Search Results (2,440)

Fungi play a fundamental role in the marine environment, being promising producers of bioactive molecules in the pharmacological and industrial fields, which have demonstrated potential health benefits against cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. This review pertains to the analysis of the lipid compositions across various species of marine fungi and their constantly discovered substances, as well as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic effects. The health-promoting aspects of these microorganisms will be explored, through the investigation of several mechanisms of action and interference of their bioactives in biochemical pathways. Despite exceptional results in this field, the potential of marine microorganisms remains largely unexplored due to the limited number of specialists in marine microbiology and mycology, a relatively recent science with significant contributions and potential in biodiversity and biotechnology. Full article

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are not only structural components of membrane phospholipids and energy storage molecules in cells. PUFAs are important factors that regulate various biological functions, including inflammation, oxidation, and immunity. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs from cell membranes can be metabolized into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory metabolites that, in turn, influence cardiovascular health in humans. The role that PUFAs play in organisms depends primarily on their structure, quantity, and the availability of enzymes responsible for their metabolism. n-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), are generally known for anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties. On the other hand, n-6 FAs, such as arachidonic acid (AA), are precursors of lipid mediators that display mostly pro-inflammatory properties and may attenuate the efficacy of n-3 by competition for the same enzymes. However, a completely different light on the role of PUFAs was shed due to studies on the influence of PUFAs on new-onset atrial fibrillation. This review analyzes the role of PUFAs and PUFA derivatives in health-related effects, considering both confirmed benefits and newly arising controversies. Full article

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of a high dietary n-3 PUFA intake and cyclic heat stress (HS) on the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and oxidative stability of broiler breast meat and the potential of antioxidant supplementation (vitamins E, C, and selenium) to mitigate these effects. A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 24 pens within two controlled environment chambers and fed with the following diets: a basal diet low in antioxidants according to NRC recommendations (NRC group), a basal diet according to Aviagen recommendations additionally supplemented with 200 IU/kg vitamin E, 250 mg/kg vitamin C, and 0.15 mg/kg selenium (HAOX group), and these two diets further supplemented with 5% linseed oil (NRC N-3 and HAOX N-3 groups). On day 22, the broilers were exposed to the following two environmental conditions: thermoneutral (TN, 21 °C) or cyclic HS (HS, 34 ± 1 °C, 7 h/d) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. A high intake of n-3 PUFAs significantly decreased growth performance, dressing percentage, and breast yield, while the incidence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat characteristics and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased. Cyclic HS reduced body weight (BW) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but had limited effects on meat quality. No interactions between n-3 PUFAs and HS were observed for any measurements. High antioxidant supplementation increased breast yield, improved meat quality, and reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by an enhanced antioxidant activity and lower MDA levels. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs had a negative effect on both the carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers, while HS primarily affected only carcass characteristics, with neither stressor having severe adverse effects. High levels of antioxidants could mitigate the negative effects of dietary- and heat-induced oxidative stress by enhancing the oxidative stability of broiler meat. Full article

Accumulating evidence suggests that seafood and its components, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with mental health. However, little is known regarding whether the status of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modify the effect of dietary antioxidants on depression. The main purpose of study is to investigate longitudinal associations between seafood consumption and depression among 2564 participants aged 40–69 years using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and dietary intake were measured by a validated 106-item food frequency questionnaire and depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to examine the risk of depression according to seafood consumption. During an 8-year follow-up period, 165 (11.9%) men and 224 (18.9%) women experienced depression. After adjustment for confounders, the risk of depression was inversely associated with seafood consumption, with a 42% lower risk (HR _{T5 vs. T1} = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35–0.98, p = 0.040) only being found among women. In a group with a high n-3 PUFA intake, CDAI scores were negatively correlated with BDI scores (r = −0.146, p < 0.001) among women. Seafood consumption might lead to more favorable outcomes against depression if accompanied by an increased intake of foods that are rich in antioxidants. Full article

Background: The early exposure of nutrients during pubertal mammary gland development may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Anticancer n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are shown to modulate pubertal mammary gland development; however, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. Prior work focused on effects at the whole tissue level, and little is known at the cellular level, such as at the level of mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which are implicated in cancer development. Methods: This pilot study examined the effects of lifelong n-3 PUFA exposure on the transcriptome by RNA-Seq in the isolated MECs of pubertal (6–8-week-old) female fat-1 transgenic mice capable of de novo n-3 PUFA synthesis. edgeR and DESeq2 were used separately for the differential expression analysis of RNA sequencing data followed by the Benjamani–Hochberg procedure for multiple testing correction. Results: Nine genes were found concordant and significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) by both the DESeq2 and edgeR methods. These genes were associated with multiple pathways, suggesting that n-3 PUFA stimulates estrogen-related signaling (Mlltl0, Galr3, and Nrip1) and a glycolytic profile (Soga1, Pdpr, and Uso1) while offering protective effects for immune and DNA damage responses (Glpd1, Garre1, and Rpa1) in MECs during puberty. Conclusions: This pilot study highlights the utility of RNA-Seq to better understanding the mechanistic effects of specific nutrients such as n-3 PUFA in a cell-specific manner. Thus, further studies are warranted to investigate the cell-specific mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA influences pubertal mammary gland development and breast cancer risk later in life. Full article

The sourcing of raw materials with low environmental impact, e.g., “upcycled” ingredients from short supply chains, has currently become necessary, and agri-food waste represents a very attractive hub to produce innovative cosmetic extracts. In this paper, an integrated approach considering all the different steps, starting from material selection, extraction, chemical characterization, biological activity evaluation, and environmental impact calculation, was adopted to obtain innovative, sustainable, and effective cosmetic raw materials from food waste. As case report, a supercritical CO₂ extract obtained from wild-strawberry-processing waste after jam production (WSWSCO₂ extract) was developed. The fatty acids profile of the waste material and WSWSCO₂ extract was investigated via a GC–MS method, and mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic and linolenic acids were detected. Furthermore, the ability of the WSWSCO₂ extract to inhibit 5α-reductase type 1 expression in skin fibroblasts was assessed, confirming significant efficacy at the dose of 5 mg/mL. Finally, in view of the eco-sustainability approach, the environmental impact related to WSWSCO₂ extract was calculated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) analytical approach, considering different parameters and indicators (e.g., carbon footprint) and verifying the eco-friendly approach in extract development and production. Although further research is needed, for example, to check the full composition of the extract and its effect on skin cells, these results suggest that the WSWSCO₂ extract may represent an innovative and sustainable ingredient for cosmetic applications especially in topical preparation for the treatment of some androgenic-related discomfort, such as acne and androgenic alopecia, reflecting the potentiality of the holistic and pioneering approach related to ingredient development presented in this study for the cosmetic sector. Full article

ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial for brain structure and function, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, an excess of DHA may increase lipid peroxidation due to its high degree of unsaturation, particularly in tissues highly susceptible to oxidative stress, such as the brain. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of 10 weeks of dietary supplementation with fish oil containing 80% DHA on oxidative stress and the modulation of the carbonylated proteome in both the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of male Sprague Dawley rats. The results were compared with those induced by oils with a lower degree of fat unsaturation (fish oil containing 25% DHA and 25% eicosapentaenoic acid, soybean oil containing 50% linoleic acid and coconut oil containing 90% saturated fat). The results demonstrated that fish oil containing 80% DHA significantly increased the ω3/ω6 ratio in both the cortex and cerebellum while stimulating antioxidant defense by enhancing the reduced glutathione amount and decreasing the carbonylation of specific proteins, mainly those involved in glycolysis and neurotransmission. The majority of sensitive proteins in both brain regions followed this carbonylation trend (in decreasing order): soybean > EPA/DHA 1:1 > coconut > 80% DHA. The results also indicated that the cerebellum is more responsive than the cortex to changes in the cellular redox environment induced by varying degrees of fat unsaturation. In conclusion, under healthy conditions, dietary supplementation with fish oils containing high DHA levels makes the brain more resilient to potential oxidative insults compared to oils with lower DHA content and a lower degree of fatty acid unsaturation. Full article

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is an effective vasoconstriction peptide, a major effector molecule of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and one of the important causes of endothelial dysfunction. Ferroptosis is considered to be involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. This study is dedicated to exploring the role and mechanism of Ang II-induced ferroptosis in HUVECs and to finding molecular targets for vascular endothelial injury and dysfunction during the progression of hypertension. In this study, we found that with the increase in exposure concentration, the intracellular ROS content and apoptosis rate increased significantly, the NO release decreased significantly in the medium- and high-concentration groups and the ET-1 content in the high-concentration group increased significantly. The expression of ZO-1 protein was significantly decreased in the high-concentration group. The expression of p-eNOS, VE-cadherin and Occludin protein showed a dose-dependent downward trend, while the ICAM-1 protein showed an upward trend. Ang II caused lipid metabolism disorders in HUVECs, and the PL–PUFAs associated with ferroptosis were significantly increased. In addition, Ang II promoted a significant increase in intracellular free Fe²⁺ content and MDA and a significant decrease in GSH content. Furthermore, the expression of GPX4, SLC7A11 and SLC3A2 was down-regulated, the expression of ACSL4, LPCAT3 and ALOX15 was up-regulated, and the ratio of p-cPLA2/cPLA2 was increased. After the intervention of ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1, the injury and dysfunction of HUVECs induced by Ang II were significantly rescued. Immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of CD36 showed a significant increasing trend and was localized in the cytoplasm. Over-expression of CD36 promoted Ang II-induced ferroptosis and endothelial dysfunction. In conclusion, Ang II induces the injury of HUVECs, decreases vascular diastole and endothelial barrier-related molecules, and increases vascular constriction and adhesion-related molecules, which may be related to CD36 and its mediated lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis signals. Full article

The invasive blue crab is challenging the Mediterranean basin, progressively declining local populations. This reflects a lower prey availability and suitability of dietary nutrients (mainly n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA). The present study aimed to challenge blue crab males and females with a feed source low in n-3 PUFA with respect to one showing a proper fatty acid profile and to investigate the responses in terms of growth, welfare, lipid characterization of target tissues, and reproductive status. Blue crabs were divided into three groups as follows: (i) Marine: crabs fed sardinella (Sardinella aurita) fillet for 60 days; (ii) Mix: crabs fed bovine heart for the first 40 days and sardinella fillet for the following 20 days; and (iii) Terrestrial: crabs fed bovine heart for 60 days. The diet did not alter the health status but reflected the fatty acid profile of muscle and ovary of the blue crabs. In each group, males and females showed a proper hepatopancreas structure, with comparable levels of lipid reserves. This properly supported gonad maturation in both sexes. However, males and females from the group fed the terrestrial diet were characterized by reduced body weight, revealing that blue crabs prioritize reproductive investment rather than growth by directing crucial nutrients to reproductive organs when a suboptimal diet is available. Full article

A fish processed with red vinasse is a type of Fujian cuisine with regional characteristics. In order to monitor the effect of red vinasse on storage quality and shelf life of blue round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) during storage, the changes in fat content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), pH value, texture, and sensory quality were studied at different storage temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C). By analyzing the correlation between changes in sensory qualities and physical and chemical indexes, a first-order kinetic model and the Arrhenius equation were used to build a shelf-life prediction model for blue round scad during storage. The results showed that processing with red vinasse can significantly reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) production and the decrease in PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (p < 0.05) during storage. Based on partial least squares regression (PLSR), the storage temperature and time have a significant impact on the PUFA composition in blue round scad, which changed less when the samples were stored at 4 °C and 25 °C, and they had better nutritional composition of fatty acids at lower temperatures. Among the PUFAs, DHA (C22:6n-3) and EPA (C20:5n-3) had higher relative contents and significantly decreased during storage (p < 0.05). Additionally, the processing with red vinasse can slow down the increase in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) value and pH of blue round scad, maintain the appropriate hardness, elasticity, cohesion and chewability, and improve the overall sensory quality of the fish. In addition, according to the results of model prediction based on TBARS value, the storage shelf life of blue round scad with red vinasse added was 55 d, 2.7 d and 28 h at 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C, respectively. The accuracy of the forecast model was high, and the relative errors of the measured values and predicted values were less than 10%. Thus, it not only provided a theoretical basis for the processing and application of red vinasse to Chinese traditional food, but also provided innovative ideas for the safe storage and high-value utilization of blue round scad. Full article

Thraustochytrids are emerging as a valuable biomass source for high-quality omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), crucial for both human and animal nutrition. This research focuses on cultivating Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 using cost-effective agro-industrial by-products, namely sugarcane molasses (SCM), corn steep liquor (CSL), and residual yeast cream (RYC), to optimize biomass and lipid production through a comprehensive multistep bioprocess. The study involved optimization experiments in shake flasks and stirred-tank bioreactors, where we evaluated biomass, lipid content, and DHA yields. Shake flask optimization resulted in significant enhancements in biomass, lipid content, and lipid production by factors of 1.12, 1.72, and 1.92, respectively. In a 10 L stirred-tank bioreactor, biomass surged to 39.29 g/L, lipid concentration increased to 14.98 g/L, and DHA levels reached an impressive 32.83%. The optimal concentrations identified were 66 g/L of SCM, 24.5 g/L of CSL, and 6 g/L of RYC, achieving a desirability index of 0.87, aimed at maximizing biomass and lipid production. This study shows that agro-industrial by-products can be effective and low-cost substrates for producing lipids using thraustochytrids, offering a sustainable option for omega-3 PUFA production. The findings support future improvements in bioprocesses and potential uses of thraustochytrid biomass in food fortification, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and as vegan omega-3 sources. Full article

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to be effective in enhancing the quality of ruminant products, including meat and milk. However, under these dietary conditions, the de novo lipogenesis could be influenced, too. On the other hand, even if the forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C) is also a key factor affecting lipid metabolism in small ruminants, there is scarce information about its interaction with dietary PUFA. This study investigates the potential of the F:C ratio as a lever to manipulate lipid metabolism in dairy goats under high dietary PUFA supplementation. For this purpose, twenty-two crossbred dairy goats [Alpine × Local (Greek) breeds] (BW = 50.6 ± 6.1 kg) at early lactation (70 ± 10 days in milk) during the age of 3–4 years old, were separated into two homogeneous subgroups (n = 11). In the first phase, each goat was fed 20 g Schizochytrium spp./day followed by either a high-forage (20 HF) or a high-grain (20 HG) diet, while in the second phase, each goat was fed 40 g Schizochytrium spp./day followed once again either a high-forage (40 HF) or a high-grain (40 HG) diet. The F:C ratio of a high-forage and high-grain diet was 60:40 and 40:60, respectively. Tail fat tissue samples were collected by biopsy on the 42nd day of each experimental phase (last day). Significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the gene expression of ACACA, CBR2, COX4I1, ELOVL5, ELOVL7, LEP, and SCD were presented in goats fed 40 g compared to those fed 20 g Schizochytrium spp., while the gene expression of ACACA, AGPAT2, AGPAT3, ELOVL5, ELOVL6, EPHX2, FASN, and SCD was decreased in high grain compared to high-forage diets. This study also indicated that with the aim to enrich goat products with PUFA by increasing their levels in the diet, lipid metabolism is negatively affected. However, a diet with higher forage inclusion can partially attenuate this condition. Full article

Large-scale intensive feeding triggered reduced growth performance and nutritional value. Exogenous probiotics can promote the growth performance and nutritional value of fish through improving the intestinal microbiota. However, detailed research on the correlation between the intestinal microbiota, growth performance, and nutritional value remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we performed metagenomic and metabolomic analysis to investigate the effects of probiotic addition to basal diet (1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/g) (PF) and water (1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/g) (PW) on the growth performance, muscle nutritional value, intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, and glucolipid metabolism in Coilia nasus. The results showed that FBW, BL, and SGR were enhanced in PF and PW groups. The concentrations of EAAs, TAAs, SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs were increased in PF and PW groups. Metagenomic and metabolic analyses revealed that bacterial community structure and metabolism were changed in the PF and PW groups. Moreover, adding probiotics to diet and water increased SCFAs and bile acids in the intestine. The gene expression associated with lipolysis and oxidation (hsl, pparα, cpt1, and acadm) and glycolysis (gck and pfk) was upregulated, while the gene expression associated with lipid synthesis (srebp1, acc, dgat, and elovl6) and gluconeogenesis (g6pca1, g6pca2, and pck) was downregulated in the liver. Correlation analysis displayed that hepatic glucolipid metabolism was regulated through the microbiota–gut–liver axis. Mantel test analysis showed that growth performance and muscle nutritional value were improved by the gut–liver axis. Our findings offered novel insights into the mechanisms that underlie the enhancement of growth performance and nutritional value in C. nasus and other fish by adding probiotics. Full article

Improving egg quality is one of the main objectives of the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary oregano oil supplementation with different concentrations on the egg quality, intestinal morphology and cecal microbiome of late-phase laying hens. A total of 300 55-week-old Snowy white laying hens were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control) or basal diets supplemented with oregano oil at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (O25, O50, O75 and O100) over a 100-day period. Compared with the control group, eggshell thickness and eggshell weight were increased significantly in eggs when oregano oil was added (p < 0.05). The highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and C18:2n6c was observed in yolks with 25 mg/kg supplement among 5 groups (p < 0.05). The highest average content of riboflavin in egg yolk and thiamine in egg white was observed in the O25 group (p < 0.05). When the supplemental levels of oregano oil were 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, the selenium and phosphorus content in the egg was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) and villus height of the small intestine was significantly increased compared with the chickens fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the abundance of Megamonas was increased in the O50 group (p < 0.05). The unclassified_o__Bacteroidales in the O25 group were significantly higher than those in the other four groups (p < 0.05). These differential microorganisms were significantly correlated with egg quality characteristics. Dietary supplementation of oregano oil can significantly improve egg quality via gut microbiota alteration in laying hens. Full article

Plant-based carrier oils are constantly gaining popularity for their beneficial health effects on human organisms, thus shifting consumers’ preferences to alternative options in the oil market. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of twenty-six edible plant-based fixed oils via chromatographic, chromatic, and spectroscopic techniques, suggesting their potential use as complementary edible oil sources. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and a-linolenic acids were found in considerable proportions, whereas the majority of oils possessed unsaturated (UFA)/saturated (SFA) fatty acid ratio greater than 1.6, suggesting their function in lowering blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease. Linseed, chia seed, macadamia, and canola oils provide a balanced intake of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) within the range of 1:1 to 5:1. Oxidative stability was inversely related to oils’ PUFA content, with linseed, chia seed, pine cone, and walnut oils being the least stable oils against oxidation. Chlorophyll content in all oils was below the limit (50 mg/kg), preventing oxidation in the presence of light, whereas the highest values of b-carotene were noticed in soybean, linseed, and canola oils (61.18, 60.42, and 60.12 ppm, respectively). The application of machine learning algorithms for analyzing ATR-FTIR band intensities and FA proportions via discriminant analysis succeeded in discriminating pulp from seed oils, with a classification accuracy of 96.0% and 88.0%, respectively. Full article