ELOVL5 and VLDLR synergistically affect n-3 PUFA deposition in eggs of different chicken breeds.

There was no significant difference in the composition and content of fatty acids in eggs among different breeds initially, but following the supplementation of flaxseed oil, Dwarf Layer were observed to deposit more n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in eggs. Currently, there is limited research on the mechanisms underlying the differences in egg composition among different breeds. Therefore, in this study, 150 twenty-four-wk-old hens of each breed, including the Dwarf Layer and White Leghorn, were fed either a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 2.5% flaxseed oil. After 28 d, eggs and liver samples were collected to determine fatty acid composition, and serum, liver, intestine, and follicles were collected for subsequent biochemical, intestinal morphology, and lipid metabolism-related genes expression analysis. Duodenal contents were collected for microbial analysis. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the content and deposition efficiency of total n-3 PUFA in the liver of the 2 breeds, but the content and deposition efficiency of total n-3 PUFA in the egg of Dwarf Layer were significantly higher than those of White Leghorn after feeding flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil and breeds did not have significant effects on cholesterol (CHO), free fatty acids (NEFA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and estrogen (E2) levels. After feeding with flaxseed oil, the villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio in both breeds were increased and duodenal crypt depth was decreased. The villus-to-crypt ratio (4.78 vs. 3.60) in the duodenum of Dwarf Layer was significantly higher than that in White Leghorn after feeding with flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil can impact the gut microbiota in the duodenum and reduce the microbiota associated with fatty acid breakdown, such as Romboutsia, Subdolibranulum, Lachnochlostridium, and Clostridium. This may mean that less ALA can be decomposed and more ALA can be absorbed into the body. Additionally, after feeding flaxseed oil, the mRNA levels of elongation enzymes 5 (ELOVL5), fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), and fatty acid transporter 1 (FATP1) in the liver of Dwarf Layer were significantly higher than those in White Leghorn, while the mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), Acyl CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), and Acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL) were significantly lower than those in White Leghorn. The mRNA level of FABP1 in the duodenum of Dwarf Layer was significantly higher than that of White Leghorn, while the mRNA level of FATP1 was significantly lower than that of White Leghorn. The protein levels of ELOVL5 in the liver of Dwarf Layer and very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in the follicles were significantly higher than those of White Leghorn. In summary, after feeding flaxseed oil, the higher ratio of villus height to crypt depth in Dwarf Layer allows more α-linolenic acid (ALA) to be absorbed into the body. The higher mRNA expression of FADS1, ELOVL5, and FATP1, as well as the higher protein expression of ELOVL5 in the liver of Dwarf Layer enhance the conversion of ALA into DHA. The higher protein expression of VLDLR in follicles of Dwarf Layer allows more n-3 PUFA to deposit in the follicles. These combined factors contribute to the Dwarf Layer's ability to deposit higher levels of n-3 PUFA in eggs, as well as improving the deposition efficiency of n-3 PUFA.

Dietary supplementing South African indigenous rams with flaxseed oil and ascorbic acid improves cryopreserved semen quality and in vitro fertility.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how ascorbic acid with dietary flaxseed oil affects the quality and fertility of cryopreserved ram sperm in South African indigenous rams. Treatment diets were supplemented 60 days before semen collection to afford proper spermatogenesis, adaptation to the feed formulated and fed throughout the study. Semen was collected with the use of artificial vagina following dietary supplementation with five treatment diets (neg. cont. - negative control, pos. cont. - positive control, FLO - 5% Flaxseed oil, ASA - 4% Ascorbic acid, and FLO + ASA). Semen was then extended using tris-based extender and cryopreserved using the programmable freezer (CBS Freezer 2100 series, Laboratory consumables & chemical suppliers, America). Ovaries were collected from a neighbouring slaughter house and conveyed to the lab in 0.9% saline at 37 °C. Data (sperm parameters and in vitro fertility) was then exposed to the GLM (General Linear Model) in Minitab 17. Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate the relationship between cryopreserved sperm quality and in vitro fertility. The student Least Significant Difference Test was used to separate the treatment means, and differences were accepted when the p-value was less than 0.05. The FLO + ASA group had higher (p < 0.05) progressive (36.33 ± 1.87), total (88.24 ± 2.24), rapid motility (27.52 ± 1.74), intact plasma membrane (75.67 ± 2.08), total fertilization (65.98 ± 7.39), and total cleavage (66.19 ± 6.50) when compared to other treatment groups. Total fertilization rate had a medium significant (p < 0.001) medium correlation with the progressive motility (r2 = 0.435), total motility (r2 = 0.447) and rapid motility (r2 = 0.409). In conclusion, dietary flaxseed and ascorbic acid (FLO + ASA) improves cryopreserved semen quality, in vitro fertilization rate, and the total cleavage rate. Noteworthy, the progressive, total and rapid motility play a crucial in the in vitro fertilization rate.

The impact of flaxseed oil on lipid profiles, weight loss, and inflammatory markers in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Studies investigating the effects of flaxseed oil on lipid profiles, weight loss, and inflammatory markers have produced inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to explore the impact of flaxseed oil on these parameters in hemodialysis patients. The study protocol was registered online (PROSPERO number: CRD42023484076). The meta-analyses showed a significant decrease in triglyceride (TG) levels (WMD = -85.78 mg/dL, 95% CI: -155.24 to -16.32, I2 = 98.32%) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (WMD = -2.66 mg/L, 95% CI: -4.07 to -1.24, I2 = 92.26%) following consumption of flaxseed oil. Subgroup analyses revealed significant changes in LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC levels only in trials utilizing a dosage higher than 10 g per day and using ground flaxseed oil. Based on the results, flaxseed oil improves CRP and TG levels, and higher doses positively affect lipid profiles. However, it has no significant effect on anthropometric measures.

Dietary lipid sources affect growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

The present study explored the effects of different lipid sources on growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory response and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four isonitrogenous (crude protein 50.46 %) and isolipidic (crude lipid 11.12 %) diets were formulated to contain 7 % of different oil sources including fish oil (FO) (control), soybean oil (SO), linseed oil (LO) and coconut oil (CO). Largemouth bass with initial body weight of 36.0 ± 0.2 g were randomly distributed into 12 tanks, with 30 fish per tank and 3 tanks per treatment. The fish were fed with the experiment diets twice daily for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the weight gain of largemouth bass fed the FO diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed the LO and CO diets. The liver crude lipid content in FO group was significantly higher than other groups, while the highest liver triglyceride content was showed in SO group and the lowest was detected in LO group. At transcriptional level, expression of lipogenesis related genes (pparγ, srebp1, fas, acc, dgat1 and dgat2) in the SO and CO group were significantly higher than the FO group. However, the expression of lipolysis and fatty acids oxidation related genes (pparα, cpt1, and aco) in vegetable oils groups were significantly higher than the FO group. As to the antioxidant capacity, vegetable oils significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content of largemouth bass. Total antioxidant capacity in the SO and LO groups were significantly increased compared with the FO group. Catalase in the LO group was significantly increased compared with the FO group. Furthermore, the ER stress related genes, such as grp78, atf6α, atf6ß, chop and xbp1 were significantly enhanced in the vegetable oil groups compared with the FO group. The activity of serum lysozyme in vegetable oil groups were significantly higher than in FO group. Additionally, the relative expression of non-specific immune related genes, including tlr2, mapk11, mapk13, mapk14, rela, tgf-ß1, tnfα, 5lox, il-1ß and il10, were all significantly increased in SO and CO groups compared to the other groups. In conclusion, based on the indexes including growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response, SO and LO could be alternative oil sources for largemouth bass.

Fish oil replacement with different vegetable oils in Onychostoma macrolepis: Effects on fatty acid metabolism based on whole-body fatty acid balance method and genes expression.

To evaluate the fatty acid (FA) metabolism status and possibility as a DHA source of farmed Onychostoma macrolepis, a total of 168 fish (2.03 ± 0.23 g) were fed four diets supplemented with fish oil (FO), linseed oil (LO), soybean oil (SO), and a mixture of LO and SO oil (MO), respectively, for 70 days. Body FA compositions were modified reflecting dietary FAs. Comparing liver and intestine fatty acids with fish fed four diets, the content of ARA in fish fed SO was significantly higher than others (P < 0.05), but showed no difference in muscle. The tissue FA profile showed that the FO-fed group successfully deposited DHA, while the LO-fed group converted ALA to DHA effectively, as well as the liver and intestine EPA was notably highest in the FO group, whereas no difference between the FO and LO group in the muscle. The FA results showed that the DHA contents in the muscle of Onychostoma macrolepis are at a medium-high level compared with several other fish species with the highest aquaculture yield. Correspondingly, in the fish fed diet with LO, SO, and MO, the genes of most FA biosynthesis, transportation, and transcriptional regulation factors were increased in the liver and muscle, but no significant difference was observed in the gene expression of Elovl4b, FATP1, and FABP10 in the muscle. In addition, the enzyme activity involved in PUFA metabolism was higher in fish fed vegetable oil-based diets, corroborating the results of the gene expression. Increased in vivo elongase and desaturase (Δ5, Δ6, and Δ9) activities were recorded in fish fed fish oil-devoid diets, which resulted in the appearance of products associated with elongase and desaturase activities in fish. Besides, as the specific n-3 PUFA synthesis substrate, the dietary supplementation of ALA not only retains most of the nutrition value but also ensures the muscular texture, such as fiber diameter and density. It is concluded that farmed O. macrolepis owns strong n-3 LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity and high DHA contents so it can be a good DHA source for the population.

The impacts of dietary inclusion of soybean oil and linseed oil on growth performance, carcass yield, and health status of growing Japanese quail.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, are essential for enhancing the performance and health of poultry. Avian species lack desaturase enzymes for endogenous synthesis of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. This work aimed to determine the impacts of including soybean oil (SO) and linseed oil (LO) in quail diets on growth, lipid profile, hepatic and renal functions, immunity, and antioxidant status. A total of 350 Japanese quail chicks (1-wk-old) were randomly arranged into 7 dietary treatment groups. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental basal diets were formed based on the nutritional requirements of growing Japanese quail. Group 1, the control, received a basal with no oils, while groups 2 to 7 received a basal diet containing either 1% SO, 1.5% SO, 2% SO, 1% LO, 1.5% LO, or 2% LO, respectively. Quail groups that consumed diets containing LO at all levels showed significantly greater live body weight (LBW) at 5th wk of age than other experimental groups. The dietary incorporation of 1.5 or 2% SO or LO at all levels yielded significant improvements in body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) through 3 to 5 and 1 to 5 wk of age. Different dietary oil sources and levels have no significant impacts on feed intake (FI) and carcass yield parameters. Lipid profile parameters were improved by adding SO and LO in quail diets, with LO having a higher effect than SO. The hepatic and renal functionality were improved by adding SO and LO in quail diets. The lowest uric acid (UA) bloodstream concentrations were recorded in the quail group fed a diet with 2% LO. Values of Gamma globulins (G-GLO) and immunoglobulins (G, M, and A) were increased by adding SO or LO to quail diets. Blood levels of MDA and TAC were improved significantly by including LO in quail diets. The activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme was significantly increased by adding SO or LO to quail diets. Generally, adding SO or LO to growing quail diets up to 2% could yield favorable effects on growth performance, blood lipids, hepatic and renal functions, immunity, and antioxidant status; however, LO seems to have better effects than SO.

Linum usitatissimum seeds oil down-regulates mRNA expression for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and Cyp11A1 genes, ameliorating letrezole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in a rat model.

The safety and effectiveness of nutricetics suggest that they may offer an alternative to pharmaceutical and surgical therapy for hormone-dependent disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We investigated the effects of Linum usitatissimum seed oil (LSO) on ovarian functionality, its molecular targets, and the oxidative response in hyperandrogenism-induced polycystic ovary. The composition of LSO has been analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). A well-established PCOS rat model orally administered with letrozole daily for 21 days was used to investigate the effect of LSO at doses of 1 and 2 mL/kg body weight for 28 days. The effect on hormonal profile and antioxidant status, histopathology (cell proliferation), and the expression ratio of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and Cyp11A1 gene were evaluated. LSO exerted beneficial effects on PCOS rat models via restoring glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), beta subunit subunit luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels, and histopathological scoring. Furthermore, LSO reversed the elevated StAR and Cyp11A1 genes in the PCOS rat model. This study demonstrated the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the beneficial effect of LSO against the reproductive and metabolic disorders of PCOS.

ω3 fatty acid metabolite, 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, alleviates contact hypersensitivity by downregulation of CXCL1 and CXCL2 gene expression in keratinocytes via retinoid X receptor α.

ω3 fatty acids show potent bioactivities via conversion into lipid mediators; therefore, metabolism of dietary lipids is a critical determinant in the properties of ω3 fatty acids in the control of allergic inflammatory diseases. However, metabolic progression of ω3 fatty acids in the skin and their roles in the regulation of skin inflammation remains to be clarified. In this study, we found that 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE), which is a 12-lipoxygenase metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid, was the prominent metabolite accumulated in the skin of mice fed ω3 fatty acid-rich linseed oil. Consistently, the gene expression levels of Alox12 and Alox12b, which encode proteins involved in the generation of 12-HEPE, were much higher in the skin than in the other tissues (eg, gut). We also found that the topical application of 12-HEPE inhibited the inflammation associated with contact hypersensitivity by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration into the skin. In human keratinocytes in vitro, 12-HEPE inhibited the expression of two genes encoding neutrophil chemoattractants, CXCL1 and CXCL2, via retinoid X receptor α. Together, the present results demonstrate that the metabolic progression of dietary ω3 fatty acids differs in different organs, and identify 12-HEPE as the dominant ω3 fatty acid metabolite in the skin.

Effect of flaxseed oil on biochemical parameters, hormonal indexes and stereological changes in ovariectomized rats.

The ovariectomized rat is a widely used preclinical model for studying postmenopausal and its complications. In this study, the therapeutic effect of flaxseed oil on the ovariectomized adult rats was investigated. Our results showed that biochemical parameters including calcium, oestrogen and progesterone levels increase 8 weeks after ovariectomy in rats. Also, the amount of alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly after 8 weeks compared with the OVX rat. The healing potential of flaxseed oil was proven by successfully recovering the affected tissue and preventing the unpleasant symptoms of ovariectomized rats. The biological effects of flaxseed oil may be due to high amounts of fatty acids, phytoestrogens and an array of antioxidants. The results suggest that flaxseed oil can mimic the action of oestrogen and can be a potential treatment for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Reproductive Profile of Etawah Crossbred Does Fed Flushing Diet Containing Different Kinds of Plant Oil and Animal Fat.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Reproduction system is affected by nutrient status of the animal. Flushing is one of reproduction program where the animal should give good quality diet. This study was aimed to evaluate etawah crossbred does reproduction performance giving flushing diet with different fat sources. The fat of plant oils are sunflower and flaxseed and from animal oils are tallow and Lemuru fish. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four of Etawah crossbred does (average body weight 33.83±3.70 kg) were used in this experiment by using completely randomized block design. There are four treatments with four animals of each treatment. The treatments were flushing diet containing 5% sunflower oil (R1), 5.2% flaxseed oil (R2), 5.3% tallow (R3) and 5% Lemuru fish oil (R4). Treatment was given three weeks before and two weeks after matting, following 2 weeks before partus. During pregnant, the does were given basal diet (ratio concentrate:napier grass was 70:30). Body condition score, nutrient status, blood metabolite and hormone and also performance reproduction were evaluated. RESULTS: The nutrient consumption was same in all treatment. Blood glucose were same in all treatments but the highest blood cholesterol was in R3 during estrus and in R4 during mid gestation. The highest plasma estradiol was in R1 during early gestation, while the highest plasma progesterone was in R2 during late gestation. Litter size and birth weight were same in all treatment, while the highest total embryo was in R2 treatment. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that flaxseed oil for flushing diet was significantly increased number of total embryo.

Effects of supplemental pine needles powder (Pinus brutia) on growth performance, breast meat composition, and antioxidant status in broilers fed linseed oil-based diets.

This study was proposed to examine the effects of pine needles powder (Pinus brutia) supplementation on growth performance, breast meat composition, and antioxidant status in broilers fed linseed oil-based diets. For this purpose, a total of 210, Ross-308 1-day-old male broiler chicks were allocated to 5 experimental groups each containing 42 birds. Broilers were fed a linseed oil-based basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.25% (P1), 0.50% (P2), 0.75% (P3), and 1% (P4) pine needles powder. During the 42-D feeding period, no significant differences were observed between experimental groups for body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio; however, carcass yield was increased linearly with pine needles powder supplementation. No marked changes in the breast meat chemical composition were observed among experimental groups. Supplemental pine needles powder linearly decreased the malondialdehyde concentration in breast meat and liver tissues; however, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of breast meat samples remained unaffected. No significant variation was observed among experimental groups for superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in blood erythrocyte lysates, but blood serum total oxidation status tended to decrease with pine needles powder supplementation. In conclusion, results suggested that pine needles powder supplementation to broiler diets could be a viable option to improve the animal antioxidant status and meat oxidative stability; however, supplementation of Pinus brutia needles powder up to 1% into broiler diets was not sufficient to efficiently curb the fat-induced oxidation in meat. Further investigation is needed to determine the full antioxidant potential of pine needles powder supplementation in poultry by comparing different pine species, evaluating the bioavailability of their active compounds and determining most effective dietary concentration for broiler meat production without any adverse effects.

Effect of α-linolenic acid on vascular function and metabolic risk markers during the fasting and postprandial phase: A randomized placebo-controlled trial in untreated (pre-)hypertensive individuals.

BACKGROUND: Only a limited number of studies have examined the vascular and postprandial effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3n-3). Therefore, we performed a well-controlled trial focusing specifically on the effects of ALA on vascular function and metabolic risk markers during the fasting and postprandial phase in untreated (pre-)hypertensive individuals. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled parallel study, 59 overweight and obese adults (40 men and 19 women, aged 60 ± 8 years) with a high-normal blood pressure or mild (stage I) hypertension consumed daily either 10 g of refined cold-pressed flaxseed oil, providing 4.7 g ALA (n = 29), or 10 g of high-oleic sunflower (control) oil (n = 30) for 12 weeks. RESULTS: As compared with the high-oleic oil control, intake of flaxseed oil did not change brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation, carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity, retinal microvascular calibers and plasma markers of microvascular endothelial function during the fasting and postprandial phase. Fasting plasma concentrations of free fatty acid (FFA) and TNF-α decreased by 58 µmol/L (P = 0.02) and 0.14 pg/mL (P = 0.03), respectively. No differences were found in other fasting markers of lipid and glucose metabolism, and low-grade systemic inflammation. In addition, dietary ALA did not affect postprandial changes in glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol, FFA and plasma inflammatory markers after meal intake. CONCLUSION: A high intake of ALA, about 3-5 times the recommended daily intake, for 12 weeks decreased fasting FFA and TNF-α plasma concentrations. No effects were found on other metabolic risk markers and vascular function during the fasting and postprandial phase in untreated high-normal and stage I hypertensive individuals.

Impacts of replacement of dietary fish oil by vegetable oils on growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity, and inflammatory response in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea.

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacement of dietary fish oil by palm and linseed oils on the growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity, and inflammatory responses of large yellow croaker (initial body weight: 36.82 ± 0.29 g). The control diet was designed to contain 6.5% of fish oil, and named as FO. On the basis of the control diet, the fish oil was 100% replaced by palm and linseed oils, and these two diets were named as PO and LO, respectively. Results showed that the specific growth rate significantly reduced in the PO and LO groups. Crude lipid content in liver of fish fed FO was significantly lower than that in the PO and LO groups. Fatty acid composition in liver reflected the dietary input. Compared with the FO group, palm oil inclusion significantly decreased expressions of superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in liver, while linseed oil inclusion significantly increased expressions of above genes. However, both of the PO and LO groups had a significantly lower total anti-oxidative capacity in liver than the fish fed FO. Dietary palm and linseed oils significantly decreased expressions of arginase I and interleukin 10, and increased expressions of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1ß, toll-like receptor 22, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in liver. In conclusion, total replacement of dietary fish oil by palm and linseed oils could suppress growth performance and liver anti-oxidative capacity, and induce inflammatory responses of large yellow croaker.

Protective Effect of α-Linolenic Acid on Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis and Interleukin-6 and -10 in Wistar Rats.

Consumption of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is related to improvement in the inflammatory response associated with decreases in metabolic disorders of obesity, such as low-grade inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil is a primary source of n-3 fatty acids (FAs) of plant origin, particularly α-linolenic acid, and provides an alternative for the ingestion of n-3 PUFA by persons allergic to, or wishing to avoid, animal sources. In our study, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of different lipidic sources on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in Wistar rats. We split 56 male rats into four groups that were fed for 60 days with the following diets: sesame oil, (SO, Sesamum indicum), linseed oil (LO), SO + LO (SLO), and a control group (CG) fed with animal fat. Our results reveal that the use of LO or SLO produced improvements in the hepatic tissue, such as lower values of aspartate aminotransferase, liver weight, and hepatic steatosis. LO and SLO reduced the weight of visceral fats, weight gain, and mediated the inflammation through a decrease in interleukin (IL)-6 and increase in IL-10. Though we did not detect any significant differences in the intestine histology and the purinergic system enzymes, the consumption of α-linolenic acid appears to contribute to the inflammatory and hepatic modulation of animals compared with a diet rich in saturated FAs and or unbalanced in n-6/n-3 PUFAs, inferring possible use in treatment of metabolic disorders associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Flaxseed oil supplementation improves intestinal function and immunity, associated with altered intestinal microbiome and fatty acid profile in pigs with intrauterine growth retardation.

Flaxseed oil (FO), enriched in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is an important oil source for intestinal development and health. We aimed to study the different effects of FO versus soybean oil (SO) on growth, intestinal health and immune function of neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) using a weaned piglet model. Forty pairs of male IUGR and normal birth weight piglets, weaned at 21 ± 1 d, were fed diets containing either 4% FO or SO for 3 weeks consecutively. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal function parameters, immunology and microbiota composition were determined. IUGR led to a poor growth rate, nutrient digestibility and abnormal immunology variables, whereas feeding FO diet improved systemic and gut immunity, as indicated by increased plasma concentration of immunoglobulin G and decreased CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes, and down-regulated intestinal expression of genes (MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-10). Although IUGR tended to decrease villous height, feeding FO diet tended to increase the villi-crypt ratio and up-regulated expressions of tight junction genes (Claudin-1 and ZO-1), together with increased mucosa contents of n-3 PUFAs and a lower Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio. Besides, FO diet decreased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria Spirochaetes, and increased phylum Actinobacteria, and genera Blautia and Bifidobacterium in colonic digesta. Our findings indicate that IUGR impairs growth rate, nutrient digestibility, and partly immunology variables, whereas feeding FO-supplemented diet could improve intestinal function and immunity of both IUGR and NBW pigs, associated with the altered gut microbiome and mucosal fatty acid profile.

Influence of dietary linseed oil as substitution of fish oil on whole fish fatty acid composition, lipid metabolism and oxidative status of juvenile Manchurian trout, Brachymystax lenok.

In this study, juvenile Manchurian trout, Brachymystax lenok (initial weight: 6.43 ± 0.02 g, mean ± SE) were received for nine weeks with five types of diets prepared by gradually replacing the proportion of fish oil (FO) with linseed oil (LO) from 0% (LO0) to 25% (LO25), 50% (LO50), 75% (LO75), and 100% (LO100). The eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) composition decreased with increasing inclusion level of LO (P < 0.05). With increasing LO inclusion level, triglyceride (TAG) content of serum increased significantly, however, there was a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (P < 0.05). LO substitution of FO up-regulated the gene expression level of lipid metabolism-related genes Fatty Acid Desaturases 6 (FAD6), Acetyl-Coa Carboxylase (ACCα), Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 (SREBP-1), and Sterol O- Acyl Transferase 2 (SOAT2), and down-regulated the gene expression level of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor a (PPARα) (P < 0.05). The SOD activities of both serum and liver in LO100 were significantly lower than in LO25 (P < 0.05). The CAT activity of the liver in LO100 was significantly lower than in LO0 and LO25 (P < 0.05). This study indicates that the Manchurian trout may have the ability to synthesize LC-PUFAs from ALA, and an appropriate LO in substitution of FO (<75%) could improve both the lipid metabolism and the oxidation resistance.

Flaxseed oil modulates semen production and its quality profiles, freezability, testicular biometrics and endocrinological profiles in mithun.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a unique domestic free range bovine species of North Eastern Hilly (NEH) regions of India. Effect of feed supplementation of Flaxseed oil (FSO) on semen production and its quality profiles, freezability, oxidative stress, apoptotic sperm percentage and subsequently on endocrinological profiles & scrotal and testicular biometrics in different seasons was studied in mithun. The experimental animals were divided into two groups, Gr I: Control (n = 3) and Gr II: Treatment (n = 3; Flaxseed oil @ 150 mL/day). FSO was supplemented through oral drench in the morning hours just before concentrate feeding. A total of 80 semen samples (n = 80; 20 semen samples from each season; each 10 semen samples from control and treatment groups per season) were collected, not more than twice per week in winter, spring, autumn and summer seasons. Semen quality profiles (SQPs) such as volume, sperm concentration, motility (forward progressive and total), motility & velocity profiles by computer assisted sperm analyser (CASA), viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane & nuclear abnormality and apoptotic sperm percentage were estimated in fresh semen. Along with SQPs measured in fresh semen, motility in estrus bovine cervical mucus (bovine cervical mucus penetration test; BCMPT) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by JC-1 stain were determined in the post-thawed semen samples. Biochemical profiles (aspartate aminotransferase; AST, alanine aminotransferase; ALT, total cholesterol; CHO), antioxidant profiles (superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; CAT, glutathione; GSH, total antioxidant capacity; TAC) and oxidative stress profile (malondialdehyde; MDA) were estimated in fresh semen whereas AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TAC and MDA were estimated in the frozen thawed semen samples. Endocrinological profiles such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, cortisol and thyroxin and scrotal circumference (SC) & testicular biometrics were measured in both groups in different seasons. Result revealed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in motility (total & forward progressive, motility & velocity by CASA and vanguard distance in cervical mucus), viability, intactness of acrosome & plasma membrane, MMP, antioxidant profiles and reduction in total sperm and nuclear abnormalities, reduction in leakage of intracellular enzymes and reduction in oxidative stress profile and reduction of apoptotic sperm percentage were observed in FSO supplemented than in un-supplemented control group accordingly in fresh and post thawed semen samples. Blood FSH, LH, testosterone and thyroxin concentration were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and cortisol concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in FSO supplemented group than in unsupplemented control group. Similarly, SC and testicular biometrics were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in supplemented than unsupplemented group for different seasons and significantly (p < 0.05) higher in winter and spring than in summer season in the experimental groups. It can be concluded from the study that supplementation of FSO can effectively be utilized to improve the antioxidant profiles, reduction of oxidative stress with cascading beneficial effects on SQPs and fertility status of the mithun bull.

Flaxseed Oil or n-7 Fatty Acid-Enhanced Fish Oil Supplementation Alters Fatty Acid Composition, Plasma Insulin and Serum Ceramide Concentrations, and Gene Expression in Lambs.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of flaxseed (FLAX) oil or 16-carbon n-7 fatty acid -enhanced fish oil (Provinal; POA) supplementation on serum, liver and skeletal muscle fatty acid concentrations, serum ceramide and plasma insulin concentrations, and gene expression. Lambs [n = 18; 42 ± 5.6 kg body weight (BW); 7 months] were individually fed one of the three treatments: (1) control (CON), no oil supplement, (2) FLAX; at 0.1% of BW, or (3) POA at 0.1% of BW for 60 days. Daily feed intake and weight gain were decreased by 21% and 34%, respectively, for POA than FLAX. Liver and skeletal muscle concentrations of palmitoleic acid were greater by 396% and 87%, respectively, for POA than FLAX; whereas, liver and skeletal muscle α-linolenic acid concentrations were greater by 199% and 118%, respectively, for FLAX. Supplementation with POA also had greater serum and tissue concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Serum glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were elevated with FLAX supplementation at the end of the study. Supplementation with POA altered serum ceramide concentrations compared to CON or FLAX. Oil supplementation, both FLAX and POA, downregulated expression of unesterified fatty acid receptors (FFAR) 1 and FFAR4 in the liver; however, oil supplementation upregulated expression of FFAR1 in muscle. Interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFA) expression were downregulated with oil supplementation in the liver; however, FLAX upregulated TNFA in muscle. These results show that oil supplementation can enhance uptake and deposition of unique fatty acids that alter ceramide concentrations and gene expression in tissues.

Linseed oil can decrease liver fat deposition and improve antioxidant ability of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides.

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of linseed oil (LO) on growth, plasma biochemistry, hepatic metabolism enzymes, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. Four isonitrogenous (crude protein, 45%) and isoenergetic (gross energy, 18 MJ/kg) diets were formulated by replacing 0 (the control), 33.3%, 66.7%, and 100% of fish oil with linseed oil. Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of fish (initial body weight, 22.02 ± 0.61 g) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that fish fed diet with 100% LO substitution level had lower weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than the other groups (P < 0.05), while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Feed intake (FI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of 66.7% LO substitution level were significantly lower than the control groups (P < 0.05). Glycogen, lipid, and non-esterified fatty acid content in the liver decreased significantly with increasing dietary LO levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, the replacement of fish oil (FO) with LO could significantly reduce the content of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) and the activity of alanine amiotransferase (ALT) in plasma of M. salmoides (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in hepatic metabolism enzymes in fish fed diets with different dietary LO levels. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α) activities in liver significantly increased with increasing dietary LO level (P < 0.05). In addition, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) activities in the liver significantly increased with decreasing dietary LO level (P < 0.05). Both the lowest superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver were recorded in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, nitric oxide content, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities in the liver significantly increased with increasing dietary LO level, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly reduced. These findings demonstrated that LO can improve liver function and antioxidant ability of M. salmoides. In addition, replacing partial FO with LO cannot affect growth performance, but all substitutions inhibit growth performance of M. salmoides.

Sexual dimorphism on aortic remodelling in rats offspring from diabetic mothers and the role of flaxseed oil in this effect.

Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with aortic remodelling in the fetus, stimulating the development of cardiovascular diseases in adult life. However, studies suggest that the use of foods high in omega-3 fatty acid, such as flaxseed oil, may reverse this effect of metabolic programming. This study aimed at investigating whether the effects of diabetes in mothers are passed on to their offspring in a gender-specific manner and whether the flaxseed oil used during pregnancy and lactation reverses or not the possible negative effects of this programming. Diabetic female rats (n = 18) were mated and allocated into three groups (n = 6): high-fat group (HG); flaxseed oil group (FOG) and control group (CG) (nondiabetic rats) during pregnancy and lactation. On the 21st day, male and female pups were weaned on a standard diet until 180 days. Aorta histomorphometry was analysed. Intima-media layer thickness was larger in FOG than CG in male (+15%) and than HG in female (+13.7%). Male FOG (+11.5%) showed higher amount of elastic fibre than CG. Maternal intake of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation of diabetic mothers program the offspring to increase aorta intima-media layer thickness in adulthood and preserves aorta elastic fibres deposition in male offspring.