation of Sertoli cells by increasing the capacity of antioxidants. This work may provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the antioxidant properties of the testis for Hu sheep.

Comparative Analysis of Grape Seed Oil, Linseed Oil, and a Blend: In Vivo Effects of Supplementation.

Grape seeds are rich in bioactive substances, including polyphenols, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) boasts a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lignans, phytoestrogens, and soluble fibers, all contributing to its therapeutic potential. In this study, we pioneered the formulation of an oil blend (GL) combining grape seed oil (G) and golden linseed oil (GL) in equal volumes (1:1 (v/v)) and we evaluated in terms of the nutritional, physical, and chemical properties and their influence in an in vivo experimental model. We analyzed the oils by performing physical-chemical analyses, examining the oxidative stability using Rancimat; conducting thermal analyses via thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), performing optical UV-vis absorption analyses; examining the fluorescence emission-excitation matrix, total carotenoids, and color, and conducting metabolic assessments in an in vivo experimental trial. The fatty acid profile presented a higher fraction of linoleic acid (C18:2) in G and GL and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) in L. The acidity and peroxide indices were within the recommended ranges. The TG/DTG, DSC, and Rancimat analyses revealed similar behaviors, and the optical analyses revealed color variations caused by carotenoid contents in L and GL. In the in vivo trial, G (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) promoted lower total consumption, and the blend (GL: 2000 mg/kg/day) group exhibited less weight gain per gram of consumed food. The group with G supplementation (G2: 2000 mg/kg/day) and GL had the highest levels of HDL-c. The group with L supplementation (L2: 2000 mg/kg/day) had the lowest total cholesterol level. The L2, G1 (1000 mg/kg/day), and G2 groups exhibited the lowest MCP-1 and TNF-α values. Additionally, the lowest adipocyte areas occurred in G and GL. Our results suggest that this combination is of high quality for consumption and can influence lipid profiles, markers of inflammation, and antioxidant status.

Harnessing Potential of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid with Nanotechnology for Enhanced Breast Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Investigation into ALA-Based Liposomal PTX Delivery.

Our hypothesis posited that incorporating alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into liposomes containing Paclitaxel (PTX) could augment cellular uptake, decrease the therapeutic dosage, and alleviate PTX-related side effects. Our investigation encompassed characterization of the liposomal formulation, encompassing aspects like particle size, surface morphology, chemical structure, drug release kinetics, and stability. Compatibility studies were performed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). By utilizing the Box-Behnken design (BBD), we developed ALA-based liposomes with satisfactory particle size and entrapment efficiency. It is noteworthy that ALA incorporation led to a slight increase in particle size but did not notably affect drug entrapment. In vitro drug release assessments unveiled a sustained release pattern, with ALA-PTX liposomes demonstrating release profiles comparable to PTX liposomes. Morphological examinations confirmed the spherical structure of the liposomes, indicating that substituting ALA with phosphatidylcholine did not alter the physicochemical properties. Cellular uptake investigations showcased enhanced uptake of ALA-based liposomes in contrast to PTX liposomes, likely attributed to the heightened fluidity conferred by ALA. Efficacy against MCF-7 cells demonstrated concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability, with ALA-PTX liposomes exhibiting the lowest IC50 value. Morphological analysis confirmed apoptotic changes in cells treated with all formulations, with ALA-PTX liposomes eliciting more pronounced changes, indicative of enhanced anticancer efficacy.

Flaxseed Oil Alleviates Trimethyltin-Induced Cell Injury and Inhibits the Pro-Inflammatory Activation of Astrocytes in the Hippocampus of Female Rats.

Exposure to the neurotoxin trimethyltin (TMT) selectively induces hippocampal neuronal injury and astrocyte activation accompanied with resultant neuroinflammation, which causes severe behavioral, cognitive, and memory impairment. A large body of evidence suggests that flaxseed oil (FSO), as one of the richest sources of essential omega-3 fatty acids, i.e., α-linolenic acids (ALA), displays neuroprotective properties. Here, we report the preventive effects of dietary FSO treatment in a rat model of TMT intoxication. The administration of FSO (1 mL/kg, orally) before and over the course of TMT intoxication (a single dose, 8 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced hippocampal cell death, prevented the activation of astrocytes, and inhibited their polarization toward a pro-inflammatory/neurotoxic phenotype. The underlying protective mechanism was delineated through the selective upregulation of BDNF and PI3K/Akt and the suppression of ERK activation in the hippocampus. Pretreatment with FSO reduced cell death and efficiently suppressed the expression of inflammatory molecules. These beneficial effects were accompanied by an increased intrahippocampal content of n-3 fatty acids. In vitro, ALA pretreatment prevented the TMT-induced polarization of cultured astrocytes towards the pro-inflammatory spectrum. Together, these findings support the beneficial neuroprotective properties of FSO/ALA against TMT-induced neurodegeneration and accompanied inflammation and hint at a promising preventive use of FSO in hippocampal degeneration and dysfunction.

An essential host dietary fatty acid promotes TcpH inhibition of TcpP proteolysis promoting virulence gene expression in Vibrio cholerae.

Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative gastrointestinal pathogen responsible for the diarrheal disease cholera. Expression of key virulence factors, cholera toxin and toxin-coregulated pilus, is regulated directly by ToxT and indirectly by two transmembrane transcription regulators (TTRs), ToxR and TcpP, that promote the expression of toxT. TcpP abundance and activity are controlled by TcpH, a single-pass transmembrane protein, which protects TcpP from a two-step proteolytic process known as regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The mechanism of TcpH-mediated protection of TcpP represents a major gap in our understanding of V. cholerae pathogenesis. The absence of tcpH leads to unimpeded degradation of TcpP in vitro and a colonization defect in a neonate mouse model of V. cholerae colonization. Here, we show that TcpH protects TcpP from RIP via direct interaction. We also demonstrate that α-linolenic acid, a dietary fatty acid, promotes TcpH-dependent inhibition of RIP via co-association of TcpP and TcpH molecules within detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) in a mechanism requiring the TcpH transmembrane domain. Taken together, our data support a model where V. cholerae cells use exogenous α-linolenic acid to remodel the phospholipid bilayer in vivo, leading to co-association of TcpP and TcpH within DRMs where RIP of TcpP is inhibited by TcpH, thereby promoting V. cholerae pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE: Vibrio cholerae continues to pose a significant global burden on health and an alternative therapeutic approach is needed, due to evolving multidrug resistance strains. Transcription of toxT, stimulated by TcpP and ToxR, is essential for V. cholerae pathogenesis. Our results show that TcpP, one of the major regulators of toxT gene expression, is protected from proteolysis by TcpH, via direct interaction. Furthermore, we identified a gut metabolite, α-linolenic acid, that stimulates the co-association of TcpP and TcpH within detergent-resistant membranes (also known as lipid-ordered membrane domains), thereby supporting TcpH-dependent antagonism of TcpP proteolysis. Data presented here extend our knowledge of RIP, virulence gene regulation in V. cholerae, and, to the best of our knowledge, provides the first evidence that lipid-ordered membranes exist within V. cholerae. The model presented here also suggests that TTRs, common among bacteria and archaea, and co-component signal transduction systems present in Enterobacteria, could also be influenced similarly.

Expression of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and FADS1/2 and ELOVL2/5 in term rabbit placentas.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are essential for both fetal and placental development. We characterized the FA composition and gene expression levels of FA-metabolizing enzymes in rabbit placentas. Total FA compositions from term rabbit placentas (n = 7), livers, and plasma (both n = 4) were examined: among LCPUFAs with more than three double bonds, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) was the most abundant (11.4 ± 0.69 %, mean ± SE), while arachidonic acid was the second-most rich component (6.90 ± 0.56 %). DGLA was barely detectable (<1 %) in livers and plasma from term rabbits, which was significantly lower than in placentas (both p < 0.0001). Compared with the liver, transcript levels of the LCPUFA-metabolizing enzymes FADS2 and ELOVL5 were 7- and 4.5-fold higher in placentas (both p < 0.05), but levels of FADS1 and ELOVL2 were significantly lower (both p < 0.01). Our results suggest a placenta-specific enzyme expression pattern and LCPUFA profile in term rabbits, which may support a healthy pregnancy.

α-Linolenic Acid Vesicles-Mediated Tau Internalization in Microglia.

In Alzheimer's disease, the synaptic loss is prominent due to the accumulation of Amyloid ßeta (Aß) protein in synapses, which affect neurotransmission, and thus ultimately causes neuronal loss. Tau, a microtubule-associated protein, is a vital protein of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in AD. Along with the accumulation of aberrant proteins, glial cells, mainly astrocytes and microglia, play a major role in impairing neuronal network. Microglia have the ability to phagocytose Tau and rerelease in exosomes, which causes further spreading of Tau. Reduction in exosome synthesis can reduce spreading of Tau. Modulating microglia to clear the extracellular Tau seeds by its imported degradation would resolve the disease condition in Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we have shown the ability of α-linolenic acid (ALA) to inhibit the Tau aggregation and modulate their internalization property in microglial cells.

Plant omega-3 fatty acids may lower the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with a low intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids derived from seafood acids may influence cardiac arrhythmogenesis, while the role of the major plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), on atrial fibrillation (AF) is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between ALA intake and the risk of incident AF overall and in subjects with a low intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids. METHODS: We followed a total of 54,260 middle-aged men and women enrolled into the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort for development of AF using nationwide registries. Intake of ALA was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and modelled as a restricted cubic spline. Statistical analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: We identified a total of 4,902 incident AF events during a median of 16.9 years of follow-up. In multivariable analyses, we observed indications of a statistically non-significant inverse association between ALA intake and the risk of AF up to an ALA intake of 2.5 g/day, whereas no appreciable association was found for higher intakes of ALA. A statistically significant dose-dependent negative association was found between ALA intake and risk of AF in individuals consuming less than 250mg of marine omega-3 fatty acids daily, while no association was found in those with a higher intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of ALA was associated with a lower risk of AF in individuals consuming a low intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids. This finding is novel and warrants further investigation.

Fatty Acids in Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): A Contribution to Their Analysis and the Characterization of a Diversity Panel.

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a crop of high nutritional interest widespread throughout the world. This research had two objectives. On the one hand, the development and validation of an analytical method to quantify fatty acids in dry beans based on the extraction and derivatization in a single step and later quantification by gas chromatography. On the other, its application to characterize the fatty acid content in a diversity panel consisting of 172 lines. The method was successfully validated in terms of accuracy, precision and robustness. Among the 14 fatty acids that constitute the fatty acid profile of dry bean, the most quantitatively important were linolenic acid, the major fatty acid in all cases, with an average value of 6.7 mg/g, followed by linoleic acid (3.9 mg/g), palmitic acid (2.9 mg/g) and oleic acid (1.5 mg/g). The concentrations of fatty acids in dry bean were influenced by the gene pool, with the Mesoamerican gene pool showing a higher content of palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids and the Andean gene pool a higher level of cis-vaccenic acid. Also, the expression of fatty acid content showed high heritability. The information generated constitutes a robust database of interest in food technology, nutrition and breeding programs.

Effect of linolenic acid on triterpenoids production by the liquid fermentation of Antrodia cinnamomea.

Liquid state fermentation is now a commonly used route to obtain triterpenoids from Antrodia cinnamomea, and linolenic acid can significantly promote triterpenoids synthesis, whereas its action mechanism has not been studied. Here, we comprehensively performed an investigation on the mechanism of linolenic acid to promote triterpenoids production in liquid-state fermentation of A. cinnamomea. Results showed that the addition of linolenic acid increased the unsaturated fatty acid index, fluidity, and permeability in the cell membrane of A. cinnamomea mycelia, favored the absorption of nutrients in the medium by the mycelium, enhanced the material exchange inside and outside, and thus promoted mycelial growth and triterpenoids synthesis. Moreover, 767 significantly differentially expressed genes were detected by adding linolenic acid, including 212 upregulated genes and 555 downregulated genes. The upregulated genes were mainly enriched in metabolism, glycolytic pathway, TCA cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. It was seen that the addition of linolenic acid improved the cell metabolic activity and promoted the synthesis of secondary metabolites, proving that the addition of linolenic acid improved the metabolic viability of cells and promoted secondary metabolite synthesis.

Dietary α-linolenic acid supplementation enhances resistance to Salmonella Typhimurium challenge in chickens by altering the intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and cecal microbes.

Salmonella is an important foodborne pathogen. Given the ban on the use of antibiotics during the egg-laying period in China, finding safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics to reduce Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infections in chickens is essential for the prevention and control of this pathogen and the protection of human health. Numerous studies have shown that unsaturated fatty acids have a positive effect on intestinal inflammation and resistance to infection by intestinal pathogens. Here we investigated the protective effect of α-linolenic acid (ALA) against S. Typhimurium infection in chickens and further explored its mechanism of action. We added different proportions of ALA to the feed and observed the effect of ALA on S. Typhimurium colonization using metagenomic sequencing technology and physiological index measurements. The role of gut flora on S. Typhimurium colonization was subsequently verified by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We found that ALA protects chickens from S. Typhimurium infection by reducing intestinal inflammation through remodeling the gut microbiota, up-regulating the expression of ileocecal barrier-related genes, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. Our data suggest that supplementation of feed with ALA may be an effective strategy to alleviate S. Typhimurium infection in chickens.

Serum measures of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synthesis underestimates whole body DHA synthesis in male and female mice.

Females have higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels than males, proposed to be a result of higher DHA synthesis rates from α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, DHA synthesis rates are reported to be low, and have not been directly compared between sexes. Here, we apply a new compound specific isotope analysis model to determine n-3 PUFA synthesis rates in male and female mice and assess its potential translation to human populations. Male and female C57BL/6N mice were allocated to one of three 12-week dietary interventions with added ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or DHA. The diets included low carbon-13 (δ13C)-n-3 PUFA for four weeks, followed by high δ13C-n-3 PUFA for eight weeks (n=4 per diet, time point, sex). Following the diet switch, blood and tissues were collected at multiple time points, and fatty acid levels and δ13C were determined and fit to one-phase exponential decay modeling. Hepatic DHA synthesis rates were not different (P>.05) between sexes. However, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3) synthesis from dietary EPA was 66% higher (P<.05) in males compared to females, suggesting higher synthesis downstream of DPAn-3 in females. Estimates of percent conversion of dietary ALA to serum DHA was 0.2%, in line with previous rodent and human estimates, but severely underestimates percent dietary ALA conversion to whole body DHA of 9.5%. Taken together, our data indicates that reports of low human DHA synthesis rates may be inaccurate, with synthesis being much higher than previously believed. Future animal studies and translation of this model to humans are needed for greater understanding of n-3 PUFA synthesis and metabolism, and whether the higher-than-expected ALA-derived DHA can offset dietary DHA recommendations set by health agencies.

Alpha-linolenic acid selectively inhibits the contraction of pig coronary arteries mediated through prostanoid TP receptors.

We examined the inhibitory effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA) on the contractions of pig coronary arteries. ALA concentration-dependently inhibited the contractions elicited by U46619 and prostaglandin F2α without affecting those elicited by 80 mM KCl, histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. ALA rightward shifted the concentration-response curve of U46619, and Schild plot analysis revealed that ALA competitively antagonized U46619. Furthermore, ALA inhibited the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration caused by TP receptor stimulation but not that caused by FP receptor stimulation. These results suggest that ALA behaves as a selective antagonist of TP receptors in coronary arteries.

Lipase-catalyzed interesterification of Sunite sheep tail fat and flaxseed oil provides a fat having a unique fatty acid content and favorable physicochemical and nutritional properties.

The aim of this study is to combine flaxseed oil (FO), rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), with Sunite sheep tail fat (STF) through a lipase-catalyzed transesterification reaction, in order to produce an edible oil with a fatty acid ratio suitable for human needs. Initially, the optimal conditions for esterification were determined using the Box-Behnken design, with the measurement criterion being the content of ALA at the sn-2 position. The results indicated that the highest content of sn-2 ALA was obtained under the conditions of using 6.8 wt% Lipozyme®RMIM as the catalyst, a reaction temperature of 57°C, a reaction time of 3.3 h, and a substrate mass ratio of 5.6:4.4 for STF and FO. This led to the rapid breaking and recombining of molecular bonds, resulting in the interesterified fat (IF) with the highest content of ALA at the sn-2 position. Comparing STF and FO, IF exhibited excellent fatty acid composition and content. Furthermore, IF had a lower melting point and crystallization temperature compared to STF, and its solid fat content decreased with increasing temperature, completely melting at temperatures above 30°C. Thus, IF is a synthesized fat with excellent properties from both animal and vegetable sources.

Daily Consumption of α-Linolenic Acid Increases Conversion Efficiency to Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Mice.

To maintain a beneficial concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the efficient conversion of its precursor, α-linolenic acid (α-LA), is important. Here, we studied the conversion of α-LA to EPA using ICR and C57BL/6 mice. A single dose of perilla oil rich-in α-LA or free α-LA had not been converted to EPA 18 h following administration. The α-LA was absorbed into the circulation, and its concentration peaked 6 h after administration, after which it rapidly decreased. In contrast, EPA administration was followed by an increase in circulating EPA concentration, but this did not decrease between 6 and 18 h, indicating that the clearance of EPA is slower than that of α-LA. After ≥1 week perilla oil intake, the circulating EPA concentration was >20 times higher than that of the control group which consumed olive oil, indicating that daily consumption, but not a single dose, of α-LA-rich oil might help preserve the physiologic EPA concentration. The consumption of high concentrations of perilla oil for 4 weeks also increased the hepatic expression of Elovl5, which is involved in fatty acid elongation; however, further studies are needed to characterize the relationship between the expression of this gene and the conversion of α-LA to EPA.

Production of Margarine Fat Containing Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols by Enzymatic Interesterification of Peony Seed Oil, Palm Stearin and Coconut Oil Blends.

This paper reports the preparation of margarine fat using Lipozyme TL IM as a catalyst and peony seed oil (PSO), palm stearin (PS) and coconut oil (CO) as raw materials. The results indicate that there were no significant changes in fatty acid composition before or after interesterification of the oil samples. However, the total amount of medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) increased from 2.92% to 11.38% in sample E1 after interesterification, mainly including LaLaO, LaMO, LaPM, LaOO, LaPO and LaPP. Moreover, the slip melting point (SMP) of sample E1 decreased from 45.9 °C (B1) to 33.5 °C. The solid fat content (SFC) of all the samples at 20 °C was greater than 10%, indicating that they could effectively prevent oil exudation. After interesterification, the samples exhibited a ß' crystal form and could be used to prepare functional margarine.

Differential Modulation by Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) of Mesenteric Fat and Macrophages and T Cells in Adipose Tissue of Obese fa/fa Zucker Rats.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can alter adipose tissue function; however, the relative effects of plant and marine n3-PUFAs are less clear. Our objective was to directly compare the n3-PUFAs, plant-based α-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil, and marine-based eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in high-purity oils versus n6-PUFA containing linoleic acid (LA) for their effects on the adipose tissue and oral glucose tolerance of obese rats. Male fa/fa Zucker rats were assigned to faALA, faEPA, faDHA, and faLA groups and compared to baseline fa/fa rats (faBASE) and lean Zucker rats (lnLA). After 8 weeks, faEPA and faDHA had 11-14% lower body weight than faLA. The oral glucose tolerance and total body fat were unchanged, but faEPA had less mesenteric fat. faEPA and faDHA had fewer large adipocytes compared to faLA and faALA. EPA reduced macrophages in the adipose tissue of fa/fa rats compared to ALA and DHA, while faLA had the greatest macrophage infiltration. DHA decreased (~10-fold) T-cell infiltration compared to faBASE and faEPA, whereas faALA and faLA had an ~40% increase. The n3-PUFA diets attenuated tumour necrosis factor-α in adipose tissue compared to faBASE, while it was increased by LA in both genotypes. In conclusion, EPA and DHA target different aspects of inflammation in adipose tissue.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveal the Dynamic Process of Bama Hemp Seed Development and the Accumulation Mechanism of α-Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid.

Bama County is a world-famous longevity county in the Guangxi Province, China. Bama hemp is a traditional seed used in hemp cultivation in the Bama County. The seeds contain abundant unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (LA) and linolenic acid in the golden ratio. These two substances have been proven to be related to human health and the prevention of various diseases. However, the seed development and seed oil accumulation mechanisms remain unclear. This study employed a combined analysis of physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic parameters to elucidate the fatty acid formation patterns in Bama hemp seeds throughout development. We found that seed oil accumulated at a late stage in embryo development, with seed oil accumulation following an "S″-shaped growth curve, and positively correlated with seed size, sugar content, protein content, and starch content. Transcriptome analysis identified genes related to the metabolism of LA, α-linolenic acid (ALA), and jasmonic acid (JA). We found that the FAD2 gene was upregulated 165.26 folds and the FAD3 gene was downregulated 6.15 folds at day 21. Metabolomic changes in LA, ALA, and JA compounds suggested a competitive relationship among these substances. Our findings indicate that the peak period of substance accumulation and nutrient accumulation in Bama hemp seeds occurs during the midstage of seed development (day 21) rather than in the late stage (day 40). The results of this research will provide a theoretical basis for local cultivation and deep processing of Bama hemp.

α-linolenic acid ameliorates pentylenetetrazol-induced neuron apoptosis and neurological impairment in mice with seizures via down-regulating JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Epilepsy ranks fourth among neurological diseases, featuring spontaneous seizures and behavioral and cognitive impairments. Although anti-epileptic drugs are currently available clinically, 30% of epilepsy patients are still ineffective in treatment, and 52% of patients experience serious adverse reactions. In this work, the neuroprotective effect of α-linolenic acid (ALA, a nutrient) in mice and its potential molecular mechanisms exposed to pentylenetetrazol was assessed. The mice were injected with pentetrazol 37 mg/kg, and ALA was intra-gastrically administered for 40 days. The treatment with ALA significantly reduced the overall frequency of epileptic seizures and improved the behavior impairment and cognitive disorder caused by pentetrazol toxicity. In addition, ALA can not only reduce the apoptosis rate of brain neurons in epileptic mice, but also significantly reduce the content of brain inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1, and TNF-α). Furthermore, we predicted that the possible targets of ALA in the treatment of epilepsy were JAK2 and STAT3 through molecular docking. Finally, through molecular docking and Western Blot studies, we revealed the potential mechanism of ALA ameliorates pentylenetetrazol-induced neuron apoptosis and neurological impairment in mice with seizures by downregulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. This study aimed to investigate the antiepileptic and neuroprotective effects of ALA, as well as explore its potential mechanisms, through the construction of a chronic ignition mouse model via intraperitoneal PTZ injection. The findings of this research provide crucial scientific support for subsequent clinical application studies in this field.

Antinociceptive effects of gamma-linolenic acid in the formalin test in the rats.

Background: Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is found in animals and plants that play a role in brain function and metabolism. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of GLA on peripheral formalin injection. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, formalin, formalin/GLA 100 mg/kg, and formalin/GLA 150 mg/kg. The Formalin test was utilized to create a pain model. A tissue sample was prepared from the spinal cords of rats to measure oxidative stress parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the authors analyzed the expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cords. Results: Our findings demonstrate that GLA has a reliable pain-relieving effect in the formalin test. GLA 100 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.05), glutathione (GSH) (P<0.001), and catalase (CAT) (P<0.05), and decreased the levels of c-Fos (P<0.001), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) (P<0.001), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (P<0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.001) in the spinal cord. Also GLA 150 increased SOD (P<0.05), GSH (P<0.001), and CAT (P<0.05) and decreased the levels of c-Fos (P<0.001), IL-1ß (P<0.001), TNF-α (P<0.001), and MDA (P<0.001) in the spinal cord. Conclusion: The findings have validated the antinociceptive impact of GLA and hinted towards its immunomodulatory influence in the formalin test.