Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular Diseases: A consensus statement from the Experts' Committee Of National Society Of Cardiometabolic Medicine

The Chemical Composition of Fatty Oil from Oliveria Decumbens Ecotypes and Evaluation of Synergistic Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Obesity Activities

Oliveria decumbens Vent. is an aromatic, endemic plant from southern Iran renowned for its numerous health benefits. This study identified fatty acids in eight O. decumbens ecotypes and assessed their antioxidant and amylase activities. Flowers of eight ecotypes of the O. decumbens plant were collected from three provinces of Iran and fatty acids were extracted by in-vitro hexane digestion. Extracts included omega-3, omega-6, hexadecanoic acid, thymol, and carvacrol. The amount of each fatty acid in the Oliveria oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The amounts of omega-3 (7.55-16.02%), omega-6 (7.48-17.42%), and hexadecanoic acid (7.44-18.19%) varied among the different ecotypes. Total phenolic content of the samples was measured. The antioxidant activity of the fatty oils was assessed using the DPPH and ABTS assays. The antioxidant properties of the extracts ranged from 23.16 to 52.7%. The anti-diabetic and anti-obesity evaluation was conducted using α-amylase and lipase enzymes. The IC50 values for Oliveria oil ecotypes were 118.2 ± 6.5-28.13 ± 6.4 µg/ml for the α-amylase enzyme and 40.00 ± 2.5-66.3 ± 2 µg/ml for the lipase enzyme. All Oliveria oil exhibited antioxidant properties; Jahrom, Dakal, Behbahan ecotypes were strong inhibitors of the α-amylase enzyme, and four showed strong to moderate inhibitors. Our in-vitro results show that oils' inhibition abilities roots from their specific chemical components.

Regional Dietary Pattern Associated with the Risk of Hypertensive Dyslipidemia Multimorbidity in Chinese Elderly: Results from China Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2015-2017

Objectives: This study investigated regional dietary patterns and their association with hypertensive dyslipidemia multimorbidity among older Chinese adults. Methods: Data from 13,809 individuals (aged ≥ 65 years) were extracted from the 2015-2017 China Nutrition and Health Surveillance. Hypertensive dyslipidemia multimorbidity was defined as concurrent hypertension and dyslipidemia. Four dietary patterns were identified via exploratory factor analysis using 3-day 24 h dietary records. Results: Four dietary patterns were extracted: traditional southern, diverse, high oil and salt, and animal oil-other animal meat-coarse grain pattern. The national prevalence of hypertensive dyslipidemia multimorbidity was 31.9%, with significant regional variation (highest in North China: 36.4%; lowest in Central China: 27.9%; p < 0.0001). Regional dietary dominance included: the traditional southern pattern in South China (75.9%); the traditional southern (35.8%) and diversified (28.8%) patterns in East China; animal oil-other animal meat-coarse grain (38.4%) and traditional southern (37.9%) patterns in Southwest China; high oil and salt (36.8%) and traditional southern (25.9%) in Central China; diversified (47.7%) and high oil and salt (26.3%) patterns in North China; high oil and salt (44.9%) and diversified (37.9%) patterns in Northwest China; and the diversified (46.9%) pattern in Northeast China. In the highest scoring group of the animal oil-other animal meat-coarse grain pattern, the risk of hypertensive dyslipidemia multimorbidity was 1.179 times greater compared with the lowest scoring group (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.179, 95% CI: 1.032-1.316, p < 0.001). Region-specific analyses highlighted: increased risks with the traditional southern pattern in South/East China (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 2.080, 95% CI: 1.036-4.175, p < 0.001) and (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.734, 95% CI: 1.052-2.859, p < 0.001); protective effects of the diversified pattern in Northwest China (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.377, 95% CI: 0.173-0.824, p < 0.001); elevated risks with the high oil and salt pattern in Central/North China (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 2.343, 95% CI: 1.107-4.955, p < 0.001) and (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.837, 95% CI: 1.019-3.312, p < 0.001); and higher risks with the animal oil-other animal meat-coarse grain pattern in Southwest China (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 2.009, 95% CI: 1.004-4.021, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, dietary patterns among elderly Chinese are diversified and should be optimized based on local food resources to control hypertensive dyslipidemia multimorbidity.

Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Cardiovascular Indices in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) face a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to explore the impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on cardiovascular indices in this population. Although the benefits of n-3 PUFAs on cardiovascular health and glycemic outcomes are highly regarded, previous research reports have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the specific effects of n-3 PUFAs on patients with T2DM. To examine the effect of n-3 PUFAs on cardiovascular indices in T2DM using a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Online databases including PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries were searched up to December 2023. We assessed the overall weighted mean difference in cardiovascular indices between the group supplemented with n-3 PUFAs and the control group. The differences were compared uniformly using pre- and post-treatment differences.

Results

Supplementation with n-3PUFAs in patients diagnosed solely with T2DM significantly reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -3.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.52 to -1.32, p = 0.003 < 0.05), triglycerides (WMD = -23.94, 95% CI = -34.95 to -12.93, p = 0.000 < 0.05), cholesterol (WMD = -8.39, 95% CI = -12.06 to -4.72, p = 0.000 < 0.05), glycated hemoglobin (WMD = -0.25, 95% CI = -0.41 to -0.06, p = 0.003 < 0.05) and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index (WMD = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.81 to -0.29, p = 0.000 < 0.05). All other differences in lipid indices, glycemic indices, inflammatory parameters and blood pressure were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration in patients with T2DM and coronary heart disease (CHD) (WMD = -3.92, 95% CI = -6.36 to -1.48, p = 0.002 < 0.05). There were no significant differences in LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with T2DM and CHD (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

N-3 PUFAs improved lipid levels and long-term blood glucose levels in patients diagnosed solely with T2DM, but did not significantly improve blood pressure inflammatory markers. N-3 PUFAs showed no significant improvement in blood lipid and inflammatory indexes in patients with T2DM and CHD.

The PROSPERO registration

CRD42024522262, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024522262.

The Role of Dietary Antioxidants, Food Supplements and Functional Foods for Energy Enhancement in Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals frequently experience significant work overload, which often leads to substantial physical and psychological stress. This stress is closely linked to increased oxidative stress and a corresponding decline in energy levels. This scoping review investigates the potential impact of dietary antioxidants and food supplements in conjunction with diet in controlling these negative effects. Through an analysis of the biochemical pathways involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism, the paper emphasizes the effectiveness of targeted dietary interventions. Key dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, and carotenoids, are evaluated for their ability to counteract oxidative stress and enhance energy levels. Additionally, the review assesses various food supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and ginseng, and their mechanisms of action in energy enhancement. Practical guidelines for incorporating energy-boost dietary strategies into the routine of healthcare professionals are provided, emphasizing the importance of dietary modifications in reducing oxidative stress and improving overall well-being and performance in high-stress healthcare environments. The review concludes by suggesting directions for future research to validate these findings and to explore new dietary interventions that may further support healthcare professionals under work overload.

Fish Oil Consumption: Its Effects on Bone and Blood Parameters of the Ovariectomized Rat Model of Osteopenia

Background/Objectives: The beneficial effects of ω-3 fatty acids on the cardiovascular system have been observed in many epidemiological studies; however, their effects on the skeleton and in particular on postmenopausal bone loss appear to vary. The present study's purpose was to investigate the effects of oral fish oil (rich in ω-3 fatty acids) consumption on bone, plasma, and inflammation parameters in the ovariectomized (Ovx) rat model of osteopenia. Methods: Four Groups of ten rats each were separated into Non-Ovx receiving fish oil (2.8 g/kg body weight) (Non-Ovx + FO), Non-Ovx receiving isocaloric corn oil (Non-Ovx + CO), Ovx receiving fish oil (Ovx + FO), and Ovx receiving corn oil (Ovx + CO) daily for 4 months. Results: Tibial bone mineral density percentage changes from baseline were +4.09% in Non-Ovx + FO rats versus -2.99% in Non-Ovx + CO rats (p NS), and -5.73% in Ovx + FO rats versus -14.12% in Ovx + CO rats (p = 0.070), indicating a tendency to protect from bone loss. Fish oil exerted a beneficial effect on bone strength, as shown by significantly increased femoral fracture stress in Ovx + FO, compared to Ovx + CO rats (p = 0.05). The plasma's total cholesterol was significantly reduced in both FO Groups versus the CO Groups (p < 0.001), while HDL-cholesterol decreased slightly in both FO Groups, significantly (p < 0.001) between Non-Ovx + FO versus Non-Ovx + CO. Interleukin 6 was reduced in both FO Groups, indicating the anti-inflammatory effect of fish oil consumption, which was highly significant (p < 0.001) between Non-Ovx + FO versus Non-Ovx + CO. Interleukin 10, TNF-α, and RANKL displayed non-significant changes. Conclusions: Among the skeletal and blood parameters studied, several, but not all, demonstrated a mild to significant beneficial effect of four-month fish oil consumption.

Efficacy and safety of omega-3-acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules in severe hypertriglyceridemia: A randomized, controlled, multicenter study

Omega-3-acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules (containing 465 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 375 mg docosahexaenoic acid) is composed of highly purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ethyl esters, whose lipid-lowering effect for severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) treatment is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omega-3-acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules in patients with severe HTG. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, 239 patients with severe HTG were enrolled and randomized (1:1) into omega-3 group (N = 122) and placebo group (N = 117) to receive 12-week corresponding treatments. Lipid-related indexes were obtained at treatment initiation (W0), 4 weeks (W4), W8, and W12 after treatment. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions were recorded. Triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and apolipoprotein C-III (Apo C-III) at W4, W8, and W12 were decreased in the omega-3 group versus the placebo group (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the percentage changes of TAG, TC, non-HDL-C, and VLDL-C from W0 to W4, W8, and W12, and the percentage change of Apo C-III from W0 to W4 and W8, were more obvious in the omega-3 group compared with the placebo group (all p < 0.05). However, no difference was observed in the percentage changes of HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio during follow-up between groups (all p > 0.05). Additionally, there was no discrepancy in adverse events and adverse drug reactions between groups (all p > 0.05). Omega-3-acid ethyl acetate 90 capsules exhibit satisfied lipid-lowering effect with tolerable safety profile in patients with severe HTG.

Dietary modulation of lung lipids influences inflammatory responses to inhaled ozone

The pulmonary system represents a unique lipidomic environment as it contains cellular membrane-bound lipid species and a specialized reservoir of lipids in the airway epithelial lining fluid. As a major initial point of defense, airway lipids react to inhaled contaminants such as volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, or ozone (O3), creating lipokine signaling that is crucial for both the initiation and resolution of inflammation within the lung. Dietary modulation of eicosanoids has gained increased attention in recent years for improvements to cardiovascular health. The current study sought to examine how dietary supplementation with eicosanoid precursors (i.e, oils rich in saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids) might alter the lung lipid composition and subsequently modify the inflammatory response to ozone inhalation. Our study demonstrated that mice fed a diet high in saturated fatty acids resulted in diet-specific changes to lung lipid profiles and increased cellular recruitment to the lung following ozone inhalation. Bioinformatic analysis revealed an ozone-dependent upregulation of several lipid species, including phosphoserine 37:5. Pathway analysis of lipid species revealed the process of lateral diffusion of lipids within membranes to be significantly altered due to ozone exposure. These results show promising data for influencing pulmonary lipidomic profiles via diet, which may provide a pragmatic therapeutic approach to protect against lung inflammation and damage following pulmonary insult.

Health benefits and health risks of contaminated fish consumption: Current research outputs, research approaches, and perspectives

Background

Fish contains high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals and due to this it is termed as an essential component of a balanced diet. But there have been concerns raised about the risks of consuming fish that is contaminated with toxins such as methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, and plastic waste. Consumption of contaminated fish containing these pollutants is raising global mortality and morbidity rates.

Scope and approaches

The review examines the current research outputs on the health benefits and potential health risks of fish consumption. The review also discusses various approaches to mitigating the health problems caused by fish consumption, highlights the roles of balancing the risks and benefits when consuming fish.

Key findings and conclusion

Different findings indicated that contaminants cause cancer, kidney failure, adverse neurological effect, cardiovascular diseases, and so on to vulnerable groups such as pregnant, child breast-feeding and children. In conclusion, there is a need to get more tangible evidence about the advantages and disadvantages of fish consumption to safeguard the wellbeing of the society.

Relationship between Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis

Multiple factors cause atherosclerosis, meaning its pathogenesis is complex, and has not been fully elucidated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are a member of the fatty acid family, which are critical nutrients for mammalian growth and development. The types of polyunsaturated fatty acids ingested, their serum levels, and fatty acid desaturase can influence the atherosclerotic disease progression. The fatty acid desaturase gene cluster can regulate fatty acid desaturase activity and further affect atherosclerosis. This study reviewed the research progress on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on atherosclerosis regulated by fatty acid desaturase and the relationship between genetic variants of the fatty acid desaturase gene cluster and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidants positively regulate obesity dependent circRNAs - sperm quality - functional axis

Obesity is a pathophysiological condition, dependent on body fat accumulation, that progressively induces systemic oxidative stress/inflammation leading to a set of associated clinical manifestations, including male infertility. CircRNAs, covalently closed RNA molecules, are key regulators of sperm quality. Recently, we have characterized a complete profile of high-fat diet (HFD) spermatic circRNA cargo, predicting paternal circRNA dependent networks (ceRNETs), potentially involved in sperm oxidative stress and motility anomalies. In the current work, using HFD C57BL6/J male mice, orally treated with a mix of bioactive molecules (vitamin C; vitamin B12; vitamin E; selenium-L-methionine; glutathione-GSH) for 4 weeks, a reversion of HFD phenotype was observed. In addition, the functional action of the proposed formulations on circRNA biogenesis was evaluated by assessing the endogenous spermatic FUS-dependent backsplicing machinery and related circRNA cargo. After that, spermatic viability and motility were also analyzed. Paternal ceRNETs, potentially involved in oxidative stress regulation and sperm motility defects, were identified and used to suggest that the beneficial action of the food supplements here conveniently formulated on sperm motility was likely due to the recovery of circRNA profile. Such a hypothesis was, then, verified by an in vitro assay.

Landscape of Statin as a Cornerstone in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Atherosclerosis, the key pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Statins are first-line lipid-lowering drugs, which have been demonstrated to be powerful agents for anti-atherosclerosis. Numerous studies have confirmed the cardiovascular benefits and long-term safety of statins in a wide range of patients. Statins play an indispensable and irreplaceable part in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this article, we summarize the evolution of statins and their role in the treatment of cholesterol. The anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of statins, its efficacy, safety and clinical outcomes in secondary and primary prevention of ACSVD in different patient populations, the combination treatment effects, and guideline recommendations are also detailed. This paper highlights the profound significance of statins as the most successful anti-atherogenic drug in the cardiovascular field.