Search Results (277)

Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and insulin resistance are pervasive metabolic disorders marked by chronic low-grade inflammation and systemic metabolic disorders. The emerging field of immunometabolism highlights how interactions between immune processes and metabolic pathways in adipose tissue, liver, muscle, and pancreatic islets contribute to disease pathogenesis. Lipid dysregulation plays a central role in these processes, with distinct lipid molecules identified in obese patients as compared to lean patients that correlate with insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. This Special Issue compiles a multidisciplinary body of research aimed at elucidating molecular mechanisms, identifying novel biomarkers, and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies. Key contributions include studies on omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and their differential associations with neurocognitive development; the potential of beta-defensin 2 as a biomarker linking gut-derived inflammation and metabolic dysfunction; and the promotion of adipocyte browning by Carnosic acid via AMPK activation and GSK3β inhibition. Additionally, reviews of phytochemicals underscore their multisystem therapeutic potential, while investigations into sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors suggest possible metabolic and neuroprotective benefits beyond glucose control. Maternal lipid metabolism during pregnancy and its impact on maternal fetal health further emphasize the clinical complexity of lipid dysregulation. Despite promising insights, significant gaps remain regarding causality versus correlation in lipid biomarkers, standardization of analytical methodologies, tissue heterogeneity, and unintended effects of metabolic interventions. Collectively, these studies underscore the necessity of integrative, mechanism-driven research to bridge fundamental biology with translational and clinical applications, ultimately advancing precision therapies for metabolic diseases. Full article

Echium species, abundant in the Canary Islands, contain unique fatty acids (FA) such as stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4n-3) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6), which may improve egg quality while valorizing local genetic resources. This study evaluated the effects of Echium plantaegineum oil (EO) compared with linseed oil (LO) and soybean oil (SO) on productive performance, egg quality, sensory traits, and yolk fatty acid profile. Forty-eight hens from the Canary Islands were fed for 31 days with diets supplemented with 1.25% SO (SO-d), 1.1% LO + 0.15% beef tallow (LO-d), and 1% EO + 0.25% LO (EO-d). LO supplementation reduced laying rate and egg mass with respect to SO, increasing feed conversion ratio (FCR), whereas EO produced slightly lighter eggs compared to the SO group but with normal yolk proportion and shell traits. EO markedly increased egg yolk deposition of SDA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA; 22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), while lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio and thrombogenic index (TI). No differences were observed in the evaluated sensory attributes among treatments. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of EO effectively enriches eggs with n-3 LC-PUFA without negatively affecting sensory quality, supporting its potential use as a functional ingredient in laying hen diets. Full article

A single dose of chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles carrying expression plasmids for fish codon-optimized Caenorhabditis elegans fat-1 and fat-2 was intraperitoneally administered to gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) to stimulate the biosynthesis of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) and evaluate subsequent short-term effects on liver intermediary metabolism and immunity. Seventy-two hours post-injection, the upregulation of fat-1 elevated eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 fatty acids in the liver, while fat-2 enhanced DHA and n-3 fatty acids. Co-expression of fat-1 and fat-2 increased EPA, DHA, PUFA, and the total n-6 and n-3 LC-PUFA, while reducing plasma triglycerides. The expression of fat-1 and fat-2 suppressed hepatic lipogenesis by downregulating srebf1 and pparg, and consequently key genes in fatty acid synthesis (acaca, acacb, fasn, scd1, and fads2). In contrast, the co-expression of fat-1 and fat-2 upregulated hnf4a, chrebp, and pfkl, a rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis. Furthermore, fat-1 and fat-2 reduced hepatic proinflammatory markers such as tnfa and nfkb1. In addition to enhancing EPA and DHA biosynthesis, promoting glycolysis, and suppressing lipogenesis, our findings suggest that the short-term expression of C. elegans fat-1 and fat-2 in the liver may also reduce inflammation and, therefore, could impact the health and growth performance of cultured fish. Full article

Background: The present study aimed to clarify the neurocognitive processes through which blood levels of omega-3 LCPUFAs affect reading and writing abilities. Methods: A total of 74 school-age children whose reading and writing skills varied from normal to largely below normal underwent an assessment of reading and writing abilities, auditory and visual processing, phonological awareness, attention, and executive functions. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three neuropsychological factors whose roles as mediators between omega-3 LCPUFAs and reading/writing abilities were tested in GLM mediation models. The possible interactions with other PUFAs were further investigated. Results (on 73 participants): Omega-3 LCPUFA levels (EPA and DHA) correlated with reading and writing abilities and with the three extracted factors. Auditory–phonological processing skills were found to be significant mediators of the effect of PUFAs (especially EPA) on reading and writing abilities, whereas DHA and AA/ALA significantly moderated some of these effects. Conclusions: The link between omega-3 LCPUFAs and reading and writing abilities seems to be mediated mainly by the effects of LCPUFAs on auditory–phonological processing skills. These effects are especially linked to EPA, but they are modulated by DHA and AA/ALA levels. Hypotheses about possible molecular mechanisms at the basis of these effects are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggest that n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) and high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may protect against childhood asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: To explore the transcriptional effects of various concentrations of n-3 LCPUFA and vitamin D supplementation on in utero lung development, we cultured human lung organoids derived from BILX and SEHP human-induced pluripotent stem cell lines at the Sanger Institute (Cambridge, UK). The organoids were treated with either no supplementation, or low (0.01 µL/mL) or high (0.1 µL/mL) concentrations of n-3 LCPUFA, as well as no supplementation, or low (5 pM) or high (50 pM) concentrations of vitamin D. Organoids were matured for 50 days, with foregut spheroids embedded in Matrigel and later re-embedded individually to ensure robust growth. We then assessed the impact of these supplementations using RNA sequencing. Results: RNA sequencing of four replicates per condition (36 total samples) revealed that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation had a more substantial impact on gene regulation than vitamin D (differentially expressed genes, n = 907 vs. n = 23). CPT1A and ANGPTL4 genes were highly expressed in media cultured with a high concentration of n-3 LCPUFA, while CYP24A1 was among the highly expressed genes in media cultured with a high concentration of vitamin D. Enrichment analysis showed activation of PPAR pathways, suggesting that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation may protect against asthma by regulating lipid metabolism and inflammation. Conclusions: We identified several genes and pathways that may provide insights into the biological effects of n-3 LCPUFA and vitamin D supplementation on asthma pathophysiology. Full article

Winter and Spring variations of the fat and fatty acid compositions of discards from six species of the Aegean Sea were investigated to assess the potential suitability for human or aquaculture consumption. European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), curled picarel (Centracanthus cirrus), gilt sardine (Saridenella aurita), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) and bogue (Boops boops) were collected from the local fishing wharf during winter and spring. In most species, the specimens caught in spring exhibited elevated fat and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, with Sardina pilchardus showing an increase in DHA from 13.59% to 16.06% and Engraulis encrasicolus from 20.36% to 23.41% of the total identified fatty acids. Despite their lower commercial value, the high n-3 LC-PUFA content renders them nutritionally valuable and eligible for use by the aquafeed industry as an alternative to the increasingly costly fish oil. Moreover, in accordance with EU legislation banning discards and mandating the landing of unwanted catches, the valorisation of these species, in line with circular economy principles, could enhance fishers’ income, reduce waste and contribute to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 50 million people globally. Since 1906, efforts to understand this neurodegenerative disease and to develop effective treatments have continued to this day. Recognizing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) as a safe, inexpensive and vital nutrient for brain health and cognitive protection due to its key role in brain development and function, this study explores novel, sustainable non-fish sources as potential dietary supplements to prevent or mitigate AD, within a blue biotechnology framework. Forty 5×FAD male mice, five weeks old, were allocated to five body weight-matched dietary groups (n = 8) and fed isocaloric diets based on AIN-93M standard chow for 6 months. Each diet, except the control feed (non-supplemented group), enclosed a modified lipid fraction supplemented with 2% of the following: (1) linseed oil (LSO, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3)); (2) cod liver oil (fish oil, FO, rich in both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3)); (3) Schizochytrium sp. microalga oil (Schizo) with 40% of DHA; and (4) commercial DHASCO oil (DHASCO) with 70% of DHA. The different diets did not affect (p > 0.05) growth performance criteria (e.g., final body weight, daily feed intake, and body weight gain) suggesting no effect on the overall caloric balance or mice growth, but n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated-fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and total lipids (p < 0.001). No systemic inflammation was detected in 5×FAD mice. In parallel, a beneficial modulation of lipid metabolism by DHA-enriched diets was observed, with polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation, particularly DHA, across key metabolic tissues, such as the liver (p < 0.001) and the brain (p < 0.001). No behavioural variations were detected using an open-field test after 6 months of diet (p > 0.05). While mice fed a standard diet or LSO diet showed cognitive deficit, the incorporation of FO, Schizo or DHASCO oils into dietary routine showed promising protective effects on the working memory (p < 0.05) and the last two diets also on the recognition memory (p < 0.05) Increased neuronal count (p < 0.05), reflecting neuronal survival, was clearly observed with the fish oil diet. In turn, the number of TAU-positive cells (p < 0.05) was reduced in the Schizo diet, while β-amyloid deposition (p < 0.01) and the neuroinflammatory marker, IBA1 (p < 0.05), were decreased across all DHA-enriched diets. These promising findings open new avenues for further studies focused on the protective effects of DHA derived from sustainable and underexploited Schizochytrium sp. microalga in the prevention of AD. Full article

To investigate the effect of body size on muscle quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), we systematically tracked the dynamic changes in nutrient content, texture, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among small-sized (~100 g), medium-sized (~250 g), and large-sized (~600 g) fish (SYRC, MYRC, and HYRC, respectively) over a 30-week feeding trial. The results indicated that the HYRC showed significantly reduced moisture and lipid content, along with increased protein content, hydroxyproline, hardness, and chewiness compared to the SYRC (p < 0.05). The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) and fish lipid quality in the MYRC were significantly lower than those in both the SYRC and HYRC (p < 0.05). The HYRC demonstrated an elevated health-promoting index and a reduced atherogenicity value compared to the SYRC (p < 0.05). The contents of alcohol, ketones, and furans in the HYRC increased by 32.53%, 44.62%, and 144.29%, respectively, compared with those in the SYRC (p < 0.05), including key VOCs in aquatic products such as oct-1-en-3-ol and pent-1-en-3-ol. In conclusion, the SYRC have higher levels of LC-PUFAs and lower hardness; the MYRC have poor levels of LC-PUFAs; and the HYRC have an optimal synergy of nutrition, texture, and VOCs, but the overaccumulation of undesirable VOCs requires mitigation. This provides theoretical references and data support for fish quality optimization, processing, and consumption guidelines. Full article

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, is used as a feed additive in aquaculture. However, its effects on muscle quality and lipid metabolism in fish remain understudied. Therefore, three diets supplemented with 0%, 0.01%, and 0.10% GABA were fed to juvenile Acanthopagrus latus (initial weight: 9.96 g) for 9 weeks, followed by analyses of growth performance, muscle quality indices, and hepatic lipid profiles. Fish fed 0.01% GABA showed the highest weight gain rate (p < 0.05). Their muscles exhibited improved muscle texture, higher levels of essential/non-essential and flavor amino acids, and a higher proportion of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), along with triglycerides and cardiolipin enriched in LC-PUFA chains (p < 0.05). Moreover, their livers demonstrated increased levels of triglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine, and LC-PUFA, along with reduced levels of phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine (p < 0.05). These results suggest that 0.01% GABA supplementation improves growth performance, enhances flesh quality, and optimizes liver lipid profiles in A. latus. Full article

Background/Objective: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it has been demonstrated that the treatment has a negative effect on bone health. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs-ω3) may attenuate bone resorption. We evaluated the effects of LCPUFAs-ω3, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation on bone turnover markers and changes in vitamin D concentrations during 6 weeks of supplementation and during 6 weeks of post-intervention follow-up in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with ALL were randomly assigned to the ω-3VDCa group (100 mg/kg/d LCPUFAs-ω3 + 4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) or the VDCa group (4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine 25(OH)D, PTH, ICTP, and TRAP-5b (biomarkers of bone resorption) and osteocalcin (OC, a biomarker of bone production) levels at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after supplementation. The 25(OH)D analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, and PTH and bone turnover markers were measured by ELISA. Results: The 25(OH)D concentration increased in both groups (ω3VDCa group: 19.4 ng/mL vs. 44.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001; VDCa group: 15.3 ng/mL vs. 42.8 ng/mL, p = 0.018) and remained significantly higher at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, ICTP showed lower concentrations in the ω-3VDCa group than in the VDCa group (0.74 ng/mL vs. 1.05 ng/mL, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Combined omega-3 and 4000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 6 weeks had a positive effect on bone health, as indicated by serum ICTP, with no effect on serum 25(OH)D levels over vitamin D supplementation alone. Full article

Tilapia possess the ability to biosynthesize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA); however, variations in this capacity across different growth stages and between sexes remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity in male and female tilapia fed two distinct diets—perilla oil (rich in α-linolenic acid, ALA) and peanut oil (rich in linoleic acid, LA)—over 24 weeks, spanning four growth stages (I-IV, from fry to adult). The results revealed that during stages I to III, both diets produced similar final body weights. However, in stage IV, male tilapia fed the peanut oil diet exhibited significantly higher body weight compared to those fed perilla oil, whereas females showed no significant differences between diets. Throughout stages III and IV, males were consistently heavier than females. LC-PUFA levels in the liver and intestine varied across growth stages, with the lowest levels at stage II and the highest at stage III. Notably, male tilapia exhibited higher expression levels of fads2 and elovl5 compared to the females across stages II to IV. The hepatic and intestinal mRNA levels increased by up to 6.40-fold and 3.85-fold, respectively, indicating a greater LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity in males. This study provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of LC-PUFA in tilapia, highlighting the influence of growth stage, sex and dietary fatty acid composition on this process, and laying a foundation for further evaluating the functional significance of dietary lipid sources in aquaculture. Full article

Thus far, various aquaculture modes have been developed to facilitate the rapid growth of the aquaculture industry and thus meet the heavy demand for aquatic products for human consumption. However, the effects of different culture modes on fish muscular nutritional content and volatile flavor are rarely reported. In the present study, we evaluated the differences in muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor between Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris) groups cultured in two different modes, i.e., flow-through water tanks (CWWL) and traditional ponds (CWWC). Our statistical results showed that a significantly higher crude protein content and lower crude fat levels were observed in the CWWL group than in the CWWC group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the contents of total aromatic amino acids (Total ∑TAA) and total dicarboxylic amino acids (Total ∑DAA) were also significantly higher in the CWWL group. Among the fatty acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (ARA), were recorded at 1.44%, 2.5%, and 9.09%, respectively, in the CWWL group, which were dramatically higher than in the CWWC group. Conversely, the contents of volatile compounds, including 2-tridecanone, dimethyl trisulfide, and isophorone, in the CWWC group were also significant higher, which, however, may contribute to an unpleasant sensory experience. Conversely, other compounds like 2-methylbutanal and 2,3-butanedione were prevalent in the CWWL group, which can induce rich nutty and buttery flavors and thus enhance the freshness of flavor profiles. In conclusion, Chinese longsnout catfish cultured in flow-through tanks show higher nutritional value and better sensory flavor in comparison with those raised in ponds. These findings not only provide novel insights into the potential effects of aquaculture modes on muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor for Chinese longsnout catfish but also lay a solid foundation for optimizing practical culture modes to improve the global aquaculture industry. Full article

Epidemiological studies report inconsistent findings regarding the association between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and cancer risk. Genetic variations—particularly single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FADS1 and FADS2 genes—affect PUFA metabolism, linking circulating PUFA levels to the risk of several cancers, including breast, colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. This review aimed to investigate the relationship between FADS1 and FADS2 gene variants and dietary intake, supplementation, or intervention with omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), or their combination in cancer patients. A secondary objective was to examine genetically determined fatty acid profiles—shaped by FADS1 and FADS2 polymorphisms—in cancer patients without intervention and their potential association with PUFA-related cancer risk. A systematic search of the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases (up to 2024) identified 11 eligible studies out of 298 initial records. Analysis of the available literature suggests that specific FADS genotypes influence long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) concentrations in blood and tissues and that altered LC-PUFA levels may contribute to cancer development. The most consistent association identified is between the rs174537 variant and altered PUFA metabolism in prostate and breast cancer. However, conclusive evidence is lacking on the impact of dietary patterns on FADS desaturase activity or expression. Only one study has examined omega-3 supplementation in relation to FADS gene variants in prostate cancer patients, while the effects of GLA supplementation remain unexplored. Given the relative novelty of this research area and the limited number of studies, future investigations should integrate dietary PUFA intake, genetic variation in PUFA-metabolizing enzymes, and potential gene–nutrient interactions involving FADS gene polymorphisms and PUFAs to clarify their role in cancer risk. Full article

Interest in indigenous and dual-purpose chicken breeds for sustainable poultry farming is growing. Additionally, incorporating local feed resources into their diets may enhance the nutritional value of their products while reducing environmental impact. This study investigated the ability of Echium oil (EO), rich in stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) compared to linseed oil (LO) and high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), to increase long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in breast meat. Sixty Canarian cockerels were fed for six weeks with diets supplemented with 1.5% soybean oil (SO), 1.5% LO, or 2% EO. Final body weight and carcass traits showed no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). However, EO-fed birds exhibited slightly higher breast meat lightness (L*) than LO-fed ones (p < 0.05). Total lipid content and lipid class composition remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Both LO and EO increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) compared to SO, with EO further enhancing SDA, 20:3n-3, 20:4n-3, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), resulting in meat with a healthier thrombogenic index (TI). Importantly, EO inclusion up to 2% did not negatively impact meat sensory qualities. These findings suggest that EO outperforms LO in enriching poultry meat with beneficial n-3 LC-PUFAs and holds great potential for poultry production. Full article

Background: Sufficient choline supply is essential for tissue functions via phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin within membranes and secretions like bile, lipoproteins and surfactant, and in one-carbon metabolism via betaine. Choline requirements are linked to age and genetics, folate and cobalamin via betaine, and arachidonic (ARA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid transport via the phosphatidylcholine moiety of lipoproteins. Groups at risk of choline deficiency include preterm infants, children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and patients dependent on parenteral nutrition. Fortifiers, formula and supplements may differently impact their choline supply. Objective: To evaluate added amounts of choline, folate, cobalamin, ARA and DHA in fortifiers, supplements and formula used in pediatric care from product files. Methods: Nutrient contents from commonly used products, categorized by age and patient groups, were obtained from public sources. Data are shown as medians and interquartile ranges. Results: 105 nutritional products including fortifiers, formula and products for special indications were analyzed. Choline concentrations were comparable in preterm and term infant formulas (≤6 months) (31.9 [27.6–33.3] vs. 33.3 [30.8–35.2] mg/100 kcal). Products for toddlers, and patients with CF, kidney or Crohn’s disease showed Choline levels from 0 to 39 mg/100 kcal. Several products contain milk components and lecithin-based emulsifiers potentially increasing choline content beyond indicated amounts. Conclusions: Choline addition is standardized in formula for term and preterm infants up to 6 months, but not in other products. Choline content may be higher in several products due to non-declared sources. The potential impact of insufficient choline supply in patients at risk for choline deficiency suggests the need for biochemical analysis of products. Full article