Supplementation of Extender with Melatonin Improves the Motility, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Fertilization Ability of Cryopreserved Brown-Marbled Grouper Sperm.

Sperm cryopreservation is a valuable tool for breeding, conservation, and genetic improvement in aquatic resources, while oxidative damage will cause a decline in sperm quality during this progress. Melatonin (MT), a natural antioxidant hormone, is used as an additive in sperm cryopreservation to reduce cellular damage from oxidative stress. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of adding MT to the freezing medium in sperm cryopreservation of brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). Different concentrations of MT (0, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/mL) were tested. We evaluated sperm motility, viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and fertilization ability to assess the effects of MT supplementation. Our results demonstrated that the addition of MT to the extender improved the post-thaw motility, MMP, and fertilization ability of brown-marbled grouper sperm. The total motility, curvilinear velocity, straight linear velocity, and average path velocity in MT-treated groups (0.1 and 0.25 mg/mL) exhibited significantly higher values than that of the control group. A higher MMP (p < 0.05) was observed in the group treated with 0.25 mg/mL MT, suggesting that supplementation of MT in the extender might be able to protect mitochondrial membrane integrity effectively. Regarding fertilizing ability, 0.25 mg/mL MT yielded a significantly higher hatching rate than the control. An adverse effect was found with the concentration of MT up to 0.5 mg/mL, suggesting the possible toxicity of a high-dose addition. In this study, we optimized the sperm cryopreservation protocol of brown-marbled grouper, which might be valuable for sperm cryopreservation and sample commercialization of groupers and other fish.

Dietary intake of different ratios of ARA/DHA in early stages and its impact on infant development.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) are essential in the development of infants. ARA and DHA from breast milk or infant formula are the main sources of access for infants to meet their physiological and metabolic needs. The ratio of ARA to DHA in breast milk varies among regions and different lactation stages. Different ratios of ARA and DHA mainly from algal oil, animal fat, fish oil, and microbial oil, are added to infant formula in different regions and infant age ranges. Supplementing with appropriate ratios of ARA and DHA during infancy promotes brain, neural, visual, and other development aspects. In this review, we first introduced the current intake status of ARA and DHA in different locations, lactation stages, and age ranges in breast milk and infant formula. Finally, we discussed the effect of different ratios of ARA and DHA on infant development. This review provided a comprehensive research basis for the nutritional research of infants who consume different ratios of ARA and DHA.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Modulates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Suppressing Endocannabinoid System.

SCOPE: Endocannabinoid signaling regulates energy homeostasis, and is tightly associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study previously finds that supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has superior function to ameliorate NAFLD compared with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. The present study aims to investigate whether DHA intervention alleviates NAFLD via endocannabinoid system. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a case-control study, the serum endocannabinoid ligands in 60 NAFLD and 60 healthy subjects are measured. Meanwhile, NAFLD model is established in mice fed a high-fat and -cholesterol diet (HFD) for 9 weeks. DHA or EPA is administrated for additional 9 weeks. Serum primary endocannabinoid ligands, namely anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoniylglycerol (2-AG), are significantly higher in individuals with NAFLD compared with healthy controls. NAFLD model shows that serum 2-AG concentrations and adipocyte cannabinoid receptor 1 expression levels are significantly lower in DHA group compared with HFD group. Lipidomic and targeted ceramide analyses further confirm that endocannabinoid signaling inhibition has exerted deletion of hepatic C16:0-ceramide contents, resulting in down-regulation of de novo fatty acid synthesis and up-regulation of fatty acid ß-oxidation related protein expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: This work elucidates that DHA has improved NAFLD by suppressing endocannabinoid system.

Effects of coffee and tea on postprandial cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy individuals: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of different coffee and tea consumption on postprandial glucose and lipid metabolism has never been reported previously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different coffee or tea consumption at breakfast on postprandial cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy individuals. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen healthy young subjects completed the trial. After 8-hour overnight fast, volunteers either ingested water, freeze-dried coffee, spray-dried coffee, green tea, black tea or oolong tea together with a breakfast consisting of an egg and 180g deep-fried dough sticks. Blood was drawn at 0h, 0.5h, 1h, 2h, and 3h. RESULTS: The differences in triglyceride (TG) values relative to the baseline levels at 2h and 3h of green tea was significantly decreased compared with black tea and oolong tea (p<0.05). Compared with black tea, green tea and oolong tea significantly reduced postprandial total cholesterol (TC) levels (p<0.05, p<0.01), respectively. Furthermore, the serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were substantially decreased after oolong tea consumption compared with black tea (p<0.05, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Green tea ingestion can lower the elevation of serum TG and TC levels after high-fat or high-cholesterol diets. Our findings have far-reaching implications given the widespread use of coffee and tea and the current concern over cardiometabolic risk factors.

Effects of dietary supplementation of fish oil plus vitamin D3 on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites, and their correlation with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease risk factors: a randomized controlled trial.

We previously reported that fish oil plus vitamin D3 (FO + D) could ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, it is unclear whether the beneficial effects of FO + D on NAFLD are associated with gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of FO + D on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites and their correlation with NAFLD risk factors. Methods: A total of 61 subjects were randomly divided into three groups: FO + D group (2.34 g day-1 of eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + 1680 IU vitamin D3), FO group (2.34 g day-1 of EPA + DHA), and corn oil (CO) group (1.70 g d-1 linoleic acid). Blood and fecal samples were collected at the baseline and day 90. Gut microbiota were analyzed through 16S rRNA PCR analysis, and fecal co-metabolites were determined via untargeted ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Results: The relative abundance of Eubacterium (p = 0.03) and Lactobacillus (p = 0.05) increased, whereas that of Streptococcus (p = 0.02) and Dialister (p = 0.04) decreased in the FO + D group compared with the CO group. Besides, changes in tetracosahexaenoic acid (THA, C24:6 n-3) (p = 0.03) levels were significantly enhanced, whereas 8,9-DiHETrE levels (p < 0.05) were reduced in the FO + D group compared with the CO group. The changes in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels in the fecal samples were inversely associated with insulin resistance, which was determined using the homeostatic model assessment model (HOMA-IR, r = -0.29, p = 0.02), and changes in 8,9-DiHETrE levels were positively associated with adiponectin levels (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present results indicate that the beneficial effects of FO + D on NAFLD may be partially attributed to the impact on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid or triacylglycerol form attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via mediating cannabinoid receptor 1/adiponectin/ceramide pathway.

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have shown to exert beneficial effects in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Supplements of n-3 PUFA occur in either phospholipid or triacylglycerol form. The present study aimed to compare whether the different n-3 PUFA of marine-origin, namely krill oil, DHA/EPA-phospholipid (PL), and EPA/DHA-triacylglycerol (TAG) forms had differential abilities to ameliorate NAFLD. The NAFLD model was established in mice fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFD). The mice showed evidence of weight gain, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis after 9 weeks of HFD, while the three forms of the n-3 PUFA reduced hepatic TAG accumulation, fatty liver and improved insulin instance, and hepatic biomarkers after 9 weeks of intervention. Of these, krill oil intervention significantly reduced adipocyte hypertrophy and hepatic steatosis in comparison with DHA/EPA-PL and EPA/DHA-TAG groups. Importantly, only krill oil intervention significantly reduced serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase concentrations and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, compared with the HFD group. Supplemental n-3 PUFA lowered circulating anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) concentrations, compared with the HFD group, which was associated with down-regulating CB1 and upregulating adiponectin expressions in adipose tissue. Besides, targeted lipidomic analyses indicated that the increased adiponectin levels were accompanied by reductions in hepatic ceramide levels. The reduced ceramide levels were associated with inhibiting lipid synthesis and increasing fatty acid ß-oxidation, finally inhibiting TAG accumulation in the liver. Through mediating CB1/adiponectin/ceramide pathway, the present study suggested that administration of krill oil had superior health effects in the therapy of NAFLD in comparison with DHA/EPA-PL and EPA/DHA-TAG.

The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on cognitive function outcomes in the elderly depends on the baseline omega-3 index.

Both epidemiological and preclinical studies have shown the benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on dementia and cognitive impairment, yet the results of clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed to date are conflicting. The difference in the baseline omega-3 index (O3i) of subjects is a potential cause for this disparity, yet this is usually ignored. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on cognitive function in the elderly and the role of baseline O3i. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to June 27th, 2023. The mean changes in the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score were calculated as weighted mean differences by using a fixed-effects model. Fifteen random controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation did not significantly improve the MMSE score (WMD = 0.04, [-0.08, 0.16]; Z = 0.62, P = 0.53; I2 = 0.00%, P(I2) = 0.49). Out of the 15 studies included in the meta-analysis, only 7 reported O3i at baseline and outcome, so only these 7 articles were used for subgroup analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that the MMSE score was significantly improved in the higher baseline O3i subgroup (WMD = 0.553, [0.01, 1.095]; I2 = 0.00%, P(I2) = 0.556) and higher O3i increment subgroup (WMD = 0.525, [0.023, 1.026]; I2 = 0.00%, P(I2) = 0.545). The overall effect demonstrated that n-3 PUFA supplementation exerted no improvement on global cognitive function. However, a higher baseline O3i and higher O3i increment were associated with an improvement in cognitive function in the elderly.

[Exploration and consideration on establishing a core outcome set of Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical trials in distal radius fracture].

There are inconsistencies in treatment outcomes, measurement instruments, and criteria for assessing clinical effectiveness in studies related to distal radius fractures (DRF), resulting in potential biases and failing to provide high-quality clinical evidence. To address these challenges, international researchers have reached a consensus on developing the core outcome indicator set for distal radius fractures(COS-DRF). However, it's important to note that the existing COS-DRF framework could not reflect the unique characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Currently, there are no established standards for treatment outcomes and measurement instruments specific to TCM clinical research, nor has a COS-DRF been established for TCM clinical studies in China. In light of these gaps, our research team aims to construct a core set of treatment outcomes for TCM clinical research on distal radius fractures. This involves compiling a comprehensive list of treatment outcomes and measurement instruments, initially derived from a thorough literature review and expert consensus, which will then undergo further refinement and updates based on real-world clinical experiences, incorporating feedback from 2 to 3 rounds of expert consensus or Delphi questionnaire surveys. Our goal is to establish a COS-DRF or CMS-DRF that aligns with the principles and practices of TCM, and provide high-quality evidence for clinical practice.

Gut metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis of the effects of arecoline on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats.

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has gradually become the primary cause of fatty liver disease. Betel nuts have been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases. Methods: In the present study, we analyzed the pathology, serology, gut flora, and metabolites in a rat model of NAFLD, with and without betel nut alkaloid treatment, using an integrated approach involving pathology, serological testing, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics. Results: Two rats were used for model validation. Thirty SD rats were included and divided into the normal group (C group), NAFLD model group (M group), low-dose group, medium-dose group (T group), and high-dose group with intraperitoneal injection of arecoline. The expression of blood lipids was significantly downregulated at all three arecoline concentrations (p < 0.05). Alpha-diversity analysis of the intestinal flora showed significant differences among the three groups, with a significant reduction in population diversity in the M group and a recovery of population diversity after arecoline treatment. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly higher in the T group and Proteobacteria in the M group. The KEGG metabolic pathways included polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Thirty-three significantly different metabolites were identified among the groups. Significantly different metabolites between groups T and M included indolepyruvate, 2-deoxystreptamine, sakuranetin, glycyl-leucine, and riboflavin. The KEGG metabolic pathway suggested a potential role for arachidonic acid metabolism, serotonergic synapses, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, tyrosine metabolism, and regiomelanin. Vitamin digestion and absorption, as well as regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, were the main metabolic pathways that distinguished the T vs. M groups. PGE2 is involved in several metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis showed that 29 bacterial species were significantly associated with PGE2 levels in the M and T groups. Vagococcus, Lawsonia, Christensenella, unidentified Erysipelotrichaceae, unidentified Coriobacteriaceae, and five other bacterial groups are unique in the PGE2 metabolic pathway regulated by arecoline. Discussion: Arecoline has lipid-lowering effects and may exert therapeutic effects in NAFLD through intestinal metabolites and intestinal flora, as well as through the Butyricicoccus/Christensenella/Coriobacteriaceae-COX2/PGE2 pathway. Thus, arecoline may represent a potential drug or target for NAFLD treatment.

Gene-diet interaction in response to defatted flaxseed flour supplementation on obesity-related traits in Chinese overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Effects of dietary fiber on obesity-related traits in previous studies were inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to explore whether variants in genes related to satiety and appetite can modulate the effect of dietary fiber on obesity-related traits. Fifty-one overweight or obese adults were randomly allocated to two groups to consume control biscuits (n = 24) or biscuits containing defatted flaxseed flour (n = 27) at breakfast for 8 wk. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to satiety and appetite were genotyped: rs11076023 on the FTO gene, rs16147 on the NPY gene, rs155971 on the PCSK1 gene, and rs6265 on the BDNF gene. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the gene-diet interaction between obesity-related traits. Compared with control biscuits, defatted flaxseed-flour biscuits significantly reduced body weight (P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.001) in A-allele carriers (AA + AT) of rs11076023 on the FTO gene but not in non-carriers (TT) (P for the interaction = 0.005 and 0.006) and decreased fasting serum glucose in participants with CC genotype (P = 0.019) but had less effect in T-allele carriers (TT + TC) (P = 0.021) of rs16147 on the NPY gene (P for the interaction = 0.002). Compared with the control biscuits, defatted flaxseed flour significantly reduced body weight (P < 0.001) in T-allele carriers (TT + TC) of rs155971 on the PCSK1 gene but not in non-carriers (CC) (P for the interaction = 0.041) and reduced body weight (P = 0.001) and BMI (P < 0.001) in A-allele carriers (AA + AG) of rs6265 on the BDNF gene but not non-carriers (GG) (P for the interaction = 0.017 and 0.018). Variants of genes related to satiety and appetite could modulate the effect of defatted flaxseed flour on obesity-related traits.

Lipid extract from blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) improves glycemic traits in Chinese type 2 diabetic mellitus patients: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that blue mussel lipid extract (BMLE) has strong anti-inflammatory activity in both rheumatoid arthritis patients and animal arthritis models. Chronic inflammation was closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Though the beneficial effects cannot be completely attributed to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the aim of this study was to investigate whether BMLE can improve glycemic traits of T2DM patients. METHOD: In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 133 Chinese T2DM participants were randomized to either fish oil (FO, n = 44), BMLE (n = 44), or corn oil (CO, n = 45) groups for 60 days. The participants were asked to take the corresponding oil capsules (two capsules per day, 0.8 g per capsule), which provided 1.6 g day-1 of FO (29.9% eicosapentaenoic acid + 20.4% docosahexaenoic acid), BMLE (20.7% eicosapentaenoic acid + 26.7% docosahexaenoic acid), or CO (53.5% linoleic acid). RESULTS: The fasting serum concentration of insulin (P = 0.005) and the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (P = 0.026) were significantly decreased in the BMLE group, whereas no significant change was found in the FO or CO groups. There was no significant difference between groups on serum glycosylated hemoglobin. Tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly decreased in the BMLE group (P = 0.003), but not in the FO or CO groups. A significant decrease of interleukin-1ß was observed in the BMLE and CO groups (P = 0.004 and P = 0.011 respectively), but not in the FO group. The total cholesterol was significantly decreased in the BMLE and CO groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively), but not in the FO group. Triacylglycerol was significantly decreased in the BMLE group (P = 0.007), but not in the FO or CO groups. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in the BMLE and CO groups than in the FO group (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Blue mussel lipid supplements improved glycemic traits, inflammatory cytokines, and lipids profile in Chinese T2DM patients (Chinese Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR1900025617). © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dietary supplementation of L-carnitine ameliorates metabolic syndrome independent of trimethylamine N-oxide produced by gut microbes in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a collection of risk factors of serious metabolic diseases. L-Carnitine is an essential nutrient for human health, and the precursor of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Previous studies have shown that the effect of L-carnitine on MS is controversial, and no studies have considered the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of MS by L-carnitine. In the present study, we established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice model and systematically explored the effect of a broad range of dietary L-carnitine concentrations (0.2% to 4%) on the major components of MS. The results show that L-carnitine (0.5%-4%) reduced HFD-caused body-weight gain, visceral adipose tissue, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, HOMA-IR index, hyperlipemia, hypertension, and hyperuricemia. The elevation in the concentrations of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α and decline in IL-10 in both serum and adipose tissue were also attenuated by L-carnitine. Furthermore, dietary L-carnitine increased the serum levels of TMAO produced by gut microbes. High-dose L-carnitine (2% and 4%), but not low-dose L-carnitine (0.2%-1%), notably modulated the composition of gut microbiota and partially attenuated HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. These results suggest that the ameliorative effect of L-carnitine on MS was independent of TMAO production and only partially related to the regulation of gut microbiota. This study provides crucial evidence for the utilization of L-carnitine as a safe and effective supplement for MS.

Synergistic Effects of Folic Acid and n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Diabetic Mice.

The present study aimed to investigate whether a combination of folic acid (FA) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has a better preventive effect on maternal diabetes-induced neural tube defects (NTD) than FA alone. The experiment included five groups of pregnant mice: healthy control (HC), diabetes mellitus control (DMC), diabetes + n-3 PUFA (DMn-3), diabetes + FA (DMFA), and diabetes + FA + n-3 PUFA (DMFA + n-3). The incidence of NTD in DMFA + n-3 (1.04%) was significantly lower than that in DMFA (8.57%) and DMn-3 (7.82%). The incidence of NTD in DMFA and DMn-3 was significantly lower than that in DMC (19.41%). DMFA + n-3 had a lower apoptosis of neuroepithelial cells, a lower expression of P53 and Bax, and a higher expression of Pax3 and Bcl-2, compared with DMFA and DMn-3. Combination of FA and n-3 PUFA attenuated diabetes-induced hypermethylation of Pax3, overexpression and overactivity of Dnmt3b, abnormal expression of genes involved in one-carbon metabolism and elevation of homocysteine, and these improving effects were better than FA or n-3 PUFA alone. In conclusion, the combination of FA and n-3 PUFA has a synergistic effect on preventing maternal diabetes-induced NTD.

Effect of microwave heating on lipid composition, chemical properties and antioxidant activity of oils from Trichosanthes kirilowii seed.

Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seed is a primary source of edible vegetable oil and possesses a high nutritional value, making them extremely beneficial to humanity. To promote the extraction process of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seed oil, the effect of microwave heating time (700 W for 0, 2, 4, and 6 min) on lipid composition, chemical properties, and antioxidant activity of oils was studied. The results showed that the oil yield of the seed increased with the microwave heating time. Besides, microwave heating time significantly affects (p < 0.05) DPPH and tocopherols, and the IC50 value of DPPH was highest with microwave heating for 6 min, whatever the shells are reserved. The tocopherol content was highest with microwave heating for 2 min in the seed shell oil, which was 1930.60 mg/kg. The longer microwave heating time could improve the oil yield and antioxidant activity of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seed oil. The seed shell also affects chemical properties, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and tocopherol contents of the Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seed oil. The Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seed shell oil has higher DPPH and tocopherols contents than seed kernel oil, while seed kernel oils showed higher oil yield and acid value. Our finding is valuable for manufacturers to choose suitable means to produce Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim seed oil of required qualities and chemical compositions for targeted use.

Coffee peel extracts ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via a fibroblast growth factor 21-adiponectin signaling pathway.

Coffee peel (CP) contains abundant phytochemicals which might prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present study aimed to identify the main phytochemicals in CP extracts, and to investigate whether CP extracts could ameliorate NAFLD through a hepatic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21-adiponectin signaling pathway. Caffeine and seven monomers of flavonoids were identified from CP extracts by using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). After 8 weeks of intervention, the mice fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet showed the pathophysiological characteristics of NAFLD. Treatment with CP extracts significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and reduced the concentrations of serum alanine transaminase, FGF21, and triglyceride, and hepatic interleukin-6, interleukin-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α, while increasing serum adiponectin concentrations. Meanwhile, CP extract supplementation significantly decreased the gene and protein expression levels of FGF21, while enhancing adiponectin expression levels. The present study demonstrated that CP extracts contained caffeine and seven monomers of flavonoids, and protected against NAFLD through regulating the FGF21-adiponectin signaling pathway.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent the D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment by up-regulating the levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the mouse brain.

Decreased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain are closely associated with the development of neurodegenerative disease. It has been reported that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) prevent cognitive dysfunction by improving mitochondrial function in the brain. However, whether n-3 PUFA prevents cognitive dysfunction by increasing the levels of 5hmC in the brain is undisclosed. Mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10), injected with D-galactose (200 mg kg-1 day-1) for the model group and given different oils [0.1 mL per 10 g body weight per day, fish oil (FO), peony seed oil (PSO), corn oil (CO) and olive oil (OO)] for the prevention groups, and injected with the same dose of saline for the normal control group (NC) for 10 weeks, respectively. Peony seed oil and fish oil have shown preventive effects on D-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction in behavioral tests. The content of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA content) in the brain was significantly higher in FO and PSO groups than in the other groups. Brain oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis were significantly lower in PSO and FO groups than in the other groups. RNA-seq results showed that the different genes between PSO and FO compared with the model group were involved in the DNA demethylation process and the 5-methylcytosine metabolic process. The brain levels of 5hmC and the ten-eleven translocation family of dioxygenases (TETs) were significantly higher in FO and PSO groups compared with the model group, as analyzed by dot-blot and western blot. In conclusion, peony seed oil and fish oil increased the C22:6n-3 content, which activated the TET activity, led to up-regulation of the 5hmc level, resulted in inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, and then improved the cognitive function in D-gal-induced mice.

The effects of fish oil plus vitamin D3 intervention on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate fish oil plus vitamin D3 (FO + D) supplementation on biomarkers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In a 3-month randomized controlled trial, 111 subjects with NAFLD, aged 56.0 ± 15.9 y, were randomized into FO + D group (n = 37), fish oil group (FO, n = 37) or corn oil group (CO, n = 37). The subjects consumed the following capsules (3 g/day), which provided 2.34 g/day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + 1680 IU vitamin D3 (FO + D group), or 2.34 g/day of EPA + DHA (FO group), or 1.70 g/d linoleic acid (CO group). RESULTS: Using multivariable-adjusted general linear model, there were significant net reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triacylglycerol (TAG) and TNF-α levels in the FO + D and FO groups, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The supplemental FO + D also showed significant reductions in insulin (- 1.58 ± 2.00 mU/L vs. - 0.63 ± 1.55 mU/L, P = 0.050) and IL-1ß (- 6.92 ± 7.29 ng/L vs. 1.06 ± 5.83 ng/L, P < 0.001) in comparison with control group. Although there were no significant differences between FO + D and FO groups regarding biochemical parameters, supplemental FO + D showed decreases in ALT (from 26.2 ± 13.5 U/L to 21.4 ± 9.6 U/L, P = 0.007), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, from 22.5 ± 7.0 U/L to 20.2 ± 4.0 U/L, P = 0.029), HOMA-IR (from 3.69 ± 1.22 to 3.38 ± 1.10, P = 0.047), and TNF-α (from 0.43 ± 0.38 ng/L to 0.25 ± 0.42 ng/L, P < 0.001) levels following the intervention. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that groups supplemented with FO + D and FO had similar beneficial effects on biomarkers of hepatocellular damage and plasma TAG levels in subjects with NAFLD, while in the FO + D group, there were some suggestive additional benefits compared with FO group on insulin levels and inflammation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1900024866.

What Is the Evidence for Dietary-Induced DHA Deficiency in Human Brains?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major constituent of neural and visual membranes and is required for optimal neural and visual function. DHA is derived from food or by endogenous synthesis from α-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid. Low blood levels of DHA in some westernised populations have led to speculations that child development disorders and various neurological conditions are associated with sub-optimal neural DHA levels, a proposition which has been supported by the supplement industry. This review searched for evidence of deficiency of DHA in human populations, based on elevated levels of the biochemical marker of n-3 deficiency, docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6). Three scenarios/situations were identified for the insufficient supply of DHA, namely in the brain of new-born infants fed with high-linoleic acid (LA), low-ALA formulas, in cord blood of women at birth who were vegetarians and in the milk of women from North Sudan. Twenty post-mortem brain studies from the developed world from adults with various neurological disorders revealed no evidence of raised levels of 22:5n-6, even in the samples with reduced DHA levels compared with control subjects. Human populations most likely at risk of n-3 deficiency are new-born and weanling infants, children and adolescents in areas of dryland agriculture, in famines, or are refugees, however, these populations have rarely been studied. This is an important topic for future research.

Subambient daytime radiative cooling textile based on nanoprocessed silk.

Decreasing energy consumption is critical to sustainable development. Because temperature regulation for human comfort consumes vast amounts of energy, substantial research efforts are currently directed towards developing passive personal thermal management techniques that cool the human body without any energy consumption1-9. Although various cooling textile designs have been proposed previously, textile-based daytime radiative cooling to a temperature below ambient has not been realized6-13. Silk, a natural protein fabric produced by moth caterpillars, is famous for its shimmering appearance and its cooling and comforting sensation on skin14-17. It has been recently recognized that silk, with its optical properties derived from its hierarchical microstructure, may represent a promising starting point for exploring daytime radiative cooling18-21. However, the intrinsic absorption of protein in the ultraviolet region prevents natural silk from achieving net cooling under sunlight. Here we explore the nanoprocessing of silk through a molecular bonding design and scalable coupling reagent-assisted dip-coating method, and demonstrate that nanoprocessed silk can achieve subambient daytime radiative cooling. Under direct sunlight (peak solar irradiance >900 W m-2) we observed a temperature of ~3.5 °C below ambient (for an ambient temperature of ~35 °C) for stand-alone nanoprocessed silks. We also observed a temperature reduction of 8 °C for a simulated skin when coated with nanoprocessed silk, compared with natural silk. This subambient daytime radiative cooling of nanoprocessed silk was achieved without compromising its wearability and comfort. This strategy of tailoring natural fabrics through scalable nanoprocessing techniques opens up new pathways to realizing thermoregulatory materials and provides an innovative way to sustainable energy.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids effectively protect against neural tube defects in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin.

Folate cannot prevent all neural tube defects (NTD), indicating that other pathogeneses still exist except for the folate deficiency. Maternal diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can increase the risk of offspring NTD. Our previous study showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were lower in the placenta of human NTD cases than in healthy controls, and the supplementation of fish oil (rich in long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFA, mainly C20:5n-3 and C22:6n-3) had a better prevention effect against sodium valproate induced NTD than corn oil (rich in C18:2n-6) and flaxseed oil (rich in C18:3n-3). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PUFA could prevent diabetes-induced NTD in mice. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic pregnant mice were fed with a normal diet (DMC), a diet containing a low dose of fish oil (DMLn-3), a diet containing a high dose of fish oil (DMHn-3) or a diet rich in corn oil (DMn-6). Healthy pregnant mice were fed with a normal diet (HC). Compared with the DMC group, the rate of NTD was significantly lower in the DMHn-3 group (4.44% vs. 12.50%), but not in the DMLn-3 (11.11%) or DMn-6 group (12.03%). The NTD rate in the DMHn-3 group was comparable with that in the HC group (1.33%) (p = 0.246), and lower than that in the DMn-6 group (p = 0.052). The NTD rate in DMLn-3 and DMn-6 groups was significantly higher than that in the HC group. No significant difference was observed in NTD rate between DMLn-3 and DMHn-3 groups, and between DMLn-3 and DMn-6 groups. Compared with the HC group, the DMC group had a significantly lower C22:6n-3 in both serum and embryos. Fish oil supplementation ameliorated neuroepithelial cell apoptosis, and the apoptotic rate was comparable between DMHn-3 and HC groups. Although the apoptotic rate was significantly lower in the DMn-6 group than the DMC group, it was still much higher than that in the HC group. The proteins P53 and Bax in embryos were higher, while the proteins Bcl-2 and Pax3 were lower in the DMC group than in the HC group. The disturbance of Pax3, P53 and Bax induced by diabetes was abolished in DMLn-3, DMHn-3 and DMn-6 groups. Importantly, Bcl-2 in embryos was restored to the normal level only in the DMHn-3 group but not in the DMLn-3 or DMn-6 group. In conclusion, LC n-3 PUFA enriched fish oil has a protective effect against NTD in diabetes induced by STZ through improving neuroepithelial cell apoptosis, and the mechanism may be by increasing the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 independently of Pax3 and P53.