Associations of fatty acids composition and estimated desaturase activities in erythrocyte phospholipids with biochemical and clinical indicators of cardiometabolic risk in non-diabetic Serbian women: the role of level of adiposity.

Introduction: Fatty acids (FAs) composition and desaturase activities can be altered in different metabolic conditions, but the adiposity-independent associations with clinical and biochemical indicators of cardiometabolic risk are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the associations of FAs composition and estimated desaturase activities with anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical cardiometabolic risk indicators in non-diabetic Serbian women, and to investigate if these associations were independent of the level of adiposity and other confounders. Methods: In 76 non-diabetic, otherwise healthy Serbian women, aged 24-68 years, with or without metabolic syndrome or obesity (BMI=23.6±5.6 kg/m2), FA composition in erythrocyte phospholipids was measured by gas-liquid chromatography. Desaturase activities were estimated from product/precursor FAs ratios (D9D:16:1n-7/16:0; D6D:20:3n-6/18:2n-6; D5D:20:4n-6/20:3n-6). Correlations were made with anthropometric, biochemical (serum glucose, triacylglycerols, LDL-C, HDL-C, ALT, AST, and their ratios) and clinical (blood pressure) indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Linear regression models were performed to test the independence of these associations. Results: Estimated desaturase activities and certain FAs were associated with anthropometric, clinical and biochemical indicators of cardiometabolic risk: D9D, D6D, 16:1n-7 and 20:3n-6 were directly associated, while D5D and 18:0 were inversely associated. However, the associations with clinical and biochemical indicators were not independent of the associations with the level of adiposity, since they were lost after controlling for anthropometric indices. After controlling for multiple confounders (age, postmenopausal status, education, smoking, physical activity, dietary macronutrient intakes, use of supplements, alcohol consumption), the level of adiposity was the most significant predictor of desaturase activities and aforementioned FAs levels, and mediated their association with biochemical/clinical indicators. Vice versa, desaturase activities predicted the level of adiposity, but not other components of cardiometabolic risk (if the level of adiposity was accounted). While the associations of anthropometric indices with 16:1n-7, 20:3n-6, 18:0 and D9D and D6D activities were linear, the associations with D5D activity were the inverse U-shaped. The only adiposity-independent association of FAs profiles with the indicators of cardiometabolic risk was a positive association of 20:5n-3 with ALT/AST ratio, which requires further exploration. Discussion: Additional studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of the observed associations.

Pulsed electromagnetic field attenuates bone fragility in estrogen-deficient osteoporosis in rats.

BACKGROUND: The pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) seem effective in increasing bone mineral density and promoting osteogenesis and bone healing. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of two different modalities of PEMFs therapy in comparison with the recommended pharmacological treatment on experimental osteoporosis in rats. METHODS: The experimental model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy was used in this study. The animals were exposed to PEMFs of various frequencies (40 Hz and 25 Hzk), intensities (10 mT and 36.4 µT), lengths of exposure, and the effects were compared with the standard treatment with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. RESULTS: The application of PEMF40Hz, significantly reduced the osteoporotic bone loss in female rats that were confirmed with biochemical, biomechanical, and histological analyses. These effects were more pronounced than in osteoporotic animals treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. On the contrary, the exposure to PEMF25Hz did not show restorative effects but led to further progression of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The exposure to PEMF40Hz, significantly restored osteoporosis and attenuated bone fragility in comparison to the rats exposed to PEMF25Hz or those treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.

The Effect of Fish Oil-Based Foods on Lipid and Oxidative Status Parameters in Police Dogs.

The synthesis, degradation, and reconstruction of the cell membrane as a metabolic pathway of phospholipids is a constant and dynamic process. Fatty acids as bioactive lipid components of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as structural lipids have biological roles in the integrity of cell membranes. Fatty acids, depending on the chain length, the degree of saturation, and the synthesis pathways, can alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress caused by excessive exercise. Considering that changing food intake or diet can influence fatty acid phospholipid metabolism, our study aimed to determine the potential benefits of fish-based diets in working (police) dogs undergoing intensive training concerning bioactive lipids such as fatty acids, phospholipids of plasma, and erythrocytes. Fatty acid esters' composition of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as a bioactive lipids, in addition to markers of oxidative stress and metabolic parameters, were analysed by GC chromatography. The food was well tolerated by all dogs, and the compliance to the diet was high throughout the study. After the treatment with fish-based food, blood glucose, total, and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, indicating positive biochemical profiles of dogs. Correlations of fatty acid phospholipid compositions between plasma and erythrocytes have shown that both plasma and erythrocytes could represent markers of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid intake levels in dogs. Morover, fish-based food supplementation caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation markers. The enrichment of dogs' diets with marine fish could improve oxidative status and improve roles and status of bioactive lipids, such as membrane phospholipids and fatty acids, as its components in plasma and erythrocytes in police dogs exposed to intensive exercise.

Effects of Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Treatment and the Efficiency of Its Conversion to Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids in Obesity and Related Diseases.

The essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present in high amounts in oils such as flaxseed, soy, hemp, rapeseed, chia, and perilla, while stearidonic acid is abundant in echium oil. ALA is metabolized to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by desaturases and elongases in humans. The conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is limited, and these long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are mainly provided from dietary sources (fish and seafood). This review provides an overview of studies that explored the effects of dietary supplementation with ALA in obesity and related diseases. The obesity-associated changes of desaturase and elongase activities are summarized, as they could influence the metabolic conversion of ALA. Generally, supplementation with ALA or ALA-rich oils leads to an increase in EPA levels and has no effect on DHA or omega-3 index. According to the literature data, stearidonic acid could enhance conversion of ALA to long-chain n-3 PUFA in obesity. Recent studies confirm that EPA and DHA intake should be considered as a primary dietary treatment strategy for improving the omega-3 index in obesity and related diseases.

N-acetyl-L-cysteine protects dental tissue stem cells against oxidative stress in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate whether N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) could protect stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) against oxidative damage, during in vitro cultivation, to preserve regenerative potential of these cells. Accordingly, we examined the potential of cell culture supplementation with NAC in prevention of lipid peroxidation, unfavorable changes of total lipids fatty acid composition, and the effects on the activity of antioxidant enzymes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the extent of oxidative damage in SHED after 48 h treatment with different NAC concentrations. Cellular lipid peroxidation was determined upon reaction with thiobarbituric acid. All enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically, based on published methods. Fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Concentration of 0.1 mM NAC showed the most profound effects on SHED, significantly decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation in comparison to control. This dose also diminished the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, NAC treatment significantly changed fatty acid composition of cells, reducing levels of oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids and increasing linoleic acid, n-6, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportions. CONCLUSION: Low dose of NAC significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and altered fatty acid composition towards increasing PUFA. The reduced oxidative damage of cellular lipids could be strongly related to improved SHED survival in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low doses of antioxidants, applied during stem cells culturing and maintenance, could improve cellular characteristics in vitro. This is prerequisite for successful use of stem cells in various clinical applications.

Influence of 340 mT static magnetic field on germination potential and mid-infrared spectrum of wheat.

In a number of studies, a static magnetic field was observed to positively influence the growing process of various plants; however, the effect has not yet been related to possible structural changes. We investigate if the static magnetic field that improves germination of wheat also alters wheat's near-infrared spectrum. Two groups of seeds were exposed to 340 mT for 16 h cumulatively. The first group was exposed 8 days for 2 h per day, while the second group was exposed 4 h per day for 4 consecutive days. One half of each of the exposed seed groups as well as of the unexposed control groups was sown, and the other half was used for mid-infrared spectra measurements. The sown seeds were monitored for 3 weeks after sowing. Germination of the groups exposed to the magnetic field was faster compared to corresponding non-exposed groups that were grown under the same conditions. The magnetic field exposure caused the enhancement of one OH peak at 3,369 cm-1 and two CO peaks at 1,662 cm-1 and 1,740 cm-1 in the mid-infrared spectrum. The effect was more pronounced for the 4 day, 4 h/day exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:533-540, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Systematic review using meta-analyses to estimate dose-response relationships between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status in different population groups.

The objective of this systematic review was to identify studies investigating iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status, to assess the data of the selected studies, and to estimate dose-response relationships using meta-analysis. All randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, nested case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies that supplied or measured dietary iodine and measured iodine biomarkers were included. The overall pooled regression coefficient (ß) and the standard error of ß were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis on a double-log scale, using the calculated intake-status regression coefficient (ß) for each individual study. The results of pooled randomized controlled trials indicated that the doubling of dietary iodine intake increased urinary iodine concentrations by 14% in children and adolescents, by 57% in adults and the elderly, and by 81% in pregnant women. The dose-response relationship between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status indicated a 12% decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone and a 31% decrease in thyroglobulin in pregnant women. The model of dose-response quantification used to describe the relationship between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status may be useful for providing complementary evidence to support recommendations for iodine intake in different population groups.

Effects of dietary milled seed mixture on fatty acid status and inflammatory markers in patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Plant seeds have gained interest for their health benefits due to their fatty acid content. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary consumption of milled sesame/pumpkin/flax seed mixture on glycemic control, serum lipids, phospholipid fatty acid status, and inflammatory factors in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: Thirty patients with well nutrition status (18 male, 12 female) were enrolled in the study. Participants consumed 30 g of milled sesame/pumpkin/flax (6 g/6 g/18 g, resp.) seeds mixture added to their habitual diet. RESULTS: Total n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and levels of linoleic, dihomo-gamma-linolenic (DGLA), arachidonic, alpha-linolenic (ALA), eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid were increased after 12 weeks of supplementation. A significant decrease of the serum triglyceride level (P < 0.001), glucose, insulin, calculated IR HOMA (P < 0.05), and inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and hs-CRP, P < 0.001) was observed after seed mixture treatment. The serum levels of CRP and TNF-alpha negative correlate with ALA, DHA, and DGLA. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicated that dietary milled sesame/pumpkin/flax seed mixture added to a habitual diet lowered triglyceride and CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 levels, affect glycemic control and improved fatty acid profile and pruritus symptoms in hemodialysis patients.

Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of buckwheat leaf and flower mixture in hyperlipidemic rats.

As a source of biologically active compounds, buckwheat has beneficial effects in nutrition due to its high content of flavonoids, particularly rutin. Aim of our study was to examine effects of buckwheat on plasma lipid status and phospholipids fatty acids composition, histological and parameters of oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. This study showed that buckwheat leaf and flower (BLF) mixture supplementation significantly reduce weight gain, plasma lipid concentrations and atherogenic index in rats fed a high-fat diet. Treatment of the high-fat group of animals with buckwheat significantly increased percentage of n-6 fatty acids as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decreased percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and oleic acid. Buckwheat antioxidant effects diminished negative influence of high-fat diet in hyperlipidemic rats, while pathohistological analysis of liver confirmed changes after high-fat consumption. Our results showed hypolipidemic, antiatherogenic and antioxidative features of buckwheat leaf and flower mixture, and these parts of the plant with the highest rutin content could be beneficial in prevention and curing of hyperlipidemia.

Effects of n-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Plasma Phospholipids Fatty Acid Composition in Patients with Obstructive Jaundice- a Pilot Study.

Nutritional and immunological status of patients with obstructive jaundice is usually severely altered, with high mortality rates. The n-3 polyunsaturate fatty acids (PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), posess potent immunomodulatory activities. Thus, our aim was to compare the plasma phospholipid fatty acid (FA) composition of these patients with healthy subjects, as well as before and after 7 days preoperative supplementation with high doses of EPA (0.9 g per day) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3, 0.6 g per day). We found impaired FA status in obstructive jaundice patients, especially EPA, DHA and PUFA, but significantly increased content of total n-3 FA, 22:5 n-3 FA and particularly EPA, which increased more than 3 fold, after 7 days supplementation. In addition, the n6/n3 ratio significantly decreased from 14.24 to 10.24, demonstrating severely improved plasma phospholipid profile in these patients after the intervention.