Search Results (2,908)

The Anastasia River (southern Sakhalin Island) is a key salmon spawning ground, where summer storm floods can drastically alter benthic communities that form the diet of fish. This study assessed the impact of heavy rainfall on the benthic macroinvertebrates in the lower reaches of the river by analyzing taxonomic composition, biomass, and fatty acid (FA) profiles of dominant taxa before and after a flood event. A catastrophic decline in biomass was observed (from 35.7 ± 4.4 g m⁻² to 1.74 ± 0.68 g m⁻²), alongside a significant shift in community structure. Crustaceans (dominated by Eogammarus kygi), with a unique FA profile rich in long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), were the primary bearers of high nutritional value. All crustaceans exhibited omnivorous diets, with river crabs (Eriocheir japonica) having a broader spectrum than conspecifics inhabiting the marine littoral zone. Amphipods were key processors of allochthonous matter. The flood caused not only a quantitative but also a severe qualitative reduction in community nutritional value, with the content of physiologically crucial n-3 and n-6 PUFAs dropping by a factor of 25 and 15 on average, respectively. The disproportionately high loss of n-3 PUFAs indicates that the qualitative degradation of food resources by extreme floods may be an underestimated factor limiting the post-flood recovery of fish populations. Full article

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a crucial role in fetal development and metabolic programming. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA n-3), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to influence mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism. The present preliminary study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal omega-3 supplementation on mitochondrial bioenergetics in neonatal piglets. Pregnant sows were supplemented with either fish oil or algal oil rich in LC-PUFA n-3 (long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) throughout gestation. Liver samples were collected from newborn piglets immediately after birth, and mitochondrial respiratory parameters, oxygen consumption rates, and selected oxidative stress markers were analyzed. The results indicated that maternal omega-3 supplementation was associated with improved mitochondrial respiratory parameters and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation efficiency in neonatal liver tissue. Both fish oil and algal oil supplementation showed similar trends in improving mitochondrial bioenergetic function. Although the study was exploratory and conducted on a limited number of animals, the findings suggest that maternal intake of LC-PUFA n-3 may influence mitochondrial metabolism in offspring. Further studies with larger experimental groups are required to confirm these observations and to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects. Full article

The use of olive by-products in livestock farming is a valuable resource, given their high levels of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and health-promoting properties. This preliminary study adopted an integrated approach to evaluate the influence of dietary Olea europaea L. polyphenols on animal welfare, physiological stress response, intestinal morphofunctional traits, and meat quality in Neroametà finishing pigs, a novel Casertana × Large White genetic line (Neroametà). Thirty pigs reared under extensive farming conditions were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 15): a control group fed a standard diet (C) and a treatment group (OL) supplemented with 300 mg/head/day of olive polyphenolic extract for 90 days. The study focused on the systemic correlation between host health and product quality. Meat composition, rheological properties, meat antioxidant activity, stress parameters, and fatty acid profiles of the longissimus lumborum and psoas major muscles were analyzed. Results showed that the OL diet significantly modulated the HPA axis, as evidenced by a marked reduction in plasma ACTH and cortisol levels, alongside improved antioxidant status. These physiological changes were positively associated with a trophic effect on the intestinal mucosa, characterized by increased villus height and a more favorable villus/crypt ratio. Regarding meat quality, the OL group exhibited superior oxidative stability, optimized pH decline, and an improved intramuscular fatty acid profile (increased MUFA and n-3 PUFA, reduced SFA). Despite the pilot scale of 30 animals, these findings provide a solid foundation for characterizing the Neroametà breed. In conclusion, Olea europaea L. polyphenols act as a multi-level modulator, enhancing physiological resilience and meat quality, offering a sustainable strategy for high-quality pork production in line with circular economy and One Health principles. Full article

Obesity is a persistent public health issue, often resulting in metabolic complications such as insulin resistance (IR). The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue (AT) is increased during obesity, contributing to the impairment of systemic insulin sensitivity. While interventions in animal models have shown that reducing inflammation restores insulin sensitivity, human studies reducing systemic inflammation have produced inconsistent results. We recently demonstrated that three months of high-dose (4 g/daily) ω-3PUFA (fish oil, FO) supplementation improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased systemic and AT inflammation in individuals with obesity (BMI  ≥  30 kg/m²). Given recent studies highlighting the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) in inflammatory cytokine production, we investigated the effect of ω-3PUFA supplementation on AT miRNA expression in this cohort. AT biopsies were collected before and after ω-3PUFA supplementation. miRNA was processed on the Affymetrix miRNA 4.0 GeneChip and analyzed using existing inflammatory gene sets sourced from MSigDB. Unbiased, differentially expressed miRNA analysis identified miR-4498 and miR-5689 as significantly increased after three months of ω-3PUFA supplementation. Real-time PCR confirmed bioinformatic analysis findings. Our study reports the modulation of miRNA in AT, reductions in systemic and AT markers of inflammation, and the improvement of IR post ω-3PUFA supplementation. Further research is needed to elucidate the link between miR-4498, miR-5689, and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Full article

Donor human milk (DHM) provided by human milk banks is considered the optimal feeding alternative to mother’s own milk for premature or medically compromised infants. Before distribution, DHM is subjected to Holder pasteurization (HoP) by milk banks to eliminate potential pathogens. In this study, FT-IR, GC and GC-MS were applied to characterize changes in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lipid components of human milk (HM) samples that were treated by HoP. FT-IR analysis revealed changes in specific band regions, indicating modifications to triglycerides and fatty acid (FA) organization and possible disruption of the milk fat globule membrane. There was also an increase in ester groups, suggesting that HoP increases lipid oxidation. GC analysis showed a reduction in long-chain FAs, including certain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). GC-MS analysis showed that HoP-treated samples contained higher levels of alkanes, aldehydes, aromatics and ketones than raw HM. Conversely, other compounds, including furans, and alkynes, were found exclusively in pasteurized HM. These results show that HoP affects the lipid and VOC components of HM, highlighting the need for research into alternative pathogen elimination strategies in human milk bank practices. Full article

Background: This study investigated the effects of melatonin (50 mg/kg/day) and a high-monounsaturated-fatty-acid (MUFA) diet (60% MUFAs; PUFA/SFA ratio = 5), alone or combined, on lipid metabolism-related gene expression in female Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Thirty-two eight-week-old rats were randomized into four groups: control (C), melatonin (M), experimental oil diet (E), and combined melatonin plus experimental oil diet (ME). Treatments lasted eight weeks, with melatonin given orally at 17:00–19:00 daily. Results: In the ME group, hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) mRNA was markedly upregulated, while the E group showed significantly higher expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in white adipose tissue. Additionally, ME rats exhibited increased fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) mRNA with reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), but serum irisin remained unchanged. Conclusions: Melatonin and a high-MUFA diet induced modest and non-uniform changes in lipid metabolism-related gene expression. However, these transcriptional responses were not accompanied by measurable physiological or metabolic outcomes, indicating that the observed effects represent early molecular adaptations rather than functional metabolic modulation. Full article

The microbial production of value-added lipids by oleaginous yeasts has attracted considerable interest as a sustainable alternative to conventional lipid sources. In this study, the effects of selected fermentation parameters on biomass production, lipid production, and fatty acid composition of Yarrowia lipolytica YB-423 were investigated using flaxseed and chia seed oils as carbon sources. A Taguchi method was employed to evaluate and optimize the influence of temperature, fermentation time, nitrogen concentration, and oil supplementation. The results showed that nitrogen availability was the dominant factor governing biomass formation. The highest lipid production was achieved at 21 °C after 6 days of fermentation in the absence of an added nitrogen source supplemented with 10 mL/L oil, resulting in lipid contents of 62.53% and 64.61% for flaxseed and chia seed oils, respectively. Lipid content was primarily influenced by nitrogen concentration and oil supplementation, while temperature and fermentation time showed secondary but significant effects. Beyond total lipid production, fatty acid profiling demonstrated that both oil sources supported PUFA-rich lipid production; however, chia seed oil resulted in a broader variation in α-linolenic acid (ALA) content across fermentation conditions. The highest ALA content reached 67.40% at 14 °C after 4 days of fermentation under 30 mL/L chia seed oil supplementation. Additionally, ALA levels reached approximately 62% at 7 °C under higher chia seed oil concentrations (20–30 mL/L). In contrast, flax seed oil yielded relatively stable ALA levels, generally ranging between 45% and 56%, depending on fermentation parameters. Full article

Impaired blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity is a common hallmark of neurological disorders associated with neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and aging. The function of the BBB relies heavily on the interaction between astrocytes and endothelial cells, the most closely connected elements of the neurovascular unit. Under inflammatory conditions, astrocytes can undergo a range of metabolic changes, becoming pro-inflammatory and harmful to endothelial cells. Upon activation, astrocytes secrete a plethora of inflammatory mediators that severely disrupt the barrier function of the BBB. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids, exhibit protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects demonstrated in various neurological disorders. This review focused on the role of ω-3 PUFAs and their oxidative derivatives, specialized pro-resolving mediators, in preserving the BBB’s integrity via suppression of astrocytes’ activation or even promotion of their transition from an A1 to an A2 phenotype. We considered mainstream mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ω-3 PUFAs on reactive astrocytes, such as stimulation of the Nrf2/ARE and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, inhibition of NF-κB/matrix metalloproteinase activity and the JAK/STAT3 signaling axis, as well as the contribution of ω-3 PUFA-activated GPCRs and PPAR transcriptional factors, particularly regarding the role of these mechanisms in preserving the BBB’s integrity. Full article

As populations around the world continue to age, promoting healthy ageing has become a key public health priority. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining physical and cognitive function later in life, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential components of cell membranes and are known for their anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to age-related decline, and omega-3s help mitigate these processes by modulating immune responses and improving endothelial function. This systematic review aims to examine the potential of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammatory markers and improve overall health. Moreover, it aims to present the most effective dietary interventions in dairy cows that increase PUFA content in milk. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to November 2025. Evidence suggests that older adults who consume higher levels of PUFA tend to have better cardiovascular health, preserved cognitive function, and a lower risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis, and reduce the risk of frailty and disability in later years. Dietary manipulation to enhance PUFA in bovine milk represents a promising strategy for improving human nutrition while potentially benefiting cow health. Full article

Marine byproducts generated from seafood processing represent valuable reservoirs of structurally and functionally distinct biomolecules, whose composition reflects species, habitat, and processing history. This systematic review identified which marine byproducts have been most extensively studied between 2020 and 2025, with emphasis on their composition, valorisation, and suitability for tracing their geographic origin. Following the PRISMA protocol, 6443 publications were initially retrieved, of which 96 peer-reviewed studies were included for data extraction and analysis. The five most frequently investigated byproducts—skin, bones, scales, shells, and roe—were identified as rich sources of proteins (collagen and gelatin), minerals (hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate), polysaccharides (chitin), lipids (notably polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)), and vitamin B12. Collagen properties, particularly imino acid content, hydroxylation degree, crosslinking density, and thermal stability, correlate more strongly with environmental temperature than taxonomy, supporting their potential as markers for tracing geographic origin. The mineral fractions, dominated by hydroxyapatite in bones and scales, or calcium carbonate in shells, provided complementary inorganic fingerprints based on calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, carbonate substitution, trace element composition, and thermal analyses. While the lipid profile alone could not completely discriminate fish roe, proteomic techniques, such as MALDI-TOF MS, make it possible to reliably identify species. Collectively, these byproducts offer complementary organic and inorganic markers that support integrated strategies that allow tracing their origin and fostering their sustainable valorisation, overcoming a key technical bottleneck for their use. However, their large-scale conversion into market-ready products remains limited by technical complexity, process variability, and cost-related constraints. Full article

An anti-inflammatory dietary pattern represents a key component of non-pharmacological management in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), as it targets chronic low-grade inflammation, adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and disturbances of the gut–metabolic axis. In the present work, we outline a framework for an “omics-based” approach that integrates data on gut microbiota composition and function (metagenomics), adipokine profiles, nutrigenomics, epigenetics, and related transcriptomic and metabolomic layers in order to enable more precise characterization of the metabolic phenotype and to support precision nutrition strategies. The proposed dietary model emphasizes the quality rather than merely the quantity of macronutrients, with particular focus on lipid profile optimization. Specifically, total fat intake is recommended to remain below 30% of total energy through the reduction in saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fats, and excessive omega-6 fatty acids, alongside increased consumption of omega-3 PUFA (EPA/DHA) and plant-based sources of α-linolenic acid (ALA). Concurrently, greater intake of lean protein sources and low-glycemic-index carbohydrates rich in dietary fibre—particularly fermentable fractions—is recommended. The model also highlights the importance of polyphenols with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. To enhance feasibility and long-term adherence, recommendations are structured as flexible food substitutions rather than rigid prescriptions. Further well-designed interventional studies are required to confirm the impact of a multi-omics-based anti-inflammatory diet on both molecular and clinical endpoints. Full article

The influence of different gas compositions in modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) without and with chitooligosaccharide-EGCG (CE) conjugate on storage stability of Asian hard clam (HC) meat during storage at 4 °C was studied. Microbial load of HC meat was <5 log CFU/g when packaged under MAP, regardless of treatment, up to 18 days of storage, whereas control exceeded viable bacterial count (6 log CFU/g) on day 9. The lowest microbial load, volatile bases, and lipid oxidation were obtained in HC meat pretreated with 600 ppm of CE conjugate and MAP (80% CO₂/20% O₂) (MAP4-CE) (p < 0.05). Correlation heatmap analysis showed that a high-CO₂/low-O₂ atmosphere was the primary determinant of reduced Pseudomonas growth and lipid oxidation in HC meat, whereas the CE conjugate conferred only minor oxidation and nitrogenous spoilage indices. HC packed under MAP exhibited higher cooking and drip loss, along with increased toughness and firmness, irrespective of treatment. PUFA of MAP4-CE was retained during 18 days of storage. High-CO₂, with or without CE, redirected the microbial diversity toward CO₂-tolerant taxa. Overall, MAP4-CE had an extended shelf-life of at least 18 days while better preserving lipid quality and delayed growth of spoilage bacteria. Full article

The quality of beef fat depends on both intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid (FA) composition, which can be modulated by finishing diets. This study evaluated the effects of silage type and feeding intensity on IMF deposition, FA profile, desaturase indices, and lipid quality indices in finishing Holstein–Friesian bulls. Thirty-two bulls were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 8/group) and fed total mixed rations for 120 days based on grass silage or maize silage, under intensive (≈50:50 forage:concentrate, DM basis) or semi-intensive feeding (≈70:30). FA composition of longissimus lumborum lipids was determined by GC-FID, and lipid quality indices were calculated, including the atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H). Feeding intensity increased IMF content (p = 0.001) and the absolute amounts of major FA classes (g/100 g meat). Silage type primarily affected FA composition by increasing n-3 PUFA and lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio in grass silage diets (p = 0.042). Several FAs showed silage type × feeding intensity interactions (p < 0.05), indicating that the response to dietary energy supply depended on the forage base. Overall, feeding intensity mainly regulated lipid deposition, whereas silage type modulated the nutritional profile of intramuscular fat. Full article

This study comparatively assessed the quality of organically and commercially produced turkey meat roasted to internal temperatures of 72 ± 2 °C, 80 ± 2 °C, and 88 ± 2 °C. The evaluation encompassed physical characteristics (pH, WHC, and colour), nutritional value (protein, ash, dry matter, fat and fatty acid profile and caloric value), and sensory characteristics. Thermal processing caused significant differences in the properties of the meat depending on the production system. After thermal processing, organic meat had a more favourable lipid profile (higher MUFA, PUFA and n-3 PUFA content and lower SFA content) compared to conventional meat, which indicates its potential nutritional advantage. The most favourable technological and sensory parameters, in this system, were obtained at an internal temperature of 80 ± 2 °C, while an increase to 88 ± 2 °C resulted in a deterioration in tenderness and juiciness. In commercially farmed meat, the best tenderness was found at 72 ± 2 °C and the highest aroma and flavour ratings at 80 ± 2 °C. The use of a temperature of 88 ± 2 °C led to an increase in cutting force, greater loss and reduced sensory quality. The results indicate the validity of differentiating the heat treatment parameters depending on the origin of the raw material. Full article

Seafood processing generates large volumes of by-products that are often underutilized despite their potential as sources of high-value bioactive lipids. In this study, a hybrid process integrating microwave (MW) pretreatment with Soxhlet (SOX) extraction was developed and optimized to intensify the recovery of astaxanthin (ASX)- and ω-3 PUFA-rich oil from green tiger shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) residues. Response surface methodology (RSM) comprising 22 experimental runs was applied to optimize key MW process variables, including power (100–400 W) and irradiation time (30–90 s). Both factors significantly influenced oil yield, with optimal operating conditions identified at 400 W and 75 s. MW pretreatment promoted structural disruption of shrimp shells, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, thereby enhancing solvent penetration and mass transfer. Solvent selection further affected extraction performance: hexane:isopropanol (1:1, v/v) achieved the highest oil yield (3.86 g/100 g dry weight), while hexane:acetone produced extracts with the highest ASX concentration (1032.24 µg/g oil), ω-3 PUFA content (29.85%), and antioxidant activity (93.30% DPPH scavenging). Colorimetric analysis supported these results, with increased redness (a* = 18.12) correlating with ASX enrichment. Overall, this integrated MW-SOX process represents an effective process-intensification strategy for sustainable shrimp waste valorization and production of bioactive lipid fractions. Full article