Association between dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake and all-cause mortality in patients with osteoarthritis: a population-based prospective cohort study.

A correlation between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) and osteoarthritis (OA) incidence has been established, but research on the long-term outlook of OA patients remains limited. This study investigates the association between omega-3 PUFA intake and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in the U.S. OA population. A cohort of 3,467 OA patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018 was studied. Cox proportional hazards regression models, Kaplan-Meier curves, and subgroup analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between omega-3 PUFA intake and mortality. The dose-response relationship was examined using a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model. Among the 3,467 OA patients, there were 459 all-cause deaths and 175 CV deaths. Omega-3 PUFAs were significantly negatively correlated with all-cause mortality (95% CI: 0.59-0.93, p = 0.011) but not with CV mortality (95% CI: 0.29-1.04, p = 0.056). Higher omega-3 PUFA intake was associated with a 49% decrease in all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves showed lower all-cause mortality rates in those with higher omega-3 PUFA intake. The inverse correlation was more pronounced among individuals living with a partner. The dose-response analysis indicated a linear negative relationship between omega-3 PUFA intake and all-cause mortality. Increased intake of omega-3 PUFAs is associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality in OA patients.

Effects of high α-linolenic acid transgenic rapeseed oil diet on growth performance, fat deposition, flesh quality, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) increases in aquatic products contributes to improving meat quality, thereby positively impacting human health. Different from marine fish which primarily obtain n-3 LC-PUFAs directly from zooplankton and algae, freshwater fish mainly utilize dietary linolenic acid (ALA) as a substrate to synthesize n-3 LC-PUFAs. Our team has successfully created a transgenic rapeseed oil (TRO) with high ALA content. Therefore, we here assessed the impacts of four different diets (LR, low-fat rapeseed oil (RO) diet; HR, high-fat RO diet; LTR, low-fat TRO diet; HTR, high-fat TRO diet) on growth performance, lipid accumulation, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity, immunity and serum biochemical indexes of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), an economically valuable freshwater fish. The results showed no significant difference in survival rate among the four dietary groups. No significant differences in body weight gain and final weight were found between the LR and LTR groups, as well as between HR and HTR groups. No matter if it was a high-fat or low-fat diet, compared with the RO diet, TRO diets significantly increased the content of n-3 LC-PUFA, improved meat quality, effectively alleviated lipid accumulation in livers and muscles of juvenile largemouth bass. In addition, using high-fat diets, TRO diet improved the antioxidant capacity and immune ability of juvenile largemouth bass, thereby promoting the overall health of fish. This study provides novel insights for fish feed formulation optimization from the perspective of genetically modified feed ingredients, and high-quality aquatic products for human consumption.

Study of Different Parameters Affecting Production and Productivity of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and γ-Linolenic Acid (GLA) by Cunninghamella elegans Through Glycerol Conversion in Shake Flasks and Bioreactors.

Microbial cultures repurposing organic industrial residues for value-added metabolite production is pivotal for sustainable resource use. Highlighting polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), renowned for their nutritional and therapeutic value. Notably, Zygomycetes' filamentous fungi harbor abundant GLA-rich lipid content, furthering their relevance in this approach. In this study, the strain C. elegans NRRL Y-1392 was evaluated for its capability to metabolize glycerol and produce lipids rich in GLA under different culture conditions. Various carbon-to-nitrogen ratios (C/N = 11.0, 110.0, and 220.0 mol/mol) were tested in batch-flask cultivations. The highest GLA production of 224.0 mg/L (productivity equal to 2.0 mg/L/h) was observed under nitrogen excess conditions, while low nitrogen content promoted lipid accumulation (0.59 g of lipids per g of dry biomass) without yielding more PUFAs and GLA. After improving the C/N ratio at 18.3 mol/mol, even higher PUFA (600 mg/L) and GLA (243 mg/L) production values were recorded. GLA content increased when the fungus was cultivated at 12 °C (15.5% w/w compared to 12.8% w/w at 28 °C), but productivity values decreased significantly due to prolonged cultivation duration. An attempt to improve productivity by increasing the initial spore population did not yield the expected results. The successful scale-up of fungal cultivations is evidenced by achieving consistent results (compared to flask experiments under corresponding conditions) in both laboratory-scale (Working Volume-Vw = 1.8 L; C/N = 18.3 mol/mol) and semi-pilot-scale (Vw = 15.0 L; C/N = 110.0 mol/mol) bioreactor experiments. To the best of our knowledge, cultivation of the fungus Cunninghamella elegans in glycerol-based substrates, especially in 20 L bioreactor experiments, has never been previously reported in the international literature. The successful scale-up of the process in a semi-pilot-scale bioreactor illustrates the potential for industrializing the bioprocess.

Impaired unsaturated fatty acid elongation alters mitochondrial function and accelerates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis progression.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although qualitative and quantitative alterations in liver Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) are observed in MASH in humans, a causal relationship of PUFAs biosynthetic pathways is yet to be clarified. ELOVL5, an essential enzyme in PUFA elongation regulates hepatic triglyceride metabolism. Nonetheless, the long-term consequences of elongase disruption, particularly in murine models of MASH, have not been evaluated. APPROACH & RESULTS: In humans, transcriptomic data indicated that PUFAs biosynthesis enzymes and notably ELOVL5 were induced during MASH progression. Moreover, gene module association determination revealed that ELOVL5 expression was associated with mitochondrial function in both humans and mice. WT and Elovl5-deficient mice were fed a high-fat, high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet for four months. Elovl5 deficiency led to limited systemic metabolic alterations but significant hepatic phenotype was observed in Elovl5-/- mice after the HF/HS diet, including hepatomegaly, pronounced macrovesicular and microvesicular steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis. Lipid analysis confirmed hepatic triglyceride accumulation and a reshaping of FA profile. Transcriptomic analysis indicated significant upregulation of genes involved in immune cell recruitment and fibrosis, and downregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in Elovl5-/- mice. Alterations of FA oxidation and energy metabolism were confirmed by non-targeted metabolomic approach. Analysis of mitochondrial function in Elovl5-/- mice showed morphological alterations, qualitative cardiolipin changes with an enrichment in species containing shorter unsaturated FAs, and decreased activity of I and III respiratory chain complexes. CONCLUSION: Enhanced susceptibility to diet-induced MASH and fibrosis in Elovl5-/- mice is intricately associated with disruptions in mitochondrial homeostasis, stemming from a profound reshaping of mitochondrial lipids, notably cardiolipins.

Impact of dietary changes on retinal neuronal plasticity in rodent models of physical and psychological trauma.

Introduction: Blast injury has been implicated as the major cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ocular system injury, in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers exposed to traumatic stress also have undiagnosed, chronic vision problems. Here we hypothesize that excessive intake of ω-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) and insufficiency of dietary long chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, e.g., docosahexaenoic acid; DHA) would dysregulate endocannabinoid-mediated neuronal plasticity and immune response. The study objective was to determine the effect of blast-TBI and traumatic stress on retinal gene expression and assess the role of dietary deficiency of long chain ω-3 PUFAs on the vulnerability to these injury models. Methods: Linoleic acid was used as an independent variable to reflect the dietary increase in LA from 1 percent of energy (en%) to 8 en% present in the current western diets, and these custom LA diets were also devoid of long chain ω-3 PUFAs. Animals were exposed to a simulated blast overpressure wave followed by a weight drop head-concussion to induce TBI. A Separate group of rats were subjected to traumatic stress by a forced immersion underwater. Results: Our findings showed that blast-TBI exposure, post 14 days, produced significant neuropathological changes such as axonal degeneration in the brain optic tracts from all the three diet groups, especially in rats fed the DHA-deprived 1 en% LA diet. Transcriptomic analysis showed that presence of DHA in the house chow diet prevented blast-induced disruption of neuronal plasticity by activating molecular networks like SNARE signaling, endocannabinoid pathway, and synaptic long-term depression when compared to DHA-deprived 8 en% LA diet group. Under traumatic stress, retinal synaptic function, neurovascular coupling, and opioid signaling mechanisms were dysregulated in rodents fed DHA-deficient diets (i.e., 8 en% LA and 1 en% LA), where reducing the levels of ω-6 linoleic acid from 8 en% to 1 en% was associated with increased neuronal plasticity and suppressed immune signaling. Conclusion: The findings of our study suggest that deprivation of long chain ω-3 PUFAs in the diet affects endocannabinoid-mediated neuronal plasticity, vascular function and inflammatory response that could influence the resistance of veterans to TBI and psychological trauma.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as Potential Treatments for COVID-19-Induced Anosmia.

Some individuals with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) experience anosmia, or loss of smell. Although the prevalence of anosmia has decreased with the emergence of the Omicron variant, it remains a significant concern. This review examines the potential role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3 PUFAs, in treating COVID-19-induced anosmia by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of the condition. Omega-3 PUFAs are known for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmission-enhancing properties, which could potentially aid in olfactory recovery. However, study findings are inconsistent. For instance, a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial found no significant effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on olfactory recovery in patients with COVID-19-induced anosmia. These mixed results highlight the limitations of existing research, including small sample sizes, lack of placebo controls, short follow-up periods, and combined treatments. Therefore, more rigorous, large-scale studies are urgently needed to definitively assess the therapeutic potential of omega-3 PUFAs for olfactory dysfunction. Further research is also crucial to explore the broader role of PUFAs in managing viral infections and promoting sensory recovery.

Effects and Mechanisms of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Age-Related Musculoskeletal Diseases: Sarcopenia, Osteoporosis, and Osteoarthritis-A Narrative Review.

Background: The process of the globally aging population has been accelerating, leading to an increasing social burden. As people age, the musculoskeletal system will gradually go through a series of degenerative and loss of function and eventually develop age-related musculoskeletal diseases, like sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. On the other hand, several studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess various important physiological functions on the health of muscles, bones, and joints. Objective: This narrative review paper provides a summary of the literature about the effects and mechanisms of PUFAs on age-related musculoskeletal diseases for the prevention and management of these diseases. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases have been searched to select the relevant literature on epidemiological, cellular, and animal experiments and clinical evidence in recent decades with keywords "polyunsaturated fatty acids", "PUFAs", "omega-3", "omega-6", "musculoskeletal diseases", "sarcopenia", "osteoporosis", "osteoarthritis", and so on. Results: PUFAs could prevent and treat age-related musculoskeletal diseases (sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis) by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and controlling the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of cells. This review paper provides comprehensive evidence of PUFAs on age-related musculoskeletal diseases, which will be helpful for exploitation into functional foods and drugs for their prevention and treatment. Conclusions: PUFAs could play an important role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.

Metabolites derived from radical oxidation of PUFA: NEO-PUFAs, promising molecules for health?

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in numerous pathological processes. Under these stress conditions, the free radical-catalyzed lipid peroxidation generates in vivo a large number of key products that are involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Among these products are neuroprostanes, which arise from the peroxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and isoprostanes, resulting from arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) through the same peroxidation process. These non-enzymatic oxygenated metabolites newly appointed NEO-PUFAs have gained recognition as reliable markers of oxidative stress in neurogenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, some of them display a wide range of biological activities. The ability to detect and measure these metabolites offers precious insights into the mechanisms of oxidative damage and holds potential therapeutic implications for various health conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the role of neuroprostanes as biomarkers for oxidative stress and related diseases, highlighting their potential applications in medical research and treatment.

Recent advances on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their biosynthetic pathway.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)-fatty acids containing multiple double bonds within their carbon chain-are an indispensable component of the cell membrane. PUFAs, including the omega-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA; C20:4n-6) and the omega-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3), have been implicated in various (patho)physiological events. These PUFAs are either obtained from the diet or biosynthesized from the essential fatty acids linoleic acid (LA; C18:2n-6) and α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3n-3) via enzymatic reactions that are catalyzed by fatty acid elongases (ELOVL2 and ELOVL5) and fatty acid desaturases (FADS1 and FADS2). In this review, we summarize the recent literature studying the role of PUFAs, placing a special emphasis on the newly discovered functions of PUFAs and their biosynthetic pathway as revealed by studies using animal models targeting the PUFA biosynthetic pathway and genetic approaches including genome-wide association studies.

Dietary omega-3 intake and cognitive function in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary habits have long been known to be a critical factor influencing cognitive health, especially among older adults. Despite extensive research on various dietary components, the impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on cognitive function has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This research seeks to determine whether more intake of omega-3 PUFAs correlates with improved cognitive function in older adults. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included 2430 elderly participants aged 60 and above. The association between omega-3 consumption and cognitive outcomes was evaluated using linear regression models. Smoothing curves and threshold effect analysis were employed to examine nonlinear associations. Subgroup studies were conducted to demonstrate the strength and reliability of the correlation and factors affecting them. RESULTS: The fully adjusted model demonstrated significant positive correlations between omega-3 intake and scores on all 3 cognitive assessments performed. Specifically, in the final model, the beta coefficients for the CERAD Word Learning test, Animal Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.33-0.72; P < 0.0001), 0.29 (95% CI: 0.12-0.47; P = 0.001), and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.19-1.03; P = 0.0045), respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased intake of omega-3 was positively and independently associated with cognitive function in older adults, suggesting that consumption of omega-3 PUFAs may help to prevent cognitive decline with aging. Prospective studies are needed to determine the direct of effect in this association.

ω-6 and ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Inflammation, Obesity and Foods of Animal Resources.

Obesity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is excessive fat accumulation that can pose health risks and is a disorder of the energy homeostasis system. In typical westernized diets, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) vastly exceed the amount of ω-3 PUFAs, with ω-6/ω-3 ratios ranging from 10:1 to 25:1. ω-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid, have pro-inflammatory effects and increase obesity. On the other hand, ω-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are synthesized in almost all higher plants, algae, and some fungi. However, in humans and animals, they are essential fatty acids and must be consumed through diet or supplementation. Therefore, balancing LA/ALA ratios is essential for obesity prevention and human health. Monogastric animals such as pigs and chickens can produce meat and eggs fortified with ω-3 PUFAs by controlling dietary fatty acid (FA). Additionally, ruminant animals such as feeder cattle and lactating dairy cows can opt for feed supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs sources and rumen-protected microencapsulated FAs or pasture finishing. This method can produce ω-3 PUFAs and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) fortified meat, milk, and cheese. A high ω-6/ω-3 ratio is associated with pro-inflammation and obesity, whereas a balanced ratio reduces inflammation and obesity. Additionally, probiotics containing lactic acid bacteria are necessary, which reduces inflammation and obesity by converting ω-6 PUFAs into functional metabolites such as 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid and CLA.

Exploring oxylipins in processed foods: Understanding mechanisms, analytical perspectives, and enhancing quality with lipidomics.

Oxylipins are active lipid compounds formed through the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds have drawn considerable attention due to the potential impact on human health and processed food quality. Therefore, this study aimed to deepen current understanding and assess recent analytical advancements regarding the physiological roles of oxylipins in processed food products using lipidomics. The mechanisms behind oxylipins production in processed foods were extensively investigated, underscoring potential associations with chronic diseases. This indicates the need for innovative strategies to mitigate harmful oxylipins levels to enhance the safety and shelf life of processed food products. The results showed that mitigation methods, including the use of antioxidants and optimization of processing parameters, reduced oxylipins levels. The integration of lipidomics with food safety and quality control processes is evident in cutting-edge methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry for compliance and real-time evaluation. Aside from envisioning the future trajectory of food science and industry through prospective studies on oxylipins and processed foods, the results also provide the basis for future investigations, innovation, and advancements in the dynamic field of food science and technology.

Current research and future prospects of immunonutrition in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Immune nutrition, as an integral component of nutritional support therapy, has garnered significant attention and research in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Recent advancements in nutritional formulas containing components such as glutamine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and arginine have led to the development of what is now termed immune nutrition or pharmacological nutrition. These formulations go beyond traditional nutritional support, functioning more like nutritional supplements with pharmacological effects. Patients with gastrointestinal malignancies often experience malnutrition and metabolic disturbances, resulting in immune dysfunction, cytokine dysregulation, and endocrine abnormalities. These issues can compromise intestinal mucosal barrier function, affecting the efficacy and prognosis of anticancer therapies. Recent studies indicate that immune nutrition can modulate specific mechanisms involved in various immune and inflammatory pathways, thereby improving patients' immune status and treatment outcomes. While optimal patient selection, dosing, and timing of immune nutrition are still under investigation, its potential applications in oncology are promising. This article aims to analyze the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits of immune nutrition in gastrointestinal malignancies, offering insights into its clinical standardization and application.

Differential Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Platelet Inhibition by Antiplatelet Drugs In Vitro.

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 αIIbß3 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 αIIbß3, 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 αIIbß3 membrane expression, while both omega-3 PUFAs inhibited the membrane expression of αIIbß3, 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.

Lung Damage Induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA in Murine Model of Malarial Infection is Mitigated by Dietary Supplementation with DHA-Rich Omega-3.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe complications that can occur in infections caused by any Plasmodium species. Due to the high lethality rate and the lack of specific treatment for ALI/ARDS, studies aimed at understanding and searching for treatment strategies for such complications have been fundamental. Here, we investigated the protective role of dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil against lung damage induced by Plasmodium berghei ANKA in a murine model. Our results demonstrated that alveolar vascular damage, lung edema, and histopathological alterations were significantly reduced in mice that received dietary supplementation compared to those that did not receive the supplementation. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes, in addition to reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also observed. High levels of IL-10, but not of TNF-α and IFN-γ, were also observed in infected mice that received the supplementation, along with a reduction in local oxidative stress. Together, the data suggest that dietary supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil in malarial endemic areas may help reduce lung damage resulting from the infection, thus preventing worsening of the condition.

Molecular Identification and Functional Characterization of LC-PUFA Biosynthesis Elongase (elovl2) Gene in Chinese Sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis).

Elongases of very-long-chain fatty acids (Elovls) are critical rate-limiting enzymes that are involved in LC-PUFA biosynthesis through catalyzing the two-carbon elongation of a pre-existing fatty acyl chain. Thus far, several Elovls have been extensively studied in teleost. However, the functional and physiological roles of Elovls in chondrichthyans have rarely been reported. In this study, we identified and characterized elovl2 from the endangered Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) by whole genome scanning. The results show that the coding sequence of elovl2 was 894 bp in length, for a putative protein of 297 amnio acids. Comparative genomic analyses indicated that Chinese sturgeon elovl2 was evolutionarily conserved. Functional characterization in yeast demonstrated that the Chinese sturgeon Elovl2 could efficiently elongate C20 (ARA and EPA) and C22 (22:4n-6 and 22:5n-3) substrates, confirming its critical roles in LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Spatial and temporal expression analyses showed high elovl2 mRNA levels were detected in the liver and brain and showed an increase trend both in embryonic and post-hatching stages. Interestingly, diets with vegetable oils as lipid sources could significantly induce the high expression of elovl2 in Chinese sturgeon, implying that the endogenous LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathway was stimulated by lack of LC-PUFA in their diets. Our findings will enhance our understanding about the evolutionary and functional roles of elovl2 and provide novel insights into the LC-PUFA biosynthesis mechanism in vertebrates.

Omega-3 PUFAs slow organ aging through promoting energy metabolism.

Energy metabolism disorder, mainly exhibiting the inhibition of fatty acid degradation and lipid accumulation, is highly related with aging acceleration. However, the intervention measures are deficient. Here, we reported Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 PUFAs), especially EPA, exerted beneficial effects on maintaining energy metabolism and lipid homeostasis to slow organ aging. As the endogenous agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), Omega-3 PUFAs significantly boosted fatty acid ß-oxidation and ATP production in multiple aged organs. Consequently, Omega-3 PUFAs effectively inhibited age-related pathological changes, preserved organ function, and retarded aging process. The beneficial effects of Omega-3 PUFAs were also testified in mfat-1 transgenic mice, which spontaneously generate abundant endogenous Omega-3 PUFAs. In conclusion, our study innovatively demonstrated Omega-3 PUFAs administration in diet slow aging through promoting energy metabolism. The supplement of Omega-3 PUFAs or fat-1 transgene provides a promising therapeutic approach to promote healthy aging in the elderly.

The impact of consuming different types of high-caloric fat diet on the metabolic status, liver, and aortic integrity in rats.

Consumption of high-caloric diets contributes to the alarming number of overweight and obese individuals worldwide, which in turn leads to several diseases and multiple organ dysfunction. Not only has the number of calories taken per day but also the type of fat in the diet has an important impact on health. Accordingly, the purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of different types of high-caloric fat diets on the metabolic status and the integrity of the liver and aorta in albino rats. Adult male albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Control group, long chain-saturated fat group (SFD), long chain-monounsaturated fat (MUFAs) group, long chain-polyunsaturated fat (PUFAs) group, medium-chain fat (MCFAs) group, and short-chain fat (SCFAs) group. Body mass index (BMI), Lee index, and visceral fat amount were reported. Serum levels of insulin, liver transaminases, lipid profile, and different oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were evaluated. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and adiponectin/leptin ratio were also calculated. Histopathological examinations of liver and aorta with Masson's trichrome stain, and immune-staining for Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2-Related Factor-2 (Nrf2) were also done. SFD group showed significantly elevated liver transaminases, inflammatory markers, HOMA-IR, dyslipidemia, reduced adiponectin, and deficient anti-oxidative response compared to other groups together with disturbed hepatic and aortic architecture. Other treated groups showed an improvement. PUFAs group showed the highest level of improvement. Not all high-fat diets are hazardous. Diets rich in PUFAs, MUFAs, MCFAs, or SCFAs may protect against the hazards of high caloric diet.