Relationship between Serum Homocysteine Concentration and Dietary Factors in Young Japanese Women.

Homocysteine is a methionine metabolism intermediate and its increased blood levels are associated with a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases. Reportedly, blood homocysteine levels increase with inadequate folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intake; however, its relationship with dietary factors other than these three vitamins remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the relationship of homocysteine with other nutrient intake. We performed a dietary survey on 227 young women using a food record with approximate amounts for 7 consecutive days in conjunction with digital imaging. We collected early morning fasting blood samples the day after the dietary survey was completed and analyzed the serum homocysteine levels. We observed that the serum homocysteine concentrations were significantly negatively associated with soluble, insoluble, and total fiber intake. In addition, participants with high fruit and mushroom intake displayed lower serum homocysteine concentrations, suggesting dietary fiber involvement from these foods. However, we observed no serum homocysteine concentration-related association with cereals and vegetables (well-documented dietary fiber sources) or with fruits and mushrooms. In conclusion, fiber quality-related differences could thus be caused by different sources, including antioxidant components such as fruit polyphenols and mushroom antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factors.

Serum 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Status Is Associated with One-Carbon Metabolism-Related Metabolite Concentrations and Enzyme Activity Indicators in Young Women.

Maintaining optimal one-carbon metabolism (OCM) is essential for health and pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study, folate status was assessed based on 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) levels, and the association between 5-MTHF and OCM-related metabolites was investigated in 227 female Japanese university students aged 18-25 years. The participants were divided into high and low 5-MTHF groups based on their folate status. Serum samples of the participants were collected while they were fasting, and 18 OCM-related metabolites were measured using stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The association between serum 5-MTHF and OCM-related metabolite concentrations was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Serum 5-MTHF concentrations were negatively correlated with total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations and positively correlated with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and total cysteine (tCys) concentrations. Serum 5-MTHF concentrations demonstrated a stronger negative correlation with tHcy/tCys than with tHcy alone. The negative correlation between betaine and tHcy concentrations was stronger in the low 5-MTHF group than in the high 5-MTHF group. The 5-MTHF status could be linked to Hcy flux into the transsulfuration pathway via SAM. Therefore, the tHcy/tCys ratio may be a more sensitive indicator of the 5-MTHF status than tHcy alone. Furthermore, a low 5-MTHF status can enhance Hcy metabolism via betaine.

Postprandial fatty acid metabolism with coconut oil in young females: a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 84% of the fatty acids contained in coconut oil (CO) are saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and approximately 47% of the SFA are lauric acid with 12 carbon atoms. Lauric acid carbon chain length is intermediate between medium and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). We examined how CO acts on lipid-related substances in the blood to determine whether its properties were similar to medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) or LCFAs. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled, single-blind, crossover study. Fifteen females were enrolled, using 3 test meals containing 30 g each of 3 different oils: CO (CO-meal), medium-chain triacylglycerol oil (MCT-meal), and long-chain triacylglycerol oil (LCT-meal). Blood samples were collected at fasted baseline and every 2 h for 8 h after the intake of each test meal. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA of the ketone bodies and triglyceride (TG) showed an interaction between time and the test meal (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). In subsequent Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test of the ketone bodies, statistically significant differences were observed between the CO-meal and the LCT-meal (P < 0.05) 83.8 (95% CI, 14.7, 153.0) and between the MCT-meal and the LCT-meal (P < 0.05) 79.2 (95% CI, 10.0, 148.4). The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) and maximum increase in very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol (IDL-C) were the lowest for CO-meal intake. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of lauric acid contained in CO, including the kinetics of ß-oxidation and effects on blood TG, were very similar to those of MCFA. Moreover, regarding the iAUC and peak increment, VLDL-C and IDL-C were the lowest with the CO-meal. These results suggest that the intake of CO after fasting does not increase the TG, VLDL-C, and IDL-C, and may help prevent dyslipidemia. This trial was registered at UMIN (URL of registration: https://www.umin.ac.jp) as UMIN000019959.

Association of Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 rs174547 Polymorphism with the Composition of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Serum Glycerophospholipids during Pregnancy.

The increase in fetal requirements of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy alters maternal fatty acid metabolism, and therefore, fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene polymorphisms may change blood fatty acid composition or concentration differently during pregnancy. We investigated the relationship between a FADS1 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and maternal serum LCPUFA levels in Japanese pregnant women during the first and third trimesters and at delivery. Two hundred and fifty-three pregnant women were included, and fatty acid compositions of glycerophospholipids in serum (weight %) and the FADS1 SNP rs174547 (T/C) were analyzed. LCPUFAs, including arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), significantly decreased from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, DHA significantly decreased from the third trimester of pregnancy to delivery. At all gestational stages, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid were significantly higher with the number of minor FADS1 SNP alleles, whereas γ-linolenic acid and ARA and the ARA/LA ratio were significantly lower. DHA was significantly lower with the number of minor FADS1 SNP alleles only in the third trimester and at delivery, suggesting that genotype effects become more obvious as pregnancy progresses.

Investigation of Maternal Diet and FADS1 Polymorphism Associated with Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Compositions in Human Milk.

Increasing the amount of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in human milk is an important strategy for infant growth and development. We investigated the associations of LCPUFA compositions in human milk with maternal diet (especially fish and shellfish intake), with fatty acid Δ5 desaturase gene (FADS1) polymorphisms, and with gene-diet interactions. The present study was performed as part of an adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. The participants were 304 lactating females, who provided human milk 6−7 months after delivery. Fatty acids in human milk were analyzed by gas chromatography, and dietary surveys were conducted using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. We also analyzed a single nucleotide polymorphism of FADS1 (rs174547, T/C). There was a significant difference in arachidonic acid (ARA) composition in human milk among the genotype groups, and the values were decreasing in the order of TT > TC > CC. The concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were also different between TT and CC genotype, indicating a tendency for decreasing values in the same order. The composition of ARA showed significant gene−dietary interactions in multiple regression analysis, and the positive correlation between fish and shellfish intake and ARA composition in human milk was significant only in the CC genotype. Moreover, the factor most strongly associated with EPA and DHA composition in human milk was fish and shellfish intake. Therefore, it was suggested that increasing fish and shellfish intake in mothers may increase EPA and DHA composition in human milk, while increasing fish and shellfish intake in CC genotype mothers may lead to increased ARA composition in human milk.

The Body Fat Percentage Rather Than the BMI Is Associated with the CD4 Count among HIV Positive Japanese Individuals.

Maintenance of the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) positive lymphocyte count (CD4 count) is important for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive individuals. Although a higher body mass index (BMI) is shown to be associated with a higher CD4 count, BMI itself does not reflect body composition. Therefore, we examined the association of body weight, body composition and the CD4 count, and determined the optimal ranges of CD4 count associated factors in Japanese HIV positive individuals. This cross-sectional study included 338 male patients treated with antiretroviral therapy for ≥12 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors significantly associated with a CD4 count of ≥500 cells (mm3)-1. The cutoff values of factors for a CD4 ≥ 500 cells (mm3)-1 and cardiovascular disease risk were obtained by receiver operating characteristic curves. Age, body fat percentage (BF%), nadir CD4 count, duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART), years since the HIV-positive diagnosis and cholesterol intake showed significant associations with the CD4 count. The cutoff value of BF% for a CD4 ≥ 500 cells (mm3)-1 and lower cardiovascular disease risk were ≥25.1% and ≤25.5%, respectively. The BF%, but not the BMI, was associated with CD4 count. For the management of HIV positive individuals, 25% appears to be the optimal BF% when considering the balance between CD4 count management and cardiovascular disease risk.

Associations of umbilical cord fatty acid profiles and desaturase enzyme indices with birth weight for gestational age in Japanese infants.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) required for infant development are produced by Δ6 desaturase (D6D) and Δ5 desaturase (D5D). The D6D index and D5D index are calculated based on their respective precursor/product ratios. The D5D and D6D indices are related to obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of umbilical cord fatty acid profiles, D6D index, and D5D index in appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA) infants. This was a nested case-control study, and the relationship between case and control maternal blood and umbilical cord blood fatty acid compositions was examined. Cases were small for gestational age (SGA; n = 55) and large for gestational age (LGA; n = 149) infants, whereas controls were appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 204) infants. Fatty acid profiles in maternal blood and umbilical cord plasma were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The D6D index was calculated as dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA 20: 3 n-6) / linoleic acid (18: 2 n - 6), and the D5D index was calculated as arachidonic acid (20: 4 n - 6) / DGLA (20: 3 n - 6). Statistical analysis of umbilical cord blood fatty acids was performed with multiple comparisons. SGA infants showed high umbilical cord values for α-linolenic acid and DHA and lower values for DGLA compared to AGA infants. SGA infants showed a higher D5D index but a lower D6D index than AGA infants. LGA infants showed high values for α-linolenic acid and DGLA and lower values for arachidonic acid than AGA infants. LGA infants showed a high D6D index and a low D5D index relative to AGA infants. No significant differences in maternal blood fatty acid profiles, the D6D index, and D5D index desaturase activities were found among the three groups. There were differences in umbilical cord fatty acid profiles and D6D and D5D indices among AGA, SGA, and LGA infants, but further study is needed.

Distribution of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Folic Acid Levels in Maternal and Cord Blood Serum: Longitudinal Evaluation of Japanese Pregnant Women.

"Total" folate in blood has usually been measured to evaluate the folate status of pregnant women. However, folate is composed of many metabolites. The main substrate is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), with folic acid (FA) representing a very small component as an unmetabolized species in blood. We longitudinally evaluated 5-MTHF, FA and total homocysteine in maternal and cord blood from Japanese pregnant women. Subjects were 146 pregnant women who participated in the Chiba study of Mother and Child Health (C-MACH) prospective cohort study. Sera were obtained in early and late pregnancy, at delivery, and from cord blood. Species levels were measured by isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. Both 5-MTHF and FA levels were lower than reported levels from pregnant women in populations from countries with mandatory FA fortification. As gestational age progressed, serum 5-MTHF levels decreased, whereas serum FA levels were slightly reduced only at delivery compared to early pregnancy. A significant negative association between serum 5-MTHF and total homocysteine was shown at all examined times, but no associations with FA were evident. At delivery, cord 5-MTHF was significantly higher than maternal levels, while FA again showed no significant correlation. These results suggest that 5-MTHF is actively transported to the fetus through placental transporters and may reflect folate status during pregnancy as a physiologically important species.

Associations of erythrocyte fatty acid compositions with FADS1 gene polymorphism in Japanese mothers and infants.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are involved in the fetal growth in utero, and are essential for the development of visual and cognitive functions during infancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of erythrocyte fatty acid compositions with FADS1 gene polymorphism in Japanese mothers and infants. The subjects were 383 mothers who participated in an adjunct birth cohort study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). In maternal FADS1 SNP genotypes, the precursor fatty acids composition of the Δ5 desaturase in the maternal blood showed significant differences in levels among the groups, and showed increasing values in the order of TT < TC < CC genotype groups. On the other hand, many product fatty acids levels were significantly reduced in the order of TT > TC > CC genotype groups, and DHA levels were significantly lower in the CC genotype group relative to the other groups. Likewise, the relationship between fetal genotype group and fatty acid composition in cord blood was very similar to the maternal relationship. These results indicate the maternal and fetal blood fatty acid compositions are strongly influenced by the FADS1 genotypes. With respect to the cord blood DHA composition, the levels in the fetal CC genotype group showed a trend toward lower values in the maternal CC genotype group pair (p = 0.066) compared to the maternal TC genotype group pair. However, in the fetal TT and TC genotype groups (p = 0.131, p = 0.729, respectively), the maternal genotype did not have a significant effect. The DHA composition was more influenced by the maternal genotype in the fetal CC genotype group than in the fetal TT and TC genotype groups. It was shown that DHA transport via the placenta from the mother might be promoted in the fetal CC genotype compared to the other fetal genotype groups. In conclusion, differences in the FADS1 SNP genotypes of pregnant women and their children may greatly affect the supply of LC-PUFAs. Further studies on the involvement of the FADS1 polymorphisms and the fetal LC-PUFA levels in the fetal growth and development are warranted.

Aging and FADS1 polymorphisms decrease the biosynthetic capacity of long-chain PUFAs: A human trial using [U-13C]linoleic acid.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are important constituents of biomembranes. Observation of blood fatty acids indicated that LCPUFA biosynthesis is affected by aging and FADS polymorphisms. This study examined the effects of aging and FADS polymorphisms on LCPUFA biosynthetic capacity via direct quantification using [U-13C]linoleic acid. Healthy young (25-34 years) and elderly (65-74 years) participants were administered [U-13C]linoleate, and its metabolites were monitored for 14 days. The time of maximum plasma concentration of 13C-arachidonic acid (ARA) was 4-5 days. The area under the curve of the 13C-ARA concentration differed by FADS1 rs174547 polymorphism (TT [100%] > TC [57%] > CC [37%]). Among C allele carriers, 13C-ARA formation was 32% lower in elderly than in young participants. This is the first report to directly demonstrate that LCPUFA biosynthetic capacity is regulated by FADS1 polymorphisms and decreased by aging in FADS1 C allele carriers.

Relationships between docosahexaenoic acid compositions of maternal and umbilical cord erythrocytes in pregnant Japanese women.

Previous reports have shown that the transfer of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from mother to fetus during pregnancy is important for development of the child's nervous and visual functions. The amount of DHA passing through the placenta varies depending on the relative DHA compositions of the erythrocytes in the maternal blood and the umbilical cord. Prior research has reported that if the DHA composition of the maternal erythrocytes is over 5.6 g%, DHA in the erythrocytes of the child undergoes bioattenuation, whereas it undergoes biomagnification if the maternal erythrocyte composition is lower than 5.6 g%. The relationship between DHA levels in maternal erythrocytes during pregnancy and in umbilical cord erythrocytes at delivery was assessed in Japanese pregnant women. This study was performed as an adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. DHA compositions of maternal erythrocytes at 24-30 weeks of pregnancy and of umbilical cord erythrocytes at delivery were determined in 1368 mother-infant pairs. Median DHA values were 7.41% in the maternal erythrocytes and 6.84% in the umbilical cord erythrocytes, indicating significantly lower levels in the umbilical cord. When DHA composition in maternal erythrocytes was lower than 6.6%, DHA was theoretically higher in umbilical cord erythrocytes than in maternal erythrocytes. Conversely, when DHA composition in maternal erythrocytes was higher than 6.6%, DHA in umbilical cord erythrocytes was theoretically lower than in maternal erythrocytes. We therefore consider that there is a turning point of around 6% in the DHA composition of maternal and umbilical cord blood that is exchanged between mother and fetus: if the composition in the maternal blood is higher, then bioattenuation in DHA transfer from the maternal circulation to the umbilical cord occurs, while if it is lower, then biomagnification occurs. This corroborates the findings of previous research.

Determinants of polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in erythrocytes of pregnant Japanese women from a birth cohort study: study protocol and baseline findings of an adjunct study of the Japan environment & Children's study.

BACKGROUND: N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) may have multiple beneficial effects on the outcome of pregnancy, maternal health and child development. The present study introduced the protocol of a birth cohort study to examine the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA status in pregnant Japanese women as an adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). METHODS: The JECS participants in the coastal areas of Miyagi Prefecture were further invited to participate in this adjunct study, and 1,878 pregnant women were enrolled prior to delivery. Their n-3 PUFA status was evaluated with fatty acid profiles in erythrocytes of maternal blood collected from 1,623 mothers at 24-30 weeks of gestation and cord blood from 1,505 deliveries. RESULTS: The baseline results, including comprehensive data on the fatty acid status and determinants affecting the PUFA status, were analyzed. In stepwise multivariate analyses, the cord blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level was found to be significantly influenced by the DHA level in maternal blood, the child's sex, and the gestational period. The maternal DHA level was influenced by fish intake, maternal age, and the prepregnancy body mass index. While cord blood eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was influenced by maternal EPA, fish intake, and season at birth, additional factors such as maternal education, household income, and smoking habits affected the maternal EPA content. CONCLUSION: Further studies are warranted to clarify the nutritional impacts of n-3 PUFA in pregnant Japanese women of the cohort study.

Validity of Nutrient Intakes Derived from an Internet Website Dish-Based Dietary Record for Self-Management of Weight among Japanese Women.

We compared the relative validity of nutrient intakes derived from Internet website dish-based dietary records (WDDRs) and weighed dietary records (DRs). The study participants were 218 registered users of a dietary management website. After excluding 55 participants, a total of 163 participants were included in the final analyses. The participants were Japanese women, and their mean age and mean body mass index (BMI) were 39.3 (±10.3) years and 22.3 (±3.7) years, respectively. We compared differences in the DR and WDDR with respect to intakes of energy and 13 nutrients. The median values for the intake of protein and seven nutrients showed no significant difference between the DR and WDDR, and the estimated values were generally similar. The interquartile range of nutrients with a significant difference did not show a large deviation, with the exception of vitamin A. Correlation coefficients showed a strong correlation of 0.7, with the exception of sodium and vitamin E. The kappa coefficients for energy and for some nutrients were good to fair. Using Bland-Altman plots, we found proportional errors in the intake values for vitamins and minerals. We could not confirm obvious systematic errors for energy, protein, fat, or carbohydrate intake. WDDR use is considered to be a valid method for estimating energy and nutrient intakes among Japanese women.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels in Maternal Erythrocytes of Japanese Women during Pregnancy and after Childbirth.

BACKGROUND: The transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), to the fetus from maternal stores increases depending on the fetal requirements for PUFA during the last trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, maternal blood PUFA changes physiologically with gestational age. However, the changes in PUFA levels in maternal blood erythrocytes during pregnancy and after childbirth have not been fully investigated in a fish-eating population. OBJECTIVE: To examine the changes of ARA and DHA levels in maternal erythrocytes with the progress of pregnancy and the relationship between maternal and umbilical cord erythrocyte PUFA levels in pregnant Japanese women who habitually eat fish and shellfish. DESIGN: This study was performed as a part of the adjunct study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). The participants were 74 pregnant women. The maternal blood samples were collected at 27, 30, and 36 weeks of pregnancy, and 2 days and 1 month after delivery, and umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery. The fatty acid levels of erythrocytes in these blood samples were determined. RESULTS: ARA and DHA levels in maternal erythrocytes tended to decrease with the progress of pregnancy. While the DHA level decreased further after delivery, the ARA level returned to the value at 27 weeks of pregnancy within 1 month after delivery. The n-3 and n-6 PUFA levels in maternal erythrocytes at 27, 30, and 36 weeks of pregnancy were significantly positively correlated with the corresponding fatty acid levels in umbilical cord erythrocytes. CONCLUSION: The present findings showed a significant change in erythrocyte PUFA levels during pregnancy and after childbirth in a fish-eating population. The PUFA levels of maternal blood after the second trimester may be a reliable marker for predicting PUFA levels in infants' circulating blood.

Associations between a fatty acid desaturase gene polymorphism and blood arachidonic acid compositions in Japanese elderly.

We investigated whether the single nucleotide polymorphism rs174547 (T/C) of the fatty acid desaturase-1 gene, FADS1, is associated with changes in erythrocyte membrane and plasma phospholipid (PL) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) composition in elderly Japanese participants (n=124; 65 years or older; self-feeding and oral intake). The rs174547 C-allele carriers had significantly lower arachidonic acid (ARA; n-6 PUFA) and higher linoleic acid (LA, n-6 PUFA precursor) levels in erythrocyte membrane and plasma PL (15% and 6% ARA reduction, respectively, per C-allele), suggesting a low LA to ARA conversion rate in erythrocyte membrane and plasma PL of C-allele carriers. α-linolenic acid (n-3 PUFA precursor) levels were higher in the plasma PL of C-allele carriers, whereas levels of the n-3 LCPUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were unchanged in erythrocyte membrane and plasma PL. Thus, rs174547 genotypes were significantly associated with different ARA compositions of the blood of elderly Japanese.

Heterogeneity of the Fatty Acid Composition of Japanese Placentae for Determining the Perinatal Fatty Acid Status: a Methodological Study.

Analysis of the placenta can be a useful way to determine the fatty acid (FA) status of pregnant women and neonates since this large organ can be obtained easily and non-invasively. Although several studies have been conducted on using placental tissue for FA analysis, the sampling methods have not been thoroughly examined. The aim of the present study was to determine a suitable method of sampling human placentae by focusing on their heterogeneity. Twenty-four placentae were collected from healthy pregnant Japanese women in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan. Five of them were used to compare the FA composition between the peripheral area and the central area of the placentae. The other 19 were examined to determine differences in the FA composition between the fetal and maternal side. Placental tissue crude lipid was saponified, and methyl was esterified with 14% sodium boron trifluoride methanol for gas chromatography with flame ionization detector analysis. Fifty-six peaks were detected from the methyl esters of the placental total lipid, and 33 of those were identified as FA methyl esters. There were considerable variations in the FA composition, as the variation was low in the central parts and high in the peripheral parts of the placentae. The 18:1n-9 and 18:2n-6 levels were higher in the fetal side, whereas the 20:3n-6, 20:4n-6, and 22:6n-3 levels were higher in the maternal side. These findings indicate the presence of heterogeneity in the FA composition of human placenta, and they suggest the necessity for standardizing the sampling method so that the placental tissue can be used to determine the FA status.

Influences of stearidonic acid-enriched soybean oil on the blood and organ biochemical parameters in rats.

In this study, we administered various diets of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) soybean oil to rats and examined the subsequent blood and organ biochemical parameters. Male Wistar rats (seven rats/group, six groups total) were fed diets supplemented with a test oil for 4 weeks. Diets containing test oils were: FFC diet (fish-oil-free control diet), C diet (control group, assuming a Japanese diet), SDA25 diet (25% 18:4n-3 soybean oil in the C diet), SDA50 (50% 18:4n-3 soybean oil in the C diet), ALA diet (34% flaxseed oil in the C diet), and EPA+DHA diet (34% fish oil in the C diet). The intake of 18:4n-3 showed increased relative efficiency of 20:5n-3 accretions in serum and liver triacylglycerol and significantly decreased the serum triacylglycerol level in rats. The results suggested that the consumption of 18:4n-3 soybean oil may modify the lipid and fatty acid profiles of body fats, even when EPA and DHA derived from fish is consumed.

Influence of essential trace minerals and micronutrient insufficiencies on harmful metal overload in a Mongolian patient with multiple sclerosis.

Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders are prevalent in Mongolia. Our previous studies revealed a significant correlation of these diseases with high oxidative stress due to a high body burden of harmful metals, such as manganese, iron, lead, cadmium, and aluminum. This report describes a 37-year-old male Mongolian patient with multiple sclerosis and essential micronutrient deficiency. This patient demonstrated high oxidative stress, as shown by high urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels of 14.7 and 14.3 ng/mg creatinine (crea), although his hair levels of these toxic metals were markedly lower than other Mongolians. In addition, this patient was deficient not only in various essential minerals, including selenium, magnesium, copper, cobalt, vanadium, and nickel, but also in micronutrients such as vitamin B6, C, E, folic acid, niacin, and ß-carotene. Furthermore, after taking 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, a chelating agent, urinary excretion of lead, cadmium, manganese, aluminum, iron, copper, and lithium were increased 156-, 8.4-, 7.6-, 4.3-, 3.3-, 2.1-, and 2.1-fold, respectively. These results suggest that this patient suffered from a deficiency in micronutrients such as essential minerals and vitamins, which resulted in a disturbance in the ability to excrete harmful metals into the urine and hair. It is possible that a deficiency of micronutrients and a high burden of heavy metals play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Nutritional treatment may be an effective approach to this disease.

Associations between dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and arachidonic acid compositions in plasma and erythrocytes in young and elderly Japanese volunteers.

BACKGROUND: We reported that the compositions of arachidonic acid (ARA) in erythrocytes and plasma phospholipids (PL) in the elderly were lower than those in the young, though the ARA intake was nearly identical. OBJECTIVE: We further analyzed data in four study groups with different ages and sexes, and determined that the blood ARA levels were affected by the kinds of dietary fatty acids ingested. METHODS: One hundred and four healthy young and elderly volunteers were recruited. Dietary records together with photographic records from 28 consecutive days were reviewed and the fatty acid composition in plasma lipid fractions and erythrocyte PL was analyzed. RESULTS: No correlations for ARA between dietary fatty acids and blood lipid fractions were observed. A significant negative correlation between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake and ARA composition in erythrocyte PL was observed. ARA composition in erythrocyte PL was significantly lower in elderly subjects than in young subjects, because EPA and DHA intake in elderly subjects was higher than in young subjects. However, after removing the effect of dietary EPA+DHA intake, the ARA composition in erythrocyte PL in elderly subjects was significantly lower than that in young subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in physical conditions with aging influenced the low ARA composition of erythrocyte in elderly subjects in addition to the effects of dietary EPA and DHA.

[Comparison of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids for biological monitoring].

OBJECTIVES: Previous data have indicated that the erythrocyte membrane may be the preferred sample type for assessing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) contents in cardiac and cerebral membranes. In this epidemiological study, we examined whether plasma phospholipids can be used for accurate biological monitoring of the LCPUFA state or whether analysis of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids is indispensable. METHODS: (1) The analysis of LCPUFA contents in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids was conducted at baseline and after 1 and 3 days at 4°C, and 21 days at -40°C, after blood drawing, and the changes in LCPUFA content were examined. (2) The LCPUFA compositions of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids in 133 young women (18-30 years old) were examined and the relationships between the sample type and the levels of LCPUFAs were determined. RESULTS: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA/arachidonic acid (AA) and (EPA+DHA)/AA ratios in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids after 21 days of blood drawing significantly decreased compared with the corresponding baseline data. Regarding AA, EPA and DHA, a significant positive correlation was shown between levels of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and plasma phospholipids (AA, r=0.364; EPA, r=0.709; DHA, r=0.653). The predictive value of plasma phospholipids for determining the highest concentration quartile in erythrocyte phospholipids was better in EPA (70%) than in DHA (55%) and AA (42%). CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of LCPUFA content in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids is necessary for accurate biological monitoring. We also found that LCPUFA in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids is stable in cold storage (4°C) for 3 days after blood drawing.