FISH OIL AND VITAMIN E CHANGE LIPID PROFILES AND ANTI-LDL-ANTIBODIES IN TWO DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS OF WOMEN TRANSITIONING THROUGH MENOPAUSE

Do B Vitamins Enhance the Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Diseases? A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Studies have suggested that B vitamins or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may deter the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to examine whether the combined supplementation of both B vitamins and omega-3 PUFAs could provide additional beneficial effects to prevent CVD beyond the effect of each supplement based on clinical trials published up to December 2021. The overall findings are inconsistent and inconclusive, yet the combined supplementation of these two nutrients may be more effective at reducing plasma homocysteine, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol than the individual components. The underlying mechanisms mainly include alleviating endothelial dysfunction, inhibiting atherosclerosis and lesion initiation, reducing oxidative stress, suppressing activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and interfering with methylation of genes that promote atherogenesis. Although biologically plausible, the existing literature is insufficient to draw any firm conclusion regarding whether B vitamins can further enhance the potential beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFA intake on either primary or secondary prevention of CVD. The inconsistent findings may be largely explained by the methodological challenges. Therefore, well-designed high-quality trials that will use the combined supplementation of B vitamins and omega-3 PUFAs or dietary patterns rich in these two types of nutrients are warranted.

Effects of ω-3 PUFA-Rich Oil Supplementation on Cardiovascular Morphology and Aortic Vascular Reactivity of Adult Male Rats Submitted to an Hypercholesterolemic Diet

Simple Summary

Currently, processed and ultraprocessed foods represent a significant component of the diet of modern societies, increasing the risk of developing obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Therefore, replacing saturated fats with mono- and polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), has been considered as a dietary strategy to reduce clinical events related to atherosclerosis. In the present study, the effects of 56-day ω-3 PUFA-rich oil supplementation on liver function, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats were investigated, as well as its impact on cardiovascular health. Interestingly, we observed a positive effect in reducing hepatic markers, preserving cardiovascular morphology, and increasing vasodilator responsiveness. These findings contribute to the generation of consistent recommendations for the therapeutic use of ω-3 PUFAs in the treatment of atherosclerosis, leading to a consequent reduction in related morbidity and mortality.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease associated with abnormalities of vascular functions. The consumption of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids can be considered a strategy to reduce clinical events related to atherosclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of supplementation with 310 mg of ω-3 PUFAs (2:1 eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acids) for 56 days on rats with hypercholesterolemia induced by a diet containing cholesterol (0.1%), cholic acid (0.5%), and egg yolk. Serum biochemical parameters were determined by the enzymatic colorimetric method. Assessment of vascular effects was performed by analysis of histological sections of the heart and aortic arch stained with hematoxylin and eosin and vascular reactivity of the aorta artery. We observed that treatment with ω-3 PUFAs did not promote alterations in lipid profile. On the other hand, we documented a favorable reduction in liver biomarkers, as well as contributions to the preservation of heart and aortic arch morphologies. Interestingly, the vascular reactivity of rat thoracic aortic preparations was improved after treatment with ω-3 PUFAs, with a decrease in hyperreactivity to phenylephrine and increased vasorelaxation promoted by acetylcholine. Our findings suggest that the supplementation of hypercholesterolemic rats with ω-3 PUFAs promoted improvement in liver and vascular endothelial function as well as preserving heart and aortic tissue, reinforcing the early health benefits of ω-3 PUFAs in the development of atherosclerotic plaque and further related events.

Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Vitamin E Effects on Serum Lipid Profile in Menopausal Women

BACKGROUND

Menopause is associated with changes in lipid profile and is a known risk factor for oxidative stress. Different therapeutical strategies have been used to control menopause complications. Vitamin E, an important anti-oxidant, can possibly affect lipid peroxidation in menopausal women. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on the lipid profile of menopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over, phase I/II trial study was designed in two 4-week intervention phases with an 8-day washout period in between. Eighty-three natural menopause women participated in the study. Randomized block allocation was used to divide women into group A (n = 41) and group B (n = 42). In phase I, one group received vitamin E capsule (400 IU/day) and another group received placebo capsule for 4 weeks. After an 8-day washout period, phase II was initiated for a period of 4 weeks, where the group that received vitamin E capsule was given placebo (E-P) and the group that received placebo was given vitamin E (P-E). Plasma lipid profile levels (LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, and TG) were assessed before and after intervention separately in each phase and in each group. Lipid profile was measured by enzymatic colorimetric method. Data were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

The analysis indicated no significant difference in plasma TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels between P-E and E-P groups before intervention in phase I and II (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma lipid profile levels within the P-E and E-P groups before and after intervention in phase I and II. There was a significant difference in plasma TG within the E-P group before [141.74 ± 53.52, 138.50 (94-195)] and after [167.47 ± 71.32, 170 (108-202)] intervention in phase II (P = 0.010). There was no significant difference in terms of the mean changes in plasma lipid profile between the P-E and E-P groups in phase I and II (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study results revealed that vitamin E supplementation had no remarkable effect on the lipid profile in menopausal women.

Orally administered pressure-blanched white saffron (Curcuma mangga Val.) improves antioxidative properties and lipid profiles in vivo

This research focused on studying the effects of orally administered pressure-blanched white saffron on the antioxidative properties and lipid profiles of wistar rats. White saffron was blanched in autoclave for 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 min at 100, 105, 110, 115, and 120 °C, which are equivalent to 14.71, 17.53, 20.79, 24.54, and 28.81 psia, respectively. A total of 30 male wistar rats aged four weeks were fed with a standard diet (N), oxidized peanut oil diet + unblanched white saffron (A), oxidized peanut oil diet + blanched white saffron (B), oxidized peanut oil diet + pressure-blanched white saffron (C), and oxidized peanut oil diet + aquadest (NC), for two weeks after pre-treatment with the standard diet for a week. Invivo study showed treatment with pressure-blanched white saffron could significantly improve SOD, Vitamin E, and HDL levels compared to the negative control (NC); 686.44 U/g Hb, 10.87 μg/mL, and 94.17 mg/dL versus 405.37 U/g Hb, 7.44 μg/mL, and 43.47 mg/dL, respectively. Meanwhile, treatment with pressure-blanched white saffron could significantly reduce MDA, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels in the blood compared to the negative control (NC); 1.98 mmol/L, 108.74 mg/dL, 40.99 mg/dL, and 78.06 mg/dL versus 8.54 mmol/L, 232.46 mg/dL, 149.17 mg/dL, and 172.61 mg/dL, respectively. The results showed that pressurized blanching could significantly increase antioxidant levels of white saffron, and its dried form could improve antioxidative properties and lipid profiles in vivo.

Oxidative Stress and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation

Aging is a complex phenomenon characterized by the progressive loss of tissue and organ function. The oxidative-stress theory of aging postulates that age-associated functional losses are due to the accumulation of ROS-induced damage. Liver function impairment and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are common among the elderly. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and evolve to hepatic cirrhosis or hepatic carcinoma. Oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, and inflammation play a key role in the progression of NAFLD. A growing body of evidence supports the therapeutic potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), mainly docosahaexenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on metabolic diseases based on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we performed a systematic review of clinical trials analyzing the efficacy of n-3 PUFA on both systemic oxidative stress and on NAFLD/NASH features in adults. As a matter of fact, it remains controversial whether n-3 PUFA are effective to counteract oxidative stress. On the other hand, data suggest that n-3 PUFA supplementation may be effective in the early stages of NAFLD, but not in patients with more severe NAFLD or NASH. Future perspectives and relevant aspects that should be considered when planning new randomized controlled trials are also discussed.

Update on the Impact of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Inflammation, Insulin Resistance and Sarcopenia: A Review

Elderly and patients affected by chronic diseases face a high risk of muscle loss and impaired physical function. Omega 3 fatty acids (FA) attenuate inflammation and age-associated muscle loss, prevent systemic insulin resistance and improve plasma lipids, potentially impacting on sarcopenia. This paper aims to review recent randomized clinical studies assessing the effects a chronic omega 3 FA supplementation on inflammatory and metabolic profile during conditions characterized by sarcopenia (aging, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure). A comprehensive search of three online databases was performed to identify eligible trials published between 2012 and 2017. A total of 36 studies met inclusion criteria. Omega 3 FA yielded mixed results on plasma triglycerides in the elderly and no effects in renal patients. No changes in systemic insulin resistance were observed. Inflammation markers did not benefit from omega 3 FA in insulin resistant and in renal subjects while decreasing in obese and elderly. Muscle related parameters improved in elderly and in renal patients. In conclusion, in aging- and in chronic disease-associated sarcopenia omega 3 FA are promising independently of associated anabolic stimuli or of anti-inflammatory effects. The evidence for improved glucose metabolism in insulin resistant and in chronic inflammatory states is less solid.