Association between dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and their concentration in blood plasma, red blood cell, and semen of dogs.

Background: In dogs, dietary omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) affect the fatty acid (FA) profile of blood plasma, erythrocyte membrane (EM), and semen, but their correlation has not yet been investigated. Aim: In this study, we evaluated the association between dietary PUFA and their profile in blood plasma, EM, and semen of dogs, with the possibility to predict the semen profile using the values of the three first. Methods: Twelve male dogs received the same standard commercial diet for 4 weeks. The FA profile was analyzed by gas chromatography in paired diet, blood (plasma and EM determinations), and semen samples. Data were analyzed with SAS Proc Corr version 9.4. Pearson´s correlation coefficient (significant if p < 0.05) was used to assess the association of dietary FA profiles with those in blood plasma, EM, and semen. Results: There was a positive correlation between dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and blood plasma (r = 0.97), EM (r = 0.94) and semen (r = 0.92) EPA, and between dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) and semen DHA (r = 0.93) and ARA (r = 0.92), respectively. There was a negative correlation between dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) in the diet and EM DGLA (r = -0.94). Conclusion: The dietary EPA is correlated with blood plasma, EM, and semen EPA concentrations, and dietary DHA and ARA are associated with semen DHA and ARA concentrations in dogs. These findings suggest that dietary EPA, DHA, and ARA concentrations could be helpful to predictive markers for such concentrations in the semen of dogs.

Nutritional Enhancement of Farmed Salmon Meat via Non-GMO Nannochloropsis Gaditana: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) and Vitamin D3 for Human Health.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFAs) and vitamin D3 are essential components of human nutrition. A regular human diet is highly deficient in n-3 LC PUFAs. Fish like salmon are highly recommended in the human diet as they are a major source of high-value n-3 LC PUFAs and vitamin D3. The levels of these nutrients have been decreasing over the last few years in farmed salmon, whose production urgently needs sustainable sources of these nutrients. The microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (NG) is known for its naturally high potential for the production of eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n-3) fatty acid. A commercial diet for Atlantic salmon was supplemented with 1% and 10% of spray-dried NG grown under controlled conditions for a high EPA content. Salmon were harvested on day 49, following which, boneless and skinless salmon meat was recovered from fish and analyzed for the fatty acid profile, total fat, and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3, EPA, and docosapentaenoic fatty acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) by supplementing the basal diet with 10% NG, thus, NG represents a novel, functional, natural ingredient and a sustainable source of n-3 LC-PUFAs that can raise the levels of healthy fats and vitamin D3 in farmed salmon meat.

Dynamic flux balance analysis of biomass and lipid production by Antarctic thraustochytrid Oblongichytrium sp. RT2316-13.

Production of biomass and lipids in batch cultures of the Antarctic thraustochytrid Oblongichytrium sp. RT2316-13, is reported. The microorganism proved capable of producing nearly 67% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 15% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in its total lipid fraction. Biomass with a maximum total lipid content of 33.5% (wt/wt) could be produced at 15°C in batch culture using a medium containing glucose (20 g/L), yeast extract (10.5 g/L), and other minor components. A lower culture temperature (5°C) reduced biomass and lipid productivities compared to culture at 15°C, but enhanced the DHA and EPA content of the lipids by 6.4- and 3.3-fold, respectively. Both a simple minimally structured mathematical model and a more complex genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) allowed the fermentation profiles in batch cultures to be satisfactorily simulated, but the GEM provided much greater insight in the biochemical and physiological phenomena underlying the observed behavior. Unlike the simpler model, the GEM could be interrogated for the possible effects of various external factors such as oxygen supply, on the expected outcomes. In silico predictions of oxygen effects were consistent with literature observations for DHA producing thraustochytrids.

Antarctic thraustochytrids: Producers of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Thraustochytrids have been isolated from different aquatic systems; however, few studies have reported their occurrence in Antarctica. In this study, 13 strains close to strains belonging to the genera Oblongichytrium, Thraustochytrium, and Aurantiochytrium were isolated from seawater samples collected near the Antarctic Base Professor Julio Escudero (S 62°12'57' E 58°57'35″). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was found in the total lipids of all the isolates; DHA content of the biomass (dry weight) varied between 3.3 and 33 mg/g under the growth conditions for isolation. Five of the Antarctic thraustochytrids were able to accumulate lipids at levels higher than 20% w/w. Two strains, RT2316-7 and RT2316-13, were selected to test the effect of the incubation temperature (at 5°C for 14 days and at 15°C for 5 days). Incubation temperature had little effect on the lipid content and biomass yield; however, its effect on the fatty acid composition was significant (p < .05). The low incubation temperature favored the accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), palmitic acid and stearic acid in the total lipids of RT2316-7. Percentage of EPA, DHA and the omega-6 fatty acid dihomo-γ-linolenic acid of total fatty acids of RT2316-13 was higher at the low incubation temperature. RT2316-13 accumulated the highest lipid content (30.0 ± 0.5%) with a carbon to nitrogen mass ratio equal to 16.9. On the contrary, lipid accumulation in RT2316-7 occurred at high concentration of the nitrogen sources (monosodium glutamate or yeast extract). The capability to accumulate lipids with a fatty acid profile that can be tuned through cultivation temperature make the Antarctic thraustochytrid RT2316-13 a candidate for the production of lipids with different uses.

Oral administration of EPA-rich oil impairs collagen reorganization due to elevated production of IL-10 during skin wound healing in mice.

Wound healing is an essential process for organism survival. Some fatty acids have been described as modulators of wound healing. However, the role of omega-3 fatty acids is unclear. In the present work, we investigate the effects of oral administration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-rich oil on wound healing in mice. After 4 weeks of EPA-rich oil supplementation (2 g/kg of body weight), mice had increased serum concentrations of EPA (20:5ω-3) (6-fold) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω-3) (33%) in relation to control mice. Omega-3 fatty acids were also incorporated into skin in the EPA fed mice. The wound healing process was delayed at the 3rd and 7th days after wounding in mice that received EPA-rich oil when compared to control mice but there was no effect on the total time required for wound closure. Collagen reorganization, that impacts the quality of the wound tissue, was impaired after EPA-rich oil supplementation. These effects were associated with an increase of M2 macrophages (twice in relation to control animals) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations in tissue in the initial stages of wound healing. In the absence of IL-10 (IL-10-/- mice), wound closure and organization of collagen were normalized even when EPA was fed, supporting that the deleterious effects of EPA-rich oil supplementation were due to the excessive production of IL-10. In conclusion, oral administration of EPA-rich oil impairs the quality of wound healing without affecting the wound closure time likely due to an elevation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Concentration of EPA and DHA from Refined Salmon Oil by Optimizing the Urea⁻Fatty Acid Adduction Reaction Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology.

This research focused on obtaining eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) (EPA+DHA) concentrates from refined commercial salmon oil (RCSO). Independent variables of the complexation process were optimized by means of the application of response surface methodology (RSM) in order to obtain the maximum content of such fatty acids (FAs). As a result of employing the optimized conditions for all the variables (6.0, urea:FA content ratio; -18.0 °C, crystallization temperature; 14.80 h, crystallization time; 500 rpm, stirring speed), high contents of EPA and DHA could be obtained from RCSO, achieving increases of 4.1 and 7.9 times in the concentrate, with values of 31.20 and 49.31 g/100 g total FA, respectively. Furthermore, a 5.8-time increase was observed for the EPA + DHA content, which increased from 13.78 to 80.51 g/100 g total FA. It is concluded that RCSO can be transformed into a profitable source of EPA and DHA (EPA+DHA), thus leading to a product with higher commercial value.

Optimization of the production of double-shell microparticles containing fish oil.

Fish oil incorporation into food products is a challenge because long-chain fatty acids are susceptible to oxidation. Microencapsulation is an alternative for protecting and delivering fish oil besides masking undesirable flavours. This work aimed to produce spray-chilled microparticles using spray-dried microparticles loaded with fish oil as the core material and evaluate the effects of core concentration and lipid wall material composition on the apparent viscosity of the feeding material (suspension), microparticle mean diameter (D50), moisture content and eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid losses. Double-shell microparticles containing fish oil were successfully obtained. Higher core concentrations resulted in higher feeding material viscosities and microparticles with higher D50 values and higher moisture content, but suitable for food applications. Less eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid loss was achieved with lipid matrixes containing palm fat/vegetable fat ratios of up to 40/60 or a ratio of 50/50 when associated with a low concentration of core material. The remaining eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid content observed in the final double-shell microparticles and its good oxidative stability can be considered sufficient for the successful application of these microparticles in foods. These findings may contribute to expanding the use of microencapsulated fish oil.

Profile and distribution of fatty acids in edible parts of commonly consumed marine fishes in Chile.

Fatty acid profiles and distribution among lipid classes in the edible parts of seven commonly consumed marine fishes in Chile were investigated. Peruvian morwong, Chilean jack mackerel and Pacific sandperch were found to be the richest sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with 440.2, 343.7 and 313.9 mg EPA + DHA/100 g raw fillet respectively among the studied fishes. DHA was mainly found in the phospholipid fraction in all cases, following EPA the same trend except for Pacific sandperch, Chilean hake (most EPA in triacylglycerols) and Peruvian morwong (most EPA as free fatty acid). A very favorable n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio was found in all studied species, and PUFA/SFA ratios ranged between 0.94 and 1.72, which is desirable to keep a healthy cardiovascular status. This is the first study reporting fatty acid profiles and distribution of commonly consumed marine fishes in Chile.

Effect of spray-drying with organic solvents on the encapsulation, release and stability of fish oil.

Fish-oil (FO) was encapsulated with hydroxypropylcelullose (HPC) by conventional spray-drying with water (FO-water) and solvent spray-drying with ethanol (FO-EtOH), methanol (FO-MeOH) and acetone (FO-Acet) in order to study the effect of the solvent on the encapsulation efficiency (EE), microparticle properties and stability of FO during storage at 40 °C. Results showed that FO-Acet presented the highest EE of FO (92.0%), followed by FO-EtOH (80.4%), FO-MeOH (75.0%) and FO-water (71.1%). A decrease of the dielectric constant increased the EE of FO, promoting triglyceride-polymer interactions instead of oil-in-water emulsion retention. FO release profile in aqueous model was similar for all FO-microparticles, releasing only the surface FO, according to Higuchi model. Oxidative stability of FO significantly improved by spray-drying with MeOH, both in surface and encapsulated oil fractions. In conclusion, encapsulation of FO by solvent spray-drying can be proposed as an alternative technology for encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules.

Embryonic and larval development and fatty-acid profile of Epinephelus marginatus spawned in captivity: tools applied to captive rearing.

Development, ontogeny of the digestive system and the fatty-acid (FA) profile, were analysed during development of Epinephelus marginatus. Larvae were analysed 7 and 17 days post fertilization (dpf) to evaluate fatty-acid profile and morphological variables, respectively. Epinephelus marginatus larvae have relatively slow development of digestive structures, but were able to capture, ingest and digest prey by 5 dpf. Eggs were composed of high percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in phospholipids. The percentage of n3 PUFAs was higher than n6, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which exhibited higher levels compared with other marine species during the first 3 days of development, both in terms of phospholipids and triglycerides. The larvae present a high content of docosahexaenoic acid-eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA-EPA) and, during this phase, live food of small size was required (copepods or SS-strain Brachionus rotundiformes), enriched with DHA-EPA. These results may guide future studies on the contribution of FAs required during this stage of the life cycle of E. marginatus, to advance knowledge of the use of these FAs throughout ontogeny and contribute to the culture of this species commercial production or restocking.

The serum arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid ratio in children with healthy weight and obesity

The western diet is characterized by a high consumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and reduced n-3PUFAs, this phenomenon has been parallel to the increase in the prevalence of obesity. The studies that have analyzed the association between serum PUFAs and the influence on the development of adiposity in children is limited and the findings are controversial. The present study compared the ARA/EPA (arachidonic/eicosapentaenoic) PUFA ratio in children with healthy weight vs. obesity in a cross-sectional study. Thirty children were diagnosed with obesity and 32 children with healthy weight determined through the age-specific body mass index (BMI) Z score, according to the WHO. The variables included were weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and the serum ARA/EPA ratio. The Student's t test and Pearson correlation were performed and statistical significance was set at a p <0.05. The project was approved by the local ethics committee of the hospital Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. The serum ARA/EPA ratio was significantly higher in children with obesity compared with healthy weight (9.0 vs 5.4; p = 0.012). A statistically significant difference was observed between healthy weight boys and obese boys (p=0.003). Furthermore, the ARA/EPA ratio correlated positively with weight (r=0.336; p=0.008), BMI (r=0.373; p=0.003), WC (r=0.319; p=0.012) and cardio-metabolic risk (r=0.302; p=0.017). When performing a multivariate regression analysis, we identified that BMI was the only variable that remained significant and predicted the ARA/EPA ratio. In conclusion, the serum ARA/EPA ratio differed significantly in relation to weight and was higher in the obese children(AU)

La dieta occidental se caracteriza por un alto consumo de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados n-6(AGPI) y AGPIn-3 reducidos, fenómeno que ha sido paralelo al aumento en la prevalencia de la obesidad. Los estudios que han analizado la asociación entre AGPN en suero y adiposidad en niños son limitados y con hallazgos inconsistentes. El presente estudio comparó la relación ARA/EPA (ácido araquidónico/eicosapentaenoico) AGPI en niños con peso normal vs. obesidad. Es un estudio transversal donde treinta niños fueron diagnosticados con obesidad y 32 niños con peso normal determinado mediante el puntaje z del IMC para la edad, de acuerdo a la OMS. Las variables incluidas fueron peso, IMC, circunferencia de cintura (CC) y la relación ARA/EPA en suero. Se realizó prueba de t de Student y correlación de Pearson, la significación estadística se estableció en p <0,05. El proyecto fue aprobado por el comité de ética local del Hospital del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. La relación ARA/EPA en suero fue significativamente mayor en niños con obesidad en comparación con el peso normal (9,0 frente a 5,4; p = 0,012). Además, la relación ARA/EPA se correlacionó positivamente con el peso (r = 0.336; p = 0.008), IMC (r = 0.373; p = 0.003), CC (r = 0.319; p = 0.012). Al realizar un análisis de regresión multivariable, identificamos que el IMC fue la variable predictora que permaneció significativa. En conclusión, la relación de suero ARA/EPA fue significativamente mayor en los niños con obesidad(AU)

Statin Use Mitigate the Benefit of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation-A Meta-Regression of Randomized Trials.

During last 2 decades, multiple studies have evaluated omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation for cardiovascular prevention. The benefit found in previous studies was not demonstrated in more contemporary trials. We aimed to investigate effect of study characteristics, particularly concomitant statin therapy on results of randomized controlled trials. We systematically searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating ω-3 PUFA supplementation and reporting clinical outcomes. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model, followed by a meta-regression of dose, docosahexaenoic acid/eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA/EPA) ratio, and duration of treatment and use of lipid-lowering/statin therapy in control group. Twenty-three studies with 77,776 patients (38,910 PUFA; 38,866 controls) were included. PUFA had no effect on total mortality [risk ratio (RR) = 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-1.01] and myocardial infarction (RR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.73-1.02), but marginally reduced cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98). Lower control group statin use (b = 0.222, P = 0.027) and higher DHA/EPA (b = -0.105, P = 0.033) ratio was associated with higher reduction in total mortality. Duration and dose had no effect. None of the variables except duration had significant effect on reduction in cardiovascular mortality by PUFA supplementation. There was evidence of publication bias. Statin use may mitigate, and higher DHA/EPA ratio is associated with the beneficial effect of PUFA supplementation.

Modification of Docosahexaenoic Acid Composition of Milk from Nursing Women Who Received Alpha Linolenic Acid from Chia Oil during Gestation and Nursing.

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is the precursor of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in humans, which is fundamental for brain and visual function. Western diet provides low ALA and DHA, which is reflected in low DHA in maternal milk. Chia oil extracted from chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a plant native to some Latin American countries, is high in ALA (up to 60%) and thereby is an alternative to provide ALA with the aim to reduce DHA deficits. We evaluated the modification of the fatty acid profile of milk obtained from Chilean mothers who received chia oil during gestation and nursing. Forty healthy pregnant women (22-35 years old) tabulated for food consumption, were randomly separated into two groups: a control group with normal feeding (n = 21) and a chia group (n = 19), which received 16 mL chia oil daily from the third trimester of pregnancy until the first six months of nursing. The fatty acid profile of erythrocyte phospholipids, measured at six months of pregnancy, at time of delivery and at six months of nursing, and the fatty acid profile of the milk collected during the first six months of nursing were assessed by gas-chromatography. The chia group, compared to the control group, showed (i) a significant increase in ALA ingestion and a significant reduction of linoleic acid (LA) ingestion, no showing modification of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA; (ii) a significant increase of erythrocyte ALA and EPA and a reduction of LA. AA and DHA were not modified; (iii) a increased milk content of ALA during the six months of nursing, whereas LA showed a decrease. AA and EPA were not modified, however DHA increased only during the first three months of nursing. Consumption of chia oil during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first three months of nursing transiently increases the milk content of DHA.

Tissue fatty acid composition and secretory phospholipase-A2 activity in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a remarkable health problem worldwide, but its pathogenesis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare fat composition and secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2) activity between the malignant and adjacent normal squamous tissues in patients with OSCC. METHODS: Paired samples of malignant squamous and adjacent normal-appearing tissues were collected from 27 patients with OSCC. The fatty acid composition in the obtained tissues was determined by gas liquid chromatography. Tissue enzyme activities of sPLA2 were measured using the standard assay with Diheptanoyl Thio-Phosphatidylcholine as substrate. RESULTS: In the OSCC tissue, the level of stearic acid (18:0) and activity of sPLA2 were higher (P < 0.001), and the levels of oleic acid (18:1n-9) and linoleic acid (18:2n-6) were lower than that in the adjacent normal-appearing squamous tissue (P < 0.001). The activity of sPLA2 in OSCC was strongly negatively correlated with the amount of 18:2n-6 (r = -0.41, P < 0.001). Negative significant associations were observed between the OSCC invasion and tissue levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHE). CONCLUSION: The changes in the fatty acid composition and sPLA2 activity may be regarded as indicators of altered lipid metabolism occurring in vivo during squamous cell carcinogenesis.

Adipose tissue n-3 fatty acids and metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the relationship of n-3 fatty acids (FA) to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome components (MetS) is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of adipose tissue n-3 FA with MetS. DESIGN: We studied 1611 participants without prior history of diabetes or heart disease who were participants in a population-based case-control study of diet and heart disease (The Costa Rica Heart Study). We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for MetS by quartile of n-3 FA in adipose tissue derived mainly from plants (α-Linolenic acid (ALA)), fish (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) or metabolism (docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), as well as the EPA:ALA ratio, a surrogate marker of delta-6 desaturase activity). RESULTS: N-3 FA levels in adipose tissue were associated with MetS prevalence in opposite directions. The PR (95% CI) for the highest compared with the lowest quartile adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), residence, lifestyle, diet and other FAs were 0.60 (0.44, 0.81) for ALA, 1.43 (1.12, 1.82) for EPA, 1.63 (1.22, 2.18) for DPA and 1.47 (1.14, 1.88) for EPA:ALA, all P for trend <0.05. Although these associations were no longer significant (except DPA) after adjustment for BMI, ALA and DPA were associated with lower glucose and higher triglyceride levels, P<0.05 (respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ALA could exert a modest protective benefit, whereas EPA and DHA are not implicated in MetS. The positive associations for DPA and MetS could reflect higher delta-6 desaturase activity caused by increased adiposity.

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) from Rosa canina, sacha inchi and chia oils may increase ALA accretion and its conversion into n-3 LCPUFA in diverse tissues of the rat.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential n-3 PUFA; its n-3 LCPUFA derivatives EPA and DHA, which have diverse beneficial effects, are scarce in the human diet. In recent years nontraditional vegetable oils rich in ALA (up to 45%) have been developed as new alternatives to increase ALA consumption. This work evaluated the accretion of ALA, EPA and DHA into the phospholipids extracted from erythrocytes, liver, kidney, small intestine, heart, quadriceps and the brain in rats fed sunflower (SFO), canola (CO), Rosa canina (RCO), sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, SIO) and chia (Salvia hispánica, ChO) oils. Five experimental groups (n = 12 per group) were fed for 21 days with SFO (1% ALA), CO (10% ALA), RCO (33% ALA), SIO (49% ALA), and ChO (64% ALA). SIO and ChO allowed higher ALA accretion in all tissues, except the brain, and a reduction in the content of arachidonic acid in all tissues except the brain. EPA was increased in erythrocytes, liver, kidney, small intestine, heart and quadriceps, but not in the brain. DHA was increased in the liver, small intestine and brain tissues. Our results demonstrate that ALA, when provided in significant amounts, can be converted into n-3 LCPUFA, mostly DHA in the liver and brain. It is suggested that oils rich in ALA, such as SIO and ChO, are good sources for obtaining higher tissue levels of ALA, also allowing its selective conversion into n-3 LCPUFA in some tissues of the rat.

Composição de ácidos graxos do leite materno em mulheres residentes em área distante da costa litorânea brasileira / Breast milk fatty acid composition of women living far from the coastal area in Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a composição de ácidos graxos do leite humano maduro de mulheres residentes em área distante da costa litorânea brasileira. MÉTODOS: Amostras de leite materno maduro foram obtidas de 47 mulheres lactantes com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, que tiveram partos a termo e em aleitamento exclusivo ou predominante. A coleta de leite se deu a partir da 5ª semana pós-parto, por meio de ordenha manual. A composição de ácidos graxos do leite foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a concentração de eicosapentaenoico (0,08%) foi superior ao observado em estudos brasileiros prévios. Entretanto, o teor de docosahexaenoico (0,09%) encontrado no leite humano foi um dos menores já verificados no mundo. O teor de ácidos graxos trans (2,05%) foi similar ao relatado em estudos nacionais prévios à obrigatoriedade de declaração do teor deste em rótulos de alimentos, sugerindo que esta medida não surtiu efeito na redução de seu teor na dieta habitual das mulheres. CONCLUSÕES: Baixo teor de docosahexaenoico e elevada concentração de ácidos graxos trans foram verificados no leite materno maduro de mulheres residentes em área distante da costa litorânea brasileira.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the fatty acid composition of mature human milk of women living far from the coastal area of Brazil. METHODS: Mature breast milk samples were obtained from 47 lactating women aged between 18 and 35 years, who delivered their babies at term and who exclusively or predominantly breastfed. Milk collection took place after the fifth week postpartum by hand expression. The fatty acid composition of the milk was determined by gas chromatography. RESULTS: It was observed that the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (0.08%) was higher than that observed in previous studies in Brazil. However, the content of docosahexaenoic acid (0.09%) found in human milk was one of the lowest verified in the world. The content of trans fatty acids (2.05%) was similar to that reported in national studies previous to the mandatory declaration of this fatty acid content in food labels, suggesting that this measure had no effect on reducing the content of this fatty acid in the usual diet of women. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid and high concentrations of trans fatty acids were observed in mature breast milk of women living far from the coastal area in Brazil.

Breast milk fatty acid composition of women living far from the coastal area in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the fatty acid composition of mature human milk of women living far from the coastal area of Brazil. METHODS: Mature breast milk samples were obtained from 47 lactating women aged between 18 and 35 years, who delivered their babies at term and who exclusively or predominantly breastfed. Milk collection took place after the fifth week postpartum by hand expression. The fatty acid composition of the milk was determined by gas chromatography. RESULTS: It was observed that the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (0.08%) was higher than that observed in previous studies in Brazil. However, the content of docosahexaenoic acid (0.09%) found in human milk was one of the lowest verified in the world. The content of trans fatty acids (2.05%) was similar to that reported in national studies previous to the mandatory declaration of this fatty acid content in food labels, suggesting that this measure had no effect on reducing the content of this fatty acid in the usual diet of women. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid and high concentrations of trans fatty acids were observed in mature breast milk of women living far from the coastal area in Brazil.

Evaluación de diez especies de pescado para su inclusión como parte de la dieta renal, por su contenido de proteína, fósforo y ácidos grasos

Debido a la complejidad de la enfermedad renal, su tratamiento nutrimental es complicado y muchos alimentos se encuentran restringidos, entre ellos el pescado, por su contenido de fósforo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue cuantificar en el filete de diez especies de pescado, de consumo cotidiano en México: (Cyprinus carpio carpio, Ophichthus rex, Symphurus elongatus, Eucinostomus entomelas, Chirostoma patzcuaro, Bairdiella chrysoura, Salmo salar, Oreochromis urolepis hornorum, Sphyraena guachancho, Istiophorus albicans), el contenido de fósforo (P), proteína (Pr), colesterol, sodio, potasio, vitaminas D3 y E y ácidos grasos n-3 (EPA+DHA); para identificar, aquellos pescados que podrían ser incluidos en la dieta renal. Los análisis se realizaron de acuerdo a las técnicas del AOAC. Con los resultados se calcularon las relaciones entre los nutrimentos benéficos (EPA+DHA, vitaminas) y limitantes (Pr, P, colesterol). Los valores de proteína variaron entre 16.5 y 33.5g/100g de filete; el pescado con mayor contenido de fósforo fue Salmo salar y con menor Symphurus elongatus. La cantidad de EPA+DHA varió desde 79.64mg/100g hasta 1,381.53mg/100g. Tomando en cuenta la relación P/g de Pr recomendada para pacientes renales, todas las especies analizadas exceptuando Salmo salar, Ophichthus rex y Istiophorus albicans pueden ser incluidas en la dieta dependiendo de la etapa de la enfermedad. Considerando la relación entre P/EPA+DHA, las especies recomendadas para el paciente renal son Symphurus elongatus, Bairdiella chrysoura, y Sphyraena guachancho.

Evaluation of ten fish species to be included as part of renal diet, due to their protein, phosphorus and fatty acids content. Because renal disease is highly complex, its nutritional treatment is complicated and many foods are restricted, including fish because its phosphorus content. The aim of the present study was to analyze ten fillet fish species, commonly consumed in Mexico (Cyprinus carpio carpio, Ophichthus rex, Symphurus elongatus, Eucinostomus entomelas, Chirostoma patzcuaro, Bairdiella chrysoura, Salmo salar, Oreochromis urolepis hornorum, Sphyraena guachancho, Istiophorus albicans), to determine their phosphorus (P), protein (Pr), cholesterol, sodium, potassium, vitamins D3 and E, and n-3 PUFA (EPA+DHA) according to the AOAC techniques, in order to identify which species could be included in renal diet; particularly because of their risk:benefit relations (calculated with those results). Protein values ranged from 16.5 to 33.5g/100g of fillet; the specie with the highest phosphorus contest was Salmo salar, and with the lowest, Symphurus elongatus. EPA+DHA quantity ranged from 79.64mg/100g to 1,381.53mg/100g. Considering de P/Pr relation recommended to renal patients, all analyzed species (except Salmo salar, Ophichthus rex and Istiophorus albicans) could be included in their diet. As for the P/EPA+DHA relation, the species most recommended to renal patients are Symphurus elongatus, Bairdiella chrysoura and Sphyraena guachancho.

Fish oil supplementation improves neutrophil function during cancer chemotherapy.

Cancer chemotherapy is associated with neutropenia and impaired neutrophil function. This study aimed to investigate whether supplementation with low dose fish oil (FO), providing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy after surgical tumor (mainly gastrointestinal) removal is able to improve the function of blood neutrophils. Patients (n = 38) receiving chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil and leucovorin) were randomized into two groups; one group (control) did not receive a supplement, while the other group (FO) received 2 g FO/day for 8 weeks; the FO provided 0.3 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus 0.4 g docosahexaenoic acid per day. Patients in the control group lost an average of 2.5 kg of weight over the 8 weeks of the study. The number of blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNC), mainly neutrophils, and their functions (phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide production) decreased in the control group (average decreases of approximately 30, 45 and 17%, respectively). FO prevented these decreases and actually increased body weight (average of 1.7 kg weight gain; p < 0.002 vs. control group), PMNC number (average 29% increase), phagocytosis (average 14% increase) and superoxide production (average 28% increase). FO may be useful in preventing chemotherapy-induced decline in neutrophil number and function.