The balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of coronary heart disease

Effect of Adsorption Deacidification on the Quality of Peony Seed Oil

To overcome the issues in the traditional deacidification processes of peony seed oil (PSO), such as losses of neutral oil and trace nutrients, waste discharge, and high energy consumption, adsorption deacidification was developed. The acid removal capacity of adsorbent-alkali microcrystalline cellulose was evaluated using the isothermal adsorption equilibrium and the pseudo-first-order rate equation. The optimized adsorption deacidification conditions included adsorbent-alkali microcrystalline cellulose at 3%, a heating temperature of 50 °C, and a holding time of 60 min. The physicochemical, bioactive properties, antioxidant capacities, and oxidative stabilities of PSO processed by alkali refining and oil-hexane miscella deacidification were compared under the same operating conditions. Fatty acid content was not significantly different across all three methods. The deacidification rates were 88.29%, 98.11%, and 97.76%, respectively, for adsorption deacidification, alkali refining, and oil-hexane miscella deacidification. Among the three deacidification samples, adsorption deacidification showed the highest retention of tocopherols (92.66%), phytosterols (91.96%), and polyphenols (70.64%). Additionally, the obtained extract preserved about 67.32% of the total antioxidant activity. The oil stability index was increased 1.35 times by adsorption deacidification. Overall, adsorption deacidification can be considered a promising extraction technology in terms of quality as compared to alkali refining and oil-hexane miscella deacidification.

A Comprehensive Study of Lupin Seed Oils and the Roasting Effect on Their Chemical and Biological Activity

The present investigation aimed to study the impact of roasting on the chemical composition and biological activities of sweet and bitter lupin seed oils. Lupin oils were extracted using petroleum ether (40–60) with ultrasonic assisted method. Lupin Fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, and total phenolic contents were determined. In addition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities were evaluated. The results showed a ratio between 7.50% to 9.28% of oil content in lupin seed. Unroasted (bitter and sweet) lupin oil contained a high level of oleic acid ω9 (42.65 and 50.87%), followed by linoleic acid ω6 (37.3 and 34.48%) and linolenic acid ω3 (3.35 and 6.58%), respectively. Concerning phytosterols, unroasted (bitter and sweet lupin) seed oil reflected high values (442.59 and 406.18 mg/100 g oil, respectively). Bitter lupin oil contains a high amount of phenolics, although a lower antioxidant potency compared to sweet lupin oil. This phenomenon could be connected with the synergistic effect between phenolics and carotenoids higher in sweet lupin oil. The results reflected a more efficiently bitter lupin oil against anti-toxigenic fungi than sweet lupin oil. The roasting process recorded enhances the antimicrobial activity of bitter and sweet lupin seed oil, which is linked to the increment in bioactive components during the roasting process. These results concluded that lupin oil deems a novel functional ingredient and a valuable dietary fat source. Moreover, lupin oil seemed to have antifungal properties, which recommended its utilization as a carrier for active-antifungal compounds in food products.

The Protective Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids against Dry Eye Disease: A Literature Review

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common disease, and have an adverse effect the physical, functional, and psychological quality of life. It is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the loss of tear film homeostasis, in which self-perpetuating vicious cycle leads to deterioration of function and inflammation of the lacrimal functional unit. Hence, treatment strategies should be aimed at the interruption of the vicious inflammatory cycle and alleviation of ocular surface inflammation. Anti-inflammatory therapies have been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of the disease. Evidence indicates that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may contribute to reinforcement of innate anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and systemic and topical administration of PUFAs may help modulate ocular surface inflammation. In the present review, the authors will introduce the results of clinical and experimental studies to elucidate the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of systemic and topical supplementation with PUFAs as an alternative therapeutic strategy for DED. This review will also include discussion regarding current perspectives, including evidence-based recommendations and possible side effects of PUFAs supplementation. The review of the literature suggests that PUFAs supplementation can be a viable option for the treatment of DED, although further studies are needed for establishment of treatment guidelines.

Mercury and selenium in fishes from the Tapajós River in the Brazilian Amazon: An evaluation of human exposure

This work aimed to evaluate associated risks of fish consumption to human health, concerning mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in fish species largely consumed in the Tapajós River basin in the Brazilian Amazon. Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and Se concentrations were measured in 129 fish specimens from four sites of the Tapajós River basin. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg and Se were reported regarding fish consumption. EDI were compared with the reference value of provisional tolerable daily intake proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Se:Hg ratios and selenium health benefit values (Se HBVs) seem to offer a more comprehensive fish safety model. THg concentrations in fishes ranged from 0.03 to 1.51 μg g^-1 of wet weight (w.w.) and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.44 μg g^-1 (w.w.). 80% of the samples were below the value of Hg recommended by the WHO for human consumption (0.5 μg g^-1 w.w.). However, Hg EDI exceeded the dose suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (0.1 μg kg^-1 day^-1), due to the large level of fish consumption in that area. Se concentrations in fishes ranged from 0.02 to 0.44 μg g^-1 w.w. An inverse pattern was observed between Hg and Se concentrations in the trophic chain (highest levels of Se in the lowest trophic levels). The molar ratio Se:Hg and Se HBVs were higher in iliophagous and herbivorous fishes, which is noteworthy to reduce toxic effects of Hg contamination. For planktivores, the content of Se and Hg was almost equimolar. Carnivorous fishes - with the exception of Hemisorubim platyrhynchos and Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum -, showed Se:Hg ratios <1. Thus, they do not act as a favorable source of Se in the diet. Therefore, reduced intake of carnivorous fishes with preferential consumption of iliophages, herbivores and, to some extent, even planktivores should be promoted as part of a healthier diet.

Comparative analyses of seeds of wild fruits of Rubus and Sambucus species from Southern Italy: fatty acid composition of the oil, total phenolic content, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extracts

Fruit seeds are byproducts from fruit processing. Characterisation of the bioactive compounds present in seeds and evaluation of their potential biological properties is therefore of particular importance in view of a possible valorisation of seeds as a source of health beneficial components. In this work, we have analysed the seeds of Sambucus and Rubus species in order to identify their bioactive components and to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts. We first analysed their oil content, in order to assess the fatty acid profile and tocopherol content. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of the seeds were analysed for their total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities. Polyphenols were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Furthermore, extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the production of LPS-induced inflammatory mediators (NO, CCL-20) in RAW 264.7 cells. Our findings show that the methanolic extracts from Rubus seeds have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and could therefore represent an attractive source of bioactive compounds for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications.

Cardiovascular friendly natural products: a promising approach in the management of CVD

Natural products play an important role as nutritional supplements and provide potential health benefits in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Compiling data from experimental, epidemiological and clinical studies indicates that dietary nutrients have profound cardioprotective effects in the primary as well as secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, hence they are considered as cardiovascular friendly natural products. The mechanism of cardioprotection produced by dietary nutritional supplements such as flavonoids (citrus fruits, pulses, red wine, tea and cocoa), olive oil, omega-3 (omega-3) fatty acids (fish oil and fish-based products), lycopene (tomato and tomato-based products), resveratrol (grapes and red wine), coffee, and soy in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders have been discussed in the present review, with the emphasis of epidemiological and clinical studies. Based on the intriguing results of various studies, prophylactic and therapeutic potential of cardiovascular friendly natural products have been suggested. The supplementation of cardiovascular friendly natural products needs to be considered in all populations who have high prevalence of CVD.

Fish products available in Polish market--assessment of the nutritive value and human exposure to dioxins and other contaminants

Chemical analyses were performed on one hundred and twenty of the most popular varieties of fish products (smoked fish, salted fish, and marinated fish) of the fish market in Poland. The contents of the nutritive substances of fish products (protein, micro- and macronutrients, vitamins A(1), D(3), E, and fatty acids) and the chosen contaminant (toxic metals--mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic; dioxin/furans--PCDDFs; dioxin-like PCB--dl-PCBs; seven congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers--PBDEs; organochlorine pesticides--SigmaDDT, HCB, SigmaHCH and marker polychlorinated biphenyls--PCB(7)) levels were determined. It was confirmed that fish products are a good source of digestible proteins, iodine, selenium, and vitamin D(3). The fundamental nutritive benefit of processed fish lies in its highly beneficial fatty acid composition, which is what imparts them healthy nutritive qualities. The high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), which is not noted in other food products, is particularly important. The majority of contaminants studied were present in low levels. The possible threats, particularly in the case of pregnant/nursing women and young children, can pose the levels of dioxin/furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like (dl-PCBs) in smoked Baltic salmon and smoked sprat, elevated in a relation to particular requirements concerning the content of sum of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in fish (8pg WHO-TEQg(-1)). The health benefits and risks stemming from consumption of fish products were determined according to the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for chosen contaminants (Cd, Hg, As, PCDD/Fs+dl-PCB) and the quantity of ingredients that render a fish diet healthy based on data from the EFSA Journal [EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), 2005. Opinion of the scientific panel on contaminants in the food chain on a request from the European Parliament related to the safety assessment of wild and farmed fish. EFSA J. 236, 1-118]. In regard of high content of LC-PUFAa and other nutritive ingredients, fish products available in Polish market may be considered as healthy food. However, many authors point at contaminants (methylmercury, PCDD/Fs) occurring in fish and fish products as on potential health problem, and emphasize that the amount of that hazardous substances should be limited in human diet.

Hematologic risk factors of vascular disease and their relation to dementia

Multiple studies have implicated vascular-related conditions as risk factors for dementia. Clarification of these factors in dementia is important because most are modifiable, and may serve as the basis for preventive strategies. Several hematologic factors are associated with vascular diseases, but their relation to dementia is unclear. This review examines biological and epidemiological evidence concerning the role of these hematologic factors in dementia, and dementia subtypes. Reviewed factors include homocysteine, cholesterol, fatty acids, antioxidants, and C-reactive protein. The vast majority of studies reviewed are cross-sectional. Longitudinal studies with serial hematologic measures are needed to clarify the relationship between these factors and dementia over the lifespan. A necessary step is to examine multiple hematologic factors simultaneously, rather than in isolation, to determine how these factors are interrelated.

Efeito da suplementação de linhaça, óleo de canola e vitamina E na dieta sobre as concentrações de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados em ovos de galinha

Estudou-se o efeito de diferentes fontes de ácidos graxos insaturados (óleo de canola e semente de linhaça), acrescidas de diferentes teores de alfa-tocoferol nas dietas de poedeiras, sobre a composição de ácidos graxos da gema do ovo foi estudado. Foram utilizadas 288 galinhas da linhagem Babcock que receberam dietas com 6% de óleo de canola, 20% de semente de linhaça moída ou 3% de óleo de canola e 10% de linhaça moída com teores de 0, 100 e 200UI/kg de alfa-tocoferol. As dietas com 20% de semente de linhaça proporcionaram teores mais elevados de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados no ovo com aumento, em particular, dos teores de ácido alfa-linolênico e EPA (ácido eicosapentaenóico) e diminuição de ácido araquidônico na gema. Os teores de vitamina E contidos nas rações experimentais não determinaram alteração significativa na deposição dos diferentes ácidos graxos na gema dos ovos, exceto com relação aos ácidos graxos saturados.

High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of phospholipid molecular species in eggs from hens fed diets enriched in seal blubber oil

The total lipid fraction of eggs from hens fed diets enriched in seal blubber oil (1.25-5.0% SBO) was directly analysed with normal-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled on-line with electrospray ionization ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS) for the identification of the molecular species of phospholipids (PLs). The species of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) were all detected as the [M-H](-) ions. The phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin (Sph) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) classes, were detected as formate adducts [M+HCOO](-). Tandem MS of PE and PI showed the loss of the carboxylate anions, and, for PI, also the loss of water and inositol. Product ion spectrum of PC, LPC and Sph contained only the [M-CH(3)](-) ion fragment. Feeding different levels of SBO for 5 weeks resulted in a significant increase of PE, PC and PI molecular species carrying eicosapentaenoic acid (C(20:5 omega3), EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (C(22:5 omega3), DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C(22:6 omega3), DHA), but not Sph nor LPC. The highest increase of the omega3/omega6 ratio occurred for PE and PC. On the contrary, PI was less affected by the increase of SBO in the diet.

Supplementation of fish oil and olive oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated whether supplementation with olive oil could improve clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity in patients who had rheumatoid arthritis and were using fish oil supplements.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (34 female, 9 male; mean age = 49 +/- 19y) were investigated in a parallel randomized design. Patients were assigned to one of three groups. In addition to their usual medication, the first group (G1) received placebo (soy oil), the second group (G2) received fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d), and the third group (G3) received fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d) and 9.6 mL of olive oil. Disease activity was measured by clinical and laboratory indicators at the beginning of the study and after 12 and 24 wk. Patients' satisfaction in activities of daily living was also measured.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in G2 and G3 in relation to G1 with respect to joint pain intensity, right and left handgrip strength after 12 and 24 wk, duration of morning stiffness, onset of fatigue, Ritchie's articular index for pain joints after 24 wk, ability to bend down to pick up clothing from the floor, and getting in and out of a car after 24 wk. G3, but not G2, in relation to G1 showed additional improvements with respect to duration of morning stiffness after 12 wk, patient global assessment after 12 and 24 wk, ability to turn faucets on and off after 24 wk, and rheumatoid factor after 24 wk. In addition, G3 showed a significant improvement in patient global assessment in relation to G2 after 12 wk.

CONCLUSIONS

Ingestion of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids relieved several clinical parameters used in the present study. However, patients showed a more precocious and accentuated improvement when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil.

Including walnuts in a low-fat/modified-fat diet improves HDL cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a moderate-fat diet inclusive of walnuts on blood lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a parallel randomized controlled trial comparing three dietary advice groups each with 30% energy as fat: low fat, modified low fat, and modified low fat inclusive of 30 g of walnuts per day. Fifty-eight men and women, mean age 59.3 +/- 8.1 years, started the trial. Dietary advice was given at baseline with monthly follow-up and fortnightly phone calls for support. Body weight, percent body fat, blood lipids, HbA1c, total antioxidant capacity, and erythrocyte fatty acid levels were measured at 0, 3, and 6 months. Data were assessed by repeated-measures ANOVA with an intention-to-treat model.

RESULTS

The walnut group achieved a significantly greater increase in HDL cholesterol-to-total cholesterol ratio (P=0.049) and HDL (P=0.046) than the two other treatment groups. A 10% reduction in LDL cholesterol was also achieved in the walnut group, reflecting a significant effect by group (P=0.032) and time (P=0.036). There were no significant differences between groups for changes in body weight, percent body fat, total antioxidant capacity, or HbA1c levels. The higher dietary polyunsaturated fat-to-saturated fat ratio and intakes of omega-3 fatty acids in the walnut group were confirmed by erythrocyte biomarkers of dietary intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Structured "whole of diet" advice that included 30 g of walnuts/day delivering substantial amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acid improved the lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in developed countries. Several factors are involved in its appearance and progress, among which nutrition enjoys a certain protagonism. Until recently, the dietetic criteria for preventing and controlling cardiovascular disease were mainly restrictive (at least in terms of energy and fat intake), but such advice is difficult to follow, and without careful monitoring can lead to deficiencies that might negatively affect quality of life and perhaps even life expectancy. Several investigations show that some components of the lipid fraction of the diet, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial with respect to cardiovascular disease, and these have become the centre of much attention. This paper reviews the results of some of these studies and evaluates the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease. The sources of omega-3 fatty acids, their recommended consumption, possible mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects are discussed.

Heart and blood pressure adaptations in Wistar rats fed with different high-fat diets for 18 months

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of long-term administration of four different high-fat diets on systolic blood pressure (SBP), body and heart biometry, and left ventricular myocyte nuclei number (N[lvm]).

METHODS

Twenty-four Wistar rats were assigned to one of four groups from weaning to age 18 mo. The rats were fed experimental diets containing soybean oil (S group), canola oil (CA group), lard and egg yolk (LE group), and canola oil plus lard and egg yolk (CA + LE group). N(lvm) was measured with the disector method in isotropic uniform random sections of the left ventricular myocardium.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences across experimental groups in morphometric indices. SBP was higher in the LE group at all ages and lower in the 18-mo CA group. The myocardium structure analysis separated the animals in three major categories: the CA and LE groups as the extreme and the S and CA + LE groups as the intermediary. In the LE group the myocardium presented more important structural changes: cardiac myocytes were enlarged and surrounded with thick collagen bundles, and some regions exhibited myocardial necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Long-term intake of the CA diet was more efficient in maintaining normal N(lvm) and SBP than the S and LE diets. The CA + LE diet resulted in balanced levels of SBP and N(lvm) in rats, suggesting that canola oil reduces cardiovascular injury caused by intake of lard and egg yolk.

Evidence for the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 Fatty acids

OBJECTIVE

To review available literature regarding the cardiovascular effects of marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids and evaluate the benefit of these fatty acids in the prevention of coronary heart disease.

DATA SOURCES

Biomedical literature accessed through a MEDLINE search (1966-April 2002). Search terms included fish oil, omega-3 fatty acid, sudden death, hypertriglyceridemia, myocardial infarction, and mortality.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Following an early 1970's observational investigation that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the occurrence of myocardial infarction-related deaths in Greenland Eskimos, additional trials have been conducted that support this finding. Epidemiologic and clinical trial data suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 29-52%. In addition, the risk of sudden cardiac death was found to be reduced by 45-81%. Possible mechanisms for these beneficial effects include antiarrhythmic properties, improved endothelial function, antiinflammatory action, and reductions in serum triglyceride concentrations. Omega-3 Fatty acids are fairly well tolerated; potential adverse effects include bloating and gastrointestinal distress, "fishy taste" in the mouth, hyperglycemia, increased risk of bleeding, and a slight increase in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

Omega-3 Fatty acids may be beneficial and should be considered in patients with documented coronary heart disease. They may be particularly beneficial for patients with risk factors for sudden cardiac death.

Eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid: collaboration and not antagonism is the key to biological understanding

Much of the literature on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids suggests that desirable effects of omega-3 fatty acids are in part related to depletion of arachidonic acid (AA). However, in rats and humans, we have found that low doses of EPA actually elevate membrane AA phospholipid concentrations. In patients with schizophrenia, treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) produced clinical improvement, but that improvement was greater at a dose of 2 g/day than at 4 g/day. The improvement was not significantly correlated with changes in either EPA or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) but was highly significantly positively correlated with rises in red cell membrane AA. We suggest that elevation of concentrations of both AA and EPA in cell membranes may be important for health.