Search Results (640)

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

Oxylipins are oxidized fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated, formed through pathways that involve singlet oxygen or dioxygen-mediated oxygenation reactions and are primarily produced by enzyme families such as cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450. These lipid-based complex bioactive molecules are pivotal signal mediators, acting in a hormone-like manner in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases, especially cardiometabolic diseases via modulating plenty of mechanisms. It has been reported that omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins are important novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases. Moreover, collected literature has noted that diet and dietary components, especially fatty acids, can modulate these oxygenated lipid products since they are mainly derived from dietary omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or linoleic acid and α-linolenic by elongation and desaturation pathways. This comprehensive review aims to examine their correlations to cardiometabolic diseases and how diets modulate oxylipins. Also, some aspects of developing new biomarkers and therapeutical utilization are detailed in this review. Full article

Background. Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes and can lead to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 5–10% of cases after 10 years. Clinical trials have shown that the oral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) seems to have a beneficial effect on Sjögren’s syndrome. Aim. This literature review provides an overview of the effects of PUFA supplementation on clinical manifestations and inflammatory parameters in Sjögren’s syndrome. Methodology. We conducted a literature review using the PubMed, Biomed Central, and Cochrane Library electronic databases and using search terms “Sjögren” AND “omega-3”; and “omega-6” AND “fatty acids” AND “oil”. This literature review followed the PRISMA guidelines and included randomized clinical trials in humans with or without a control group using the oral administration of PUFA. Results. From 26 articles found in the databases, a total of 6 articles were included. Of these six trials, five trials showed an effect on clinical manifestations and three trials on inflammatory parameters. Most of the studies did not show a significant effect on the parameters analyzed. One study showed a significant improvement in dry keratoconjunctivitis compared to the control group. The results suggest that PUFAs may improve inflammatory parameters in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Conclusions. This literature review supports the idea that the oral administration of PUFA may possess a potential effect on clinical manifestations. However, due to the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of clinical trial methodology, further investigations should be employed. Understanding the potential mechanism of action of PUFAs on clinical biomarkers in Sjögren’s syndrome may clarify their importance in clinical practice for health professionals. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of fish oil-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) on gut microbiota and serum lipid metabolites in T2DM. Methods: In a three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 110 T2DM patients received either fish oil (n = 55) or corn oil (n = 55) capsules daily. Serum lipids, glycemic parameters, gut microbiota diversity, and lipidomics were assessed. Results: This study found that fish oil-derived omega-3 PUFAs intervention did not significantly lower the fasting plasma glucose levels when compared with the baseline level (p > 0.05). However, serum fasting blood glucose (p = 0.039), glycosylated hemoglobin levels (p = 0.048), HOMA-IR (p = 0.022), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.034), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.048), and non-HDL levels (p = 0.046) were significantly lower in the fish oil group compared with the corn oil group after three months of intervention. Also, it altered glycerophospholipid metabolism and gut microbiota. After three months, the fish oil group showed a significantly lower abundance of Desulfobacterota compared with the corn oil control group (p = 0.003), with reduced levels of Colidextribacter (p = 0.002), Ralstonia (p = 0.021), and Klebsiella (p = 0.013). Conversely, the abundance of Limosilactobacillus (p = 0.017), Lactobacillus (p = 0.011), and Haemophilus (p = 0.018) increased significantly. In addition, relevant glycolipid metabolism indicators showed significant correlations with the altered profiles of serum lipid metabolites, intestinal bacteria, and fungi. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of fish oil-derived omega-3 PUFAs on intestinal microbiota structure and function in patients with type 2 diabetes. The observed decrease in pathogenic bacterial species and the enhancement of beneficial species may have significant implications for gut health and systemic inflammation, both of which are pivotal in managing diabetes. Further research is warranted to comprehensively elucidate the long-term benefits and underlying mechanisms of these microbiota alterations. Full article

Background: Previous studies have reported associations between fatty acids and the risk of pre-eclampsia. However, the causality of these associations remains uncertain. This study postulates a causal relationship between specific plasma fatty acids and pre-eclampsia or other maternal hypertensive disorders (PE-HTPs). To test this hypothesis, two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were employed to determine the causality effects. Methods: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with PE-HTPs and fatty acids were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry. Bidirectional MR analyses were conducted using methods such as inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Sensitivity analyses, including tests for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and co-localization, were conducted to assess the robustness of MR results. Results: The analyses revealed causal relationships between PE-HTPs and several fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), omega-6 fatty acid (n-6 FA), linoleic acid (LA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the PUFA/MUFA ratio. Genetically predicted higher risk of PE-HTPs was significantly associated with lower plasma n-6 FA (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99), particularly LA (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98). Conversely, increased DHA (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78–0.96) and a higher PUFA/MUFA ratio (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98) were associated with a reduced risk of PE-HTPs. Elevated MUFA levels (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00–1.25) were related to an increased risk. Conclusions: This study provides robust genetic evidence supporting bidirectional causal relationships between PE-HTPs and specific plasma fatty acids, underscoring the critical role of fatty acid metabolism in maternal hypertensive disorders. Full article

Background: Increased inflammation and heightened physiological stress reactivity have been associated with pathophysiology of depressive symptoms. The underlying biological mechanisms by which inflammation and stress may influence neurogenesis are changes in the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, which is activated under stress. Supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) has anti-inflammatory properties and can increase stress resilience. Whether n-3 PUFAs alter KYN stress response is unknown. Objectives: This placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of n-3 PUFAs on KYN metabolism, inflammation, depressive symptoms, and mood. Moreover, stress-induced changes following a laboratory stressor have been assessed. Methods: In this placebo-controlled study, 47 healthy male adults received either 4 g n-3 PUFAs per day (Omega-3 group) or a placebo (Placebo group) for 12 weeks. Results: A significant group-by-time interaction was found for the inflammatory markers gp130 (F = 7.07, p = 0.011), IL-6R alpha (F = 10.33, p = 0.003), and TNF_RI (F= 10.92, p = 0.002). No significant group-by-time interactions were found for KYN metabolites, depressive symptoms, and mood (except for Hedonic tone (F = 6.50, p = 0.014)), nor for stress-induced changes in KYN metabolites and mood following a laboratory stressor. Conclusions: Overall, increased n-3 PUFA levels in healthy men ameliorate inflammatory markers but do not ameliorate KYN metabolism, depressive symptoms, mood, or KYN metabolism and mood following a stress induction. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT05520437 (30/08/2022 first trial registration). Full article

Objective: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have demonstrated protective effects in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients receiving antidepressant treatment. However, there have been a few double-blind randomized controlled trials focused on n-3 PUFAs as monotherapy in MDD, and the outcomes have been mixed. This study aimed to assess the clinical effects of n-3 PUFAs monotherapy in patients with MDD. Methods: A total of 60 patients with MDD participated in this 12-week double-blind randomized controlled trial. They were randomized to either the n-3 PUFAs group (n = 30; 3.2 g of eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA per day) or the placebo group (n = 30; 3.2 g of soybean oil per day). The severity of depression was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Results: The n-3 PUFAs group had a significantly lower HRSD score compared with the placebo group at week 4 (p = 0.004), week 6 (p = 0.006), week 8 (p = 0.004), and week 12 (p = 0.01). The n-3 PUFAs group showed slightly higher rates for both remission (26.7% vs. 10%, p = 0.095) and response (23.3% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.145) compared with the placebo group at week 12, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: These findings suggested that monotherapy of n-3 PUFAs could improve depression and potentially serve as an alternative option for MDD patients. Full article

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition with a complex pathophysiology involving neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and disruptions in neuronal and glial cell function. Microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, release inflammatory cytokines in response to pathological changes associated with MDD. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) act as alarms, triggering microglial activation and subsequent inflammatory cytokine release. This review examines the cellular mechanisms underlying MDD pathophysiology, focusing on the lipid-mediated modulation of neuroinflammation. We explore the intricate roles of microglia and astrocytes in propagating inflammatory cascades and discuss how these processes affect neuronal integrity at the cellular level. Central to our analysis are three key molecules: High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and S100 Calcium Binding Protein β (S100β) as alarmins, and Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) as an indicator of neuronal stress. We present evidence from in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrating how these molecules reflect and contribute to the neuroinflammatory milieu characteristic of MDD. The review then explores the potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) as neuroinflammation modulators, examining their effects on microglial activation, cytokine production, and neuronal resilience in cellular models of depression. We critically analyze experimental data on how ω-3 PUFA supplementation influences the expression and release of HMGB1, S100β, and NSE in neuronal and glial cultures. By integrating findings from lipidomic and cellular neurobiology, this review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs may exert their antidepressant effects through modulation of neuroinflammatory markers. These insights contribute to our understanding of lipid-mediated neuroprotection in MDD and may inform the development of targeted, lipid-based therapies for both depression and neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

There is limited ability to biosynthesize long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in food webs leading to humans. Seafood is the key source of ω3 LC-PUFA, with aquaculture expected to meet rising global demand; however, marine fish have a high dietary requirement for EPA and DHA themselves. This was traditionally met using unsustainable dietary fish oil and fish meal, but limited supply and environmental concerns have dictated research on replacements. Among the industrial sources of EPA and DHA, microalgae and especially thraustochytrids stand out as resources with high concentrations. Although unicellular, thraustochytrids are not microalgae as they are not photosynthetic but instead are microheterotrophs. This removes the light requirement and facilitates high yields of monoculture for the production of single-cell oils. The availability, in high concentrations, of usually one or the other essential fatty acid permits a calibration of the EPA and DHA dose, which is especially useful as their effects have mainly been considered together in medical and aquaculture research. EPA and DHA have different effects on cell function and are precursors of different bioactive compounds. Using thraustochytrids, microalgae, and heterotrophic dinoflagellates, the importance of DHA has been investigated. DHA was essential for optimizing the growth of the early life stages of scallops and finfish and was preferentially incorporated into fish membrane phospholipids. The production of microalgae and microheterotrophs can contribute to the treatment of wastewater and waste gas, further enhancing their sustainability and reducing the environmental costs of aquaculture. Full article

Introduction: Obesity is characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation, which can be modulated by lipid mediators derived from omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Obesity is a multifactorial disease, where genetic and environmental factors strongly interact to increase its development. In this context, the FADS1 gene encodes the delta-5 desaturase protein, which catalyzes the desaturation of PUFA. The rs174547 genetic variant of FADS1 has been associated with alterations in lipid metabolism, particularly with decreases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations. Objective: To analyze the effect of an n-3-supplemented diet on the fatty acid profile and composition in red blood cells (RBCs) of obese subjects carrying the rs174547 variant of the FADS1 gene. Methodology: Seventy-six subjects with obesity were divided into two groups: omega-3 (1.5 g of n-3/day) and placebo (1.5 g of sunflower oil/day). The dietary intervention consisted of a four-month follow-up. Anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary variables were evaluated monthly. The total fatty acid profile in RBC was determined using gas chromatography. The rs174547 variant was analyzed through allelic discrimination. Results: The n-3 index (O3I) increased at the end of the intervention in both groups. Subjects carrying the CC genotype showed significant differences (minor increase) in n-6, n-3, total PUFA, EPA, DHA, and the O3I in RBCs compared to TT genotype carriers in the n-3 group. Conclusions: The diet supplemented with EPA and DHA is ideal for providing the direct products that bypass the synthesis step affected by the FADS1 rs174547 variant in subjects carrying the CC genotype. The O3I confirmed an increase in n-3 fatty acids in RBCs at the end of the intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is associated with inflammation and complications, potentially leading to prolonged ICU and hospital stays. Omega-3 PUFA has anti-inflammatory properties, thought to potentially reduce complications in CABG patients. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of perioperative omega-3 PUFA supplementation on total ICU and total hospital stays in CABG patients; Methods: Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of omega-3 PUFA supplementation (IV/oral) on ICU and hospital stays in CABG patients were included. Studies were searched for in PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial databases, along with hand searching of reference lists. The quality and risk of bias of the included studies were evaluated by two independent reviewers using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed or random effects models according to the level of heterogeneity by mean difference with their 95% confidence intervals; Results: Twelve studies were included in the qualitative analysis and seven in the meta-analysis. Omega-3 PUFA was associated with a significant reduction in days of hospital stay (−0.58 (95% CI −1.13, −0.04)). Subgroup analysis showed that only oral omega-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in a statistically significant reduction in length of hospitalization after subgroup analysis with MD −0.6 (95% CI −1.17, −0.04); Conclusions: This study suggests that perioperative omega-3 PUFA supplementation may reduce the length of hospitalization in CABG patients, especially when administered orally. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the high level of heterogeneity. Full article

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are essential polyunsaturated fats primarily obtained from fatty fish and plant-based sources. Compelling evidence from preclinical and epidemiological studies consistently suggests beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFAs on bone health and healthy aging processes. However, clinical trials have yielded mixed results, with some failing to replicate these benefits seen in preclinical models. This contraindication is mainly due to challenges such as low bioavailability, potential adverse effects with higher doses, and susceptibility to oxidation of ω-3 fatty acids, hindering their clinical effectiveness. This review comprehensively discusses recent findings from a clinical perspective, along with preclinical and epidemiological studies, emphasizing the role of ω-3 PUFAs in promoting bone health and supporting healthy aging. Additionally, it explores strategies to improve ω-3 PUFA efficacy, including nanoparticle encapsulation and incorporation of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) derived from DHA and EPA, to mitigate oxidation and enhance solubility, thereby improving therapeutic potential. By consolidating evidence from various studies, this review underscores current insights and future directions in leveraging ω-3 PUFAs for therapeutic applications. Full article

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) exert multiple cardioprotective effects, influencing inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial function and lipid metabolism, besides their well-established triglyceride lowering properties. It is not uncommon for omega-3 PUFAs to be prescribed for hypertriglyceridemia, alongside antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. In this regard, we studied the effect of EPA and DHA, in combination with antiplatelet drugs, in platelet aggregation and P-selectin and α_IIbβ₃ membrane expression. The antiplatelet drugs aspirin and triflusal, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1); ticagrelor, an inhibitor of the receptor P2Y₁₂; vorapaxar, an inhibitor of the PAR-1 receptor, were combined with DHA or EPA and evaluated against in vitro platelet aggregation induced by agonists arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and TRAP-6. We further investigated procaspase-activating compound 1 (PAC-1) binding and P-selectin membrane expression in platelets stimulated with ADP and TRAP-6. Both DHA and EPA displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by AA, ADP and TRAP-6. In platelet aggregation induced by AA, DHA significantly improved acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and triflusal’s inhibitory activity, while EPA enhanced the inhibitory effect of ASA. In combination with EPA, ASA and ticagrelor expressed an increased inhibitory effect towards ADP-induced platelet activation. Both fatty acids could not improve the inhibitory effect of vorapaxar on AA- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. In the presence of EPA, all antiplatelet drugs displayed a stronger inhibitory effect towards TRAP-6-induced platelet activation. Both omega-3 PUFAs inhibited the membrane expression of α_IIbβ₃, though they had no effect on P-selectin expression induced by ADP or TRAP-6. The antiplatelet drugs exhibited heterogeneity regarding their effect on P-selectin and α_IIbβ₃ membrane expression, while both omega-3 PUFAs inhibited the membrane expression of α_IIbβ₃, though had no effect on P-selectin expression induced by ADP or TRAP-6. The combinatory effect of DHA and EPA with the antiplatelet drugs did not result in enhanced inhibitory activity compared to the sum of the individual effects of each component. Full article

Background/Objectives: Numerous risk factors associated with development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been unfavorably altered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and vitamin D deficiency are potential cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary intake and status of omega-3 PUFA and vitamin D in pre-dialysis and hemodialysis patients and to examine the association of dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) and fish consumption with blood pressure and carotid intima–media thickness (C-IMT), representing a non-invasive marker of atherosclerosis in CKD patients. Methods: All 77 selected patients (36 pre-dialysis, 41 on hemodialysis) underwent standardized clinical, nutritional, and laboratory assessments. Repeated 24 h recalls were performed to assess dietary intake. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas–liquid chromatography. Results: Inadequate vitamin D intake and vitamin D status were found in 95% of patients. PUFA profiles did not differ between hemodialysis and pre-dialysis participants. Dietary intake of ALA was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.013), C-IMT (p = 0.002), serum CRP (p = 0.044), iPTH (p = 0.01), and 25(OH)D3 (p = 0.006). ALA intake of more than 0.23 g daily was linked with lower SBP (p = 0.001), serum 25(OH)D3 (p = 0.004), and C-IMT (p = 0.002). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between dietary ALA intake and C-IMT in CKD. The results of this study could emphasize the significant role of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and inadequate omega-3 PUFA intake and status regarding CVD health in CKD patients. Full article

This study investigates the thermal stability of omega fatty acid-enriched vegetable oils, focusing on their behavior under high-temperature conditions commonly encountered during frying. This research aims to evaluate changes in fatty acid composition, particularly the degradation of essential omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, and the formation of harmful compounds such as trans fatty acids (TFAs). Various commercially available vegetable oils labeled as containing omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, including refined sunflower, high-oleic sunflower, rapeseed, and blends, were analyzed under temperatures from 180 °C to 230 °C for varying durations. The fatty acid profiles were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results indicated a significant degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and an increase in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and TFAs with prolonged heating. The findings highlight the varying degrees of thermal stability among different oils, with high-oleic sunflower and blended oils exhibiting greater resistance to thermal degradation compared to conventional sunflower oils. This study underscores the importance of selecting oils with favorable fatty acid compositions for high-temperature cooking to minimize adverse health effects associated with degraded oil consumption. Furthermore, it provides insights into optimizing oil blends to enhance thermal stability and maintain nutritional quality, crucial for consumer health and food industry practices. Full article