Lymphatic absorption characteristics of eicosapentaenoic acid -enriched phosphoethanolamine plasmalogen and its gastric and intestinal hydrolysates

The aim of this work was to study the lymphatic absorption characteristics of gastric hydrolysates and intestinal hydrolysates of eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phosphoethanolamine plasmalogen (EPA-pPE) with focusing on the fate of EPA and vinyl ether bonds in the lymph fluid using lymphatic intubation and lipidomics. The results showed that the EPA peak occurred earlier in the gastric (1.5 h) and intestinal (1 h) hydrolysates than in the EPA-pPE group (3 h) with EPA peak content being 2.03 and 1.46 times higher, suggesting pre-hydrolysis contributed to lymphatic absorption. Further, duodenal injection of gastric hydrolysates sn2 EPA-lysoPE produced higher levels of EPA-LPC, PC, PE, and PG. Meanwhile, intestinal hydrolysates free EPA and sn1 lyso-pPE enriched the sn1 + 2 + 3 TG (20:5_20:5_20:5) and increased the vinyl ether bond-containing lipids, such as PE (18:0p_18:0) and PE (18:0p_20:4). This study provides insight into dietary molecular structures of EPA and plasmalogen.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide in Aquatic Foods

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a characteristic nonprotein nitrogen compound, is widely present in seafood, which exhibits osmoregulatory effects for marine organisms in vivo and plays an important role in aquaculture and aquatic product preservation. However, much attention has been focused on the negative effect of TMAO since it has recently emerged as a putative promoter of chronic diseases. To get full knowledge and maximize our ability to balance the positive and negative aspects of TMAO, in this review, we comprehensively discuss the TMAO in aquatic products from the aspects of physiological functions for marine organisms, flavor, quality, the conversion of precursors, the influences on human health, and the seafood ingredients interaction consideration. Though the circulating TMAO level is inevitably enhanced after seafood consumption, dietary seafood still exhibits beneficial health effects and may provide nutraceuticals to balance the possible adverse effects of TMAO.

Quantitative lipidomics reveals the changes of lipids and antioxidant capacity in egg yolk from laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome

In laying hens, fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a common metabolic disorder, which can affect egg production and nutritional value. However, the impact of FLHS on the lipid content in egg yolks was not clear. In this study, FLHS model was induced by using high-energy low-protein diet, and the egg quality was evaluated. Egg yolk lipids were quantitatively analyzed by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Gene expressions of the lipoprotein were determined by qRT-PCR and antioxidant capacity of the egg yolk were determined by kits. The elevated blood lipids and extensive lipid droplets observed indicated successful establishment of the FLHS model in laying hens. Measurements of egg quality showed that egg yolk weight was increased in the FLHS group. Lipidomics revealed that 1,401 lipids, comprising 27 lipid subclasses in the egg yolk. According to score plots of principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, different lipid profile was observed between the control and FLHS groups. A total of 97 different lipid species were screen out. Sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolism were identified as key pathways. Free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) exhibited an increase in the FLHS group (P < 0.05). Notably, the form of PUFAs was changed that the FLHS group showed an increase in triacylglycerol-docosahexenoic acid and triacylglycerol-arachidonic acid in the egg yolk, while triacylglycerol-α-linolenic acid was decreased (P < 0.05). Total superoxide dismutase was decreased in the egg yolks affected by FLHS. Gene expressions of vitellogenin 2 (VTG2), VTG3, very low-density apolipoprotein II and apolipoprotein B were increased in the liver of laying hens with FLHS (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FLHS promoted the lipid transport from the liver to the yolk by upregulating lipoprotein expression, which altered lipid profile, and reduced antioxidant capacity in the yolk. This study provided a foundation for understanding the changes in lipids, lipid transport and lipid antioxidation capacity in egg yolk from laying hens with FLHS.

Mussel oil is superior to fish oil in preventing atherosclerosis of ApoE-/- mice

Objectives

The present study aimed to explore the preventive effect of mussel oil (MO) on atherosclerosis and the potential mechanism in apolipoprotein E-null (ApoE-/-) mice.

Methods

ApoE-/- mice were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol chow and given corn oil (CO), fish oil (FO), MO, or aspirin (ASP, dissolved in CO) by gavage for 12  weeks. The total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in MO (51.01%) and FO (46.82%) were comparable (mainly C22:6n-3 and C20:5n-3). Wild-type mice were fed with a normal chow and given equivalent CO as health control (CON).

Results

Compared with the CON group, obvious atherosclerotic plaque appeared at aorta and aortic sinus in the CO group. Compared with the CO group, MO but not FO had a significantly smaller atherosclerotic plaque area in the aorta. The aortic atherosclerotic plaque area was comparable in the MO, CON, and ASP groups. The MO group had a significantly smaller atherosclerotic plaque area, lower lipid deposition, lower contents of smooth muscle cell (SMC), and slightly lower contents of macrophage at the aortic sinus than the FO group. Serum concentrations of IL-1β, NF-κB, and VCAM-1 were comparable in the MO and FO groups and were significantly lower than the CO group. Compared with the CO group, the MO group but not FO group had significantly lower aortic protein levels of p65NF-κB, p38MAPK, and VCAM-1. The aortic protein levels of p-p65NF-κB and p-p38MAPK were significantly lower in the MO group than the FO group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MO is more potent than FO in preventing atherosclerosis, and the possible mechanism may be by downregulating p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, decreasing VCAM-1 and macrophage, and inhibiting proliferation and migration of SMC.

Quantitative Lipidome Analysis of Boiled Chicken Egg Yolk under Different Heating Intensities

The effects of the four heating intensities (hot-spring egg yolk, HEY; soft-boiled egg yolk, SEY; normal-boiled egg yolk, NEY; and over-boiled egg yolk, OEY) on lipidomes of boiled egg yolks were investigated. The results indicated that four heating intensities had no significant effect on the total abundance of lipids and lipid categories except for bile acids, lysophosphatidylinositol, and lysophosphatidylcholine. However, of all the 767 lipids quantified, the differential abundance of 190 lipids was screened among the egg yolk samples at four heating intensities. Soft-boiling and over-boiling altered the assembly structure of the lipoproteins through thermal denaturation and affected the binding of lipids and apoproteins, resulting in an increase in low-to-medium-abundance triglycerides. The decreased phospholipid and increased lysophospholipid and free fatty acid in HEY and SEY suggests potential hydrolysis of phospholipids under relatively low-intensity heating. Results provide new insights into the effect of heating on the lipid profiles of egg yolk and would support the public's choice of cooking method for egg yolks.

Untargeted Lipidomics Method for the Discrimination of Five Crab Species by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Combined with Chemometrics

In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution accurate mass-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRAM/MS) was applied to characterize the lipid profiles of five crab species. A total of 203 lipid molecular species in muscle tissue and 176 in edible viscera were quantified. The results indicate that Cancer pagurus contained high levels of lipids with a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapntemacnioc acid (EPA) structure in the muscle tissue and edible viscera. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed that PE 16:0/22:6, PE P-18:0/20:5, PA 16:0/22:6 and PC 16:0/16:1 could be used as potential biomarkers to discriminate the five kinds of crabs. In addition, some lipids, such as PE 18:0/20:5, PC 16:0/16:1, PE P-18:0/22:6 and SM 12:1;2O/20:0, could be used as characteristic molecules to distinguish between Cancer magister and Cancer pagurus, which are similar in appearance. This study provides a new perspective on discriminating crab species from MS-based lipidomics.

Eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phospholipids alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism in spontaneously hypertensive rats with CD36 mutation: a precise nutrition strategy

Previous studies have found that eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phospholipids (EPA-PLs) alleviated glucose and lipid metabolism, which was accompanied by an increase of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36). However, the effects of EPA-PLs on glucose and lipid metabolism in the case of CD36 mutation are unclear. Thus, spontaneously hypertensive rats/NCrl (SHR) were used as a CD36 mutation model to determine the effects of dietary 2% EPA-PLs for 4 weeks on glucose and lipid metabolism. The results showed that the intervention of EPA-PLs significantly alleviated the abnormal increase of serum free fatty acid levels and glycerol levels in SHRs. Moreover, the administration of EPA-PLs decreased the triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels by 31.1% and 37.9%, respectively, in the liver. Dietary EPA-PLs had no effect on epididymal fat weight, but EPA-PLs inhibited adipocyte hypertrophy in SHRs. Further mechanistic research found that EPA-PL pretreatment significantly reduced triacylglycerol catabolism and increased fatty acid β-oxidation. Additionally, the administration of EPA-PLs decreased the area under the curve of the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and fasting serum insulin levels by activating the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, EPA-PL pretreatment significantly increased the CD36 gene expression in the liver tissues, adipose tissues and muscle tissues even in the case of CD36 mutation. These results indicated that EPA-PLs alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism in the case of CD36 mutation, which provides a precise nutrition strategy for people with CD36 mutation.

Quantitative lipidomics analysis of changes in egg yolk lipids during spray-drying and subsequent accelerated storage

Egg yolks are rich in lipids that are easily altered during processing and storage. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry strategy was used for quantitative lipidomics analysis of egg yolk after spray-drying processing and accelerated storage. Spray-drying treatment caused lipid oxidation (especially the oxidation of free fatty acids), potential hydrolysis of phospholipids, and alteration of the form of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, linolenic acid, and eicosatetraenoic acid) in egg yolk. These lipid alterations caused by the spray-drying process were further aggravated by the accelerated storage process. In detail, following storage, the abundance of free fatty acids, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylethanolamine decreased further; and the abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of triglycerides increased significantly. These results provide new insight into the mechanism underlying egg yolk property changes during spray-drying and storage, and offer valuable reference data for egg yolk powder promotion and application in food processing.

Whey protein hydrolysate alleviated atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis by regulating lipid metabolism in apoE-/- mice fed a Western diet

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) has been proved to possess various biological activities associated with the amelioration of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic and hepatoprotective effects of WPH on apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE^-/-) mice fed with a Western diet for 15 weeks. Results revealed that WPH markedly inhibited the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and steatosis injury in the liver. The serum lipid and inflammation levels were both reduced after WPH supplemented in apoE^-/- mice. In addition, WPH inhibited the lipid accumulation in the liver, thereby decreasing the hepatic inflammation level and oxidative stress injury. Mechanism investigation revealed that WPH down-regulated the expression of cholesterol biosynthesis genes while up-regulated the expression of cholesterol uptake and excretion genes in the liver. Meanwhile, the de novo lipogenesis was inhibited while the fatty acids β-oxidation was activated in the liver by WPH supplementation. Notably, the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)/n-6 PUFA ratio in serum and liver of the WPH-H group were 2.69-fold (p < 0.01) and 3.64-fold (p < 0.01) higher than that of the Model group. Collectively, our results proved WPH possesses potent anti-atherosclerotic and hepatoprotective activities and has the potential to be used as a novel functional ingredient for the management of CVD.

Omega-3 phospholipids and obesity-associated NAFLD: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases in line with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and there is no approved drug therapy. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 series (omega-3) are known for their hypolipidaemic and anti-inflammatory effects. Existing clinical trials suggest varying effectiveness of triacylglycerol- or ethyl ester-bound omega-3 in the treatment of NAFLD, without affecting advanced stages such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Preclinical studies suggest that the lipid class used to supplement omega-3 may determine the extent and nature of their effects on metabolism. Phospholipids of marine origin represent an alternative source of omega-3. The aim of this review is to summarise the available evidence on the use of omega-3 phospholipids, primarily in obesity-related NAFLD, and to outline perspectives of their use in the prevention/treatment of NAFLD. A PubMed literature search was conducted in May 2021. In total, 1088 articles were identified, but based on selection criteria, 38 original papers were included in the review. Selected articles describing the potential mechanisms of action of omega-3 phospholipids have also been included. Preclinical evidence clearly indicates that omega-3 phospholipids have strong antisteatotic effects in the liver, which are stronger compared to omega-3 administered as triacylglycerols. Multiple mechanisms are likely involved in the overall antisteatotic effects, involving not only the liver but also adipose tissue and the gut. Robust preclinical evidence for strong antisteatotic effects of omega-3 phospholipids in the liver should be confirmed in clinical trials. Further research is needed on the possible effects of omega-3 phospholipids on advanced NAFLD.

EPA-Enriched Phospholipids Alleviate Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats by Regulating TGF-β Signaling Pathways

Hypertensive nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease caused by hypertension. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has been reported to possess an antihypertensive effect, and our previous study suggested that EPA-enriched phospholipid (EPA-PL) had more significant bioactivities compared with traditional EPA. However, the effect of dietary EPA-PL on hypertensive nephropathy has not been studied. The current study was designed to examine the protection of EPA-PL against kidney damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Treatment with EPA-PL for three weeks significantly reduced blood pressure through regulating the renin–angiotensin system in SHRs. Moreover, dietary EPA-PL distinctly alleviated kidney dysfunction in SHRs, evidenced by reduced plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h proteinuria. Histology results revealed that treatment of SHRs with EPA-PL alleviated renal injury and reduced tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Further mechanistic studies indicated that dietary EPA-PL remarkably inhibited the activation of TGF-β and Smad 3, elevated the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT, suppressed the activation of NF-κB, reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6, and repressed the oxidative stress and the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway in the kidney. These results indicate that EPA-PL has potential value in the prevention and alleviation of hypertensive nephropathy.

Determinants of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions beyond proteome in Asian Indians: exploring the fatty acid profile of HDL phospholipids

Impaired high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions are associated with development of coronary artery disease. In this study, we explored the quantitative differences in HDL (i.e. HDL proteome and fatty acid profile of HDL phospholipids) underlying the functional deficits associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The relationship between HDL function and composition was assessed in 65 consecutive ACS patients and 40 healthy controls. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of HDL and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activity were significantly lower in patients with ACS compared to controls. In HDL proteome analysis, HDL isolated from ACS individuals was enriched in apolipoprotein C2 (inhibitor of LCAT), apolipoprotein C4 and serum amyloid A proteins and was deficient in apolipoprotein A-I and A-II. The fatty acid profile of HDL phospholipids analyzed using gas chromatography showed significantly lower percentages of stearic acid (17.4 ± 2.4 vs 15.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.004) and omega-3 fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (1.0 (0.6-1.4) vs 0.7 (0.4-1.0), p = 0.009) and docosahexaenoic acid (1.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 0.5, p = 0.03)] in ACS patients compared to controls. Lower percentages of these fatty acids in HDL were associated with higher odds of developing ACS. Our results suggest that distinct phospholipid fatty acid profiles found in HDL from ACS patients could be one of the contributing factors to the deranged HDL functions in these patients apart from the protein content and the inflammatory conditions.

Plasmalogens improve swimming performance by modulating the expression of genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in an Alzheimer's disease zebrafish model

Plasmalogens (PLs) are critical to human health. Studies have reported a link between the downregulation of PLs levels and cognitive impairments in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. In the present study, an AlCl₃-induced AD zebrafish model was established, and the model was used to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of PLs on AD by analysing the transcriptional profiles of zebrafish in the control, AD model, AD_PL, and PL groups. Chronic AlCl₃ exposure caused swimming performance impairments in the zebrafish, yet PLs supplementation could improve the dyskinesia recovery rate in the AD zebrafish model. Through transcriptional profiling, a total of 5413 statistically significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the groups. In addition to the DEGs involved in amino acid metabolism, we found that the genes related to iron homeostasis, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress, all of which contribute to ferroptosis, were dramatically altered among different groups. These results suggest that seafood-derived PLs, in addition to their role in eliminating oxidative stress, can improve the swimming performance in AlCl₃-exposed zebrafish partly by suppressing neuronal ferroptosis and accelerating synaptic transmission at the transcriptional level. This study provides evidence for PLs to be developed as a functional food supplement to relieve AD symptoms.

Krill Oil Combined with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 Alleviates the Atherosclerosis of ApoE-/- Mice

There has been an increasing number of studies on the interaction between active substances and probiotics to improve disease. Both krill oil (KO) and probiotics have the effect of improving atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the combined effect has not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the improvement effect of KO combined with probiotics on atherosclerosis. The atherosclerotic plaque area of ApoE^−/− mice was detected after the intervention of KO, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis F1-7 (Bif. animalis F1-7), and KO combined with Bif. animalis F1-7. The results showed that Bif. animalis F1-7, KO, and KO combined with Bif. animalis F1-7 could significantly reduce the area of atherosclerotic plaque and improve the levels of serum lipids and inflammatory factors. They could regulate the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) pathway to reduce lipid accumulation. The intervention groups could also improve the inflammatory response by downregulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) pathway. The anti-inflammatory effect of the interaction group was significantly better than that of KO. It proved that Bif. animalis F1-7 might play a synergistic effect in the improvement of inflammation by KO to the alleviation of atherosclerosis.

Nutrigenomics of Dietary Lipids

Dietary lipids have a major role in nutrition, not only for their fuel value, but also as essential and bioactive nutrients. This narrative review aims to describe the current evidence on nutrigenomic effects of dietary lipids. Firstly, the different chemical and biological properties of fatty acids contained both in plant- and animal-based food are illustrated. A description of lipid bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and lipotoxicity is provided, together with an overview of the modulatory role of lipids as pro- or anti-inflammatory agents. Current findings concerning the metabolic impact of lipids on gene expression, epigenome, and gut microbiome in animal and human studies are summarized. Finally, the effect of the individual’s genetic make-up on lipid metabolism is described. The main goal is to provide an overview about the interaction between dietary lipids and the genome, by identifying and discussing recent scientific evidence, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, to address future investigations and fill the gaps in the current knowledge on metabolic impact of dietary fats on health.

Lipidomics phenotyping of clam (Corbicula fluminea) through graphene/fibrous silica nanohybrids based solid-phase extraction and HILIC-MS analysis

Polyunsaturated phospholipids are abundant in clam (Corbicula fluminea) but difficult to be fully extracted. Herein, graphene/fibrous silica (G/KCC-1) nanohybrids were synthesized, characterized, and applied for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of phospholipids in clam. The effectiveness of G/KCC-1 SPE was verified by hydrophilic interaction chromatography mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS) based lipidomics and statistical analysis. The ions of PE 16:0/18:1 (m/z 716.4), PC 16:0/20:5 (m/z 824.6) and etc. were regarded as the main difference among the crude lipids, acetone washed extract, and eluate of G/KCC-1 SPE. Finally, this method was validated in terms of linearity (R² 0.9965 to 0.9981), sensitivity (LOD 0.19-0.51 μg·mL^-1 and LOQ 0.48 - 1.47 μg·mL^-1), and precision (RSD_intra-day ≤ 7.16% and RSD_inter-day ≤ 7.30%). In conclusion, the G/KCC-1 SPE and HILIC-MS method was shown to be accurate and efficient in selective extracting and phenotyping phospholipids in C. fluminea.

Dietary lipids and cardiometabolic health: a new vision of structure-activity relationship

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The impact of dietary lipids on cardiometabolic health was mainly studied considering their fatty acid composition. This review aims to present the recent change in paradigm whereby the food matrix, the molecular and supramolecular structures of dietary lipids modulate their digestive fate and cardiometabolic impact.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological studies have reported that the metabolic impact of full-fat dairy products is better than predictable upon saturated fatty acid richness. Milk polar lipid supplementation reduced adiposity and inflammation in rodents by modulating gut microbiota and barrier, and decreased lipid markers of cardiovascular disease risk in humans by lowering cholesterol absorption. The metabolic importance of the structure of lipid molecules carrying omega-3 (molecular carrier) has also been documented. Plant lipids exhibit specific assemblies, membrane and molecular structures with potential health benefits. Lipid emulsifiers used to stabilize fats in processed foods are not mere bystanders of lipid effects and can induce both beneficial and adverse health effects.

SUMMARY

These findings open new clinical research questions aiming to further characterize the cardiometabolic fate of lipids, from digestion to bioactive metabolites, according to the food source or molecular carrier. This should be useful to elaborate food formulations for target populations and personalized dietary recommendations.

The Anti-Obesogenic Effect of Lean Fish Species is Influenced by the Fatty Acid Composition in Fish Fillets

Fillets from marine fish species contain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the form of phospholipids (PLs). To investigate the importance of PL-bound n-3 PUFAs in mediating the anti-obesogenic effect of lean seafood, we compared the anti-obesogenic properties of fillets from cod with fillets from pangasius, a fresh water fish with a very low content of PL-bound n-3 PUFAs. We prepared high-fat/high-protein diets using chicken, cod and pangasius as the protein sources, and fed male C57BL/6J mice these diets for 12 weeks. Mice fed the diet containing cod gained less adipose tissue mass and had smaller white adipocytes than mice fed the chicken-containing diet, whereas mice fed the pangasius-containing diet were in between mice fed the chicken-containing diet and mice fed the cod-containing diet. Of note, mice fed the pangasius-containing diet exhibited reduced glucose tolerance compared to mice fed the cod-containing diet. Although the sum of marine n-3 PUFAs comprised less than 2% of the total fatty acids in the cod-containing diet, this was sufficient to significantly increase the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) in mouse tissues and enhance production of n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators as compared with mice fed pangasius or chicken.

Small rodent models of atherosclerosis

The ease of breeding, low cost of maintenance, and relatively short period for developing atherosclerosis make rodents ideal for atherosclerosis research. However, none of the current models accurately model human lipoprotein profile or atherosclerosis progression since each has its advantages and disadvantages. The advent of transgenic technologies much supports animal models' establishment. Notably, two classic transgenic mouse models, apoE-/- and Ldlr-/-, constitute the primary platforms for studying underlying mechanisms and development of pharmaceutical approaches. However, there exist crucial differences between mice and humans, such as the unhumanized lipoprotein profile, and the different plaque progression and characteristics. Among rodents, hamsters and guinea pigs might be the more realistic models in atherosclerosis research based on the similarities in lipoprotein metabolism to humans. Studies involving rat models, a rodent with natural resistance to atherosclerosis, have revealed evidence of atherosclerotic plaques under dietary induction and genetic manipulation by novel technologies, notably CRISPR-Cas9. Ldlr-/- hamster models were established in recent years with severe hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic lesion formation, which could offer an alternative to classic transgenic mouse models. In this review, we provide an overview of classic and innovative small rodent models in atherosclerosis researches, including mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs, focusing on their lipoprotein metabolism and histopathological changes.

Soyasaponins A1 and A2 exert anti-atherosclerotic functionalities by decreasing hypercholesterolemia and inflammation in high fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoE-/- mice

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing coronary heart attacks and strokes. Soyasaponins (SS), the phytochemicals naturally existing in soybeans and their products, have been shown to reduce hypercholesterolemia and inflammation, which are intimately related to the genesis and development of atherosclerosis. However, the anti-atherosclerotic functionality of soyasaponins remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the supplementation of two types of soyasaponin monomers (A1 and A2) on atherosclerotic plaque formation, serum lipid profiles, and inflammation in ApoE gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. Sixty 5-week-old ApoE-/- male mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and intervened by SSA1 and SSA2 (10 and 20 μmol per kg BW, respectively) or simvastatin (10 μmol per kg BW) for 24 weeks. The atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, aortic root, and innominate artery, lipid profile and inflammatory markers in serum, and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in arterial tissues were determined. SSA1 and SSA2 decreased the plaque ratio in the aortic root and innominate artery but not in the entire aorta. In serum, SSA1 reduced TG, TC, and LDL-C but increased HDL-C; SSA2 decreased TC, TG, and LDL-C but did not affect HDL-C. Meanwhile, SSA1 increased TG, SSA2 increased TC, and both of them increased bile acids in the feces. SSA1 and SSA2 lowered TNF-α, MCP-1, and hs-crp in serum. Furthermore, SSA1 and SSA2 reduced the TLR4 and MyD88 expressions in the aorta and innominate artery and inhibited NF-κB p65 and IκBα phosphorylation in the aorta. These results suggest that SSA1 and SSA2 exert anti-atherosclerotic functionalities by decreasing hypercholesterolemia and inflammation in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice.

Inflammation and cardiovascular disease: are marine phospholipids the answer?

This review presents the latest research on the cardioprotective effects of n-3 fatty acids (FA) and n-3 FA bound to polar lipids (PL). Overall, n-3 PL may have enhanced bioavailability and potentially bioactivityversusfree FA and ester forms of n-3 FA.

Marine omega-3 (n-3) phospholipids: A comprehensive review of their properties, sources, bioavailability, and relation to brain health

For several decades, there has been considerable interest in marine-derived long chain n-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) due to their outstanding health benefits. n-3 LCPUFAs can be found in nature either in triglycerides (TAGs) or in phospholipid (PL) form. From brain health point of view, PL n-3 is more bioavailable and potent compared to n-3 in TAG form, as only PL n-3 is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and can be involved in brain biochemical reactions. However, PL n-3 has been ignored in the fish oil industry and frequently removed as an impurity during degumming processes. As a result, PL products derived from marine sources are very limited compared to TAG products. Commercially, PLs are being used in pharmaceutical industries as drug carriers, in food manufacturing as emulsifiers and in cosmetic industries as skin care agents, but most of the PLs used in these applications are produced from vegetable sources that contain less (without EPA, DPA, and DHA) or sometimes no n-3 LCPUFAs. This review provides a comprehensive account of the properties, structures, and major sources of marine PLs, and provides focussed discussion of their relationship to brain health. Epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical studies on n-3 LCPUFAs enriched PLs using different model systems in relation to brain and mental health that have been published over the past few years are discussed in detail.

Application of Plackett-Burman Design in Screening of Natural Antioxidants Suitable for Anchovy Oil

Considering the safety of synthetic antioxidants, more and more natural antioxidants have been developed and utilized in foods. This study aimed to screen out a natural antioxidant combination from many antioxidants, which could significantly affect the oxidation stability of anchovy oil, while Plackett–Burman design (PBD) methodology was employed in this screening. According to the statistical results of this design, sesamol, dihydromyricetin, teapolyphenol, and rosemary acid were four significant parameters on the oxidation stability of anchovy oil. Moreover, dihydromyricetin presented the best antioxidant effect among nine kinds of selected antioxidants when they were used alone in anchovy oil. Meanwhile, a combination including sesamol (0.02%), teapolyphenol (0.02%). and rosemary acid (0.02%) was adopted, and its antioxidant ability was similar to that of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Additionally, phytic acid as a synergist was used and combined with sesamol, and the antioxidant ability of this combination was better than that of TBHQ. This study presented a reference for the industrial applications of natural antioxidants and synergists in anchovy oil.

Digestion, Absorption, and Metabolism Characteristics of EPA-Enriched Phosphoethanolamine Plasmalogens Based on Gastrointestinal Functions in Healthy Mice

EPA-enriched phosphoethanolamine plasmalogens (EPA-pPE), widely present in marine creatures, is a unique glycerophospholipid with EPA at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone. EPA-pPE has been reported to exhibit numerous distinctive bioactivities. However, the digestion, absorption, and metabolism characteristics of EPA-pPE in vivo are not clear, which restrict the molecular mechanism analysis related to its distinctive activities. The aim of the present study was to illustrate the digestion, absorption, and metabolism characteristics of EPA-pPE by lipid analysis in serum, intestinal wall, and content after oral administration of EPA-pPE emulsion. Results showed the EPA percentage of total fatty acids in serum was increasing over time, with two peaks at 5 and 10 h by 1.89 ± 0.2 and 2.58 ± 0.27, respectively, and then fell from 1.89 ± 0.17 at 10 h to 1.35 ± 0.16 at 16 h. In small intestinal content, EPA-pPE was hydrolyzed to lyso-phospholipids and EPA by phospholipases A2 and the vinyl ether bond was retained at the sn-1 position. The released EPA could be quickly taken up into the enterocytes and enter circulation. The comparison of simulated digestion in vitro showed that the distinct digestion and absorption process of EPA-pPE was a unique phenomenon. EPA could be retained in serum at a high level for a substantial period of time, which suggested that EPA-pPE was not just a short-lived circulating molecule.