Search Results (304)

This on-farm study explored the effects of diverse pasture systems and seaweed-based bio-stimulants (AgriSea NZ Seaweed Products, Paeroa, New Zealand) on sheep performance, metabolic health, milk composition, and carcass characteristics. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used to compare three pasture systems; ryegrass-white clover (RW), a 23-species diverse mix (DI), and functionally diverse strip swards (ST), with (SW) or without (CO) a seaweed-based bio-stimulant. Ninety pregnant ewes were stratified by live weight and allocated across six treatment groups (15 ewes per treatment). Lambing occurred on treatment paddocks. At weaning, 90 lambs (15 per treatment) were selected based on body weight and sex balance to continue through to finishing. Pasture chemical composition differed among treatments: ST had lower fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF) than RW and DI, while SW increased dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolisable energy (ME), and reduced NDF and ADF (p < 0.05). Strip pastures improved lamb average daily gain (ADG) by 17% from lambing to weaning compared to DI, and by 14% from weaning to finishing compared to RW (p < 0.05). Seaweed-based bio-stimulant treatment enhanced lamb ADG by up to 12% and improved carcass traits, including loin and shoulder yields (p < 0.05). Ewes and lambs on seaweed-treated pastures exhibited lower serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (p < 0.05), indicating better energy balance. Milk from ST and/or SW treated ewes had elevated omega-6 fatty acids and essential amino acids, suggesting enhanced nutritional value. These findings demonstrate that combining botanical diversity with natural bio-stimulants can improve animal growth, metabolic health, and product quality, offering a promising strategy for sustainable and welfare-oriented sheep production systems. Full article

The integration of functional ingredients into 3D food printing formulations presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly regarding the printability and structural integrity of the final product. This study investigates the effect of incorporating omega-3 fatty acids encapsulated in pea protein into a model food gel composed of gelatin and iota-carrageenan. Four formulations with varying concentrations of encapsulated omega-3 (0%, 3%, 3.75%, and 6%) were evaluated for their rheological, textural, and printability properties. Rheological analysis revealed a progressive increase in storage modulus (G′) from 1200 Pa (0%) to 2000 Pa (6%), indicating enhanced elastic behavior. Extrusion analysis showed a reduction in maximum extrusion force from 325 N (0%) to 250 N (6%), and an increase in buffer time from 390 s to 500 s. Print fidelity at time 0 showed minimal deviation in the checkerboard geometry (area deviation: −12%), while the concentric cylinder showed the highest stability over 60 min (height deviation: 9%). These findings highlight the potential of using encapsulated bioactive compounds in 3D food printing to develop functional foods with tailored nutritional and mechanical properties. Full article

Background: Optimal nutrition and training regimens are essential for athletes to maximize performance and recovery. Probiotic supplementation, through the modulation of the gut microbiota, and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may enhance physiological adaptations when combined with targeted training. This study evaluated the effects of probiotics and omega-3 supplementation, alongside ultra-short race pace training (USRPT), on performance metrics in competitive sprint swimmers. Methods: In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 male sprint swimmers (age: 19.2 ± 3.6 years; height: 182.2 ± 5.2 cm; weight: 81.6 ± 4.4 kg) with a minimum of five years of training experience, were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group): (1) Control (CON), (2) USRPT only, (3) Placebo + USRPT (PLA + USRPT), (4) Probiotics + USRPT (PRO + USRPT), (5) Omega-3 + USRPT (OMEGA + USRPT), and (6) Probiotics + Omega-3 + USRPT (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT). Over the eight-week intervention, the participants in PRO + USRPT consumed one multi-strain probiotic capsule daily (4.5 × 10¹¹ CFU) and a placebo capsule. Those in OMEGA + USRPT ingested 1000 mg of fish oil after lunch (500 mg EPA and 180 mg DHA per capsule) paired with a placebo capsule. The combined supplementation group (PRO + OMEGA + USRPT) received both probiotic and omega-3 capsules. The PLA + USRPT group consumed two starch capsules daily. The USRPT protocol was implemented across all the training groups, where the swimmers performed 17 sets of 25 m and 12.5 m sprints based on weekly recorded race times. Performance assessments included pre- and post-test measurements of sprint times (50 m and 100 m freestyle), vertical jump tests (both in water and on dry land), and other strength and endurance metrics (reaction time, agility T-test, sprint index, fatigue index, and velocity). Results: The combined intervention of probiotics and omega-3 with USRPT produced the greatest improvements in performance. The PRO + OMEGA + USRPT group reduced 50 m freestyle time by 1.92% (p = 0.002, pEta² = 0.286) and 100 m freestyle time by 2.48% (p = 0.041, pEta² = 0.229), demonstrating significant Time × Group interactions consistent with a synergistic effect. Additionally, the sprint index improved (pEta² = 0.139, p = 0.013) and reaction time decreased (pEta² = 0.241, p = 0.009) in the combined group, indicating enhanced anaerobic capacity and neuromuscular responsiveness compared to single interventions. Conclusions: This study suggests that combining probiotics and omega-3 supplementation with USRPT leads to synergistic improvements in sprint swimming performance, enhancing anaerobic power and recovery beyond what is achieved with individual interventions. This integrated approach may provide a practical strategy for competitive swimmers seeking to optimize their performance. Future studies should incorporate mechanistic markers, longer intervention durations, and diverse athlete populations to clarify further and extend these findings. 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

Bioactive compounds have shown significant potential in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigates the effects of antioxidant lipids (ALω-3), synthetized through enzymatic acidolysis using non-specific lipase B from Candida antarctica under supercritical CO₂ conditions. These lipids were derived from a concentrate of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) belly oil, rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (LCPUFAn-3), and cold-pressed maqui seed oil (MO, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz). Their effects were then evaluated in a murine high-fat diet (HFD) model. The fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol content, and thin-layer chromatography of ALω-3 were analyzed. After 8 weeks on an HFD, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups and switched to a control diet (CD) with the following supplements for 3 weeks: Glycerol (G), commercial marine Omega-3 (CMω-3), a mixture of LCPUFAn-3 concentrate + MO (Mω-3), or ALω-3. The total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver and visceral fat pro-inflammatory marker expression levels were assessed. ALω-3 contained 13.4% oleic, 33.9% linoleic, 6.3% α-linolenic, 10.7% eicosapentaenoic, and 16.2% docosahexaenoic fatty acids. The β, γ, δ-tocopherol, and β, γ-tocotrienol values were 22.9 ± 1.4, 24.9 ± 0.2, 6.8 ± 0.7, 22.9 ± 1.7, and 22.4 ± 4.7 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, with α-tocopherol detected in traces. ALω-3 supplementation increased serum Trolox equivalent capacity, significantly reduced serum GPT levels (p < 0.01), and enhanced postprandial glucose tolerance (p < 0.001), although it did not alter insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). These findings indicate ALω-3′s potential for mitigating the glucose intolerance, liver damage, and oxidative stress associated with obesity and MetS, highlighting the need for additional research to explore its potential health benefits. Full article

Background: Nutraceuticals have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional pharmacological treatments for managing joint pain and low-grade inflammation in physically active individuals. However, few clinical studies have evaluated the combined metabolic, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine effects of multi-ingredient supplements. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Flector Softgel FS Integratore, a multi-component food supplement, on joint pain, inflammatory markers, metabolic health, and orexin-A levels in physically active adults. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, low-intervention study, 25 adult participants (aged 30–60 years and amateur athletes engaging in at least 3 sessions/week of moderate physical activity) were assigned to either a treatment group (n = 15 received Flector Softgel FS for 14 days) or a placebo group (n = 10). The supplement contained 500 mg of Cannabis sativa seed oil (THC-free), 250 mg of Boswellia serrata extract, 250 mg of fish oil, 160 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, and 0.6 mg of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Metabolic parameters, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10), and serum orexin-A levels were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Compared with the placebo, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in VAS scores (p < 0.001), as well as improvements in BMI, insulin, and lipid profiles, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). A reduction in orexin-A levels was also observed in the treatment group (p < 0.001), with a positive correlation between orexin-A and perceived pain. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Flector Softgel FS Integratore may be effective in reducing joint pain and systemic inflammation while supporting metabolic health in active adults. These effects may involve indirect modulation of orexin-A, though the exact mechanisms remain to be clarified. Despite the promising results, conclusions regarding efficacy in comparison with NSAIDs should be approached with caution in the absence of a pharmacological control group. Further studies with larger samples and a longer duration are needed. Full article

BYVET JOINT HEAL^TM (BJH) contains mucopolysaccharide protein, chondroitin sulfate, type II collagen, and omega-3 fatty acids, which protect and prevent osteoarthritis (OA)-associated tissue damage and degradation in dogs and cats. This study aimed to generate a novel dietary supplement and evaluate its prevention and therapeutic efficacy in an OA Sprague Dawley rat model induced using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). Negative control, MIA-induced OA control (MIA), OA rats treated with BJH three weeks after (M+BJH3) and those treated two weeks before and three weeks after OA induction (BJH2+M+BJH3) groups were assigned. M+BJH3 and BJH2+M+BJH3 had similar mean body weight increases until 29 days. BJH2+M+BJH3 showed a significantly higher body weight than M+BJH3 and MIA on the final day. Interleukin-1β in BJH2+M+BJH3 was significantly lower than that in MIA. Tumor necrosis factor-α, aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinases13, and cyclooxygenase-2 levels in M+BJH3 and BJH2+M+BJH3 significantly differed compared to those in MIA. BJH administration before OA induction significantly decreased OA severity and functional recovery. Consuming a BJH supplement showed modifying and chondroprotective effects and significantly reduced cartilage degeneration and inflammation with no side effects. Hence, our findings demonstrate the potential of using BJH as a safe therapeutic and preventive supplement for OA and associated cartilage abnormalities. Also, 30 dogs diagnosed with OA by a veterinarian participated in the clinical trial, and BJH was provided for 8 weeks. Blood tests (CBC, serum chemistry) and joint assessment were performed before and after the feeding, and the effects of a BJH supplement were compared. BJH supplement was easy to administer, and no side effects were reported. Feeding BJH supplementation alone to dogs with arthritis had an overall positive effect on arthritis scores for 8 weeks without any other treatment, including non-steroidal drugs. 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: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the most important fatty acid (FA) for the development and function of brain and retina. Mother’s milk is the predominant source of DHA for the baby’s postnatal life, and the omega 3 FA content of a mother’s diet is highly correlated with the cognitive and visual functions of the infant. However, clinical trials aimed at increasing the DHA content of mother’s milk and thereby improving infant cognitive function have been inconclusive. Methods: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the molecular form of dietary DHA is important in enriching DHA in mother’s milk as well as in pup tissues. Lactating dams were fed defined diets containing DHA either in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) or lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and the FA composition of mother’s milk and pup tissues was determined on postnatal day 16. Results: The results showed that LPC-DHA was 5-fold more efficient than TAG-DHA in enriching milk DHA. Moreover, DHA content was increased by 31% in the brain, 56% in the retina, and 14% in the liver of the pups by LPC-DHA in the maternal diet, whereas no increases were observed with TAG-DHA. The DHA content of the pup adipose tissue, however, was increased equally by the DHA supplements. Conclusions: These results show that dietary LPC-DHA is a promising new strategy to increase milk DHA content and to potentially improve brain and retinal health in infants. This strategy may be more important in the care of premature infants who miss the critical prenatal period of DHA accretion in the last trimester of pregnancy. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of dietary supplements on male infertility. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to May 2024. Randomized controlled trials with treatment durations of ≥12 weeks investigating the effect of dietary supplements on male infertility compared to placebo were included. Primary outcomes were pregnancy and live birth, while secondary outcomes were sperm concentration, sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, normal morphology, and DNA Fragmentation Index. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias (RoB2) tool. Data were meta-analyzed using random effects-restricted maximum likelihood models. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: Of the 3137 articles identified, 50 were included. No effect on pregnancy and live birth was found. Different supplements improved single sperm parameters: Zinc and folic acid and ≥3 substance dietary supplements improved sperm concentration, selenium, carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 improved motility and alpha-lipoic acid improved normal morphology. Vitamin D, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids showed no improvement in sperm parameters. The majority of studies had some concerns or high risk of bias, and certainty of evidence was generally low or very low. Conclusions: This study found no convincing evidence of an effect of any dietary supplements on male infertility. Larger and more well-conducted randomized controlled trials focusing on specific supplements and considering pregnancy outcomes are needed. Full article

Microalgae are capable of synthesizing a diverse range of biologically active compounds, including omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, proteins, and polysaccharides, which demonstrate significant value in the fields of functional foods, innovative pharmaceuticals and high-value cosmetics. With advancements in biotechnology and the increasing demand for natural products, studies on the functional components of algae have made significant strides. However, the commercial utilization of algal bioactives still faces challenges, such as low cultivation efficiency, limited component identification, and insufficient health evaluation. Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently emerged as a transformative tool to overcome these technological barriers in the production, characterization, and application of algal bioactive ingredients. This review examines the multidimensional mechanisms by which AI enables and optimizes these processes: (1) AI-powered predictive models, integrated with machine learning algorithms (MLAs), Industry 4.0, and other advanced digital systems, support real-time monitoring and control of intelligent bioreactors, allowing for accurate forecasting of cultivation yields and market demand. (2) AI facilitates in-depth analysis of gene regulatory networks and key metabolic pathways, enabling precise control over the biosynthesis of targeted compounds. (3) AI-based spectral imaging and image recognition techniques enable rapid and reliable identification, classification, and quality assessment of active components. (4) AI accelerates the transition from mass production to the development of personalized medical and functional nutritional products. Collectively, AI demonstrates immense potential in enhancing the yield, refining the characterization, and expanding the application scope of algal bioactives, unlocking new opportunities across multiple high-value industries. Full article

There is growing interest in adding marine algae to poultry feed rations. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of various inclusions of Sargassum sp., Gracilaria sp., and Spirulina sp. on productive performance, serum proteins, liver proteins, meat quality, and antioxidant activity in broiler chickens. There were seven dietary treatments (TRTs) as follows: TRT 1 was the control group without algae; TRT 2 was enriched with Sargassum sp. at 1% of the diet; TRT 3 with Sargassum sp. at 2% of the diet; TRT 4 with Gracilaria sp. at 0.5% of the diet; TRT 5 with Gracilaria sp. at 1% of the diet; TRT 6 with Spirulina sp. at 5% of the diet; TRT 7 with Spirulina sp. at 7.5% of the diet. Each treatment was replicated ten times, with 17 birds per replicate, and the analyses were performed in triplicates. Results of the feed rations proximate analyses revealed that the formulated diets contained the required amounts of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and moisture, to be fed to the broiler chickens. There was no effect of marine algae on the production performance parameters of the birds. All the enriched birds performed normally as the control group. It was shown that enriching the broiler diet with 1% Sargassum sp. Induced an increase in the total serum proteins, while Gracilaria sp. algal inclusion reduced the total serum proteins, compared to the control group. At five weeks of age, enriching broiler diets with 5% Spirulina sp. resulted in a higher concentration of total serum protein-C than the control group and the group enriched with 7.5% inclusion. Enriching the diet of 3- wks old broilers with Sargassum sp. at 2% elevated the proportions of serum LFABP. The maximum proportion of omega 6 fatty acid (∑n-6) was observed in the group of birds that received the control diet, while the proportion of omega 3 fatty acid (∑n-3) was highest in the algae-enriched groups. The results showed that all algal inclusions lowered the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (∑n-6:∑n-3). Enriching broiler chickens with Spirulina at 5% and 7.5% increased the HDL concentration, compared to the control group. The palatability of meat for color, texture, flavor, appearance, smell, and overall acceptability was not negatively affected by algal inclusions. All algal inclusions enhanced the anti-oxidative status of broilers and lipid oxidative stability of the stored feed rations. In general, it can be concluded that marine algal inclusions showed no effect on the productive performance of the broiler chickens and can be used without any detrimental effects in poultry feed rations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Regiospecificity in triacylglycerols (TAGs) influences absorption/bioavailability of dietary fatty acids. We evaluated whether sn1,3 located DHA (22:6ω3) of a transgenic higher plant (DHA-Canola^®) preferentially facilitates its tissue incorporation as compared to sn2 positioned DHA (DHASCO^® of algal origin). Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were fed diets (12 weeks) containing DHA-Canola or DHA-Control (a blend of DHASCO^® and high oleic sunflower seed oil (HOSO)) at 0.3%, 1%, 3%, and 6% (w/w), or 7% HOSO prior to determination of tissue fatty acids. Results: At 0.3 and 1% w/w supplementation, plasma, liver and cardiac tissue DHA incorporation was higher in the plant-based oil (DHA-Canola vs. DHA-Control; p < 0.05), whilst sn2 enriched algal oil yielded better outcomes at higher doses (at 3% inclusion, plasma values were 7.8 vs. 5.9%, and at 6% supplementation, 10.0 vs. 7.9 in favor of DHA-Control, p < 0.05) At lower intakes, sn1,3 regiospecificity (DHA-Canola) increased the omega-3 index, a clinically relevant biomarker, compared to DHA-Control (p < 0.05). Similarly, a build-up of 20:5ω3 and 22:5ω3 occurred with DHA-Canola. Consequently, total omega3s were higher in this latter group. Conclusions: At lower intakes, sn1,3 regiospecificity of DHA leads to its preferential tissue incorporation compared to sn2 DHA. Full article

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease characterized by cytokine dysregulation. Pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-23, play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary interventions can modulate cytokine activity, providing a complementary approach to standard therapies. This narrative review examines the impact of various dietary strategies, including a Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, gluten-free diet, and fasting-mimicking diet, on cytokine profiles and clinical outcomes in psoriasis. Research insights reveal that dietary components such as omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and short-chain fatty acids influence immune signaling pathways. These pathways include nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Additionally, these dietary components promote anti-inflammatory effects mediated by gut microbiota. Clinical studies demonstrate significant reductions in psoriasis severity, improved quality of life, and modulation of key cytokines associated with disease activity. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist in effectively integrating these findings into clinical practice. These challenges include variability in patient responses, adherence issues, and the need for robust biomarkers to monitor efficacy. Future directions emphasize the potential of personalized nutrition and precision medicine approaches to optimize dietary interventions tailored to individual cytokine profiles and genetic predispositions. Integrating these strategies into psoriasis care could transform treatment paradigms by simultaneously addressing both systemic inflammation and comorbid conditions. 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