Search Results (1,094)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid with important health benefits. However, DHA enrichment in ruminant milk is limited by inefficient post-absorptive transport. This study evaluated whether combined supplementation of rumen-protected algae powder (RPA) and rumen-protected choline (RPC) enhances DHA enrichment in goat milk. Nine lactating dairy goats were assigned to three groups (n = 3/group) for 28 days: RPA alone, RPA + low-dose RPC (5 g/d), and RPA + high-dose RPC (10 g/d). Milk DHA content, bioconversion efficiency, serum biochemical parameters, and lipid profiles were analyzed. Compared with RPA alone, low- and high-dose RPC increased milk DHA content to 27.98 and 33.50 mg/100 mL, respectively, representing increases of 23.0% and 47.3%, and enhanced DHA bioconversion efficiency to 20.66% and 24.29% compared with 16.86% in the RPA group. RPC supplementation increased serum VLDL and triglyceride concentrations, and lipidomics revealed increased DHA-containing triglycerides (TG-DHA). These findings suggest that RPC may enhance DHA enrichment in goat milk by promoting VLDL-mediated DHA transport. Further studies with larger animal populations are required to confirm these effects. These findings contribute to a better understanding of nutritional regulation of DHA transfer and provide insights into strategies for developing DHA-enriched dairy products. Full article

The quality of edible oils is determined not only by the raw material, but also by the applied processing technology. Rapeseed oil is widely valued for its favorable fatty acid profile, however, the effects of combined pressing conditions and low-temperature bleaching on its lipid profile and calculated nutritional quality indices remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oil production method and bleaching earth addition on the fatty acid profile, nutritional quality indices, and oxidizability-related indices of rapeseed oil from an applied food processing perspective. Rapeseed oil samples were obtained from a commercial producer using cold pressing, hot pressing, and mixed two-stage pressing. The oils were subjected to low-temperature bleaching with 1–5% bleaching earth. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography, and selected fatty acid-based indices were calculated and grouped into three categories: fatty acid class ratios, nutritional quality indices, and oxidizability-related indices. These included ratios describing the balance between omega-6 s omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Σ PUFA n-6/n-3), unsaturated and saturated fatty acids (Σ UFA/Σ SFA), and polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (Σ PUFA/Σ SFA). Health-oriented indices such as the Desirable Fatty Acids/Undesirable Fatty Acids ratio (Σ DFA/Σ OFA), hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), Nutritive Value Index (NVI), Atherogenic Index (AI), and Thrombogenic Index (TI), and oxidizability-related indices including the Unsaturation Index (UI), Peroxidizability Index (PI), Oxidizability Index (OI), calculated Oxidizability Value (Cox), and Oxidative Stability Index (OS). The results showed that the production method significantly influenced saturated fatty acid content and selected fatty acid-based nutritional quality indices. Cold-pressed oil was characterized by the lowest saturated fatty acid content and the most beneficial values of selected nutritional quality indices. Hot-pressed oil showed higher saturated fatty acid content and less favorable values for selected indices, whereas mixed oil generally showed values between those of cold-pressed and hot-pressed oils. However, differences in the main unsaturated fatty acid fractions were limited and, for most monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid parameters, were not statistically significant. Across all processing variants, the nutritional quality indices remained advantageous, with omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio values of 2.1–2.4, atherogenic index values of approximately 0.04–0.05, and thrombogenic index values of approximately 0.08–0.09. Although significant interactions between production method and bleaching earth addition were observed for selected oxidizability-related indices, the magnitude of bleaching-induced changes was limited. Overall, the findings indicate that low-temperature bleaching may be applied as a mild processing step without substantially compromising the fatty acid-based quality characteristics of rapeseed oil. The study provides practical insight into the relationship between pressing technology, bleaching conditions, and lipid quality assessment in industrial rapeseed oil production. Full article

Iron supplementation in patients with tuberculosis remains a controversial issue due to the complex role of iron in the host immune response and in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Although supplementation may be beneficial for some patients with persistent iron deficiency, the available evidence does not support its routine use. The efficacy and safety of such an intervention appear to depend, among other factors, on the activity of the inflammatory process, the severity of iron metabolism disturbances, and the timing of supplementation initiation. Current evidence highlights the need for an individualized assessment of iron status and for further research to establish clear clinical recommendations. At the same time, growing interest has been directed toward the role of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as potential modulators of immune and inflammatory responses in tuberculosis. EPA and DHA may influence immune cell function, cytokine production, and the formation of lipid mediators involved in the resolution of inflammation. Experimental evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the severity of inflammation and infection-associated anemia; however, their effectiveness may depend on baseline fatty acid status, the stage of disease, and interactions with other nutrients, including iron. Human clinical evidence remains very limited and is currently based mainly on one small intervention study, therefore, clinical claims regarding omega-3 fatty acids supplementation should be interpreted cautiously and should not be understood as a recommendation for routine use. The aim of this review is to discuss the significance of iron metabolism and omega-3 fatty acids in tuberculosis, with particular emphasis on their roles in the regulation of inflammation, immune responses, anemia, and potential nutritional support. Current evidence underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions and further clinical research to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal timing of iron and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in patients with tuberculosis. Full article

Jasmonates are lipid-derived phytohormones that regulate plant development and defense across the green lineage. Thus, understanding the intricacies of jasmonate biosynthesis and signaling is of paramount importance to improve crop yields and food safety. For the last 40 years, the canonical jasmonate biosynthetic pathway has been thoroughly dissected in angiosperms; however, only recent efforts have started to decode the alternative jasmonate biosynthetic networks that operate in bryophytes. In the nonvascular model Marchantia polymorpha, a cis-to-iso isomerization constitutes a key step in the formation of dn-iso-OPDA and Δ⁴-dn-iso-OPDA, the bioactive jasmonates recognized by a conserved COI1/JAZ co-receptor complex. Their biosynthesis depends on a uniquely expanded fatty acid repertoire that includes, alongside the canonical C₁₆ and C₁₈ omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in angiosperms, substantial pools of eicosanoids such as arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, essentially absent from flowering plants. Here we trace the jasmonate biosynthetic pathway in bryophytes step-by-step, from PUFA precursors production through lipoxygenase oxygenation and downstream reactions to the processing and catabolic modifications of bioactive compounds. By integrating current knowledge across bryophyte lineages, we identify mechanistic parallels and divergences relative to angiosperms, highlight key unresolved questions, and propose future directions for the field. Deciphering jasmonate biosynthesis in bryophytes is essential for reconstructing the evolutionary origins of jasmonate signaling and understanding how this pathway contributed to the successful colonization of land by plants. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of evening primrose seed, cold-pressed oil, and defatted seed meal on the fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, physical properties, sensory acceptance, and oxidative stability of dark chocolate. Samples were prepared under controlled laboratory conditions with 2.5% or 5% of the tested ingredients and stored for 8 months. All ingredients introduced α-linolenic and γ-linolenic acids, and increased tocopherol content, with the strongest effect observed in the oil-fortified chocolate. After storage, moderate losses of tocopherols were detected, while oxidation indices confirmed acceptable oxidative stability of the fortified chocolates. Viscosity dependent on the type of added ingredient, with the oil-containing formulation showing the most favorable technological profile. Color parameters remained largely unchanged, except for the sample with added oil, and hardness was affected mainly by seed and meal additions. Sensory scores remained within the acceptable range for all samples (5–8.5 points on a 9-point hedonic scale). Overall, evening primrose ingredients can be successfully used as functional additives in dark chocolate. Among the tested formulations, evening primrose oil provided the greatest improvement in the lipid profile and maintained acceptable physical and sensory properties. However, the slightly greater changes observed in this formulation may be important when determining shelf life. Full article

Neuropathic pain (NP) arises from diverse conditions, including peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury (SCI), and painful diabetic neuropathy, yet these disorders share oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid dysregulation, and altered neuronal excitability. We investigated whether dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate ferroptotic stress-associated pathways, defined as lipid peroxidation susceptibility and impaired antioxidant defense rather than overt ferroptotic cell death. Female Sprague–Dawley rats received either a soy oil control diet (SOD) or fish oil omega-3-enriched diet (FOD) before chronic constriction injury (CCI). Behavioral outcomes were assessed using Hargreaves and CatWalk testing, followed by dorsal root ganglion (DRG) RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, and GPX4 ELISA. Previously generated SCI metabolomics and human diabetic serum metabolomic/lipidomic datasets were re-analyzed for shared pathways. FOD attenuated CCI-induced thermal hypersensitivity and improved gait parameters. DRG transcriptomics showed reduced injury-associated transcriptional disruption, enrichment of selenoamino acid metabolism, nonsense-mediated decay, and ribosomal quality-control pathways, and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction pathway activity. Omega-3 increased Gpx1/Gpx4 expression and GPX4 protein, reduced pain-associated genes including Scn10a, Piezo2, Trpa1, and Oprm1, and aligned with selenoamino acid enrichment in SCI and human datasets. Human lipidomics showed MG/DG/PC/PE pathway remodeling. These findings support ferroptotic stress as a plausible shared downstream mechanism modulated by omega-3 supplementation across NP models. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of seven biochemical stimulants, ferulic acid, malic acid, L-carnitine, ergothioneine, magnesium sulfate, trehalose, and betaine, on biomass accumulation, total lipid content, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production in Aurantiochytrium sp. ATCC PRA-276 under controlled fermentation conditions. The compounds were selected based on their reported roles in antioxidant defense, carbon flux regulation, osmoprotection, or methyl group donation, with the aim of assessing whether targeted, non-GMO supplementation could modestly enhance microbial productivity. Compared with the control, supplementation with L-carnitine and ferulic acid resulted in the greatest enhancement of DHA production, increasing DHA concentration by 31.7% and 29.2%, respectively. These treatments were also associated with statistically significant, albeit moderate, increases in total lipid accumulation and biomass production. These responses indicate correlated improvements in overall cellular productivity rather than isolated effects on lipid biosynthesis. DHA concentrations were quantified following lipid extraction and transesterification using GC-based analysis; however, comprehensive fatty acid compositional profiling (e.g., saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid distributions or DHA-to-total lipid ratios) was not performed. Although direct mechanistic assays were not performed, the observed trends are consistent with known biochemical functions related to redox balance, cofactor availability, and stress adaptation. A preliminary cost-efficiency analysis identified malic acid as the most economical stimulant for DHA enhancement, whereas ergothioneine was the least cost-effective despite measurable biological effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that biochemical stimulation can provide incremental yet reproducible gains in DHA production and lipid accumulation. This work supports the use of targeted biochemical supplementation as a scalable, non-GMO strategy for microbial omega-3 production and establishes a foundation for future optimization through combinatorial supplementation, multi-omics validation, and process engineering. Full article

Production system may affect meat quality and muscle metabolic characteristics in Tibetan sheep. In this study, the biceps femoris muscles of twelve 3-year-old Tibetan sheep with similar body weights were used as experimental materials during a 6-month experimental period. The housed group (n = 6) was defined as the control group (C group), whereas the grazing group (n = 6) was defined as the L group. Meat quality measurement, nutritional composition analysis, untargeted lipidomics, and amino acid metabolomics (AAM) were integrated to investigate the effects of contrasting grazing and house-feeding production systems on meat quality and metabolic characteristics in Tibetan sheep. The results showed that cooking loss and drip loss were significantly decreased, whereas water-holding capacity (WHC) was significantly increased in the L group. However, shear force was also increased, indicating that grazing and house-feeding systems were associated with differences in muscle WHC and shear force. The L group exhibited significant alterations in lipid composition and increased concentrations of several n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), including α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), suggesting that grazing and house-feeding systems were associated with differences in the lipid nutritional profile of muscle. Lipidomic analysis showed that the differential lipids were mainly enriched in triacylglycerols (TGs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and phosphatidylcholines (PCs), and several PUFA-containing TGs and membrane lipid molecules were closely associated with meat quality traits. AAM analysis showed that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including L-leucine and L-valine, as well as N,N-dimethylglycine, were upregulated in the L group, whereas kynurenine and 1-methyl-L-histidine were downregulated. These findings suggest that BCAA metabolism and tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism were associated with metabolic differences observed between production systems in muscle metabolic adaptation. However, amino acid metabolomics analysis revealed that no amino acid metabolites remained significant after FDR correction, and thus the observed pathway-level changes (e.g., BCAA metabolism and tryptophan–kynurenine pathway) should be interpreted as nominal and exploratory findings. Overall, the results indicate that feeding systems were associated with alterations in the lipid and amino acid metabolic profiles of the biceps femoris muscle in Tibetan sheep, which were further associated with differences in muscle WHC, shear force, lipid nutritional composition, and the profile of flavor precursors. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing plateau meat sheep production systems and developing high-quality Tibetan sheep meat products. Full article

Chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation of heart failure (HF) often result in sarcopenia. The combined effect of Mediterranean diet (MD) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the advanced lipidomic profile of HF patients remains poorly defined. Objective: Our objective was to analyze the specific effects of a MD plus omega-3-enriched oral nutritional supplements (MD+ONS) versus MD alone on the metabolic lipid profile of patients with HF, stratified by sarcopenia status. Methods: In this prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial, 38 patients with HF were assigned to MD alone or MD+ONS (24 weeks). Advanced lipoprotein profiling (triglycerides, cholesterol, particle size, and concentration for VLDL, LDL, and HDL subclasses) was performed using 2D ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Results: At baseline, NT-proBNP levels correlated positively with ω6/ω7ω9 fatty acids and IDL-TG (p < 0.05). Over 24 weeks, VLDL-C, VLDL-TG, and VLDL-P significantly decreased in the whole cohort (p < 0.001). However, stratified analysis revealed that in patients with sarcopenia, these reductions were primarily driven in the MD group (p < 0.01). Conversely, in patients without sarcopenia, the MD+ONS group showed significant reductions in VLDL-TG, VLDL-P, and VLDL-Z (p < 0.05). Regarding intermediate lipoproteins, IDL-C significantly increased in the MD group (p < 0.05) but not in the MD+ONS group. In the LDL fraction, total LDL-P and small LDL-P decreased in the MD group (p < 0.05), while medium LDL-P increased across both groups (p < 0.01). Total HDL-P decreased (p < 0.05), yet large HDL-P significantly increased in the whole cohort and the MD group (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in structural lipids or total fatty acid families. Conclusions: MD+ONS induces lipidomic shifts that are significantly modulated by baseline sarcopenia. The intervention appears to stabilize VLDL and IDL levels in patients with sarcopenia compared to diet alone, while promoting a more favorable VLDL reduction in individuals without sarcopenia, suggesting that early nutritional support for improving body composition is a critical determinant of the metabolic response to specific interventions in patients with HF. Full article

Lipids (sphingolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, and lipoproteins) are vital to intestinal barrier integrity, as precursors for pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators and undergo remodelling through host microbiome interactions. Accumulating evidence implicates the Western diet—high in long-chain saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in omega-3—in both the onset and progression of IBD. In contrast, microbiota derived lipid metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, contribute to mucosal homeostasis and immune regulation. This review is structured around three interconnected pillars. First, we classified lipidomic alterations in IBD across major lipid classes: sphingolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, and lipoproteins by integrating host, dietary, and microbiome contributions. Second, we examined the potential of lipidomics in IBD as a source of prognostic, diagnostic and therapy response biomarkers. Third, we critically assessed the challenges that currently limit clinical implementation including analytical variability, pre-analytical confounding, small cohort sizes, and the lack of prospective validation. Addressing these barriers will be essential to fully realise the potential of lipidomics in advancing personalised care for patients with IBD. Full article

Background/Objectives: The obesity epidemic coexists with the phenomenon of “hidden hunger” (Type B malnutrition)—a micronutrient deficiency amidst a caloric excess. Traditional dietary assessment methods often distort the actual picture by ignoring technological losses during cooking, which necessitates the use of digital tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study (N = 3267) was conducted using the digital platform “NIAP”. The analysis was based on valid 3–7-day dietary records with algorithmic accounting for nutrient retention factors during thermal processing. The nutrient profiles of individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were compared. Results: The epidemiology of intake shortfalls was highly prevalent and pronounced: 99.9% of the cohort had ≥1 inadequacy (with a mean negative deviation of −77.3% for vitamin D and −59.2% for Omega-3), and 61.5% exhibited ≥10 simultaneous multiple intake shortfalls. These inadequacy rates remained robust in a sensitivity analysis excluding under-reporters. The obesity group consumed significantly more energy, saturated fatty acids, added sugars, cholesterol, and sodium, but demonstrated a lower relative macronutrient intake (g/kg of body weight). Absolute fiber intake did not differ between the groups, indicating a decrease in its density per 1000 kcal in the diet of individuals with obesity; the intake of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed a downward trend. The Na:K ratio was significantly higher in the obesity group (1.19 vs. 1.04, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis confirmed an inverse relationship between BMI and the overall nutrient density of the diet. Conclusions: A high-energy diet does not compensate for systemic micronutrient inadequacy among the evaluated cohort. Obesity is associated with a dietary imbalance favoring “empty calories” and pro-inflammatory components against a background of severe multiple dietary inadequacies. The integration of algorithmic dietary assessment that accounts for cooking losses is critical for objective diagnosis and personalized nutritional intervention. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances, current therapies offer little benefit, and AD remains a significant challenge. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have attracted attention for their neuroprotective effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also for their ability to influence membrane fluidity and neuronal function. DHA is the predominant omega-3 PUFA in nerve cell membranes and is critical for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Some evidence has demonstrated that marine omega-3 supplementation reduces Aβ deposition, modulates microglial activation, and prevents cognitive decline in animal models. Even with heterogeneous results, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that long-term DHA/EPA supplementation can improve cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and reduce neuroinflammation markers. However, individual variability and brain bioavailability pose significant challenges. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the importance of PUFAs for human health, exploring novel mechanistic hypotheses, such as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain iron homeostasis, the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the glymphatic system, and miRNAs. Furthermore, it focuses on the therapeutic potential of PUFAs in the treatment of AD and proposes future directions for translational research. Full article

Background: Type 2 inflammatory diseases are among the most common chronic inflammatory conditions in childhood and represent a growing global health burden. Increasing evidence suggests that early-life nutritional exposures may influence immune programming and allergic disease development. This Position Paper aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 long-chain fatty acids, in the prevention of allergic diseases during early life. Methods: A scoping literature review and consensus process were conducted to map biological mechanisms and clinical evidence linking omega-3 PUFAs with allergic disease prevention. This document analyzed experimental, observational, and randomized controlled studies evaluating maternal prenatal/lactational omega-3 exposure. The clinical evidence was qualitatively appraised using study-design-specific Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Particular attention was given to immune modulation, inflammatory pathways, epithelial barrier function, gut microbiota interactions, and the ferroptosis–immune–metabolic axis. Results: Omega-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms, including specialized pro-resolving mediator production, regulation of T-helper cell responses, cytokine modulation, maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity, and microbiota interaction. Emerging evidence also supports their involvement in oxidative stress and ferroptosis regulation. Current clinical evidence, particularly from higher-quality prenatal randomized trials and evidence syntheses, suggests that adequate maternal omega-3 intake during pregnancy and lactation may reduce the risk of respiratory allergic outcomes, especially wheezing and asthma, in selected offspring. Conclusions: Adequate omega-3 PUFA intake, such as 2 g/die, during critical windows of immune maturation may represent a valuable strategy for the primary prevention of allergic diseases. Current evidence most strongly supports supplementation during pregnancy and lactation, particularly in populations with low dietary omega-3 intake or increased allergic risk. Omega-3 supplementation should be considered within a broader multifactorial preventive approach aimed at promoting immune tolerance and reducing the future burden of allergic diseases. Full article

Postoperative inflammation is a necessary response to surgical injury that supports tissue repair and regeneration. However, successful healing depends not only on the initial inflammatory response but also on its timely resolution. Failure to resolve inflammation can impair wound healing, promote fibrosis, and increase the risk of postoperative complications. Increasing evidence suggests that effective recovery is driven by the transition from inflammation to repair and regenerative processes. Diet plays an important role in this transition, as nutrients not only provide metabolic support but also regulate key pathways involved in inflammation, tissue regeneration, redox balance, and immune function. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could serve as precursors for specialized pro-resolving mediators that actively terminate inflammation and may promote macrophage-driven tissue repair. Polyphenols and antioxidant micronutrients modulate NF-κB and Nrf2-dependent signalling, attenuating oxidative amplification of inflammatory cascades. Micronutrients and amino acids further regulate enzymatic processes governing collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immune competence. Concurrently, diet-driven preservation of gut barrier integrity limits endotoxin-mediated amplification of systemic inflammatory responses. By targeting interconnected molecular networks, including inflammasome activation, mitochondrial redox signalling, and metabolic programming of immune cells, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns may promote immune resolution rather than immunosuppression. This distinction is particularly relevant in the postoperative setting, where balanced inflammation is required for both host defence and regenerative healing. This review synthesizes current molecular and translational evidence linking dietary modulation to postoperative inflammatory control and tissue regeneration. By integrating insights from immunology, metabolism, and nutritional science, it positions diet as an active, biologically grounded component of perioperative management and highlights future directions for precision nutrition strategies aimed at optimizing surgical recovery. Full article