Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Emerging Plant and Microbial Sources, Oxidative Stability, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits-A Review

Antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, and efficiency of Satureja fatty acid on the anti-inflammatory parameters in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage through Nrf2/NF-kB/NADH oxidase pathway

Satureja is an aromatic plant that is used for flavoring, perfume, and food manufacturing due to its pleasant essential oil. Modern medicine research revealed several biological activities of Satureja essential oil, including antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. However, the functional properties of Satureja fatty acid have not been explored. This study examined the fatty acid profile, lipid nutritional quality, antioxidant, anti-amylase, and anti-lipase capacities of Satureja. The efficiency of Satureja fatty acid on the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory parameters in LPS-induced macrophage through the Nrf2/NF-kB/NADH oxidase pathway was examined. The whole lipid extract was prepared with chloroform/methanol/water solution. Fatty acids methyl ester from whole lipid extract were prepared with methanol/sulfuric acid reagent. The fatty acid profile was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total antioxidant was determined by ABTS decolorization. Lipase and amylase activities were determined by monitoring the decomposition of p-nitrophenyl butyrate and starch. The macrophage cell line was grown in DMEM media in the presence of fatty acid. The hydrogen peroxide production in treated cells was monitored using the FOX reagent. NADH oxidase activity was measured by monitoring NADH breakdown. The expression of NOX, NF-kB, and NRF2, were tested in the treated cells by real-time PCR. The main components of the Satureja fatty acid were linolenic acid (24.67-37.32%), palmitic acid (10.65-20.29%), linoleic acid (8.31-13.39%), oleic acid (4.42-14.35%), stearic acid (2.76-8.77%) and palmitoleic acid (1.77-4.95%). Given the nutritional quality, omega-3 PUFA (23.58-37.32%), SFA (21.53-26.70%), omega-6 PUFA (10.86-16.14%), omega-9 MUFA (4.42-14.35%), and omega-7 MUFA (1.77-4.95%) comprise the majority of fatty acids. Satureja fatty acid has a promising unsaturation index (120.77-164.27), PUFA/MUFA (2.07-6.41), hypocholesterolemic index (2.44-3.47), health-promoting index (2.03-2.42), PUFA/SFA (1.37-1.94), nutritive value index (0.53-1.71), MUFA/SFA (0.30-0.80) omega-6/omega-3 (0.34-0.65), atherogenicity index (0.41-0.49), and thrombogenicity index (0.17-0.27). Satureja fatty acid displayed strong antioxidant capacity (with IC50 ranging from 354 to 428 µg/mL), anti-lipase capacity (with IC50 ranging from 354 to 428 µg/mL), and anti-amylase capacity (with IC50 ranging from 370 to 390 µg/mL). LPS induced the expression of NOX, NRF2, and NF-kB and the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in macrophage cells. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, Satureja fatty acid reduced NOX expression, hydrogen peroxide, and NF-kB expression and increased NRF2 at 0.04 mg/mL. In conclusion, Satureja fatty acids have potent antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, and anti-inflammatory activities. The mechanisms in lowering oxidative stress markers depended on down-regulating superoxide-producing enzymes at gene and protein levels. Satureja polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids could be recommended for healthy products combined with dietary therapy to treat obesity, diabetes, and oxidative stress.

Impact of Plant Oil Supplementation on Lipid Production and Fatty Acid Composition in Cunninghamella elegans TISTR 3370

The Cunninghamella genus has been utilized for the production of PUFA-rich lipids. Therefore, we investigate the impact of plant oil supplementation in the culture medium (soybean oil, rice bran oil, and perilla oil), selected based on their different fatty acid predominant, on lipid production and fatty acid composition in C. elegans (TISTR 3370). All oils significantly boosted fungal growth, each influencing distinct patterns of lipid accumulation within the cells. The cells exhibited distinct patterns of lipid accumulation, forming intracellular lipid bodies, influenced by the different oils. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were found to be the most abundant, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the fungal lipid cultures. Oleic acid was identified as the primary MUFA, while palmitic acid was the predominant SFA in perilla oil supplements. Remarkably, perilla oil supplement provided the highest total lipid production with arachidonic acid being exclusively detected. The percentage of PUFAs ranged from 12% in the control to 33% in soybean oil, 32% in rice bran oil, and 61% in perilla oil supplements. These findings offer valuable opportunities for advancing biotechnological applications in lipid production and customization, with implications for food and nutrition as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Maternal nutrition and its effects on fetal neurodevelopment

Herein, we present a thorough examination of the impact of maternal nutrition on fetal and infant neurodevelopment, focusing on specific nutrients and their critical roles in perinatal and pediatric health. Through a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, this study highlights the importance of a balanced maternal diet rich in nutrients like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), folic acid, iron, and iodine in shaping children's neurological functions. Key findings underscore the influence of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the peri-gestational period on children's cognitive, motor, speech, and socio-emotional development. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as DHA, are linked to adverse long-lasting outcomes such as premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction, where a suitable intake of iron and folic acid is vital to prevent neural tube defects and promote healthy brain development. We highlight areas requiring further investigation, particularly regarding iodine's impact and the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In conclusion, this research sheds light on our current understanding of maternal nutrition and child neurodevelopment, offering valuable insights for health professionals and researchers.

Phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane-extracted oil from four umbelliferous vegetables using GC/MS analysis in the context of antibacterial activity

Umbelliferous (Apiaceae) vegetables are widely consumed worldwide for their nutritive and health benefits. The main goal of the current study is to explore the compositional heterogeneity in four dried umbelliferous vegetables viz, celery, coriander, dill, and parsley targeting their volatile profile using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 133 volatile metabolites were detected belonging to 12 classes. Aromatic hydrocarbons were detected as the major components of the analyzed vegetables accounting ca. 64.0, 62.4, 59.5, and 47.8% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected at ca. 6.39, 8.21, 6.16, and 6.79% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of various health benefits were detected in parsley and represented by roughanic acid and α-linolenic acid at 4.99 and 0.47%, respectively. Myristicin and frambinone were detected only in parsley at 0.45 and 0.56%. Investigation of antibacterial activity of umbelliferous vegetables n-hexane extract revealed a moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity for celery and dill against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone 20.3 mm compared to 24.3 mm of the standard antibacterial drug.

Neuroimmunological effects of omega-3 fatty acids on migraine: a review

Migraine is a highly prevalent disease worldwide, imposing enormous clinical and economic burdens on individuals and societies. Current treatments exhibit limited efficacy and acceptability, highlighting the need for more effective and safety prophylactic approaches, including the use of nutraceuticals for migraine treatment. Migraine involves interactions within the central and peripheral nervous systems, with significant activation and sensitization of the trigeminovascular system (TVS) in pain generation and transmission. The condition is influenced by genetic predispositions and environmental factors, leading to altered sensory processing. The neuroinflammatory response is increasingly recognized as a key event underpinning the pathophysiology of migraine, involving a complex neuro-glio-vascular interplay. This interplay is partially mediated by neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene receptor peptide (CGRP), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and/or cortical spreading depression (CSD) and involves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome formation, activated microglia, and reactive astrocytes. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), crucial for the nervous system, mediate various physiological functions. Omega-3 PUFAs offer cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric benefits due to their potent anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, and neuromodulatory properties, which modulate neuroinflammation, neurogenic inflammation, pain transmission, enhance mitochondrial stability, and mood regulation. Moreover, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), a class of PUFA-derived lipid mediators, regulate pro-inflammatory and resolution pathways, playing significant anti-inflammatory and neurological roles, which in turn may be beneficial in alleviating the symptomatology of migraine. Omega-3 PUFAs impact various neurobiological pathways and have demonstrated a lack of major adverse events, underscoring their multifaceted approach and safety in migraine management. Although not all omega-3 PUFAs trials have shown beneficial in reducing the symptomatology of migraine, further research is needed to fully establish their clinical efficacy and understand the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of omega-3 PUFAs and PUFA-derived lipid mediators, SPMs on migraine pathophysiology and progression. This review highlights their potential in modulating brain functions, such as neuroimmunological effects, and suggests their promise as candidates for effective migraine prophylaxis.

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 prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma patients based on polyunsaturated fatty acid-related genes

OBJECTIVE

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have attracted increasing attention for their role in liver cancer development. The objective of this study is to develop a prognosis prediction model for patients with liver cancer based on PUFA-related metabolic gene characteristics.

METHOD

Transcriptome data and clinical data were obtained from public databases, while gene sets related to PUFAs were acquired from the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) database. Univariate Cox analysis was conducted on the training set, followed by LASSO logistic regression and multivariate Cox analysis on genes with p < .05. Subsequently, the stepwise Akaike information criterion method was employed to construct the model. The high- and low-risk groups were divided based on the median score, and the model's survival prediction ability, diagnostic efficiency, and risk score distribution of clinical features were validated. The above procedures were also validated in the validation set. Immune infiltration levels were evaluated using four algorithms, and the immunotherapeutic potential of different groups was explored. Significant enrichment pathways among different groups were selected based on the GSEA algorithm, and mutation analyses were conducted. Nomogram prognostic models were constructed by incorporating clinical factors and risk scores using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, validated through calibration curves and clinical decision curves. Additionally, sensitivity analysis of drugs was performed to screen potential targeted drugs.

RESULTS

We constructed a prognostic model comprising eight genes (PLA2G12A, CYP2C8, ABCCI, CD74, CCR7, P2RY4, P2RY6, and YY1). Validation across multiple datasets indicated the model's favorable prognostic prediction ability and diagnostic efficiency, with poorer grading and staging observed in the high-risk group. Variations in mutation status and pathway enrichment were noted among different groups. Incorporating Stage, Grade, T.Stage, and RiskScore into the nomogram prognostic model demonstrated good accuracy and clinical decision benefits. Multiple immune analyses suggested greater benefits from immunotherapy in the low-risk group. We predicted multiple targeted drugs, providing a basis for drug development.

CONCLUSION

Our study's multifactorial prognostic model across multiple datasets demonstrates good applicability, offering a reliable tool for personalized therapy. Immunological and mutation-related analyses provide theoretical foundations for further research. Drug predictions offer important insights for future drug development and treatment strategies. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into tumor prognosis assessment and personalized treatment planning.

The Effect of Low Temperature Storage on the Lipid Quality of Fish, Either Alone or Combined with Alternative Preservation Technologies

Marine foods are highly perishable products due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be readily oxidized to form peroxides and secondary oxidation products, thus conferring such foods undesirable organoleptic characteristics and generating harmful compounds that are detrimental to the health of consumers. The use of preservation methods that minimize lipid oxidation is required in the fishing and aquaculture industries. Low temperature storage (chilling or freezing) is one of the most commonly used preservation methods for fish and seafood, although it has been shown that the oxidation of the lipid fraction of such products is partially but not completely inhibited at low temperatures. The extent of lipid oxidation depends on the species and the storage temperature and time, among other factors. This paper reviews the effect of low temperature storage on the lipid quality of fish, either alone or in combination with other preservation techniques. The use of antioxidant additives, high hydrostatic pressure, irradiation, ozonation, ultrasounds, pulsed electric fields, and the design of novel packaging can help preserve chilled or frozen fish products, although further research is needed to develop more efficient fish preservation processes from an economic, nutritional, sensory, and sustainable standpoint.

Expression of FAD and SAD Genes in Developing Seeds of Flax Varieties under Different Growth Conditions

Flax seed is one of the richest plant sources of linolenic acid (LIN) and also contains unsaturated linoleic acid (LIO) and oleic acid (OLE). Stearoyl-ACP desaturases (SADs) and fatty acid desaturases (FADs) play key roles in the synthesis of flax fatty acids (FAs). However, there is no holistic view of which genes from the SAD and FAD families and at which developmental stages have the highest expression levels in flax seeds, as well as the influence of genotype and growth conditions on the expression profiles of these genes. We sequenced flax seed transcriptomes at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after flowering (DAF) for ten flax varieties with different oil FA compositions grown under three temperature/watering conditions. The expression levels of 25 genes of the SAD, FAD2, and FAD3 families were evaluated. FAD3b, FAD3a, FAD2b-2, SAD3-1, SAD2-1, SAD2-2, SAD3-2, FAD2a-1, and FAD2a-2 had the highest expression levels, which changed significantly during seed development. These genes probably play a key role in FA synthesis in flax seeds. High temperature and insufficient watering shifted the maximum expression levels of FAD and SAD genes to earlier developmental stages, while the opposite trend was observed for low temperature and excessive watering. Differences in the FAD and SAD expression profiles under different growth conditions may affect the FA composition of linseed oil. Stop codons in the FAD3a gene, resulting in a reduced LIN content, decreased the level of FAD3a transcript. The obtained results provide new insights into the synthesis of linseed oil.

Food to Prevent Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease

Vascular calcification (VC) is a consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which is of paramount importance regarding the survival of CKD patients. VC is far from being controlled with actual medication; as a result, in recent years, diet modulation has become more compelling. The concept of medical nutritional therapy points out the idea that food may prevent or treat diseases. The aim of this review was to evaluate the influence of food habits and nutritional intervention in the occurrence and progression of VC in CKD. Evidence reports the harmfulness of ultra-processed food, food additives, and animal-based proteins due to the increased intake of high absorbable phosphorus, the scarcity of fibers, and the increased production of uremic toxins. Available data are more supportive of a plant-dominant diet, especially for the impact on gut microbiota composition, which varies significantly depending on VC presence. Magnesium has been shown to prevent VC but only in experimental and small clinical studies. Vitamin K has drawn considerable attention due to its activation of VC inhibitors. There are positive studies; unfortunately, recent trials failed to prove its efficacy in preventing VC. Future research is needed and should aim to transform food into a medical intervention to eliminate VC danger in CKD.

Targeting Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Nutraceuticals in Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

The escalating prevalence of metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders, often characterized by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, poses significant health challenges globally. As the traditional therapeutic approaches may sometimes fall short in managing these health conditions, attention is growing toward nutraceuticals worldwide; with compounds being obtained from natural sources with potential therapeutic beneficial effects being shown to potentially support and, in some cases, replace pharmacological treatments, especially for individuals who do not qualify for conventional pharmacological treatments. This review delves into the burgeoning field of nutraceutical-based pharmacological modulation as a promising strategy for attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation in metabolic and cardiometabolic disorders. Drawing from an extensive body of research, the review showcases various nutraceutical agents, such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. All these can be classified as novel nutraceutical-based drugs that are capable of regulating pathways to mitigate oxidative-stress- and inflammation-associated metabolic diseases. By exploring the mechanisms through which nutraceuticals interact with oxidative stress pathways and immune responses, this review highlights their potential to restore redox balance and temper chronic inflammation. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of nutraceutical-based interventions are discussed, encompassing bioavailability enhancement, personalized treatment approaches, and clinical translation. Through a comprehensive analysis of the latest scientific reports, this article underscores the potential of nutraceutical-based pharmacological treatment modulation as a novel avenue to fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the complex landscape of metabolic disorders, particularly accentuating their impact on cardiovascular health.

Cold-Pressed Sacha Inchi Oil: High in Omega-3 and Prevents Fat Accumulation in the Liver

The ability of oil supplementation to inhibit various metabolic syndromes has been recognized. However, there are currently no studies determining the effects of oil supplements on healthy conditions. Plukenetia volubilis L., also known as Sacha inchi, is a seed rich in essential unsaturated fatty acids that improves metabolic syndrome diseases, such as obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver. However, the health benefits and effects of Sacha inchi oil (SIO) supplementation remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the chemical effects and properties of Sacha inchi oil. The results of the chemical compound analysis showed that Sacha inchi is an abundant source of ω-3 fatty acids, with a content of 44.73%, and exhibits scavenging activity of 240.53 ± 11.74 and 272.41 ± 6.95 µg Trolox/g, determined via DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively, while both olive and lard oils exhibited lower scavenging activities compared with Sacha inchi. Regarding liver histology, rats given Sacha inchi supplements showed lower TG accumulation and fat droplet distribution in the liver than those given lard supplements, with fat areas of approximately 14.19 ± 6.49% and 8.15 ± 2.40%, respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Sacha inchi oil is a plant source of ω-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and does not induce fatty liver and pathology in the kidney, pancreas, and spleen. Therefore, it has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement to improve metabolic syndrome diseases.

Oleaginous Microbial Lipids' Potential in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders

The products of oleaginous microbes, primarily lipids, have gained tremendous attention for their health benefits in food-based applications as supplements. However, this emerging biotechnology also offers a neuroprotective treatment/management potential for various diseases that are seldom discussed. Essential fatty acids, such as DHA, are known to make up the majority of brain phospholipid membranes and are integral to cognitive function, which forms an important defense against Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have also been shown to reduce recurrent epilepsy seizures and have been used in brain cancer therapies. The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 PUFAs is essential in maintaining physiological function. Furthermore, lipids have also been employed as an effective vehicle to deliver drugs for the treatment of diseases. Lipid nanoparticle technology, used in pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals, has recently emerged as a biocompatible, biodegradable, low-toxicity, and high-stability means for drug delivery to address the drawbacks associated with traditional medicine delivery methods. This review aims to highlight the dual benefit that lipids offer in maintaining good health for disease prevention and in the treatment of neurological diseases.

Fine-tuning of key parameters to enhance biomass and nutritional polyunsaturated fatty acids production from Thraustochytrium sp

The escalating demand for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) due to their vital health effects has deepened the exploration of sustainable sources. Thraustochytrium sp. stands out as a promising platform for omega-3 and 6 PUFA production. This research strategically optimizes key parameters: temperature, salinity, pH, and G:Y:P ratio and the optimized conditions for maximum biomass, total lipid, and DHA enhancement were 28 °C, 50 %, 6, and 10:1:2 respectively. Process optimization enhanced 32.30 and 31.92 % biomass (9.88 g/L) and lipid (6.57 g/L) yield. Notably, DHA concentration experienced a substantial rise of 69.91 % (1.63 g/L), accompanied by notable increases in EPA and DPA by 82.69 % and 31.47 %, respectively. MANOVA analysis underscored the statistical significance of the optimization process (p < 0.01), with all environmental factors significantly influencing biomass and lipid data (p < 0.05), particularly impacting DHA production. Thraustochytrium sp. can be a potential source of commercial DHA production with the fine-tuning of these key process parameters.

Marine Animal Co-Products-How Improving Their Use as Rich Sources of Health-Promoting Lipids Can Foster Sustainability

Marine lipids are recognized for their-health promoting features, mainly for being the primary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and are therefore critical for human nutrition in an age when the global supply for these nutrients is experiencing an unprecedent pressure due to an ever-increasing demand. The seafood industry originates a considerable yield of co-products worldwide that, while already explored for other purposes, remain mostly undervalued as sustainable sources of healthy lipids, often being explored for low-value oil production. These co-products are especially appealing as lipid sources since, besides the well-known nutritional upside of marine animal fat, which is particularly rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, they also have interesting bioactive properties, which may garner them further interest, not only as food, but also for other high-end applications. Besides the added value that these co-products may represent as valuable lipid sources, there is also the obvious ecological upside of reducing seafood industry waste. In this sense, repurposing these bioresources will contribute to a more sustainable use of marine animal food, reducing the strain on already heavily depleted seafood stocks. Therefore, untapping the potential of marine animal co-products as valuable lipid sources aligns with both health and environmental goals by guaranteeing additional sources of healthy lipids and promoting more eco-conscious practices.

The knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of pregnant women regarding seafood consumption during the antenatal period: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition impacts fetal growth and development. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) guidelines recommend pregnant women consume 2-3 servings (224-336 g) of fish/seafood per week to support intake of long chain omega 3 fatty acids, given adequate consumption supports numerous health benefits including reduced risk of preterm and early preterm birth. Evidence indicates that pregnant women purposely lower their fish/seafood intake, largely due to fears of methylmercury exposure. The aim of this study was to explore pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding their fish/seafood consumption during the antenatal period.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2018 and December 2020 among a purposive sample of 12 pregnant women from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Themes were developed on the women's lived experience related to fish/seafood knowledge, attitudes, and consumption behaviour.

RESULTS

The most prominent finding was widespread non-adherence to fish/seafood consumption guidelines. This was largely owing to a lack of proactive health promotion related to the health benefits of fish/seafood throughout pregnancy, including the health promoting roles of long chain omega 3 fatty acids for fetal growth and development. Three themes were identified: nutrition knowledge; sources of health promotion; and barriers and enablers to fish/seafood consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

To support adequate maternal consumption of fish/seafood throughout pregnancy, emphasis should be placed on the benefits of consuming this food group regularly. Additionally, pregnant women should receive education about the health promoting role of long chain omega 3 fatty acids. Dietitians are well placed to provide this information.

Yield and Chemical Characteristics of Salvia hispanica L. (Chia) Oil from Native Seeds from Four Provenances of Guatemala

INTRODUCTION

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a plant from the Lamiaceae family that has been used as ancestral food, medicine, and oil, with culinary, artistic, and religious purposes by most of the Mesoamerican civilizations. Native from Mesoamerica, introduced into South America, Australia, and Europe, it is presently consumed as a nutritional and functional food.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to characterize ancient native cultivars from four provenances in Guatemala to recommend their direct consumption by the population as well as to establish its trade.

METHODS

Seed samples were collected in four places where they have been cultivated for several generations. The oil was obtained by expression and analyzed chemically by gas chromatography following standard qualitative and quantitative methods.

RESULTS

Variations in oil yield and some of the characteristic parameters of the phytochemical analysis were obtained. In general, the profile was similar to most of the reported data in the literature, with the saturated fatty acids (8.54-9.25%) relatively lower than the references (7.95-11.45%) but a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty oils, particularly of omega-3 (64.68-68.62%).

CONCLUSION

The oil from native cultivars contains high quantities of omega-3, which might help pregnant women during gestation and to control other conditions such as metabolic syndrome, particularly in low- and middle-income populations where these seeds are consumed regularly. The suggestion is made to encourage the cultivation and use of these ancestral seeds with the possibility of commercialization abroad with an appellation of origin label.

Role of encapsulation on the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) have been widely recognized for their therapeutic advantages, including anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. They have shown promise in enhancing regulatory function, promotingdevelopment and mitigating the progression of diabetes and cancer. The scientific communities, along with industries, are actively endorsing initiatives aimed at increasing the daily intake of lipids rich in omega-3 FAs. Nevertheless, incorporating polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) into food products poses several challenges due to their susceptibility to oxidation when exposed to oxygen, high temperatures, and moisture. This oxidative deterioration results in undesirable flavours and a loss of nutritional value. Various methods, including physical blending, interesterification, and encapsulation, have been utilized as ways to enhance the stability of edible oils rich in PUFA against oxidation. Encapsulation has emerged as a proven strategy for enhancing the oxidative stability and functional properties of omega-3 FA-rich oils. Multiple encapsulation methods have been developed to stabilize and improve the delivery of omega-3 FAs in food products. The selection of an appropriate encapsulation method depends on the desired application of the encapsulated oil. In addition, encapsulation enhances the bioavailability of omega-3 FAs by promoting increased absorption of the encapsulated form in the intestinal epithelium. This review discusses the techniques and principles of omega-3 FA-rich oil encapsulation and its role in improving stability and bioavailability. Furthermore, it also investigates the potential health benefits of these encapsulated oils. This review explores the variations in bioavailability based on encapsulation techniques and processing, offering vital insights for nutrition and product development.

Disrupted balance between pro-inflammatory lipid mediators and anti-inflammatory specialized pro-resolving mediators is linked to hyperinflammation in patients with alcoholic hepatitis

Background

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption leads to a spectrum of alcohol-associated liver diseases (ALD), including alcoholic hepatitis (AH). AH is characterized by intense systemic and liver inflammation, posing significant risks of health complications and mortality. While inflammation is a crucial defense mechanism against injury and infection, its timely resolution is essential to prevent tissue damage and restore tissue homeostasis. The resolution of inflammation is an actively regulated process, primarily governed by specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), lipid metabolites derived from ω-6 and ω-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We investigated the balance between pro-inflammatory lipid mediators (PLMs) and SPMs in the ω-6 and ω-3 PUFA metabolic pathways and examined the impact of alcohol abstinence on rectifying the dysregulated biosynthesis of PLMs and SPMs in AH patients.

Methods

LC-MS/MS and ELISA were used to quantify levels of bioactive lipid mediators (LMs) and their precursors in the plasma samples from 58 AH patients, 29 heavy drinkers without overt liver diseases (HDCs), and 35 healthy controls (HCs). Subsequently, we assessed correlations of altered LMs with clinical parameters and various markers of inflammatory cascade andmicrobial translocation. Furthermore, we conducted a longitudinal study to track changes in levels of LMs over 6- and 12-month follow-ups in AH patients who underwent alcohol abstinence.

Results

AH patients exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of ω-6 PLMs (PGD 2 and LTB 4 ) and SPM RvE1 compared to HDCs and/or HCs. Conversely, key SPMs such as LXA4, RvD1, and several precursors in the ω-3 pathway were significantly downregulated in AH patients. Some of these altered LMs were found to correlate with AH disease severity, clinical parameters, and various inflammatory cytokines. In particular, the LTB4/LXA4 ratio was substantially elevated in AH patients relative to HDCs and HCs. This altered ratio displayed a positive correlation with the MELD score, suggesting its potential utility as an indicator of disease severity in AH patients. Importantly, the majority of dysregulated LMs, particularly PLMs, were normalized following alcohol abstinence.

Conclusion

Our study reveals significant dysregulation in the levels of PLM metabolites and anti-inflammatory SPMs in both ω-6 and ω-3 PUFA pathways in AH patients. This disrupted biosynthesis, characterized by an overabundance of PLMs and a deficiency in SPMs, is linked to the heightened inflammation observed in AH patients. Importantly, our findings suggest an important role of alcohol abstinence in restoring the balance of these LMs and the potential therapeutic benefits of SPM supplements in alleviating the inflammatory cascade in AH patients.

Fatty acid profiling and oxidative stability of biscuits available in the market of the city of Ludhiana, India

India has occupied third position in biscuit manufacturing with an average production of 1.95 million tonnes. The major ingredients in biscuit manufacturing are refined wheat flour, sugar and fat. Fat to be used must be chosen carefully as it affects quality of final product in terms of fatty acid composition and oxidative stability. Therefore, the present work was planned to study fatty acid profile of highly consumed baked products of biscuit family such as biscuits and cookies available in market. The study was carried out to do fatty acid profiling of a range of highly consumed baked products of biscuit family as a primary objective and also, to determine oxidative stability of these products by analysing peroxide value and free fatty acid content. The most commonly consumed packaged and unpackaged bakery products were selected and were bought from the local market of Ludhiana city on the basis of a survey conducted on 200 subjects. The selected products were analysed for fatty acid composition and oxidative stability using standard methods. Fatty acid profiling of 22 bakery products of biscuit family was done. Palmitic acid was the most abundant among all fatty acids in packaged and unpackaged samples. Peroxide value of all the products even after storage period of three months was found below the permissible limits (< 10 meq/kg). Free fatty acids value of all the products also did not cross acceptable level of 0.5 percent. Out of total selected eight brands, six were national and two were international. Amount of palmitic acid was higher in the products belonging to local brands.

Biotechnological production of omega-3 fatty acids: current status and future perspectives

Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acids (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have shown major health benefits, but the human body's inability to synthesize them has led to the necessity of dietary intake of the products. The omega-3 fatty acid market has grown significantly, with a global market from an estimated USD 2.10 billion in 2020 to a predicted nearly USD 3.61 billion in 2028. However, obtaining a sufficient supply of high-quality and stable omega-3 fatty acids can be challenging. Currently, fish oil serves as the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids in the market, but it has several drawbacks, including high cost, inconsistent product quality, and major uncertainties in its sustainability and ecological impact. Other significant sources of omega-3 fatty acids include plants and microalgae fermentation, but they face similar challenges in reducing manufacturing costs and improving product quality and sustainability. With the advances in synthetic biology, biotechnological production of omega-3 fatty acids via engineered microbial cell factories still offers the best solution to provide a more stable, sustainable, and affordable source of omega-3 fatty acids by overcoming the major issues associated with conventional sources. This review summarizes the current status, key challenges, and future perspectives for the biotechnological production of major omega-3 fatty acids.

The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitory Potential of Chicken Egg Yolk Fat and Their Fatty Acid Composition

Histone deacetylation is a key biochemical event associated with transcriptional regulation. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) mediate the deacetylation of histones. Fatty acids have been reported to function as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). The present instigation reports the HDAC inhibitory activity of egg yolks and egg yolk-derived fat of country and farm chicken for the first time. Egg yolks and fatty acids derived from both country (CCEF) and farm chicken (FCEF) demonstrated significant HDAC enzyme activity inhibition. Furthermore, egg yolks, CCEF, and FCEF exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging effects. The analysis of fatty acid profiles revealed varying degrees of saturated, mono-, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the egg yolks. Palmitic acid (C16 : 0) was found to be the most abundant saturated fatty acid in both CCEF and FCEF. Among the monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid (C18 : 1) was the most abundant in both CCEF and FCEF. In terms of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a significant difference was observed in the content of linoleic acid (C18 : 2), an omega-6 fatty acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (C22 : 6), an omega-3 fatty acid, between CCEF and FCEF. These findings present exciting prospects for the development of histone deacetylase inhibitors based on egg yolk fat.

Omega-3 PUFAs prevent bone impairment and bone marrow adiposity in mouse model of obesity

Obesity adversely affects bone and fat metabolism in mice and humans. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) have been shown to improve glucose metabolism and bone homeostasis in obesity. However, the impact of omega-3 PUFAs on bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) and bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) metabolism has not been intensively studied yet. In the present study we demonstrated that omega-3 PUFA supplementation in high fat diet (HFD + F) improved bone parameters, mechanical properties along with decreased BMAT in obese mice when compared to the HFD group. Primary BMSCs isolated from HFD + F mice showed decreased adipocyte and higher osteoblast differentiation with lower senescent phenotype along with decreased osteoclast formation suggesting improved bone marrow microenvironment promoting bone formation in mice. Thus, our study highlights the beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA-enriched diet on bone and cellular metabolism and its potential use in the treatment of metabolic bone diseases.

Roles of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Managing Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes significantly to the death of people worldwide, especially the elderly. An essential feature of COPD is pulmonary inflammation, which results from long-term exposure to noxious substances from cigarette smoking and other environmental pollutants. Pulmonary inflammatory mediators spill over to the blood, leading to systemic inflammation, which is believed to play a significant role in the onset of a host of comorbidities associated with COPD. A substantial comorbidity of concern in COPD patients that is often overlooked in COPD management is cognitive impairment. The exact pathophysiology of cognitive impairment in COPD patients remains a mystery; however, hypoxia, oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and cerebral manifestations of these conditions are believed to play crucial roles. Furthermore, the use of medications to treat cognitive impairment symptomatology in COPD patients has been reported to be associated with life-threatening adverse effects, hence the need for alternative medications with reduced side effects. In this Review, we aim to discuss the impact of cognitive impairment in COPD management and the potential mechanisms associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment in COPD patients. The promising roles of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in improving cognitive deficits in COPD patients are also discussed. Interestingly, ω-3 PUFAs can potentially enhance the cognitive impairment symptomatology associated with COPD because they can modulate inflammatory processes, activate the antioxidant defence system, and promote amyloid-beta clearance from the brain. Thus, clinical studies are crucial to assess the efficacy of ω-3 PUFAs in managing cognitive impairment in COPD patients.

Essential Components from Plant Source Oils: A Review on Extraction, Detection, Identification, and Quantification

Oils derived from plant sources, mainly fixed oils from seeds and essential oil from other parts of the plant, are gaining interest as they are the rich source of beneficial compounds that possess potential applications in different industries due to their preventive and therapeutic actions. The essential oils are used in food, medicine, cosmetics, and agriculture industries as they possess antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Plant based oils contain polyphenols, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds which show high antioxidant activity. The extractions of these oils are a crucial step in terms of the yield and quality attributes of plant oils. This review paper outlines the different modern extraction techniques used for the extraction of different seed oils, including microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), cold-pressed extraction (CPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and pulsed electric field-assisted extraction (PEF). For the identification and quantification of essential and bioactive compounds present in seed oils, different modern techniques-such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography-infrared spectroscopy (GC-IR), atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS), and electron microscopy (EM)-are highlighted in this review along with the beneficial effects of these essential components in different in vivo and in vitro studies and in different applications. The primary goal of this research article is to pique the attention of researchers towards the different sources, potential uses and applications of oils in different industries.

Modulation of Gut Microbiome Community Mitigates Multiple Sclerosis in a Mouse Model: The Promising Role of Palmaria palmata Alga as a Prebiotic

BACKGROUND

Red marine algae have shown the potential to reduce inflammation, influence microbiota, and provide neuroprotection.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prebiotic properties of Palmaria palmata aqueous extract (Palmaria p.) and its potential as a neuroprotective agent in multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

eighty-eight adult Swiss mice were divided into four male and four female groups, including a control group (distilled water), Palmaria p.-treated group (600 mg/kg b.w.), cuprizone (CPZ)-treated group (mixed chow 0.2%), and a group treated with both CPZ and Palmaria p. The experiment continued for seven weeks. CPZ treatment terminated at the end of the 5th week, with half of the mice sacrificed to assess the demyelination stage. To examine the spontaneous recovery, the rest of the mice continued until the end of week seven. Behavioral (grip strength (GS) and open field tests (OFT)), microbiome, and histological assessments for general morphology of corpus callous (CC) were all conducted at the end of week five and week 7.

RESULTS

Palmaria p. can potentially protect against CPZ-induced MS with variable degrees in male and female Swiss mice. This protection was demonstrated through three key findings: (1) increased F/B ratio and expansion of the beneficial Lactobacillus, Proteobacteria, and Bactriodia communities. (2) Protection against the decline in GS induced by CPZ and prevented CPZ-induced anxiety in OFT. (3) Preservation of structural integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of its propensity to promote microbiota alterations, its antioxidant activity, and its content of -3 fatty acids, Palmaria p. could be a promising option for MS patients and could be beneficial as a potential probiotic for the at-risk groups as a preventive measure against MS.

Does inclusion of bioactive n-3 PUFAs in parenteral nutrition benefit postoperative patients undergoing liver surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as a part of parenteral nutrition in patients undergoing liver surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Springer link, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and VIP Database.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the outcomes of liver function, inflammatory reaction, the influence of certain markers of the immune system, and specific clinical indexes for patients undergoing liver surgery and receiving parenteral nutrition with n-3 PUFAs.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias for each study. Findings were summarised in Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs, including 748 patients (trial: 374; control: 374), were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with patients in the control group, the patients in the n-3 PUFA group who underwent liver surgery had significantly lower aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference, MD -42.72 (95% CI -71.91 to -13.52); p=0.004), alanine aminotransferase (MD -38.90 (95% CI -65.44 to -12.37); p=0.004), white cell count (MD -0.93 (95% CI -1.60 to -0.26); p=0.007) and IL-6 (MD -11.37 (95% CI -14.62 to -8.13); p<0.00001) levels and a higher albumin level (MD 0.42 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.57); p<0.00001). They also had fewer infection complications (OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.68); p=0.0003) and a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD -2.17 (95% CI -3.04 to -1.3); p<0.00001) than the controls. However, there were no significant differences in terms of total bilirubin, TNF-α, IL-2, IgA, IgG, IgM and CD3, biliary leakage and mortality between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that n-3 PUFAs can benefit patients undergoing liver surgery by improving liver function and certain clinical indexes and decreasing related inflammation factors. However, there are limited RCTs on the application of n-3 PUFAs for patients undergoing liver surgery. Further evidence of the benefit of n-3 PUFAs in these patients warrants further exploration.

Ultraprocessed plant-based foods: Designing the next generation of healthy and sustainable alternatives to animal-based foods

Numerous examples of next-generation plant-based foods, such as meat, seafood, egg, and dairy analogs, are commercially available. These products are usually designed to have physicochemical properties, sensory attributes, and functional behaviors that match those of the animal-sourced products they are designed to replace. However, there has been concern about the potential negative impacts of these foods on human nutrition and health. In particular, many of these products have been criticized for being ultraprocessed foods that contain numerous ingredients and are manufactured using harsh processing operations. In this article, the concept of ultraprocessed foods is introduced and its relevance to describe the properties of next-generation plant-based foods is discussed. Most commercial plant-based meat, seafood, egg, and dairy analogs currently available do fall into this category, and so can be classified as ultraprocessed plant-based (UPB) foods. The nutrient content, digestibility, bioavailability, and gut microbiome effects of UPB foods are compared to those of animal-based foods, and the potential consequences of any differences on human health are discussed. Some commercial UPB foods would not be considered healthy based on their nutrient profiles, especially those plant-based cheeses that contain low levels of protein and high levels of fat, starch, and salt. However, it is argued that UPB foods can be designed to have good nutritional profiles and beneficial health effects. Finally, areas where further research are still needed to create a more healthy and sustainable food supply are discussed.

Trends in functional beverages: Functional ingredients, processing technologies, stability, health benefits, and consumer perspective

The World Health Organization's emphasis on the health benefits of functional foods and beverages that has contributed to the rise in its popularity globally. Besides these consumers have become more aware of the importance of their food composition and nutrition. Among the fastest-growing market segments within the functional food industries, the functional drinks market focuses on fortified beverages or products that are novel with improved bioavailability of bioactive compounds, and their implicated health benefits. The bioactive ingredients in functional beverages include phenolic compounds, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, peptides, unsaturated fatty acids, etc. which can be obtained from plant, animal and microorganisms. The types of functional beverages which are globally intensifying the markets are pre-/pro-biotics, beauty drinks, cognitive and immune system enhancers, energy and sports drink produced via several thermal and non-thermal processes. Researchers are focusing on improving the stability of the active compounds by encapsulation, emulsion, and high-pressure homogenization techniques to strengthen the positive consumer perspective in functional beverages. However, more research is needed in terms of bioavailability, consumer safety, and sustainability of the process. Hence, product development, storage stability, and sensory properties of these products are vital for consumer acceptance. This review focuses on the recent trends and developments in the functional beverages industry. The review provides a critical discussion on diverse functional ingredients, bioactive sources, production processes, emerging process technologies, improvement in the stability of ingredients and bioactive compounds. This review also outlines the global market and consumer perception of functional beverages with the future perspective and scope.

ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Improve the Blood-Brain-Barrier Integrity in Contrast-Induced Blood-Brain-Barrier Injury in Uremic Mice

In patients with chronic kidney disease, the need for examinations using contrast media (CM) increases because of underlying diseases. Although contrast agents can affect brain cells, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects against brain-cell damage in vivo. However, uremia can disrupt the BBB, increasing the possibility of contrast-agent-induced brain-cell damage in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have shown protective effects on various neurological disorders, including uremic brain injury. This study examined whether ω-3 PUFAs attenuate damage to the BBB caused by uremia and contrast agents in a uremic mouse model and evaluated its associated mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice (eight weeks old, male) and fat-1 mice (b6 background/eight weeks old, male) were divided into groups according to uremic induction, CM, and ω-3 PUFA administration. Uremia was induced via 24 h ischemia-reperfusion (IR) renal injury. One day after CM treatment, the brain tissue, kidney tissue, and blood were collected. The expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), claudin 5, CD31, laminin α4, and laminin α5 increased in ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and the brain of fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with those in the brains of CM-treated uremic mice. The pro-apoptotic protein expression decreased, whereas the anti-apoptotic proteins increased in ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with CM-treated uremic mice. In addition, the brain-expression levels of p-JNK, p-P53, and p-P38 decreased in the ω-3 PUFA + CM-treated uremic mice and fat-1 + CM-treated uremic mice compared with those in wild-type uremic mice. Our results confirm that uremic toxin and CM damage the BBB and cause brain-cell death. ω-3 PUFAs play a role in BBB protection caused by CM in uremic mice.

Potential Clinical Applications of Pro-Resolving Lipids Mediators from Docosahexaenoic Acid

Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) is the precursor of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), such as resolvin, protectin, and maresin families which have been considered therapeutic bioactive compounds for human health. Growing evidence indicates that DHA and SPMs are beneficial strategies in the amelioration, regulation, and duration of inflammatory processes through different biological actions. The present review discusses the reported therapeutic benefits of SPMs on various diseases and their potential clinical applications.

Nutritional and Functional New Perspectives and Potential Health Benefits of Quinoa and Chia Seeds

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) and chia (Salvia hispanica) are essential traditional crops with excellent nutritional properties. Quinoa is known for its high and good quality protein content and nine essential amino acids vital for an individual's development and growth, whereas chia seeds contain high dietary fiber content, calories, lipids, minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc), and vitamins (A and B complex). Chia seeds are also known for their presence of a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Both quinoa and chia seeds are gluten-free and provide medicinal properties due to bioactive compounds, which help combat various chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases such as cancer. Quinoa seeds possess phenolic compounds, particularly kaempferol, which can help prevent cancer. Many food products can be developed by fortifying quinoa and chia seeds in different concentrations to enhance their nutritional profile, such as extruded snacks, meat products, etc. Furthermore, it highlights the value-added products that can be developed by including quinoa and chia seeds, alone and in combination. This review focused on the recent development in quinoa and chia seeds nutritional, bioactive properties, and processing for potential human health and therapeutic applications.

Chemical Characteristics and Thermal Oxidative Stability of Novel Cold-Pressed Oil Blends: GC, LF NMR, and DSC Studies

Plant oils contain a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Studies of food products have revealed a considerable disproportion in the ratio of ω6 to ω3. This article presents information on the healthful qualities of eight new oil blends that contain a beneficial proportion of ω6 to ω3 fatty acids (5:1), as well as their degradation during heating at 170 and 200 °C. The fatty acid profile was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), content of polar compounds and polymers of triacylglycerols by liquid chromatography (LC), water content was measured by the Karl Fischer method, and oxidative stability was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) methods. The results showed that during heating, the polar fraction content increased in samples heated at both analyzed temperatures compared to unheated oils. This was mainly due to the polymerization of triacylglycerols forming dimers. In some samples that were heated, particularly those heated to 200 °C, trimers were detected, however, even with the changes that were observed, the polar fraction content of the blends did not go beyond the limit. Despite the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, the analyzed blends of oils are characterized by high oxidative stability, confirmed by thermoanalytical and nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The high nutritional value as well as the oxidative stability of the developed oil blends allow them to be used in the production of food, in particular products that ensure an adequate supply of ω3 fatty acids.

Designing healthier plant-based foods: Fortification, digestion, and bioavailability

Many consumers are incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets as a result of concerns about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of animal sourced foods like meat, seafood, egg, and dairy products. Foods derived from animals negatively impact the environment by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The livestock industry confines and slaughters billions of livestock animals each year. There are concerns about the negative impacts of some animal sourced foods, such as red meat and processed meat, on human health. The livestock industry is a major user of antibiotics, which is leading to a rise in the resistance of several pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics. It is often assumed that a plant-based diet is healthier than one containing more animal sourced foods, but this is not necessarily the case. Eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grain cereals has been linked to improved health outcomes but it is unclear whether next-generation plant-based foods, such as meat, seafood, egg, and dairy analogs are healthier than the products they are designed to replace. Many of these new products are highly processed foods that contain high levels of saturated fat, sugar, starch, and salt, and low levels of micronutrients, nutraceuticals, and dietary fibers. Moreover, they are often rapidly digested in the gastrointestinal tract because processing disrupts plant tissues and releases the macronutrients. Consequently, it is important to formulate plant-based foods to reduce the levels of nutrients linked to adverse health effects and increase the levels linked to beneficial health effects. Moreover, it is important to design the food matrix so that the macronutrients are not digested and absorbed too quickly, but the micronutrients are highly bioavailable. In this article, we discuss how next-generation plant-based foods can be made healthier by controlling their nutrient profile, digestibility, and bioavailability.

The Effect of Very-Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Central Nervous System and Their Potential Benefits for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder: Reviewing Pre-Clinical and Clinical Data

Alcohol use poses a significant global health concern, leading to serious physical and socioeconomic issues worldwide. The current treatment options for problematic alcohol consumption are limited, leading to the exploration of alternative approaches, such as nutraceuticals. One promising target is very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC n-3 PUFAs). This review aims to compile the most relevant pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on alcohol use disorders and related outcomes. The findings suggest that VLC n-3 PUFAs may alleviate the physiological changes induced by alcohol consumption, including neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Additionally, they can reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve mood, and reduce stress level, all of which are closely associated with problematic alcohol consumption. However, more research is required to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which VLC n-3 PUFAs exert their function. Furthermore, PUFAs should not be considered a standalone solution, but as a complement to other therapeutic approaches. Although preliminary evidence supports the potential therapeutic effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on problematic alcohol consumption, additional research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of PUFAs as part of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

DHA/EPA (Omega-3) and LA/GLA (Omega-6) as Bioactive Molecules in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by neuroinflammation, neuronal depletion and oxidative stress. They coincide with subtle chronic or flaring inflammation, sometimes escalating with infiltrations of the immune system cells in the inflamed parts causing mild to severe or even lethal damage. Thus, neurodegenerative diseases show all features of autoimmune diseases. Prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has dramatically increased in recent decades and unfortunately, the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of available drugs is moderate. The beneficial effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are nowadays highlighted by a plethora of studies. They play a role in suppression of inflammation, gene expression, cellular membrane fluidity/permeability, immune functionality and intracellular/exocellular signaling. The role of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (LA), gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA), on neuroprotection is controversial, as some of these agents, specifically AA, are proinflammatory, whilst current data suggest that they may have neuroprotective properties as well. This review provides an overview of the existing recent clinical studies with respect to the role of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs as therapeutic agents in chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune neurodegenerative diseases as well as the dosages and the period used for testing.

Current advances in alteration of fatty acid profile in Rhodotorula toruloides: a mini-review

Microbial lipids are considered promising and environmentally friendly substitutes for fossil fuels and plant-derived oils. They alleviate the depletion of limited petroleum storage and the decrement of arable lands resulting from the greenhouse effect. Microbial lipids derived from oleaginous yeasts provide fatty acid profiles similar to plant-derived oils, which are considered as sustainable and alternative feedstocks for use in the biofuel, cosmetics, and food industries. Rhodotorula toruloides is an intriguing oleaginous yeast strain that can accumulate more than 70% of its dry biomass as lipid content. It can utilize a wide range of substrates, including low-cost sugars and industrial waste. It is also robust against various industrial inhibitors. However, precise control of the fatty acid profile of the lipids produced by R. toruloides is essential for broadening its biotechnological applications. This mini-review describes recent progress in identifying fatty synthesis pathways and consolidated strategies used for specific fatty acid-rich lipid production via metabolic engineering, strain domestication. In addition, this mini-review summarized the effects of culture conditions on fatty acid profiles in R. toruloides. The perspectives and constraints of harnessing R. toruloides for tailored lipid production are also discussed in this mini-review.

The Effectiveness of Supplementation with Key Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and Specific Nutritional Supplements in COPD-A Review

Currently, an increasing amount of evidence supports the notion that vitamins C, D and E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against the progression of chronic respiratory diseases. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily affects the lung, it is often accompanied by extrapulmonary manifestations such as weight loss and malnutrition, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and an excess of harmful oxidants, which can lead to a decline in quality of life and possible death. Recently, the role of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in mitigating the effects of environmental pollution and smoking has received significant attention. Therefore, this review evaluates the most relevant and up-to-date evidence on this topic. We conducted a literature review between 15 May 2018 and 15 May 2023, using the electronic database PubMed. Our search keywords included COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, FEV₁, supplementation: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, omega-3, minerals, antioxidants, specific nutrient supplementations, clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We focused on studies that measured the serum levels of vitamins, as these are a more objective measure than patient self-reports. Our findings suggest that the role of appropriate dietary supplements needs to be reconsidered for individuals who are predisposed to or at risk of these conditions.

Potential roles of polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched diets in modulating social stress-like features

Fish oil or its major constituents, namely omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acid (n3-PUFA), are popular supplements to improve neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and overall brain functions. Our objective was to probe the implications of fat enriched diet with variable PUFAs supplements in ameliorating social stress (SS). We fed mice on either of the three diet types, namely the n-3 PUFA-enriched diet (ERD, n3:n6= 7:1), a balanced diet (BLD, n3:n6= 1:1) or a standard lab diet (STD, n3:n6= 1:6). With respect to the gross fat contents, the customized special diets, namely ERD and BLD were extreme diet, not reflecting the typical human dietary composition. Aggressor-exposed SS (Agg-E SS) model triggered behavioral deficiencies that lingered for 6 weeks (6w) post-stress in mice on STD. ERD and BLD elevated bodyweights but potentially helped in building the behavioral resilience to SS. STD adversely affected the gene networks of brain transcriptomics associated with the cell mortality, energy homeostasis and neurodevelopment disorder. Diverging from the ERD's influences on these networks, BLD showed potential long-term benefits in combatting Agg-E SS. The gene networks linked to cell mortality and energy homeostasis, and their subfamilies, such as cerebral disorder and obesity remained at the baseline level of Agg-E SS mice on BLD 6w post-stress. Moreover, neurodevelopment disorder network and its subfamilies like behavioral deficits remained inhibited in the cohort fed on BLD 6w post Agg-E SS.

Targeting the Inflammatory Hallmarks of Obesity-Associated Osteoarthritis: Towards Nutraceutical-Oriented Preventive and Complementary Therapeutic Strategies Based on n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Obesity (Ob), which has dramatically increased in the last decade, is one of the main risk factors that contribute to the incidence and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Targeting the characteristics of obesity-associated osteoarthritis (ObOA) may offer new chances for precision medicine strategies in this patient cohort. First, this review outlines how the medical perspective of ObOA has shifted from a focus on biomechanics to the significant contribution of inflammation, mainly mediated by changes in the adipose tissue metabolism through the release of adipokines and the modification of fatty acid (FA) compositions in joint tissues. Preclinical and clinical studies on n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) are critically reviewed to outline the strengths and weaknesses of n-3 PUFAs' role in alleviating inflammatory, catabolic and painful processes. Emphasis is placed on potential preventive and therapeutic nutritional strategies based on n-3 PUFAs, with a focus on ObOA patients who could specifically benefit from reformulating the dietary composition of FAs towards a protective phenotype. Finally, tissue engineering approaches that involve the delivery of n-3 PUFAs directly into the joint are explored to address the perspectives and current limitations, such as safety and stability issues, for implementing preventive and therapeutic strategies based on dietary compounds in ObOA patients.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Walnut Constituents: Focus on Personalized Cancer Prevention and the Microbiome

Walnuts have been lauded as a 'superfood', containing a remarkable array of natural constituents that may have additive and/or synergistic properties that contribute to reduced cancer risk. Walnuts are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs: alpha-linolenic acid, ALA), tocopherols, antioxidant polyphenols (including ellagitannins), and prebiotics, including fiber (2 g/oz). There is a growing body of evidence that walnuts may contribute in a positive way to the gut microbiome, having a prebiotic potential that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. Studies supporting this microbiome-modifying potential include both preclinical cancer models as well as several promising human clinical trials. Mediated both directly and indirectly via its actions on the microbiome, many of the beneficial properties of walnuts are related to a range of anti-inflammatory properties, including powerful effects on the immune system. Among the most potent constituents of walnuts are the ellagitannins, primarily pedunculagin. After ingestion, the ellagitannins are hydrolyzed at low pH to release ellagic acid (EA), a non-flavonoid polyphenolic that is subsequently metabolized by the microbiota to the bioactive urolithins (hydroxydibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-ones). Several urolithins, including urolithin A, reportedly have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These properties of walnuts provide the rationale for including this tree nut as part of a healthy diet for reducing overall disease risk, including colorectal cancer. This review considers the latest information regarding the potential anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of walnuts and how they may be incorporated into the diet to provide additional health benefits.

Saturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Production by Aurantiochytrium limacinum PKU#Mn4 on Enteromorpha Hydrolysate

Thraustochytrids are unicellular marine heterotrophic protists, which have recently shown a promising ability to produce omega-3 fatty acids from lignocellulosic hydrolysates and wastewaters. Here we studied the biorefinery potential of the dilute acid-pretreated marine macroalgae (Enteromorpha) in comparison with glucose via fermentation using a previously isolated thraustochytrid strain (Aurantiochytrium limacinum PKU#Mn4). The total reducing sugars in the Enteromorpha hydrolysate accounted for 43.93% of the dry cell weight (DCW). The strain was capable of producing the highest DCW (4.32 ± 0.09 g/L) and total fatty acids (TFA) content (0.65 ± 0.03 g/L) in the medium containing 100 g/L of hydrolysate. The maximum TFA yields of 0.164 ± 0.160 g/g DCW and 0.196 ± 0.010 g/g DCW were achieved at 80 g/L of hydrolysate and 40 g/L of glucose in the fermentation medium, respectively. Compositional analysis of TFA revealed the production of equivalent fractions (% TFA) of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in hydrolysate or glucose medium. Furthermore, the strain yielded a much higher fraction (2.61-3.22%) of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) in the hydrolysate medium than that (0.25-0.49%) in the glucose medium. Overall, our findings suggest that Enteromorpha hydrolysate can be a potential natural substrate in the fermentative production of high-value fatty acids by thraustochytrids.

Low dissolved oxygen supply functions as a global regulator of the growth and metabolism of Aurantiochytrium sp. PKU#Mn16 in the early stages of docosahexaenoic acid fermentation

BACKGROUND

Thraustochytrids accumulate lipids with a high content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Although their growth and DHA content are significantly affected by the dissolved oxygen (DO) supply, the role of DO on the transcriptional regulation of metabolism and accumulation of intracellular metabolites remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the effects of three different DO supply conditions (10%, 30%, and 50%) on the fed-batch culture of the Aurantiochytrium PKU#Mn16 strain to mainly reveal the differential gene expressions and metabolite profiles.

RESULTS

While the supply of 10% DO significantly reduced the rates of biomass and DHA production in the early stages of fermentation, it achieved the highest amounts of biomass (56.7 g/L) and DHA (6.0 g/L) on prolonged fermentation. The transcriptome analyses of the early stage (24 h) of fermentation revealed several genes involved in the central carbon, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism, which were significantly downregulated at a 10% DO level. The comparative metabolomics results revealed the accumulation of several long-chain fatty acids, amino acids, and other metabolites, supporting the transcriptional regulation under the influence of a low oxygen supply condition. In addition, certain genes involved in antioxidative systems were downregulated under 10% DO level, suggesting a lesser generation of reactive oxygen species that lead to oxidative damage and fatty acid oxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that despite the slow growth and metabolism in the early stage of fermentation of Aurantiochytrium sp. PKU#Mn16, a constant supply of low dissolved oxygen can yield biomass and DHA content better than that with high oxygen supply conditions. The critical information gained in this study will help to further improve DHA production through bioprocess engineering strategies.

Microalgae and Thraustochytrids are Sustainable Sources of Vegan EPA and DHA with Commercial Feasibility

Vegan diets preclude the availability of some of the essential fatty acids supplied by foods of animal origin. Significantly, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are long-chain (LC)-omega - 3 (n - 3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), widely known for preventing a variety of metabolic diseases. In addition to vegan-food supplements, there is increasing demand for infant foods and health foods from dietary sources of EPA and DHA from plant origin. Their demands are being met industrially by utilizing thraustochytrids (marine protists) and microalgae-based platforms. The importance of these organisms is highlighted for the sustainable production of biotechnologically derived specialty lipids for human health.

Growth and fatty acid distribution over lipid classes in Nannochloropsis oceanica acclimated to different temperatures

After light, temperature is the most relevant environmental parameter in outdoors cultivation of microalgae. Suboptimal and supraoptimal temperatures negatively impact growth and photosynthetic performance with a subsequent effect on lipid accumulation. It is generally recognised that lower temperatures trigger an increase in fatty acid desaturation while higher temperatures trigger the opposite reaction. The effect of temperature on lipid classes has been less studied in microalgae and in certain cases, the effect of light cannot be completely excluded. In this research, the effect of temperature on growth, photosynthesis, and lipid class accumulation in Nannochloropsis oceanica was studied at a fixed light gradient with a constant incident light intensity (670 μmol m^-2 s^-1). A turbidostat approach was used to achieve temperature acclimated cultures of Nannochloropsis oceanica. Optimal growth was found at 25-29°C, while growth was completely arrested at temperatures higher than 31°C and lower than 9°C. Acclimation to low temperatures triggered a decrease in absorption cross section and photosynthesis rates with a tipping point at 17°C. Reduced light absorption was correlated with a decrease in content of the plastid lipids monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol. The increase of diacylglyceryltrimethylhomo-serine content at lower temperatures indicated a relevant role of this lipid class in temperature tolerance. Triacylglycerol content increased at 17°C and decreased at 9°C emphasising a metabolic switch in stress response. Total and polar eicosapentaenoic acid content remained constant at 3.5 and 2.4% w/w, despite the fluctuating lipid contents. Results show an extensive mobilisation of eicosapentaenoic acid between polar lipids classes at 9°C to ensure cell survival under critical conditions.

Using systems metabolic engineering strategies for high-oil maize breeding

Maize oil, which is a blend of fatty acid esters generated from triacylglycerol (TAG), is an important component of maize-derived food, feed, and biofuel. The kernel oil content in commercial high-oil maize hybrids averages ∼8%, which is far lower than that in developed high-oil maize lines (as high as 20%). Advances in high-oil maize genomics and genetics and the development of systems metabolic engineering technologies provide new opportunities for high-oil maize breeding. In this review, we discuss the possibility of using kernels and vegetative tissues as factories to produce TAG, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. We further propose specific implementation strategies based on the metabolic engineering of other species to develop transgenic and gene-editing products, as well as traditional breeding strategies, for application in high-oil maize breeding programs.

Promising Sources of Plant-Derived Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review

(1) Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known for their ability to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. The consumption of oily fish is the main source of PUFAs in human nutrition and is commonly used for supplement production. However, seafood is an overexploited source that cannot be guaranteed to cover the global demands. Furthermore, it is not consumed by everyone for ecological, economic, ethical, geographical and taste reasons. The growing demand for natural dietary sources of PUFAs suggests that current nutritional sources are insufficient to meet global needs, and less and less will be. Therefore, it is crucial to find sustainable sources that are acceptable to all, meeting the world population's needs. (2) Scope: This review aims to evaluate the recent evidence about alternative plant sources of essential fatty acids, focusing on long-chain omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs. (3) Method: A structured search was performed on the PubMed search engine to select available human data from interventional studies using omega-3 fatty acids of non-animal origin. (4) Results: Several promising sources have emerged from the literature, such as algae, microorganisms, plants rich in stearidonic acid and GM plants. However, the costs, acceptance and adequate formulation deserve further investigation.

Healthy lifestyles and wellbeing reduce neuroinflammation and prevent neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

Since the mid-20th century, Western societies have considered productivity and economic outcomes are more important than focusing on people's health and wellbeing. This focus has created lifestyles with high stress levels, associated with overconsumption of unhealthy foods and little exercise, which negatively affect people's lives, and subsequently lead to the development of pathologies, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle to maintain wellbeing may slow the onset or reduce the severity of pathologies. It is a win-win for everyone; for societies and for individuals. A balanced lifestyle is increasingly being adopted globally, with many doctors encouraging meditation and prescribing non-pharmaceutical interventions to treat depression. In psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, the inflammatory response system of the brain (neuroinflammation) is activated. Many risks factors are now known to be linked to neuroinflammation such as stress, pollution, and a high saturated and trans fat diet. On the other hand, many studies have linked healthy habits and anti-inflammatory products with lower levels of neuroinflammation and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Sharing risk and protective factors is critical so that individuals can make informed choices that promote positive aging throughout their lifespan. Most strategies to manage neurodegenerative diseases are palliative because neurodegeneration has been progressing silently for decades before symptoms appear. Here, we focus on preventing neurodegenerative diseases by adopting an integrated "healthy" lifestyle approach. This review summarizes the role of neuroinflammation on risk and protective factors of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.

Macroalgae Specialized Metabolites: Evidence for Their Anti-Inflammatory Health Benefits

Inflammation is an organism's response to chemical or physical injury. It is split into acute and chronic inflammation and is the last, most significant cause of death worldwide. Nowadays, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the greatest threat to human health is chronic disease. Worldwide, three out of five people die from chronic inflammatory diseases such as stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, heart disorders, and cancer. Nowadays, anti-inflammatory drugs (steroidal and non-steroidal, enzyme inhibitors that are essential in the inflammatory process, and receptor antagonists, among others) have been considered as promising treatments to be explored. However, there remains a significant proportion of patients who show poor or incomplete responses to these treatments or experience associated severe side effects. Seaweeds represent a valuable resource of bioactive compounds associated with anti-inflammatory effects and offer great potential for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. This review presents an overview of specialized metabolites isolated from seaweeds with in situ and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. Phlorotannins, carotenoids, sterols, alkaloids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids present significant anti-inflammatory effects given that some of them are involved directly or indirectly in several inflammatory pathways. The majority of the isolated compounds inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators/cytokines. Studies have suggested an excellent selectivity of chromene nucleus towards inducible pro-inflammatory COX-2 than its constitutive isoform COX-1. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action of seaweed's compounds in inflammation, given the production of sustainable and healthier anti-inflammatory agents.