Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and eicosanoids in human health and pathologies

Alterations of serum metabolic profile in major depressive disorder: A case-control study in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent depressed mood and cognitive symptoms. This study aimed to discover biomarkers for MDD, explore its pathological mechanisms, and examine the associations of the identified biomarkers with clinical and psychological variables.

AIM

To discover candidate biomarkers for MDD identification and provide insight into the pathological mechanism of MDD.

METHODS

The current study adopted a single-center cross-sectional case-control design. Serum samples were obtained from 100 individuals diagnosed with MDD and 97 healthy controls (HCs) aged between 18 to 60 years. Metabolomics was performed on an Ultimate 3000 UHPLC system coupled with Q-Exactive MS (Thermo Scientific). The online software Metaboanalyst 6.0 was used to process and analyze the acquired raw data of peak intensities from the instrument.

RESULTS

The study included 100 MDD patients and 97 HCs. Metabolomic profiling identified 35 significantly different metabolites (e.g., cortisol, sebacic acid, and L-glutamic acid). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis highlighted 8-HETE, 10-HDoHE, cortisol, 12-HHTrE, and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid as top diagnostic biomarkers for MDD. Significant correlations were found between metabolites (e.g., some lipids, steroids, and amino acids) and clinical and psychological variables.

CONCLUSION

Our study reported metabolites (some lipids, steroids, amino acids, carnitines, and alkaloids) responsible for discriminating MDD patients and HCs. This metabolite profile may enable the development of a laboratory-based diagnostic test for MDD. The mechanisms underlying the association between psychological or clinical variables and differential metabolites deserve further exploration.

Intakes of saturated and unsaturated fat and circulating levels of inflammatory markers among breast cancer survivors

We investigated whether dietary intakes of saturated fat (SFA), monounsaturated fat (MUFA), or polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) were associated with plasma inflammatory markers among breast cancer survivors in Korea. This cross-sectional study included 419 female breast cancer survivors aged 30 to 78 years. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day dietary records (DRs) or food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Plasma levels of adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured. We calculated an inflammatory composite score by summing the z-scores of each inflammatory marker, with adiponectin assigned a negative sign. Least-squares means (LS-means) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of inflammatory markers were estimated according to SFA, MUFA, and PUFA intakes using the generalized linear models. We found that increasing dietary MUFA intake was associated with increasing levels of adiponectin, but decreasing levels of hs-CRP (p for trend = 0.042 and 0.032, respectively). Similarly, higher dietary PUFA intake was associated with higher levels of adiponectin (p for trend = 0.023), but lower levels of hs-CRP and inflammatory composite score (p for trend < 0.001 and 0.036, respectively). However, no significant associations were found between SFA intake and plasma inflammatory markers. In conclusion, our results suggest that a higher intake of MUFA or PUFA is associated with a more favorable inflammatory profile among Korean female breast cancer survivors, which may potentially help in managing chronic inflammation.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection unevenly impacts metabolism in the coronal periphery of the lungs

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a highly contagious virus that can lead to hospitalization and death. COVID-19 is characterized by its involvement in the lungs, particularly the lower lobes. To improve patient outcomes and treatment options, a better understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 impacts the body, particularly the lower respiratory system, is required. In this study, we sought to understand the spatial impact of COVID-19 on the lungs of mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS2-N501YMA30. Overall, infection caused a decrease in fatty acids, amino acids, and most eicosanoids. When analyzed by segment, viral loads were highest in central lung tissue, while metabolic disturbance was highest in peripheral tissue. Infected peripheral lung tissue was characterized by lower levels of fatty acids and amino acids when compared to central lung tissue. This study highlights the spatial impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and helps explain why peripheral lung tissue is most damaged by COVID-19.

Nutrients, Phytochemicals, and In Vitro Biological Activities of Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Fruit and Calyx

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of Physalis peruviana L., covering the nutritional composition of the fruit and the phytochemical profiles and in vitro bioactive properties of berry and calyx extracts. The fresh fruit stood out as a source of dietary fiber (5.16 g/100 g) and is low in fat (0.49 g/100 g). A 100-g serving also contained notable amounts of ascorbic acid (32.0 mg), tocopherols (2.34 mg), potassium (253 mg), phosphorus (45 mg), and magnesium (20 mg). HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis tentatively identified five physalin derivatives and one withanolide in the fruit extract, which showed significant antiproliferative activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H460) cells. The calyx extracts contained three phenolic acids and four flavonoids, demonstrating high antioxidant activity through physiologically relevant cell-based assays, the ability to inhibit advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation and nitric oxide production, and also antiproliferative properties. These findings highlight goldenberry as a nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamins and functional compounds with potential health benefits, supporting its recognition as a "superfruit". Furthermore, the fruit calyx emerged as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries and related sectors.

Genetically Predicted Gene Expression Effects on Changes in Red Blood Cell and Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including omega-3 and omega-6 are obtained from diet and can be measured objectively in plasma or red blood cells (RBCs) membrane biomarkers, representing different dietary exposure windows. In vivo conversion of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs from short- to long-chain counterparts occurs via a shared metabolic pathway involving fatty acid desaturases and elongase. This analysis leveraged genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for RBC and plasma PUFAs, along with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to estimate tissue-specific genetically predicted gene expression effects for delta-5 desaturase (FADS1), delta-6 desaturase (FADS2), and elongase (ELOVL2) on changes in RBC and plasma biomarkers. Using colocalization, we identified shared variants associated with both increased gene expression and changes in RBC PUFA levels in relevant PUFA metabolism tissues (i.e., adipose, liver, muscle, and whole blood). We observed differences in RBC versus plasma PUFA levels for genetically predicted increase in FADS1 and FADS2 gene expression, primarily for omega-6 PUFAs linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). The colocalization analysis identified rs102275 to be significantly associated with a 0.69% increase in total RBC membrane-bound LA levels (p = 5.4 × 10-12). Future PUFA genetic studies examining long-term PUFA biomarkers are needed to confirm our results.

Genetically predicted gene expression effects on changes in red blood cell and plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including omega-3 and omega-6 are obtained from diet and can be measured objectively in plasma or red blood cells (RBCs) membrane biomarkers, representing different dietary exposure windows. In vivo conversion of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs from short-to long-chain counterparts occurs via a shared metabolic pathway involving fatty acid desaturases and elongase. This analysis leveraged genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for RBC and plasma PUFAs, along with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to estimate tissue-specific genetically predicted gene expression effects for delta-5 desaturase ( FADS1 ), delta-6 desaturase ( FADS2 ), and elongase ( ELOVL2 ) on changes in RBC and plasma biomarkers. Using colocalization, we identified shared variants associated with both increased gene expression and changes in RBC PUFA levels in relevant PUFA metabolism tissues (i.e., adipose, liver, muscle, and whole blood). We observed differences in RBC versus plasma PUFA levels for genetically predicted increase in FADS1 and FADS2 gene expression, primarily for omega-6 PUFAs linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA). The colocalization analysis identified rs102275 to be significantly associated with a 0.69% increase in total RBC membrane-bound LA levels ( P =5.4×10 -12 ). Future PUFA genetic studies examining long-term PUFA biomarkers are needed to confirm our results.

COX-2 in lung cancer: Mechanisms, development, and targeted therapies

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprising 85% of all cases. COX-2, an enzyme induced significantly under stress conditions, catalyzes the conversion of free arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. It exhibits high expression in various tumors and is closely linked to LC progression. COX-2 functions as a pivotal driver in cancer pathogenesis by promoting prostaglandin E2 synthesis and facilitating tumor cell occurrence and development. Furthermore, COX-2 holds potential as a predictive marker for early-stage NSCLC, guiding targeted therapy in patients with early COX-2 overexpression. Additionally, combining COX-2 inhibitors with diverse treatment modalities enhances tumor therapeutic efficacy, minimizes adverse effects on healthy tissues, and improves overall patient survival rates posttreatment. In conclusion, combined therapy targeting COX-2 presents a promising novel strategy for NSCLC treatment, offering avenues for improving prognosis and effective tumor treatment. This review provides novel insights and ideas for developing new treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of NSCLC.

Biovalorization of whey waste as economic nutriment for mycogenic production of single cell oils with promising antibiofilm and anticancer potentiality

The production of value-added bio-compounds from rejuvenated sources and their recruitment for healthcare services are paramount objectives in the agenda of white biotechnology. Hereupon, the current study focused on economic production of single cell oils (SCOs) from oleaginous fungi Alternaria sp. (A-OS) and Drechslera sp. (D-OS) using cheese whey waste stream, followed by their evaluation as antibiofilm and anticancer agents, for the first time. As a sole substrate for growth, the whey aided in lipid accumulation by 3.22 and 4.33 g/L, which representing 45.3 and 48.2% lipid content in Drechslera sp. (D-OS) and Alternaria sp. (A-OS), respectively. Meanwhile, a higher unsaturation degree was detected in A-OS by 62.18% comparing to 53.15% of D-OS, with advantageous presence of omega-6 poly unsaturated fatty acid by 22.67% and 15.04% for A-OS and D-OD, respectively, as revealed by GC-MS and FTIR characterization analysis. Interestingly, an eminent and significant (P ≤ 0.05) antibiofilm potency was observed in a dose-dependent modality upon employing both SCOs as antibiofilm agents. Whereas, 100 µg/mL of A-OS recorded superior inhibition of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans biofilms development by 84.10 ± 0.445, 90.37 ± 0.065 and 94.96 ± 0.21%, respectively. Whereas, D-OS (100 µg/mL) thwarted the biofilms of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans by 47.41 ± 2.83, 62.63 ± 5.82 and 78.67 ± 0.23%, correspondingly. Besides, the metabolic performance of cells within biofilm matrix, protein, carbohydrate contents and hydrophobicity of examined biofilms were also curtailed in a significant correlation with biofilm biomass (r ≥ 0.9). Further, as anticancer agents, D-OS recorded higher potency against A549 and CaCo-2 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.55 and 3.425% and SI values of 10.1 and 7.5, respectively. However, A-OS recorded 8.275% and 2.88 for IC50 and SI of Caco-2 cells, respectively. Additionally, A-OS activated caspase 3 by 64.23 ± 1.18% and 53.77 ± 0.995% more than D-OS (52.09 ± 0.222% and 49.72 ± 0.952%) in A549 and Caco-2 cells, respectively. Furthermore, the enzymes, which associated with cancer invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis (i.e., MMP2 and MMP9) were strongly inhibited by A-OS with 18.58% and 8.295%, respectively as IC50 values; while D-OS results recorded 23.61% and 13.16%, respectively, which could be ascribed to the higher ω-6/ω-3 contents of A-OS. The promising results of the current study opens up the vision to employ SCOs as anti-infective nutraceuticals and in complementary/alternative therapy and prophylactic programs as well.

Effects of Acorns on Meat Quality and Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Muscle Tissues of Yuxi Black Pigs

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acorn diets on the composition of fatty acid (FA) and the intramuscular fat (IMF) content in Yuxi black pigs.

METHODS

Ninety Yuxi black pigs with similar body weight (99.60 ± 2.32 kg) were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the AD20, AD30, AD40, and AD50 groups were fed experimental diets which contained 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% acorns, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 120 days.

RESULTS

The results showed that compared with the control group, the content of SFA in longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris tissues in the AD30 group decreased by 8.57% and 20.10%, and the content of MUFA increased by 5.40% and 15.83%, respectively, while the PUFA content of biceps femoris increased by 5.40% (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the IMF content of the AD30 group was significantly higher than that of the control group in the longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of the ATGL, PPARγ, and FABP4 genes in longissimus dorsi (p < 0.05) were up-regulated, and HSL were down-regulated (p < 0.05) in the AD30 group. In the biceps femoris of the AD30 group, it was observed that the expression levels of the ACC and FAS genes were up-regulated (p < 0.05), while HSL and ATGL genes were down-regulated (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that the addition of appropriate amounts of acorn to the diet (a 30% acorn diet) could improve the nutritional value of pork.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as Potential Treatments for COVID-19-Induced Anosmia

Some individuals with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) experience anosmia, or loss of smell. Although the prevalence of anosmia has decreased with the emergence of the Omicron variant, it remains a significant concern. This review examines the potential role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 PUFAs, in treating COVID-19-induced anosmia by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of the condition. Omega-3 PUFAs are known for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmission-enhancing properties, which could potentially aid in olfactory recovery. However, study findings are inconsistent. For instance, a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial found no significant effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on olfactory recovery in patients with COVID-19-induced anosmia. These mixed results highlight the limitations of existing research, including small sample sizes, lack of placebo controls, short follow-up periods, and combined treatments. Therefore, more rigorous, large-scale studies are urgently needed to definitively assess the therapeutic potential of omega-3 PUFAs for olfactory dysfunction. Further research is also crucial to explore the broader role of PUFAs in managing viral infections and promoting sensory recovery.

An Inflammatory Question? Prenatal Air Pollution, Childhood Allergic Rhinitis, and Healthy Fats

A study of more than 650 toddlers found that two polyunsaturated fatty acids were associated with fewer cases of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in children who had been exposed prenatally to higher levels of PM2.5.

Interaction between α-Synuclein and Bioactive Lipids: Neurodegeneration, Disease Biomarkers and Emerging Therapies

The present review provides a comprehensive examination of the intricate dynamics between α-synuclein, a protein crucially involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy, and endogenously-produced bioactive lipids, which play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The interaction of α-synuclein with bioactive lipids is emerging as a critical factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and novel perspectives in the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We delve into the molecular pathways through which α-synuclein interacts with biological membranes and bioactive lipids, influencing the aggregation of α-synuclein and triggering neuroinflammatory responses, highlighting the potential of bioactive lipids as biomarkers for early disease detection and progression monitoring. Moreover, we explore innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the interaction between α-synuclein and bioactive lipids, including the development of small molecules and nutritional interventions. Finally, the review addresses the significance of the gut-to-brain axis in mediating the effects of bioactive lipids on α-synuclein pathology and discusses the role of altered gut lipid metabolism and microbiota composition in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The present review aims to underscore the potential of targeting α-synuclein-lipid interactions as a multifaceted approach for the detection and treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases.

SARS-CoV-2 infection unevenly impacts metabolism in the coronal periphery of the lungs

COVID-19 significantly decreases amino acids, fatty acids, and most eicosanoidsSARS-CoV-2 preferentially localizes to central lung tissueMetabolic disturbance is highest in peripheral tissue, not central like viral loadSpatial metabolomics allows detection of metabolites not altered overallSARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a highly contagious virus that can lead to hospitalization and death. COVID-19 is characterized by its involvement in the lungs, particularly the lower lobes. To improve patient outcomes and treatment options, a better understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 impacts the body, particularly the lower respiratory system, is required. In this study, we sought to understand the spatial impact of COVID-19 on the lungs of mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS2-N501Y MA30 . Overall, infection caused a decrease in fatty acids, amino acids, and most eicosanoids. When analyzed by segment, viral loads were highest in central lung tissue, while metabolic disturbance was highest in peripheral tissue. Infected peripheral lung tissue was characterized by lower levels of fatty acids and amino acids when compared to central lung tissue. This study highlights the spatial impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and helps explain why peripheral lung tissue is most damaged by COVID-19.

Dietary fatty acids modulate oxidative stress response to air pollution but not to infection

Anthropogenic changes to the environment expose wildlife to many pollutants. Among these, tropospheric ozone is of global concern and a highly potent pro-oxidant. In addition, human activities include several other implications for wildlife, e.g., changed food availability and changed distribution of pathogens in cities. These co-occurring habitat changes may interact, thereby modulating the physiological responses and costs related to anthropogenic change. For instance, many food items associated with humans (e.g., food waste and feeders for wild birds) contain relatively more ω6-than ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Metabolites derived from ω6-PUFAs can enhance inflammation and oxidative stress towards a stimulus, whereas the opposite response is linked to ω3-derived metabolites. Hence, we hypothesized that differential intake of ω6-and ω3-PUFAs modulates the oxidative stress state of birds and thereby affects the responses towards pro-oxidants. To test this, we manipulated dietary ω6:ω3 ratios and ozone levels in a full-factorial experiment using captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Additionally, we simulated an infection, thereby also triggering the immune system's adaptive pro-oxidant release (i.e., oxidative burst), by injecting lipopolysaccharide. Under normal air conditions, the ω3-diet birds had a lower antioxidant ratio (GSH/GSSG ratio) compared to the ω6-diet birds. When exposed to ozone, however, the diet effect disappeared. Instead, ozone exposure overall reduced the total concentration of the key antioxidant glutathione (tGSH). Moreover, the birds on the ω6-rich diet had an overall higher antioxidant capacity (OXY) compared to birds fed a ω3-rich diet. Interestingly, only the immune challenge increased oxidative damage, suggesting the oxidative burst of the immune system overrides the other pro-oxidative processes, including diet. Taken together, our results show that ozone, dietary PUFAs, and infection all affect the redox-system, but in different ways, suggesting that the underlying responses are decoupled despite that they all increase pro-oxidant exposure or generation. Despite lack of apparent cumulative effect in the independent biomarkers, the combined single effects could together reduce overall cellular functioning and efficiency over time in wild birds exposed to pathogens, ozone, and anthropogenic food sources.

Mulberry branch fiber improved lipid metabolism and egg yolk fatty acid composition of laying hens via the enterohepatic axis

BACKGROUND

The utilization of mulberry branch fiber (MF), the largest by-product of the sericulture industry, is an important issue. Supplementation with MF as a dietary fiber for poultry may serve as a useful application. However, little is known about the effects of MF on liver lipid metabolism and egg yolk fatty acid composition of laying hens and their underlying mechanisms. In this study, we performed a multi-omics investigation to explore the variations in liver lipid metabolism, egg yolk fatty acid composition, gut microbiota, and the associations among them induced by dietary MF in laying hens.

RESULTS

Dietary MF had no harmful effects on the laying performance or egg quality in laying hens. The enzyme activities associated with lipid metabolism in the liver were altered by the addition of 5% MF, resulting in reduced liver fat accumulation. Furthermore, dietary 5% MF induced the variation in the fatty acid profiles of egg yolk, and increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. We observed a significant reduction in the diversity of both gut bacteria and changes in their compositions after the addition of MF. Dietary MF significantly increased the abundance of genes involved in fatty acid biodegradation, and short-chain fatty acids biosynthesis in the gut microbiota of laying hens. The significant correlations were observed between the liver lipid metabolism enzyme activities of hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, and total esterase with gut microbiota, including negative correlations with gut microbiota diversity, and multiple correlations with gut bacteria and viruses. Moreover, various correlations between the contents of PUFAs and monounsaturated fatty acids in egg yolk with the gut microbiota were obtained. Based on partial-least-squares path modeling integrated with the multi-omics datasets, we deduced the direct effects of liver enzyme activities and gut bacterial compositions on liver fat content and the roles of liver enzyme activities and gut bacterial diversity on egg yolk fatty acid composition.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that dietary MF is beneficial to laying hens as it reduces the liver fat and improves egg yolk fatty acid composition through the enterohepatic axis. Video Abstract.

Integrated Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Metabolic Profiling of Elderly Residents Living near Industrial Plants

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial production, causing potential health risks to the residents living around chemical industrial plants; however, the lack of data on population exposure and adverse effects impedes our understanding and ability to prevent risks. In this study, we performed screening and association analysis on exogenous PFAS pollutants and endogenous small-molecule metabolites in the serum of elderly residents living near industrial plants. Exposure levels of 11 legacy and novel PFASs were determined. PFOA and PFOS were major contributors, and PFNA, PFHxS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA also showed high detection frequencies. Association analysis among PFASs and 287 metabolites identified via non-target screening was performed with adjustments of covariates and false discovery rate. Strongly associated metabolites were predominantly lipid and lipid-like molecules. Steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty-acid-related pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, were enriched as the metabolic pathways associated with mixed exposure to multiple PFASs, providing metabolic explanation and evidence for the potential mediating role of adverse health effects as a result of PFAS exposure. Our study achieved a comprehensive screening of PFAS exposure and associated metabolic profiling, demonstrating the promising application for integrated analysis of exposome and metabolome.

Identification of genes regulated by lipids from seaweed Susabinori (Pyropia yezoensis) involved in the improvement of hepatic steatosis: Insights from RNA-Seq analysis in obese db/db mice

Hepatic steatosis is an early stage in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and can lead to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Identification of dietary components that can alleviate hepatic steatosis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies for NAFLD. Recently, we demonstrated the impact of lipids extracted from the marine red alga Susabinori (Pyropia yezoensis) in a murine model of type 2-diabete (db/db). We found that Susabinori lipids (SNL), abundant in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-containing polar lipids, protected against obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. To understand the specific genes or biological pathways underlying the effects of SNL, we conducted RNA-Seq analysis of the hepatic transcriptome. By performing comparative analysis of differentially expressed genes between normal mice and db/db mice consuming a control diet, as well as SNL-fed db/db mice, we identified the 15 SNL-dependent up-regulated genes that were down-regulated in db/db mice but up-regulated by SNL feeding. Gene ontology and pathway analysis on these 15 genes demonstrated a significant association with the metabolisms of arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). Furthermore, we observed alterations in the expression levels of monoacylglycerol lipase (Magl) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Fabp4) in the SNL-fed db/db mice, both of which are implicated in AA and LA metabolism. Additionally, the livers of SNL-fed db/db mice exhibited reduced levels of AA and LA, but a high accumulation of EPA. In conclusion, the SNL diet might affect the metabolisms of AA and LA, which contribute to the improvement of hepatic steatosis. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of SNL.

Seasonal variation in the metabolome expression of Jania rubens (Rhodophyta) reveals eicosapentaenoic acid as a potential anticancer metabolite

Seaweeds of the intertidal zone are subjected to diverse stresses due to environmental changes in radiation, salinity, water quality, herbivore communities, etc. Thus, marine seaweeds developed various unique compounds to deal with environmental fluctuations. Therefore, they are a good source of unique novel compounds. Here, we explored the seasonal metabolomic changes in Jania rubens and found notable changes between extracts of different seasons in the metabolomic profile and in their anticancer activity. The most bioactive extract was from samples collected during the Fall season, which demonstrated an LC50 of 178.39 (± 10.02 SD) µg/ml toward Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) followed by the Winter season extract. The Fall and Winter extracts also displayed more resemblance in their metabolic profile relative to Spring and Summer extracts. The Fall extract was fractionated and tested for cytotoxic activity toward an array of cancer cell lines. Eventually, using a bio-guided assay and multiple fractionation steps, we isolated and identified the essential fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, as the active anticancer agent, showing an LC50 of 5.23 (± 0.07 SD) µg/ml toward NSCLC. Our results emphasize the potential use of J. rubens as a source of beneficial fatty acids and stress the importance of environmental effects on metabolic constitutes.

Characteristic fragmentation of polyunsaturated fatty acids with allylic vicinal diols in positive-ion LC/ESI-MS/MS

A characteristic fragmentation was observed for PUFAs that contain allylic vicinal diol groups (resolvin D1, D2, D4, E3, lipoxin A4, B4, and maresin 2), which were derivatized with N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (DMED), in positive-ion ESI-MS/MS. The findings indicate that when these compounds contain an allylic hydroxyl group that is located distal to the terminal DMED moiety in the case of resolvin D1, D4, and lipoxin A4, an aldehyde (-CH=O) is predominately formed, which arises from the breakdown in between vicinal diols, whereas, in the case of an allylic hydroxyl group that is located proximal to the DMED moiety, as in resolvin D2, E3, lipoxin B4, and maresin 2, an allylic carbene (-CH=CH-CH:) is formed. These specific fragmentations could be used as diagnostic ions for characterizing the above seven PUFAs. As a result, it was possible to detect resolvin D1, D2, E3, lipoxin A4, and B4 in sera (20 μl) obtained from healthy volunteers by multiple-reaction monitoring using LC/ESI-MS/MS.

Effect of walnut consumption on neuropsychological development in healthy adolescents: a multi-school randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for neuropsychological functioning. Adolescence is increasingly believed to entail brain vulnerability to dietary intake. The potential benefit on adolescent neurodevelopment of consuming walnuts, a source of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), remains unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a 6-month multi-school-based randomised controlled nutrition intervention trial to assess whether walnut consumption has beneficial effects on the neuropsychological and behavioural development of adolescents. The study took place between 04/01/2016 and 06/30/2017 in twelve different high schools in Barcelona, Spain (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02590848). A total of 771 healthy teenagers aged 11-16 years were randomised into two equal groups (intervention or control). The intervention group received 30 g/day of raw walnut kernels to be incorporated into their diet for 6 months. Multiple primary endpoints concerning neuropsychological (working memory, attention, fluid intelligence, and executive function) and behavioural (socio-emotional and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] symptoms) development were assessed at baseline and after intervention. Red blood cell (RBC) ALA status was determined at baseline and 6 months as a measure of compliance. Main analyses were based on intention-to-treat using a linear mixed-effects model. A per-protocol effect of the intervention was analysed using inverse-probability weighting to account for post-randomisation prognostic factors (including adherence) using generalised estimating equations.

FINDINGS

In intention-to-treat analyses, at 6 months there were no statistically significant changes between the intervention and control groups for all primary endpoints. RBC ALA (%) significantly increased only in the intervention group, coefficient = 0.04 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.03, 0.06; p < 0.0001). The per-protocol (adherence-adjusted) effect on improvement in attention score (hit reaction time variability) was -11.26 ms (95% CI = -19.92, -2.60; p = 0.011) for the intervention group as compared to the control group, improvement in fluid intelligence score was 1.78 (95% CI = 0.90, 2.67; p < 0.0001), and reduction of ADHD symptom score was -2.18 (95% CI = -3.70, -0.67; p = 0.0050).

INTERPRETATION

Our study suggested that being prescribed eating walnuts for 6 months did not improve the neuropsychological function of healthy adolescents. However, improved sustained attention, fluid intelligence, and ADHD symptoms were observed in participants who better complied with the walnut intervention. This study provides a foundation for further clinical and epidemiological research on the effect of walnuts and ALA on neurodevelopment in adolescents.

FUNDING

This study was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III through the projects 'CP14/00108, PI16/00261, PI21/00266' (co-funded by European Union Regional Development Fund 'A way to make Europe'). The California Walnut Commission (CWC) has given support by supplying the walnuts for free for the Walnuts Smart Snack Dietary Intervention Trial.

n-3 PUFA Promotes Ferroptosis in PCOS GCs by Inhibiting YAP1 through Activation of the Hippo Pathway

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenemia with multiple suspended sinus follicles, thickened cortical tissue, and excessive proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells that severely affects the fertility and quality of life of women. The addition of n-3 PUFA to the diet may slightly reduce body weight and greatly alleviate disturbed blood hormone levels in PCOS mice. We treated KGN as a cell model for n-3 PUFA addition and showed that n-3 PUFA inhibited the proliferation of GCs and promoted ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells. We used CCK-8, fluorescence quantitative transmission electron microscopy experiments and ferroptosis marker gene detection and other methods. Furthermore, n-3 PUFA was found to promote YAP1 exocytosis by activating Hippo and weakening the cross-talk between YAP1 and Nrf2 by activating the Hippo signaling pathway. In this study, we found that n-3 PUFA inhibited the over proliferation of granulosa cells in ovarian follicles by activating Hippo, promoting YAP1 exocytosis, weakening the cross-talk between YAP1 and Nrf2, and ultimately activating the ferroptosis sensitivity of ovarian granulosa cells. We demonstrate that n-3 PUFA can alleviate the hormonal and estrous cycle disorder with PCOS by inhibiting the YAP1-Nrf2 crosstalk that suppresses over proliferating ovarian granulosa cells and promotes iron death in GCs. These findings reveal the molecular mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA attenuates PCOS and identify YAP1-Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for regulation granulosa cells in PCOS.

Epicatechin Inhibited Lipid Oxidation and Protein Lipoxidation in a Fish Oil-Fortified Dairy Mimicking System

In this study, a typical tea polyphenol epicatechin (EC) was investigated for its impact on the oxidative stability of whey protein isolate (WPI) in a fish oil-fortified emulsion. The oil-in-water emulsion system consisted of fish oil (1%, w/w), WPI (6 mg/mL), and EC (0.1, 1, and 2 mM), and the oxidation reaction was catalyzed by Fenton's reagent at 25 °C for 24 h. The results showed EC exhibited a dose-dependent activity in the reduction of lipid oxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonylation. A Western blot analysis demonstrated that protein lipoxidation was inhibited by EC via interrupting the covalent binding of lipid secondary oxidation products, MDA, onto proteins. In addition, protein lipoxidation induced a loss of tryptophan fluorescence, and protein hydrolysis was partially recovered by EC. The findings of this study provide an in-depth understanding of the performance of phenolic antioxidants in relieving lipid oxidation and subsequent protein lipoxidation in oil-containing dairy products.

Divergence of Liver Lipidomes in Tibetan and Yorkshire Pigs Living at Different Altitudes

The Tibetan pig is a characteristic breed of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with distinct physiological and meat quality attributes. The liver lipid profile can offer an important perspective to explore the uniqueness of Tibetan pigs. A quantitative comparison of liver lipidomes revealed significant differences in the lipid profiles between Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs raised at different altitudes. The abundance of lipids in the livers of pigs raised at a high altitude was higher than that of pigs raised at a lower altitude, whereas the abundance of lipids in the livers of Yorkshire pigs was higher than that of Tibetan pigs raised at the same altitude. Of the 1101 lipids identified, 323 and 193 differentially abundant lipids (DALs) were identified in the pairwise comparisons of Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs raised at different altitudes, respectively. The DALs of Tibetan pigs consisted mainly of 161 triglycerides, along with several acylcarnitines, represented by carnitine C2:0, and significant changes in the abundance of some phospholipids. The DALs of Yorkshire pigs were more complex, with significant increases in the abundance of triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, and free fatty acids, and decreases in the abundance of some phospholipids. This research provides strong theoretical and data support for the high-quality development of the highland livestock industry.

Construction of caffeic acid modified porous starch as the dual-functional microcapsule for encapsulation and antioxidant property

A dual-functional food-grade microcapsule, which was constructed by caffeic acid and porous starch was obtained. Caffeic acid modified porous starch (CA-PS) was accordingly synthesized successfully by esterification. Carbonyl signal observed by ¹³C solid state NMR (170 ppm) and FT-IR (1745 cm^-1), indicating the formation of ester bond. BET of CA-PS was determined as 44.8 m²/g by N₂ adsorption analysis. The results proved CA-PS has both excellent adsorption and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, it has been applied for encapsulation of linoleic acid (LA) to prevent its degradation effectively, because LA adsorbed in porous adsorbents without antioxidant activity may still suffer serious oxidation. Besides, ¹H NMR Integral of LA did not show a significant decay. This observation demonstrated CA-PS indeed has the better performance on protection of LA than PS. We expect this work will boost research on designing and employing multi-functional starchy materials for further applications.

Quantifying the influence of urban biotic and abiotic environmental factors on great tit nestling physiology

There is a long history of avian studies investigating the impacts of urbanization. While differences in several life-history traits have been documented, either between urban and rural populations or across generalized urbanization gradients, a detailed understanding of which specific environmental variables cause these phenotypic differences is still lacking. Here, we quantified several local environmental variables coupled to urbanization (air pollution, tree composition, ambient temperature, and artificial light at night [ALAN]) within territories of breeding great tits (Parus major). We linked the environmental variables to physiological measures of the nestlings (circulating fatty acid composition [FA], antioxidant capacity and an oxidative damage marker [malondialdehyde; MDA]), to garner a mechanistic understanding of the impact of urbanization. We found that the antioxidant capacity of nestlings decreased with higher numbers of oak trees and levels of PM_2.5 (airborne particulate matter with a diameter < 2.5 μm). Furthermore, the ratio of ω6:ω3 polyunsaturated FAs, important for immune function, was positively correlated with PM_2.5 concentration, while being negatively associated with ambient temperature and number of non-native trees in the territory. Body mass and wing length both increased with the number of local oak trees. We also show, through a principal component analysis, that while the environmental variables fall into an urbanization gradient, this gradient is insufficient to explain the observed physiological responses. Therefore, accounting for individual environmental variables in parallel, and thus allowing for interactions between these, is crucial to fully understand the urban ecosystem.

Lipid profiles in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesions as a model of Parkinson's disease

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with characteristic pathological abnormalities, including the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, a dopamine-depleted striatum, and microglial activation. Lipid accumulation exhibits a close relationship with these pathologies in PD.

Methods

Here, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was used to construct a rat model of PD, and the lipid profile in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from model rats was analyzed using lipidomic approaches.

Results

Establishment of this PD model was confirmed by apomorphine-induced rotation behaviors, loss of DA neurons, depletion of dopamine in the striatum, and microglial activation after 6-OHDA-induced lesion generation. Unsupervised and supervised methods were employed for lipid analysis. A total of 172 lipid species were identified in CSF and subsequently classified into 18 lipid families. Lipid families, including eicosanoids, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol ester (CE), and free fatty acid (FFA), and 11 lipid species exhibited significantly altered profiles 2 weeks after 6-OHDA administration, and significant changes in eicosanoids, TG, CE, CAR, and three lipid species were noted 5 weeks after 6-OHDA administration. During the period of 6-OHDA-induced lesion formation, the lipid families and species showed concentration fluctuations related to the recovery of behavior and nigrostriatal abnormalities. Correlation analysis showed that the levels of eicosanoids, CE, TG families, and TG (16:0_20:0_18:1) exhibited positive relationships with apomorphine-induced rotation behaviors and negative relationships with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the midbrain.

Conclusion

These results revealed that non-progressive nigrostriatal degeneration induced by 6-OHDA promotes the expression of an impairment-related lipidomic signature in CSF, and the level of eicosanoids, CE, TG families, and TG (16:0_20:0_18:1) in CSF may reveal pathological changes in the midbrain after 6-OHDA insult.

Causal effects of fatty acids on depression: Mendelian randomization study

Objectives

Fatty acids (FA) are widely believed to play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. However, the causal relationships between FA and depression remain elusive and warrant further research. We aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between FA [saturated fatty acids (SFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)] and the risk of depression using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using large-scale European-based genome-wide association studies (GWASs) summary data related to depression (n = 500,199 individuals) and FA [saturated fatty acids (SFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)] levels. MR analysis was performed using the Wald ratio and inverse variance-weighted (IVW) methods, and sensitivity analysis was conducted by the simple mode, weighted mode, weighted median method, and MR-Egger method.

Results

We found the causal effects for the levels of oleic acid (OA; OR = 1.07, p = 5.72 × 10^-4), adrenic acid (OR = 0.74, p = 1.01 × 10^-3), α-linolenic acid (ALA; OR = 2.52, p = 1.01 × 10^-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; OR = 0.84, p = 3.11 × 10^-3) on depression risk, after Bonferroni correction. The sensitivity analyses indicated similar trends. No causal effect between the levels of SFA and depression risk was observed.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that adrenic acid and EPA are protective against the risk of depression, while OA and ALA are potential risk factors for depression. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms that mediate the association between these FAs and depression risk should be investigated in further experiments.

High-resolution metabolomics-based biomarker discovery using exhaled breath condensate from patients with lung cancer

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the survival of patients with lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In this study, we investigated whether the metabolomics analysis of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) from patients with lung cancer can provide biomarkers that can be used for noninvasive screening for lung cancer diagnosis. EBC samples obtained from patients with lung cancer (n = 20) and healthy individuals (n = 5) were subjected to high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Univariate analysis, with a false discovery rate (FDR), q = 0.05, and hierarchical clustering analysis were performed to discover significantly different metabolites between the healthy controls and patients with lung cancer. This was followed by the identification of the metabolites using the METLIN database. Pathway analysis based on the identified metabolites revealed that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was the most significantly affected pathway. Finally, 5-hydroxyicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) (m/z 343.2233, [M + Na]+), a metabolite involved in AA metabolism, was found to be significantly higher in patients with lung cancer than in healthy counterparts. Our finding suggested that the HRM of EBC samples is a useful approach for identifying biomarkers for noninvasive screening for lung cancer diagnosis.

Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Comprehensive Review on Nutritional Approaches

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with increasing incidence, high prevalence, and survival worldwide. About 90% of cases are well differentiated forms, the so-called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with slow proliferation rates and prolonged survival but frequent development of liver metastases and endocrine syndromes. Both the tumor itself and systemic therapy may have an impact on patient nutrition. Malnutrition has a negative impact on outcome in patients with NETs, as well as obesity. In addition, obesity and metabolic syndrome have been shown to be risk factors for both the development and prognosis of NET. Therefore, dietary assessment based on body composition and lifestyle modifications should be an integral part of the treatment of NET patients. Nutrition plans, properly formulated by a dietician, are an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team for patients with NETs because they allow an improvement in quality of life, providing a tailored approach based on nutritional needs and nutritional manageable signs and/or symptoms related to pharmacological treatment. The aim of this review is to condense the latest evidence on the role of the most used dietary models, the Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting, in the context of NETs, while considering the clinical and molecular mechanisms by which these dietary models act.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Adipose Tissue of Luchuan and Duroc Pigs

Fat deposition is a crucial element in pig production that affects production efficiency, quality and consumer choices. In this study, Duroc pigs, a Western, famous lean pig breed, and Luchuan pigs, a Chinese, native obese pig breed, were used as animal materials. Transcriptome sequencing was used to compare the back adipose tissue of Duroc and Luchuan pigs, to explore the key genes regulating fat deposition. The results showed that 418 genes were highly expressed in the Duroc pig, and 441 genes were highly expressed in the Luchuan pig. In addition, the function enrichment analysis disclosed that the DEGs had been primarily enriched in lipid metabolism, storage and transport pathways. Furthermore, significant differences in the metabolic pathways of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid explained the differences in the flavor of the two kinds of pork. Finally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) exposed that the difference in fat deposition between Duroc and Luchuan pigs may be due to the differential regulation of the metabolism pathway of fatty acid. Therefore, this study described the differential expression transcriptional map of adipose tissue of Duroc pig and Luchuan pig, identified the functional genes regulating pig fat deposition, and provided new hypotheses and references for further study of fat development.

Poultry Meat and Eggs as an Alternative Source of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Human Nutrition

The beneficial effects of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) on human health are widely known. Humans are rather inefficient in synthesizing n-3 LC-PUFA; thus, these compounds should be supplemented in the diet. However, most Western human diets have unbalanced n-6/n-3 ratios resulting from eating habits and the fact that fish sources (rich in n-3 LC-PUFA) are not sufficient (worldwide deficit ~347,956 t/y) to meet the world requirements. In this context, it is necessary to find new and sustainable sources of n-3 LC-PUFA. Poultry products can provide humans n-3 LC-PUFA due to physiological characteristics and the wide consumption of meat and eggs. The present work aims to provide a general overview of the main strategies that should be adopted during rearing and postproduction to enrich and preserve n-3 LC-PUFA in poultry products. The strategies include dietary supplementation of α-Linolenic acid (ALA) or n-3 LC-PUFA, or enhancing n-3 LC-PUFA by improving the LA (Linoleic acid)/ALA ratio and antioxidant concentrations. Moreover, factors such as genotype, rearing system, transport, and cooking processes can impact the n-3 LC-PUFA in poultry products. The use of a multifactorial view in the entire production chain allows the relevant enrichment and preservation of n-3 LC-PUFA in poultry products.

Gut microbes shape microglia and cognitive function during malnutrition

Fecal-oral contamination promotes malnutrition pathology. Lasting consequences of early life malnutrition include cognitive impairment, but the underlying pathology and influence of gut microbes remain largely unknown. Here, we utilize an established murine model combining malnutrition and iterative exposure to fecal commensals (MAL-BG). The MAL-BG model was analyzed in comparison to malnourished (MAL mice) and healthy (CON mice) controls. Malnourished mice display poor spatial memory and learning plasticity, as well as altered microglia, non-neuronal CNS cells that regulate neuroimmune responses and brain plasticity. Chronic fecal-oral exposures shaped microglial morphology and transcriptional profile, promoting phagocytic features in MAL-BG mice. Unexpectedly, these changes occurred independently from significant cytokine-induced inflammation or blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, key gut-brain pathways. Metabolomic profiling of the MAL-BG cortex revealed altered polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profiles and systemic lipoxidative stress. In contrast, supplementation with an ω3 PUFA/antioxidant-associated diet (PAO) mitigated cognitive deficits within the MAL-BG model. These findings provide valued insight into the malnourished gut microbiota-brain axis, highlighting PUFA metabolism as a potential therapeutic target.

Antioxidant and Anti-Colorectal Cancer Properties in Methanolic Extract of Mangrove-Derived Schizochytrium sp

This work studied the antioxidant and anti-colorectal cancer properties of a potential strain of thraustochytrids, Schizochytrium sp. (SMKK1), isolated from mangrove leaf litter. The biomass was extracted with methanol and screened for antioxidant activity using six different assays. The extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (87.37 ± 1.22%) and the lowest nitric oxide radical (75.12 ± 2.22%), and the activity increased with the concentration of the extract. The methanolic extract was further tested for in vitro cytotoxicity on the colon cancer cell line (HT29). The extract was also analyzed for polyunsaturated fatty acids using GC-MS. The five predominant HTVS-based compounds, viz., arachidonic acid, linolenic acid (alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid), eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, were identified in the extract, and these were tested against the colon cancer protein IGF binding (IGF-1) using the in silico docking method. The results revealed that all the five compounds were capable of destroying the colon oncoprotein responsible for anti-colon carcinogen, based on activation energy and also good hydrogen bond interaction against IGF binding proteins. Of the compounds, docosahexaenoic acid was the most effective, having a docking score of −10.8 Kcal/mol. All the five fatty acids passed the ADMET test and were hence accepted for further clinical trials towards the development of anticancer drugs.

Insight on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Endometrial Receptivity

Endometrial receptivity plays a crucial role in fertilization as well as pregnancy outcome in patients faced with fertility challenges. The optimization of endometrial receptivity may help with normal implantation of the embryo, and endometrial receptivity may be affected by numerous factors. Recently, the role of lipids in pregnancy has been increasingly recognized. Fatty acids and their metabolites may be involved in all stages of pregnancy and play a role in supporting cell proliferation and development, participating in cell signaling and regulating cell function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, are essential fatty acids for the human body that can affect the receptivity of the endometrium through in a variety of methods, such as producing prostaglandins, estrogen and progesterone, among others. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids are also involved in immunity and the regulation of endometrial decidualization. Fatty acids are essential for fetal placental growth and development. The interrelationship of polyunsaturated fatty acids with these substances and how they may affect endometrial receptivity will be reviewed in this article.

The cardiac molecular setting of metabolic syndrome in pigs reveals disease susceptibility and suggests mechanisms that exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes in patients

Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the cardiac-specific risk mechanism is unknown. Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (all MetS components) are the most common form of CVD and represent risk factors for worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to their non MetS peers. Here, we use obese Yorkshire pigs as a highly relevant animal model of human MetS, where pigs develop the hallmarks of human MetS and reproducibly mimics the myocardial pathophysiology in patients. Myocardium-specific mass spectroscopy-derived metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics enabled the identity and quality of proteins and metabolites to be investigated in the myocardium to greater depth. Myocardium-specific deregulation of pro-inflammatory markers, propensity for arterial thrombosis, and platelet aggregation was revealed by computational analysis of differentially enriched pathways between MetS and control animals. While key components of the complement pathway and the immune response to viruses are under expressed, key N6-methyladenosin RNA methylation enzymes are largely overexpressed in MetS. Blood tests do not capture the entirety of metabolic changes that the myocardium undergoes, making this analysis of greater value than blood component analysis alone. Our findings create data associations to further characterize the MetS myocardium and disease vulnerability, emphasize the need for a multimodal therapeutic approach, and suggests a mechanism for observed worse outcomes in MetS patients with COVID-19 comorbidity.

Effect of Oil-Droplet Diameter on Lipid Oxidation in O/W Emulsions

The effect of oil-droplet diameter on lipid oxidation in O/W emulsions is unclear, and conflicting results have been reported. These conflictions may be due to different experimental conditions being used, such as the type of oil, the type of emulsifier, temperature, and the range of oil-droplet diameters tested. The method used to evaluate the oxidation could also have varied among studies. In O/W emulsions, oxygen dissolved in the aqueous phase is transferred to the oil phase through the oil-water interface and is consumed in the oil phase by oxidation. Therefore, the effect of the oil-droplet diameter on the lipid oxidation rate was evaluated by simultaneously solving the mass balance equations of oxygen and oil in the oil phase. The simulation showed that the oil-droplet diameter does not affect the lipid oxidation rate in O/W emulsions with oil-droplet diameters on the order of micrometers or less because the oxidation reaction itself is rate-limiting.

Walnut-Enriched Diet Elevated α-Linolenic Acid, Phytoprostanes, and Phytofurans in Rat Liver and Heart Tissues and Modulated Anti-inflammatory Lipid Mediators in the Liver

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) and its non-enzymatic oxidized products, namely, phytoprostanes and phytofurans, are found in some nuts. The uptake and deposition of these compounds are not well-defined. Walnut has high ALA and a considerable amount of phytoprostanes and phytofurans compared to other common nuts. When fed to rodents, ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid levels increased in the liver and heart tissues compared to the control diet. Furthermore, phytoprostanes and phytofurans were elevated 3-fold in both tissues after a walnut diet, indicating that they are not only contributed from the diet but also generated through in vivo autoxidation of ALA found in the walnuts. It was further noted that a walnut diet reduced 5-F_2t-isoprostanes and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and induced 4-F_4t-neuroprostane and significant amounts of anti-inflammatory hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid in the liver only. Altogether, high ALA in a walnut diet elevated phytoprostanes and phytofurans in the liver and heart tissues and showed the regulation of anti-inflammatory lipid mediators in the liver only.

Total Replacement of Fishmeal by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Its Effect on Growth Performance and Product Quality of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Microalgae are increasingly being studied to replace fishmeal in aquafeed production. Low level Spirulina supplementation to various fish species has been widely investigated, demonstrating enhanced growth and better product quality. In order to evaluate the effects of a full fishmeal replacement with Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on growth and product quality in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), two isoenergetic diets were formulated and fed for ten weeks to 120 fish with an average initial weight of 50 ± 3 g. Full supplementation of Spirulina resulted in reduced growth (p < 0.001) whereas feed conversion ratio was on par (p > 0.05). Furthermore, Spirulina-fed fish showed a more intense yellow coloration in skin, and raw and cooked fillet (p < 0.001). The analysis of fatty acids revealed higher proportions of C16:0 (p < 0.001) and C18:2n6 (p < 0.05) in fish fed the Spirulina-diet while C24:0 (p < 0.01) and C20:5n3 (p < 0.001) were found to be higher in the control group. Even though no statistically significant differences in the overall SFA, MUFA and PUFA were detected, a slight increase of the n6/n3 ratio was observed in the Spirulina-fed fish. Without further optimization of the feed ration, a complete fishmeal replacement with Spirulina can lead to economic losses. It remains to be studied whether the observed changes in product quality affect consumer acceptance.

Nutraceuticals in the Mediterranean Diet: Potential Avenues for Breast Cancer Treatment

The traditional Mediterranean Diet constitutes a food model that refers to the dietary patterns of the population living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea in the early 1960s. A huge volume of literature data suggests that the Mediterranean-style diet provides several dietary compounds that have been reported to exert beneficial biological effects against a wide spectrum of chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer including breast carcinoma. Among bioactive nutrients identified as protective factors for breast cancer, natural polyphenols, retinoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antitumoral properties. The multiple anticancer mechanisms involved include the modulation of molecular events and signaling pathways associated with cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, antioxidant enzymes and immune responses. This review summarizes the anticancer action of some polyphenols, like resveratrol and epigallocatechin 3-gallate, retinoids and omega-3 PUFAs by highlighting the important hallmarks of cancer in terms of (i) cell cycle growth arrest, (ii) apoptosis, (iii) inflammation and (iv) angiogenesis. The data collected from in vitro and in vivo studies strongly indicate that these natural compounds could be the prospective candidates for the future anticancer therapeutics in breast cancer disease.

Effects of Mediterranean Diet or Low-Fat Diet on Blood Fatty Acids in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease. A Randomized Intervention Study

The Mediterranean diet (MD) prevents cardiovascular disease by different putative mechanisms, including modifications in the blood fatty acid (FA) profile. Polytherapy for secondary cardiovascular prevention might mask the effect of MD on the FA profile. This study was aimed to assess whether MD, in comparison with a low-fat diet (LFD), favorably modifies the blood FA profile in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) on polytherapy. One hundred and twenty patients with a recent history of coronary stenting, randomized to MD or to LFD, completed 3 months of this open-label dietary intervention study. Diet Mediterranean-ness was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MeDAS) score. Both diets significantly reduced saturated FA (p < 0.01). Putative favorable changes in total n-3 FA (p = 0.03) and eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA; p = 0.04) were significantly larger with MD than with LFD. At 3 months, in the whole cohort, the MeDAS score correlated inversely with palmitic acid (R = −0.21, p = 0.02), and with palmitoleic acid (R = −0.32, p = 0.007), and positively with total n-3 FA (R = 0.19, p = 0.03), EPA (R = 0.28, p = 0.002), and EPA + DHA (R = 0.21, p = 0.02). In CHD patients on polytherapy, both MD and LFD shift FA blood composition towards a healthier profile, with a more favorable effect of MD on omega−3 levels.

Liver and urine metabolomics reveal the protective effect of Gandou decoction in copper-laden Hepatolenticular degeneration model rats

Hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) is an inherited disorder associated with human copper metabolism. Gandou decoction (GDD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of HLD in China for decades. Recent pharmacological evaluation in our laboratory has demonstrated that GDD exerts positive and beneficial effects on HLD model rats. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms are not yet well understood. To explore the potential therapeutic effects of GDD against HLD, liver and urine metabolomics approach combined with histopathological examination were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. Changes in metabolic profiles were estimated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analyses. The results indicated that GDD could significantly improve liver pathological variations. Moreover, 19 and 11 significantly altered metabolites were found in the liver and urine between the normal and model groups, respectively. After GDD treatment, the levels of all these disordered metabolites showed different degrees of improvement compared with the model group, including lysoPC(18:2), lysoPE(20:2/0:0), PC(18:1/14:1), alpha-linolenic acid, sphinganine, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid, 13-OxoODE, and 13-L-hydroperoxyl inoleic acid. Metabolic pathway enrichment suggested that lipid and oxidative stress metabolism were the two main pathways that participated in copper-laden rat models with GDD administration. This work indicates that GDD could achieve a therapeutic effect on HLD by ameliorating the associated metabolic disturbances.

Walnuts, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Adolescent Brain Development: Protocol for the Walnuts Smart Snack Dietary Intervention Trial

Background: Adolescence, when the most complex behaviors are refined to adult sophistication, represents a major window of opportunity and vulnerability for neuropsychological development. To support and protect this complex and active brain growth, different nutritional components considered essential need to be acquired from the diet. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids are mainly obtained from seafood, seeds, and walnuts. Known for their rich lipid profile, walnuts contain sizable amounts of an essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid that is the precursor of two longer-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA): docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids. While there is growing evidence of neuropsychological improvements in the young developing brain associated with omega-3 PUFA intake, few studies have examined whether consuming walnuts during adolescence entails similar beneficial effects. There is a need to further explore the ways in which walnuts influence youthful brain function, particularly for the long-term. Thus, we designed the WALNUTs study (WSS), a population-based randomized controlled trial conducted in adolescents in Barcelona, Spain. We hypothesize that walnut intake will increase omega-3 PUFA tissue availability (particularly ALA) to a level that enhances the neuropsychological development during adolescence. Methodology/Design: We conducted a 6-month population-based randomized controlled trial in teenagers (n = 800) and we aimed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention (four walnuts per day, or 30 kernel g, ~1.5g of ALA) in enhancing brain neuropsychological and socio-emotional development compared to a control group with no walnut intervention. Before randomization, different neuropsychological tests were recorded for all participants, and blood samples (in a subsample of participants) were collected to measure omega-3 PUFA levels at baseline, and all again, after randomization and the intervention. The data is now collected and we will conduct linear regression models to assess the effect of the intervention. Discussion: The WALNUTs (WSS) study results will allow us to better understand the role of plant-based omega-3 PUFA intake from regular walnut consumption on neuropsychological development during adolescence. Results could be translated into nutritional public health recommendations targeting teenagers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health # NCT02590848. Retrospectively registered 29/10/2015.

Unsaturated fatty acids as a co-therapeutic agents in cancer treatment

Chemotherapy is standard treatments for many malignancies. However, in most cases, this method is not able to induce apoptosis and in many cases, with cancer recurrence, leads to patient death. There are several procedure to control and suppress malignant cells, but among these methods, administration of ɷ-3 fatty acids and ɷ-6 fatty due to their destructive effects on cancer cells is more prominent. Many clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of ɷ-3 and ɷ-6 fatty acids in cardiovascular disorders, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and in most cancers such as colon, breast, prostate and other malignancies. Studies showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a toxic effect on cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of how ɷ- fatty acids affect cancer cells is still unknown. In this review alternative issues of malignancies co-treatments agents such as PUFAs have been studied. Also, the latest known PUFAs mechanisms on malignancies have been described.

Trisomy 21 impairs PGE2 production in dermal fibroblasts

The triplication of human chromosome 21 results in Down syndrome (DS), the most common genetic form of intellectual disability. This aneuploid condition also results in an enhanced risk of a spectrum of comorbid conditions, such as leukemia, early onset Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. Individuals with DS also display an increased incidence of wound healing complications and resistance to solid tumor development. Due to this unique phenotype and the involvement of eicosanoids in key comorbidities like poor healing and tumor development, we hypothesized that cells from DS individuals would display altered eicosanoid production. Using age- and sex-matched dermal fibroblasts we interrogated this hypothesis. Briefly, assessment of over 90 metabolites derived from cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome p450 systems revealed a possible deficiency in the COX system. Basal gene expression and Western blotting experiments showed significantly decreased gene expression of COX1 and 2, and COX2 protein abundance in DS fibroblasts compared to euploid controls. Further, using two different stressors, scratch wound or LPS, we found that DS fibroblasts could not upregulate COX2 abundance and prostaglandin E2 production. Together, these findings show that dermal fibroblasts from DS individuals have a deficient COX2 response, which may contribute to wound healing complications and tumor resistance in DS.

Solubility and mass transfer coefficient of oxygen through gas- and water-lipid interfaces

The solubility of oxygen and its transfer rate to the lipid phase play important roles in lipid oxidation, which affects the taste and safety of lipid-containing foods. In this study, we measured the Henry's constants (solubility) of oxygen for fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and triacylglycerols (TAGs; vegetable oils), as well as the mass transfer coefficients of oxygen at the gas- and water-lipid interfaces. The constants and coefficients were estimated by analyzing the change over time in the oxygen partial pressure or concentration in the closed container based on the mass balance equations of oxygen in the gas and liquid phases. The constant for water obtained by the method used in this study was in agreement with the previously reported value to confirm the validity of the method. The constants for lipids depended on the lipid type, and were higher in the order of fatty acid ester, fatty acid, and TAG. That is, the solubility of oxygen decreased in this order. For all lipids, the constant increased as the number of carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain increased. The constants for fatty acids and their esters were linearly correlated with the enthalpies of evaporation of the lipids. The mass transfer coefficients of oxygen at the gas-liquid interface were on the order of 10^-5 m/s for water and methyl dodecanoate and of 10^-6 m/s for TAG (rapeseed oil). The coefficient at the water-lipid interface was on the order of 10^-6 m/s. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The Henry's constants (solubility) and transfer rate of oxygen to the lipid phase, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and triacylglycerols (TAG) were measured. The lipids solubilized three to five times more oxygen than water, and mass transfer rate of oxygen at gas- and water-lipid interfaces were almost same. The constants for fatty acids and fatty acid esters were linearly correlated to their enthalpies of evaporation, and this correlation is expected to be useful for estimating the Henry's constants for other fatty acids and their esters.