Altered Indices of Fatty Acid Elongases ELOVL6, ELOVL5, and ELOVL2 Activities in Patients with Impaired Fasting Glycemia

Current Insights into the Effects of Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Focusing on Alterations of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles in Metabolic Syndrome

The plant-derived α-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 acid highly susceptible to oxidation, present in oils of flaxseeds, walnuts, canola, perilla, soy, and chia. After ingestion, it can be incorporated in to body lipid pools (particularly triglycerides and phospholipid membranes), and then endogenously metabolized through desaturation, elongation, and peroxisome oxidation to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with a very limited efficiency (particularly for DHA), beta-oxidized as an energy source, or directly metabolized to C18-oxilipins. At this moment, data in the literature about the effects of ALA supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans are inconsistent, indicating no effects or some positive effects on all MetS components (abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired insulin sensitivity and glucoregulation, blood pressure, and liver steatosis). The major effects of ALA on MetS seem to be through its conversion to more potent EPA and DHA, the impact on the n-3/n-6 ratio, and the consecutive effects on the formation of oxylipins and endocannabinoids, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion, as well as adipocyte and hepatocytes function. It is important to distinguish the direct effects of ALA from the effects of EPA and DHA metabolites. This review summarizes the most recent findings on this topic and discusses the possible mechanisms.

A comprehensive review of the family of very-long-chain fatty acid elongases: structure, function, and implications in physiology and pathology

BACKGROUND

The very-long-chain fatty acid elongase (ELOVL) family plays essential roles in lipid metabolism and cellular functions. This comprehensive review explores the structural characteristics, functional properties, and physiological significance of individual ELOVL isoforms, providing insights into lipid biosynthesis, cell membrane dynamics, and signaling pathways.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to highlight the significance of the ELOVL family in normal physiology and disease development. By synthesizing current knowledge, we underscore the relevance of ELOVLs as potential therapeutic targets.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

We emphasize the association between dysregulated ELOVL expression and diseases, including metabolic disorders, skin diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. The intricate involvement of ELOVLs in cancer biology, from tumor initiation to metastasis, highlights their potential as targets for anticancer therapies. Additionally, we discuss the prospects of using isoform-specific inhibitors and activators for metabolic disorders and cancer treatment. The identification of ELOVL-based biomarkers may advance diagnostics and personalized medicine.

CONCLUSION

The ELOVL family's multifaceted roles in lipid metabolism and cellular physiology underscore its importance in health and disease. Understanding their functions offers potential therapeutic avenues and personalized treatments.

Maternal training during lactation modifies breast milk fatty acid composition and male offspring glucose homeostasis in rat

The perinatal exposome can modify offspring metabolism and health later in life. Within this concept, maternal exercise during gestation has been reported modifying offspring glucose sensing and homeostasis, while the impact of such exercise during lactation is little-known. We thus aimed at evaluating short- and long-term effects of it on offspring pancreatic function, assuming a link with changes in breast milk composition. Fifteen-week-old primiparous female Wistar rats exercised during lactation at a constant submaximal intensity (TR) or remained sedentary (CT). Male offspring were studied at weaning and at 7 months of age for growth, pancreas weight, glycemia and insulin responses. Milk protein content was determined by the bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA colorimetric method), and lipid content and fatty acid composition by gas chromatography. Mature milk from TR rats contained significantly less saturated (-7 %) and more monounsaturated (+18 %) and polyunsaturated (PUFA +12 %) fatty acids compared to CT rats, with no difference in total lipid and protein concentrations. In offspring from TR vs CT mothers, fasting glycemia was lower, pancreas weight was higher with a lower insulin content (-37 %) at weaning. Such outcomes were correlated with milk PUFA levels and indices of desaturase or elongase activities. These effects were no longer present at 7 months, whereas a more efficient muscle insulin sensitivity was observed. Maternal training during lactation led to a specific milk phenotype that was associated with a short-term impact on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function of the male offspring.

Accumulation of Arachidonic Acid, Precursor of Pro-Inflammatory Eicosanoids, in Adipose Tissue of Obese Women: Association with Breast Cancer Aggressiveness Indicators

While obesity is linked to cancer risk, no studies have explored the consequences of body mass index (BMI) on fatty acid profiles in breast adipose tissue and on breast tumor aggressiveness indicators. Because of this, 261 breast adipose tissue samples of women with invasive breast carcinoma were analyzed. Fatty acid profile was established by gas chromatography. For normal-weight women, major changes in fatty acid profile occurs after menopause, with the enrichment of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) of both n-6 and n-3 series enrichment, but a stable LC-PUFAs n-6/n-3 ratio across age. BMI impact was analyzed by age subgroups to overcome the age effect. BMI increase is associated with LC-PUFAs n-6 accumulation, including arachidonic acid. Positive correlations between BMI and several LC-PUFAs n-6 were observed, as well as a strong imbalance in the LC-PUFAs n-6/n-3 ratio. Regarding cancer, axillary lymph nodes (p = 0.02) and inflammatory breast cancer (p = 0.08) are more frequently involved in obese women. Increased BMI induces an LC-PUFAs n-6 accumulation, including arachidonic acid, in adipose tissue. This may participate in the development of low-grade inflammation in obese women and breast tumor progression. These results suggest the value of lifestyle and LC-PUFAs n-3 potential, in the context of obesity and breast cancer secondary/tertiary prevention.