Search Results (612)

Research on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on children’s sleep has made significant advancements. This study explores the unique pathways through which polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid from the n-3 series, influence sleep regulation in children. Neurobiologically, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid have been shown to bi-directionally modulate neurotransmitters and circadian rhythms via the gut–brain axis, reshaping gut microbiota and affecting brain signaling. In terms of inflammation and immune regulation, this study is the first to confirm that Maresin1, produced from n-3 fatty acids, can inhibit the activation of specific inflammasomes, thereby mitigating the disruptive effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on sleep. The analysis of clinical applications indicates that newly developed medium- and long-chain triglyceride formulations rich in docosahexaenoic acid exhibit excellent digestive absorption in infants’ gastrointestinal systems, paving the way for new products designed to enhance infant sleep. However, current research has limitations concerning the precise dosing of docosahexaenoic acid, the representativeness of samples, and the overall rigor of study designs. Mechanistically, polyunsaturated fatty acids may exert their effects through various pathways, including neurobiology, inflammation, immune regulation, and endocrine modulation. In clinical studies, different formulations of fish oil show varying safety profiles and bioavailability. Future research should prioritize high-quality studies to clarify how different doses of polyunsaturated fatty acids affect children’s sleep, assess long-term safety, and investigate interactions with other factors, ultimately providing solid theoretical and practical guidance for improving children’s sleep. Full article

The nutritional value of lipids depends not only on their fatty acid composition but also on their stereospecific positioning on the glycerol backbone. This study investigated the fatty acid composition and sn-2 positional distribution of triacylglycerols (TAG), as well as the composition of major phospholipids in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) juveniles (initial weight: 10 g) fed five diets including graded levels of dietary n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA; 0.64–2.10%) for 56 days. With increasing dietary n-3 HUFA levels, the proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 HUFA in muscle TAG, phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) significantly increased. Phospholipids, especially PC and PE, were preferentially enriched with n-3 HUFA, and the sn-2 positions of TAG showed a significantly increased deposition of DHA and reduced n-6/n-3 ratios. RNA-Seq analysis was performed on muscle tissues of T. ovatus subjected to different dietary n-3 HUFA levels to further investigate the molecular mechanisms of lipid compositional and structural changes. A total of 126,792 unigenes were obtained, of which 47.78% were successfully annotated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis implicated the glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, and sphingolipid metabolism pathways in lipid composition and distribution regulation, identifying gpat4, agpat3, agpat8, lpeat1, and lpgat1 as potential regulators. These findings offer insights into lipid remodeling in marine fish and support strategies to enhance aquaculture product quality. 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

Tacrolimus (TAC)-induced chronic nephrotoxicity (TAC nephrotoxicity) remains a major contributor to late allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. Although detailed mechanisms remain incompletely understood, our previous metabolomic studies revealed disruptions in carnitine-related and redox pathways, suggesting impaired mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids. To further characterize metabolic alterations associated with this condition, we conducted an untargeted lipidomic analysis of renal tissues using a murine model of TAC nephrotoxicity. TAC (1 mg/kg/day) or saline was subcutaneously administered to male ICR mice for 28 days, and kidney tissues were harvested for comprehensive lipidomic profiling. Lipidomic analysis was performed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (p < 0.05, n = 5/group). Triacylglycerols (TGs) were the predominant lipid class identified. TAC-treated mice exhibited reduced levels of unsaturated TG species with low carbon numbers, whereas TGs with higher carbon numbers and various degrees of unsaturation were increased. All detected TGs containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed an increasing trend in TAC-treated kidneys. Although accumulation of polyunsaturated TGs has been previously observed in chronic kidney disease, the preferential increase in DHA-containing TGs appears to be a unique feature of TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. These results suggest that DHA-enriched TGs may serve as a metabolic signature of TAC nephrotoxicity and offer new insights into its pathophysiology. Full article

Background: Menopause increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) accompanied by a decline in muscle function. Myokines, released by skeletal muscle, could play a significant role in cardiovascular health. Objectives and Methods: This study aimed to investigate the changes induced by a 16-week resistance training (RT) program and/or the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich n-3 PUFA supplementation on myokine and cytokine circulating levels and to study their associations with parameters of body composition, muscle function, and glucose and lipid serum markers in postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity. Results: At baseline, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were positively correlated with body fat and with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and negatively associated with meterorin-like (METRNL) levels. Moreover, METRNL was inversely associated with insulin levels and with HOMA-IR. After the intervention, muscle quality improved with either treatment but more notably in response to RT. N-3 supplementation caused significant improvements in cardiometabolic health markers. TNF-α decreased in all experimental groups. Myostatin levels decreased in the RT and in the n-3 groups, and IL-6 increased in the n-3+RT group. Lastly, no interactions between treatments were observed. Conclusions: In postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, RT could help improve skeletal muscle function, while DHA-rich n-3 supplementation might decrease CVD risk and might potentially improve muscle function. The modulation of myokine levels could be underlying some of the effects of DHA or RT; however, further research is necessary. Full article

Dementia prevention is a global public health priority, and lifestyle interventions, including nutrition, have gained interest for their potential to maintain cognitive health. Among nutritional interventions, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 FA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been widely studied for their potential to support cognitive health. This systematic review evaluated whether n-3 FA supplementation improves global cognition in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met inclusion criteria, of which five reported significant improvements in global cognition. A random-effects meta-analysis of 11 placebo-controlled RCTs showed no significant effect (SMD = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.07 to 0.04). Heterogeneity in supplement type, dosage, duration, and outcome measures may have contributed to inconsistent findings and limited comparability. Furthermore, methodological quality of the trials was generally low. While current evidence does not demonstrate a significant effect of n-3 FA supplementation on global cognition, future research should prioritize well-powered, longer-duration RCTs that incorporate biomarker monitoring and more appropriate doses. Clarifying the role of n-3 FA in cognitive aging remains essential for informing nutrition-based dementia prevention strategies. 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

This study evaluates the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance, hematological health, and muscle composition of juvenile Arapaima gigas. We tested five isonitrogenous diets (451.7 g kg⁻¹ of crude protein) with increasing lipid levels (6%, 10%, 14%, 18%, and 22%). A total of 600 juvenile A. gigas (80.0 ± 10.5 g; 21.8 ± 1.0 cm) were distributed into 20 tanks (500 L; n = 4; 30 fish per tank) in an indoor open system. The fish were fed to apparent satiety four times daily for 60 days. As dietary lipid levels increased, all growth parameters and lipid content in both the whole body and muscle declined. The diet containing 6% lipids resulted in the maximum final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and the lowest feed conversion rate. However, a maximum lipid level of up to 10.26%, with a gross energy-to-protein ratio of 10.15 kcal g⁻¹ in the diet, as determined through polynomial regression analysis, can be used for juvenile A. gigas without significantly affecting weight gain. Diets with high lipid content (18% and 22% lipids) resulted in the lowest survival rates, highest feed conversion rates, lowest condition factor, visible skeletal protrusions, scale depigmentation, and impaired blood biochemistry. The content of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, n-3, and the n-3:n-6 ratio increased in the muscle lipid fraction (mg g⁻¹ of total lipids) in response to higher dietary lipid levels; however, this does not represent an overall improvement in the meat quality, since the total lipid content in the muscle (g of lipid per 100 g of muscle) was reduced due to impaired growth in fish fed high-lipid diets. Notably, the experimental diets also differed in fatty acid composition, which may have influenced some of the physiological and compositional responses observed. Diets with 6% lipids are recommended to provide optimal growth performance, and a maximum dietary lipid level of up to 10.26% is advised to ensure successful A. gigas farming without impairing weight gain. Full article

Fatty fish, such as mackerel (Scomber scombrus), are recommended as part of a healthy diet, providing essential fatty acids (FA). Fried fish is appreciated for its attributes, including a crispy texture, golden crust, and pleasant taste. However, frying increases the fat content and the caloric value of food. This study evaluated the use of pre-frying edible coatings on mackerel fillets aiming to: (i) reduce oil absorption, (ii) minimize water loss, preserving fish succulence, and (iii) prevent fat oxidation. For this purpose, alginate- and carrageenan-based coatings were supplemented with extracts of Pelvetia canaliculata (Pc), a seaweed with high potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The fried fillets were analysed for colour, texture, moisture, ash, lipid content, and FA profile. No significant differences were observed for colour and textural parameters. Fillets coated with Pc-supplemented carrageenan showed the highest moisture (an increase of 3%) and the lowest fat content (a decrease of 7,5%) compared to the control (fried uncoated fillets). Coated fillets also exhibited reduced saturated FA and increased monounsaturated FA. In general, linoleic acid (C18:2) decreased markedly, while the values for docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, n-3) remained stable (11–12% of total FA). Moreover, the n3/n6 ratio and atherogenic indices (AI) were improved in the coated fillets. Full article

Lionfish (Pterois miles), an invasive species in the Mediterranean, pose ecological and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the seasonal variation in the nutritional composition and technical quality of lionfish from the Ionian and Aegean Seas, evaluating their potential as a food resource. Fillets were high in protein (19.4%) and low in fat (2.0%), with significant seasonal differences in the Ionian Sea, where winter samples had higher lipid content. The fillet yield (28.4%) was satisfactory given the fish’s morphology. Fatty acid analysis confirmed lionfish as a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with EPA + DHA levels exceeding the recommended daily intake (119.2%). Seasonal variations in fatty acid composition were observed, including higher EPA in autumn and lower lipid nutritional quality in summer. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was also present at nutritionally significant levels (79.4 mg/100 g). The n3/n6 ratio (2.2) and favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices highlight its nutritional benefits. This is the first study to assess seasonal variations in the nutritional value and technical yield of lionfish in the Mediterranean, offering novel insights into its commercial valorisation. These findings support its promotion as a sustainable protein source and as a means of managing its invasive population. Full article

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) initiates an inflammatory response that is essential for tissue repair. However, when prolonged or excessive, this response can impair recovery and muscular performance. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), derived from the metabolism of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), facilitate the resolution of inflammation without causing immunosuppression. Evidence from preclinical studies indicates that SPM administration accelerates muscle repair and functional recovery by enhancing the clearance of apoptotic cells, suppressing pro-inflammatory signaling and modulating macrophage polarization. However, translation to human applications remains limited as commercially available SPM-enriched marine oils do not contain active SPMs but rather their monohydroxylated precursors, including 14-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid (14-HDHA), 17-Hydroxy-Docosahexaenoic Acid (17-HDHA), and 18-Hydroxy-Eicosapentaenoic Acid (18-HEPE) in addition to low doses of the n-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Furthermore, the variable increases in circulating SPM concentrations as a result of dietary intake of EPA and DHA, whether from fish or fish oil supplements, and the wide diversity of SPM molecules (many of which remain under investigation), highlight the complexity of their structural and functional networks. While advances in lipidomics have identified SPMs and their pathway intermediates in human biological samples, further research is needed to determine optimal dosing strategies, delivery mechanisms, and the real impact of SPM-enriched marine oil on athletic performance and recovery. This narrative review examines the biological rationale and current evidence surrounding SPM-enriched marine oil supplementation and its potential to enhance muscle recovery following EIMD. By synthesizing findings from preclinical and human studies, the potential of SPM-enriched supplementation as a novel tool for optimizing performance recovery in athletic populations is reviewed to inform future research directions. Full article

Maternal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during late gestation has been shown to have a variety of benefits for neonates. The current study utilized 13 mares and their foals, assigned to one of three dietary treatments: an unsupplemented control diet (CON; n = 5), or the addition of either fish oil-derived omega-3 (FO; n = 5) or a flaxseed (FLAX; n = 3) supplement. The mares received treatments beginning on day 310 of gestation through day 5 post-parturition. Samples of plasma were collected from the mares prior to beginning supplementation, on days 0, 5, and 30 post-partum. Milk samples were collected from the mares 12 h post-partum. Plasma samples were collected from the foals at birth and at 5 and 30 d post-partum. The fatty acid compositions of the mare plasma, mare milk, and foal plasma were determined using gas chromatography. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Foals born to FO mares exhibited increased plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels at birth compared with those born to CON mares. Across the treatments, the plasma from foals at birth prior to nursing had the highest DHA content compared with on d 5 and 30. No treatment differences were observed in the mare plasma or milk fatty acid composition for DHA levels. FLAX mares had higher 20:3 n6 plasma proportions than FO or CON mares. Beginning supplementation with fish oil on day 310 of gestation may be sufficient to elevate neonatal foal DHA concentrations. Full article

Background: Ethanolamine plasmalogen (PlsEtn) is a subclass of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EtnGpls) and is abundantly found in some marine invertebrates, including ascidian Halocynthia roretzi. PlsEtn is reported to exhibit physiological and nutritional hepatic functions; however, the effects of dietary PlsEtn on continuous acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic injury, including oxidative stress and impaired lipid metabolism, remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the dietary effects of PlsEtn from ascidian on chronic hepatic injury in APAP-treated mice. Methods: Five-week-old male ICR mice were divided into four groups (n = 12), which were treated with the respective experimental diet for two weeks and then the respective APAP-containing diet for five weeks. The results obtained after administering the PlsEtn-rich diet were compared with those obtained after the administration of a phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn)-rich diet, a major subclass of hepatic EtnGpls. Results: The PlsEtn-rich diet effectively suppressed the APAP-induced decrease in body and liver weights of mice; however, this suppressive effect was not observed in mice fed a PtdEtn-rich diet. APAP administration decreased the total fatty acid content in the liver, whereas a PlsEtn-rich diet alleviated this decrease and increased the hepatic content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which exhibits various hepatic functions. Moreover, dietary EtnGpl rich in PlsEtn or PtdEtn suppressed APAP-induced lipid oxidation in the liver. The protein expression results revealed that dietary EtnGpls reduced the expression of certain apoptosis-related proteins in the livers of APAP-administered mice compared to that in the APAP group. This reduction was particularly more effective in mice fed the PlsEtn-rich diet than in those on the PtdEtn-rich diet. Conclusions: Dietary EtnGpls, particularly PlsEtn, alleviated the hepatic cellular stress caused by continuous APAP consumption. These beneficial effects may depend on the subclass and may be related to DHA metabolism in the liver. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the role of PlsEtn in maintaining liver health. 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

Clavelina oblonga is an invasive tropical tunicate recently introduced into the Adriatic Sea as a consequence of globalization and climate change. Mussel aquaculture sites provide an ideal environment for this colonial ascidian, where it has recently become the dominant fouling species. This study represents the first investigation of its biological and physical characteristics, as well as its proximal, fatty acid, macroelement, trace element, and toxic metal composition. The entire-tissue chemical composition of C. oblonga resulted in 95.44% moisture. Its composite structure revealed several strong peaks, attributed to O-H, C-H, C-N, and C=O stretching, along with cellulose components overlapping with proteins and carbohydrates. The major fatty acids were palmitic, stearic, and docosahexaenoic acid, followed by docosanoic, elaidic, linoleic, and myristic acid. The saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids comprised 51.37, 26.96, and 15.41% of the total fatty acids, respectively. Among the analysed trace and macroelements, aluminium and sodium were predominant. C. oblonga exhibited different concentrations of toxic metals, such as arsenic and lead, compared to fouled mussels in the Istria region. It appears that the tunicate has adapted to the environmental conditions of the Adriatic, reaching its maximum spread and biomass in mid-autumn. There is a strong possibility that C. oblonga could colonize and establish itself permanently in the Adriatic. This would have a strong negative impact on shellfish farming, the structure of the ecosystem, plankton biomass, and the distribution of other marine species. However, it also represents a biomass resource with high potential of utilization in different industries. Full article