Search Results (274)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia, with an exponential increment in its incidence as years go by. However, since pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and multifactorial, therapeutic strategies remain inconclusive and only provide symptomatic relief to patients. In order to solve this problem, new strategies have been investigated over recent years for AD treatment. This field has been reborn due to epidemiological and preclinical findings that demonstrate the fact that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) can be promising therapeutic agents because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurogenic-promoting activities, thus allowing us to classify these molecules as neuroprotectors. Similarly, ω-3 PUFAs perform important actions in the formation of characteristic AD lesions, amyloid-β plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles, reducing the development of these structures. Altogether, the aforementioned actions hinder cognitive decline and possibly reduce AD development. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs modulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and promoting the synthesis of specialised pro-resolving mediators. Consequently, the present review assesses the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs can act as therapeutic molecules and the effectiveness of their use in patients. Clinical evidence so far has shown promising results on ω-3 PUFA effects, both in animal and epidemiological studies, but remains contradictory in clinical trials. More research on these molecules and their neuroprotective effects in AD is needed, as well as the establishment of future guidelines to obtain more reproducible results on this matter. Full article

To elucidate the interactions among fatty acid metabolism, immune status, and gut microbiota, both cultured and wild Coilia nasus from the Yangtze River were examined in China. The results demonstrated that wild C. nasus exhibited markedly higher lipid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents, a greater ratio of total ω-3 PUFAs to total ω-6 PUFAs, and more active antioxidant enzymes compared to cultured C. nasus. However, the shear force, water-holding capacity, and total n-6 PUFA content were lower in wild C. nasus. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns: wild C. nasus upregulated immune-related genes, while cultured C. nasus downregulated genes related to fatty acid metabolism. Significant differences were observed in alpha and beta diversity between cultured and wild groups. LEfSe analysis identified Clostridium_T, Escherichia, and Glutamicibacter as biomarkers for cultured C. nasus, while eight genera, including Pseudomonas_E and Sphingomonas_L, were predominant in wild C. nasus. Modular analysis identified five modules linked to immune functions and fatty acid metabolism. Clostridium_T, Sphingomonas_L, and Pseudomonas_E were dominant in the first two modules, with Pseudomonas_E and Clostridium_T as key regulators of fatty acid metabolism and immune processes. These differences, likely due to gut microbiota variations, provide insights for C. nasus nutritional studies. Full article

In this study, we integrated HSQC-based DeepSAT with UPLC-MS/MS to guide the isolation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives (PUFAs) from marine resources. Through this approach, four new (1–4) and nine known (5–13) PUFA analogues were obtained from large-scale cultures of the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, with lipidomic profiling identifying FA18:5 (5), FA18:4 (7), FA22:6 (8), and FA22:6 methyl ester (11) as major constituents of the algal oil extract. Structural elucidation was achieved through integrated spectroscopic analyses of IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data. Given the pivotal role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, we further evaluated the neuroprotective potential of these PUFAs by assessing their regulatory effects on critical microglial functions in human microglia clone 3 (HMC3) cells, including chemotactic migration and amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) phagocytic clearance. Pharmacological evaluation demonstrated that FA20:5 butanediol ester (1), FA18:5 (5), FA18:4 (7), FA22:6 (8), and (Z)-10-nonadecenoic acid (13) significantly enhanced HMC3 migration in a wound-healing assay. Notably, FA18:4 (7) also significantly promoted Aβ42 phagocytosis by HMC3 microglia while maintaining cellular viability and avoiding pro-inflammatory activation at 20 μM. Collectively, our study suggests that FA18:4 (7) modulates microglial function in vitro, indicating its potential to exert neuroprotective effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Studies demonstrate better health outcomes for infants consuming milk with higher concentrations of ω3 (ALA and DHA) and negative health outcomes associated with higher ω6 (LA and AA) PUFAs. We studied the relationship between maternal BMI and PUFA levels in maternal plasma and breast milk. Methods: Women at 7–8 weeks postpartum were grouped according to normal BMI (18–24.9 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (OW/OB; ≥25 kg/m²). Maternal blood and continuous breast milk samples obtained from foremilk to hindmilk were analyzed for lipidomics. Results: The plasma levels of ω3 and ω6 PUFA were significantly lower in OW/OB subjects, with a total ω3 and ω6 FA level of 50% for women with normal BMI. Conversely, breastmilk levels of total ω3 and ω6, including their respective precursors of LCFAs (ALA and LA), were significantly increased in both foremilk and hindmilk samples of OW/OB. Despite this, DHA (ω3 PUFA) levels in OW/OB women were similar in foremilk and significantly decreased in hindmilk samples as compared to normal BMI women. Consequently, the ratio of DHA/Total ω3 significantly decreased in foremilk and hindmilk samples of OW/OB women. However, proinflammatory AA (ω6 PUFA) levels increased, resulting in an increased ratio of AA/DHA in OW/OB women. Breast milk DHA was positively correlated, whereas AA was negatively correlated with maternal plasma. Conclusions: Marked differences in maternal plasma and breast milk ω3 and ω6 FA concentrations among women with OW/OB indicate significant differences in nutritional exposures for their infants. Reduced milk DHA may be a consequence of reduced mammary peroxisomal conversion of ALA to DHA due to increased insulin/reactive species within the maternal obese environment. The imbalance of ω3 and ω6 FAs suggests that DHA supplementation and approaches to limit plasma to breast milk AA transfer in OW/OB subjects may be of value. Full article

Dietary marine lipids enriched in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are spotlighted for favorable effects in neurodegenerative conditions and tumor cell proliferation. Commercial marine oils, with high EPA and DHA content, consist of non-polar lipids constituted by triacylglycerols or polar oils composed of phospholipids. Both classes have shown different activities to significantly inhibit proliferation and migration, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This work was aimed at testing marine oils’ associated effects on neuroblastoma (NB) and glioblastoma (GB). Commercial non-polar and polar marine oils were studied in 3D spheroid models developed with human neuroblastoma, GB, and non-nervous embryonic kidney cell lines. This study also included results provided by a new sustainable polar marine oils source: fishery side-streams. Cell viability and mitochondrial activity assessments demonstrated that both marine oils dramatically reduced NB cells’ metabolism, proliferation, and viability. Effects on GB and epithelial cells were different, including a metabolic increase. Marine oils also induce cell differentiation and selectively modulate the activity of neurons and glia, depending on the oils’ chemical form. Sustainable polar oil showed bioactive characteristics similar to commercial krill oil. We propose that marine oils rich in triacylglycerols and phospholipids with high EPA and DHA levels may be a useful tool in NB antiproliferative therapies. Full article

Milk fat plays an important role in the flavor and texture of cheese. However, it contains high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, which have recently been reported to be unsuitable for maintaining good health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of milk fat’s replacement with sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil in fresh cheese processing on the coagulation properties, nutritional value, and sensory properties, aiming to obtain a hybrid fresh cheese rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Milk fat (3.8% in standardized milk) was partly replaced with Vietnamese sacha inchi oil at 20, 40, 60, and 80%. The coagulation time, curd formation, and cheese yield showed no significant differences among the treatments (p > 0.05), suggesting that sacha inchi oil did not adversely affect curd formation. The cholesterol levels decreased substantially, from 8.27 ± 0.53 mg/g in control samples to 2.63 ± 0.63 mg/g at 80% fat replacement. An increase in essential fatty acids in the fresh cheese was also found with an increase in the use of sacha inchi oil to replace milk fat, with the oleic acid concentration (OA, C18:1, cis ω-9) rising from 7.88 ± 0.36% to 23.44 ± 0.13% and the linoleic acid concentration (LA, C18:2, cis ω-6) from 6.44 ± 0.68% to 41.75 ± 2.50% at the highest substitution level. From a nutritional perspective, the replacement of milk fat with sacha inchi oil did not affect the macronutritional values (fat, protein), but it reduced the cholesterol levels and enhanced the overall nutritional value of the fresh cheese with increasing essential fatty acids. The milk fat alternative of sacha inchi oil for cheese processing contributed to a richer and creamier sensory experience of the final products, but no significant differences in the overall liking were found regarding the acceptance of customers. Thus, replacement with sacha inchi oil in PUFA cheese processing is a promising method to improve the nutritional value and sensory quality of fresh cheese. Full article

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, a native European oilseed crop of the Brassicaceae family, is notable for its short life cycle, making it well-suited for crop rotation and diversification. Its seeds contain a high content of oil (36–47%) that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3, Ω-3) and linoleic acid (LA, C18:2, Ω-6). This oil has diverse industrial applications, including low-emission biofuels, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, biolubricants, bioplastics, and cosmetics. We analyzed the expression of seven key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis across nine C. sativa accessions at three stages of silique development using highly efficient qRT-PCR assays designed for the target genes and a normalizing control. Our detailed expression analysis revealed significant variation across varieties, with only the gene FAB2c exhibiting genotype-independent expression, indicating a constitutive and essential role in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) biosynthesis. Other genes showed significant interactions between the variety and developmental stage, highlighting the combined influences of genetic background and silique maturation on gene regulation. V18 emerges as particularly promising, exhibiting elevated expression of genes linked to PUFA and VLCFA biosynthesis—traits of significance for food, biofuel, and industrial applications. These findings, together with the developed qRT-PCR assays, provide valuable tools for selecting Camelina varieties with optimized genetic profiles, highlighting the potential of harnessing natural transcriptional diversity for crop improvement. Full article

Italian Riesling is a grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cultivar widely grown in Transylvania vineyards. During the winemaking process, grape pomace (GP) is generated. This study aimed to exploit the potential of the Italian Riesling GP through its composition in polyphenols and fatty acids, as well as its antioxidant activity. Thus, two Italian Riesling GPs from two distinct Transylvanian microclimates (Crăciunelu de Jos and Ciumbrud) were analysed in terms of their phenolic and fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity while considering the influence of their respective microclimates. Every vineyard has unique geographical and meteorological characteristics that significantly influence grape production and consequently the structure of the resultant pomace. For example, Ciumbrud has a warmer, drier microclimate, whereas Crăciunelu de Jos has a colder, more humid environment. Biochemically, GP from Ciumbrud Italian Riesling grapes (RICI) contained greater amounts of gallic acid, total phenolic acids, and procyanidins and presented improved antioxidant activities, as reflected by DPPH˙, ABTS˙⁺, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays. RICI pomace also possessed a better fatty acid profile with higher oleic and linolenic acid levels, leading to a lower thrombogenicity index (TI) and a better PUFAω-6/PUFA ω-3 ratio. However, GP produced from Crăciunelu de Jos Italian Riesling grapes (RICR) possessed more catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, total flavanols, and higher COX values. The findings demonstrate that the two GPs have significant and distinct nutritional content, highlighting them as valuable resources for food consumption, providing benefits to consumers’ health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with enhanced inflammatory activity, poor skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, and pancreatic β cell dysfunction that persist in offspring. We hypothesized that targeting heightened inflammation in IUGR-born neonatal lambs by supplementing anti-inflammatory ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) would improve metabolic outcomes. Methods: Maternal heat stress was used to produce IUGR lambs, which received daily oral boluses of ω-3 PUFA Ca²⁺ salts or placebo for 30 days. Results: Greater circulating TNFα and semitendinosus IL6R in IUGR lambs were fully resolved by ω-3 PUFA, and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, muscle glucose oxidation, and hypertension were partially rescued. Impaired glucose oxidation by IUGR muscle coincided with a greater glycogen content that was completely reversed by ω-3 PUFA and greater lactate production that was partially reversed. Ex vivo O₂ consumption was increased in IUGR muscle, indicating compensatory lipid oxidation. This too was alleviated by ω-3 PUFA. Conversely, ω-3 PUFA had little effect on IUGR-induced changes in lipid flux and hematology parameters, did not resolve greater muscle TNFR1, and further reduced muscle β2-adrenoceptor content. Conclusions: These findings show that targeting elevated inflammatory activity in IUGR-born lambs in the early neonatal period improved metabolic outcomes, particularly muscle glucose metabolism and β cell function. Full article

A comparative study of the fatty acid (FA) composition of non-edible (viscera) and edible (mantle and arm) tissues of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was carried out. According to the specimen size, three different groups (1–2 kg, 2–3 kg, and 3–4 kg, respectively) were taken into account. The effect of the cooking process (40 min at 90 °C) and frozen storage (4 months at −18 °C) was analyzed. In all kinds of samples, the polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) group was the most abundant (p < 0.05) and monounsaturated FAs were the least abundant (p < 0.05). Lower (p < 0.05) ω3-PUFA, ω3/ω6 ratio and docosahexaenoic acid values were detected in viscera (35.4–41.9%, 3.0–4.5%, and 12.7–17.5%, respectively) than in edible tissues (44.4–52.5%, 4.1–6.1%, and 24.3–30.1%, respectively). Conversely, higher (p < 0.05) eicosapentaenoic acid content was detected in viscera (19.6–21.9%) than in the edible tissues (17.2–19.3%). In most cases, the cooking process and frozen storage led to an average decrease in the PUFA and ω3-PUFA content and to an increase in the saturated FA presence. In agreement with current nutritional recommendations, all tissues showed great levels of highly valuable indices regarding the lipid fraction. The study proves that viscera, a waste substrate, can be considered a relevant source for food and pharmaceutical industrial requirements. Full article

This study examined the effects of replacing corn with an aged brown rice (ABR)–wheat mixture (ABR: wheat = 85%:15%) on laying performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid profile, economic benefits, serum biochemistry, and nutrient digestibility in laying ducks. A 12-week trial with six hundred 32-week-old Jinding ducks were randomly divided into five groups, with 10 replicates per group, and each replicate contained 12 ducks. The levels of ABR–wheat mixture in the diet were 0%, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%, respectively, to replace equal amounts of corn. The basic diet of the control group was corn–soybean meal (corn accounted for 50%). The experimental period was 12 weeks (from 32 to 43 weeks old). No significant differences were observed in laying performances (p > 0.05). From a numerical perspective, the duck-housed laying rate and egg mass were highest in the 37.5% group and lowest in the 50% group. Yolk color declined linearly (p < 0.05) over 12 weeks. The albumen height and Haugh unit showed a quadratic increase in weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.05). The relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased linearly (p < 0.05), while the relative content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ω-3 PUFA, ω-6 PUFA, and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA decreased linearly in egg yolks (p < 0.05). The triglycerides (TG) content in serum showed a significant secondary change (p < 0.05), with the 50% group significantly lower than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of ether extract (EE) in the diets decreased linearly (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) in the diets was significantly reduced with the 50% group (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the 0% and 37.5% groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, economic analysis revealed net gains of 0.04–0.10 USD/duck at ≤37.5% substitution, but a loss (−0.04 USD) at 50%. In conclusion, the ABR–wheat mixture could reduce the yolk color and yolk PUFA content, but it could improve albumen quality and increase yolk MUFA content. High-level ABR–wheat mixture (50%) significantly reduced the TG content in serum and nutrient digestibility of the diet and also showed a numerical decrease in laying rate and egg mass. Our findings suggest that up to a 37.5% ABR–wheat mixture can effectively replace corn in laying duck diets without negatively affecting laying performance, while improving albumen quality and altering yolk fatty acid composition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuroinflammation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory signaling molecules, including cytokines and eicosanoids, as well as increased microglial reactivity, and is augmented by gut microbiota dysbiosis via the gut–brain axis. We conducted a pilot experiment to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the gut microbiota and neuroinflammation. Methods: Female APP/PS1 mice (TG) and non-transgenic littermates (WT), 13–14 months old, were fed a diet supplemented with 0.3% EPA or control chow for 3 weeks. The gut microbiota composition, hippocampal and plasma eicosanoids levels, platelet activation, and microglial phagocytosis, as well as the brain and retinal genes and protein expression, were analyzed. Results: EPA supplementation decreased the percentage of Bacteroidetes and increased bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes in APP/PS1 and WT mice. Inflammatory lipid mediators were elevated in the hippocampus of the TG mice, accompanied by a reduction in the endocannabinoid docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA). Dietary EPA did not affect hippocampal lipid mediators, but reduced the levels of arachidonic-derived 5-HETE and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) in WT plasma. Moreover, EPA supplementation decreased major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) gene expression in the retina in both genotypes, and MHCII+ cells in the hippocampus of TG mice. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that short-term EPA supplementation shaped the gut microbiota by increasing butyrate-producing bacteria of the Firmicutes phylum and decreasing Gram-negative LPS-producing bacteria of the Bacteroidetes phylum, and downregulated the inflammatory microglial marker MHCII in two distinct regions of the central nervous system (CNS). Further investigation is needed to determine whether EPA-mediated effects on the microbiome and microglial MHCII have beneficial long-term effects on AD pathology and cognition. Full article

Red mullet (Mullus barbatus), a prominent fish species in the Mediterranean Sea, is a fish with a particular abundance of unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients, including a substantial quantity of minerals. The nutritive quality parameters (lipid quality indices, fatty acid profiles, and mineral content, along with proximate composition) of 75 red mullet samples collected from five distinct locations (L1–L5) in the North and South Euboean Gulf, Euboea Island (Evia), Greece, were examined. It was hypothesized that the different habitats may have an impact on each fish’s chemical composition. Proximate composition (protein, ash, moisture, fat, and minerals) and bioactive compound determination (total carotenoids, and vitamins A, E, and C) were conducted on the lyophilized fish samples. The protein and lipid content of the wet fillet varied substantially from 10.8 to 14.3 and 13.2 to 16.8% w/w, respectively. The samples exhibited statistically non-significant variation in the total SFAs and MUFAs (p > 0.05). The level of total PUFAs was above 30% in all the samples and no significant differences were observed between them. However, arachidonic acid (20:4 ω-6) was only detected in fish samples from two locations (i.e., L1 and L3). The concentrations of Fe, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ag, Sr, Li, and Zn varied significantly (p < 0.05) in relation to the size of the fish samples. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were detected at the northern location (L5), indicating a possible negative correlation between size and arsenic concentration. The varied mineral composition and fatty acid content of the samples can be attributed to their distinctive biological characteristics (i.e., length and weight) and dietary environments. Full article

Background: Inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells is a promising therapeutic strategy. It has been shown that certain types of fatty acids can induce ferroptosis in multiple types of cancer cells. Methods: Here, we employed crystal violet staining and CCK8 to assess cell viability, a Liperfluo probe and commercial kit to measure lipid peroxides, and western blotting and RNA interference to detect protein levels. Results: This study demonstrates for the first time that the medium-chain fatty acids lauric acid (LA-m), octanoic acid (OA-m), and decanoic acid (DA-m) selectively sensitize various cancer cell types to ferroptosis induced by either RSL3, a well-known inducer of ferroptosis, or linoleic acid (LA-l), a ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Mechanistically, the ferroptosis-sensitizing effect of medium-chain fatty acids is associated with their ability to upregulate cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that medium-chain fatty acids could be developed as novel ferroptosis sensitizers to enhance ferroptosis-based cancer therapy. Full article

Tannins are secondary metabolites naturally present in various plants as a defense mechanism. In animal nutrition, they play a dual role, acting as both antinutritional factors and bioactive agents, with potential benefits in nutrient metabolism and product quality. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary tannin on nutrient intake and digestibility, blood serum metabolite levels, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in small ruminants. Ninety-seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The effects of tannins were analyzed using a random-effects model to determine the weighted mean difference between treatments with tannins and the control (without tannins). Publication bias and heterogeneity between studies were explored, and meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed. The results indicated that tannin significantly increased the intake of dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen (N), fecal N, and meat fatty acids (FA), such as C18:2 ω6, C18:3 ω3, C20:4 ω6, C20:5 ω3, total ω3 and ω6 FA, and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). However, NH₃-N, urinary N, blood urea nitrogen, cold carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, drip loss, and nutrient digestibility decreased. In conclusion, tannin in small ruminants did not affect animal productivity and antioxidative status, but mainly modified nitrogen metabolism and improved the fatty acid profile of meat. Full article