Global ocean lipidomes show a universal relationship between temperature and lipid unsaturation.

Global-scale surveys of plankton communities using "omics" techniques have revolutionized our understanding of the ocean. Lipidomics has demonstrated the potential to add further essential insights on ocean ecosystem function but has yet to be applied on a global scale. We analyzed 930 lipid samples across the global ocean using a uniform high-resolution accurate-mass mass spectrometry analytical workflow, revealing previously unknown characteristics of ocean planktonic lipidomes. Focusing on 10 molecularly diverse glycerolipid classes, we identified 1151 distinct lipid species, finding that fatty acid unsaturation (i.e., number of carbon-carbon double bonds) is fundamentally constrained by temperature. We predict substantial declines in the essential fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid over the next century, which are likely to have serious deleterious effects on economically critical fisheries.

The Effect of Fat Content and Fatty Acids Composition on Color and Textural Properties of Butter.

The textural properties of butter are influenced by its fat content and implicitly by the fatty acids composition. The impact of butter's chemical composition variation was studied in accordance with texture and color properties. From 37 fatty acids examined, only 18 were quantified in the analyzed butter fat samples, and approximately 69.120% were saturated, 25.482% were monounsaturated, and 5.301% were polyunsaturated. The butter samples' viscosity ranged between 0.24 and 2.12 N, while the adhesiveness ranged between 0.286 to 18.19 N·mm. The principal component analysis (PCA) separated the butter samples based on texture parameters, fatty acids concentration, and fat content, which were in contrast with water content. Of the measured color parameters, the yellowness b* color parameter is a relevant indicator that differentiated the analyzed sample into seven statistical groups; the ANOVA statistics highlighted this difference at a level of p < 0.001.

Characterization of ω3 fatty acid desaturases from oomycetes and their application toward eicosapentaenoic acid production in Mortierella alpina.

ω3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids are currently obtained mainly from fisheries; thus, sustainable alternative sources such as oleaginous microorganisms are required. Here, we describe the isolation, characterization, and application of 3 novel ω3 desaturases with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid-producing activity at ordinary temperatures (28 °C). First, we selected Pythium sulcatum and Plectospira myriandra after screening for oomycetes with high eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratios and isolated the genes psulω3 and pmd17, respectively, which encode ω3 desaturases. Subsequent characterization showed that PSULω3 exhibited ω3 desaturase activity on both C18 and C20 ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids while PMD17 exhibited ω3 desaturase activity exclusively on C20 ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Expression of psulω3 and pmd17 in the arachidonic acid-producer Mortierella alpina resulted in transformants that produced eicosapentaenoic acid/total fatty acid values of 38% and 40%, respectively, at ordinary temperatures. These ω3 desaturases should facilitate the construction of sustainable ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid sources.

Volatile Profile in Yogurt Obtained from Saanen Goats Fed with Olive Leaves.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of volatile compounds in yogurt samples obtained from goats fed a dietary supplementation with olive leaves (OL). For this purpose, thirty Saanen goats were divided into two homogeneous groups of 15 goats each: a control group that received a standard diet (CG) and an experimental group whose diet was supplemented with olive leaves (OLG). The trial lasted 28 days, at the end of which the milk of each group was collected and used for yogurt production. Immediately after production, and after 7 days of storage at 4 °C in the absence of light, the yogurt samples were characterized in terms of fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and volatile compounds by the solid-phase microextraction (SPME)-GC/MS technique. Dietary OL supplementation positively affected the fatty acid composition, inducing a significant increase in the relative proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid (C18:1 cis9) and linolenic acid (C18:3). With regard to the volatile profile, both in fresh and yogurt samples stored for 7 days, the OL supplementation induced an increase in free fatty acids, probably due to an increase in lipolysis carried out by microbial and endogenous milk enzymes. Specifically, the largest variations were found for C6, C7, C8 and C10 free fatty acids. In the same samples, a significant decrease in aldehydes, mainly heptanal and nonanal, was also detected, supporting-at least in part-an improvement in the oxidative stability. Moreover, alcohols, esters and ketones appeared lower in OLG samples, while no significant variations were observed for lactones. These findings suggest the positive role of dietary OL supplementation in the production of goats' milk yogurt, with characteristics potentially indicative of an improvement in nutritional properties and flavor.

Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids and parasitic infections: An overview.

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are synthesized from the essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, respectively. They are pivotal components of all mammalian cells and were found to be useful in prevention and treatment of a variety of health problems owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are further metabolized to anti-inflammatory mediators, such as lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins. Moreover, these polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to have in vivo and in vitro protective efficacies against some parasitic infections. Therefore, dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids should be encouraged because of their considerable beneficial effects.

The highly unnatural fatty acid profile of cells in culture.

The fatty acid profile of cells in culture are unlike those of natural cells with twice the monounsaturated (MUFA) and half the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) level (Mol%). This is not due to cell lines primarily being derived from cancers but is due to limited access to lipid and an inability to make PUFA de novo as vertebrate cells. Classic culture methods use media with 10% serum (the only exogenous source of lipid). Fetal bovine serum (FBS), the serum of choice has a low level of lipid and cholesterol compared to other sera and at 10% of media provides 2-3% of the fatty acid and cholesterol, 1% of the PUFA and 0.3% of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (18:2n-6) available to cells in the body. Since vertebrate cell lines cannot make PUFA they synthesise MUFA, offsetting their PUFA deficit and reducing their fatty acid diversity. Stem and primary cells in culture appear to be similarly affected, with a rapid loss of their natural fatty acid compositions. The unnatural lipid composition of cells in culture has substantial implications for examining natural stems cell in culture, and for investigations of cellular mechanisms using cell lines based on the pervasive influence of fats.

Oxylipins in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins of dyslipidemic subjects promote endothelial inflammation following a high fat meal.

Elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRL) in circulation is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. TGRL from subjects consuming a high saturated fat test meal elicited a variable inflammatory response in TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells (EC) that correlated strongly with the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. This study investigates how the relative abundance of oxygenated metabolites of PUFA, oxylipins, is altered in TGRL postprandially, and how these changes promote endothelial inflammation. Human aortic EC were stimulated with TNFα and treated with TGRL, isolated from subjects' plasma at fasting and 3.5 hrs postprandial to a test meal high in saturated fat. Endothelial VCAM-1 surface expression stimulated by TNFα provided a readout for atherogenic inflammation. Concentrations of esterified and non-esterified fatty acids and oxylipins in TGRL were quantified by mass spectrometry. Dyslipidemic subjects produced TGRL that increased endothelial VCAM-1 expression by ≥35%, and exhibited impaired fasting lipogenesis activity and a shift in soluble epoxide hydrolase and lipoxygenase activity. Pro-atherogenic TGRL were enriched in eicosapentaenoic acid metabolites and depleted in esterified C18-PUFA-derived diols. Abundance of these metabolites was strongly predictive of VCAM-1 expression. We conclude the altered metabolism in dyslipidemic subjects produces TGRL with a unique oxylipin signature that promotes a pro-atherogenic endothelial phenotype.

Macronutrients influence yield and oil quality of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.).

In the present two-year study, an attempt was made to estimate the grain yield, grain nutrient uptake, and oil quality of three commonly grown maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids fertilized with varied levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Results obtained from both the experimental years indicated that application of 125% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded maximum grain yield (10.37 t ha-1; 124% higher than control). When compared with 100% RDF, grain yield reduction with nutrient omission was 44% for N omission, 17% for P omission, and 27% for K omission. Nitrogen uptake was increased with increasing NPK levels up to 150% RDF that was statistically at par (p ≥ 0.01) with 125% RDF. Increasing trend in P and K uptake was observed with successive increase in NPK levels up to 125% RDF, above which it declined. The protein content was significantly higher in grains of var. P 3396 with 125% RDF. Nutrient management has significant (p ≤ 0.01) role in the grain oil content. Saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic and arachidic acid) content decreased, and unsaturated fatty acid (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid) increased with increasing NPK levels. The average oleic acid desaturation and linoleic acid desaturation ratios were increased with increasing NPK levels up to 100 and 125% RDF, respectively. However, average monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA): poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), saturated: unsaturated as well as linoleic: linolenic acid ratios were increased on receiving 75% RDF, and beyond that it showed decreasing trend. The omission of K had the highest inhibitory effect on corn oil quality followed by N and P omission.

Does supplemental zeolite (clinoptilolite) affect growth performance, meat texture, oxidative stress and production of polyunsaturated fatty acid of Turkey poults?

BACKGROUND: Following the ban on the use of growth factors, the use of zeolite in poultry feed could be a solution to obtain healthier food products that are more demanded by the consumer. METHODS: Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) was added to turkey male and female feed at concentrations 1% or 2% and was evaluated for its effectiveness on performance of the production. The turkeys were given free and continuous access to a nutritionally non-limiting diet (in meal form) that was either a basal diet or a 'Zeolite supplemented-diet' (the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 1% or 2%). RESULTS: It was found that adding zeolite in the turkey diet had a positive effect on growth performance and increased weight gain compared to the control. In addition, zeolite treatment had a positive effect on oxidative stress and organoleptic parameters that were measured. It was found that adding zeolite in the turkey diet reduced the MDA level in the liver and in the meat, as compared to the control. Quality of meat was measured as a significantly increase (p < 0.05) in pH for male meat, indicated that the zeolite could maintain the quality of longer period. The adding of zeolite in the turkey diet increased level of polyunsaturated fatty acid. CONCLUSION: This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for turkey, as part of a comprehensive program to improve growth performance and oxidative stress parameters and to increase level of polyunsaturated fatty acid on the turkey body.

Green leafy vegetables in diets with a 25:1 omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio modify the erythrocyte fatty acid profile of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: In addition to the actual composition of the diet (i.e. nutrient composition, food groups), the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio has been demonstrated to influence the tissue fatty acid profile and subsequently the risk for cardiovascular and other diseases. Likewise, the consumption of green leafy vegetables (GLVs) may favorably reduce the risks associated with disease. Although an ~ 3:1 omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio (ω-6/ω-3 FAR) is recommended, the typical American diet has an ~ 25:1 ω-6/ω-3 FAR. Previous research affirms the ability of collard greens (CG), purslane (PL), and sweet potato greens (SPG) to improve the hepatic profile of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of GLVs, incorporated (4%) into diets with a 25:1 ω-6/ω-3 FAR, on the erythrocyte fatty acid profile of male SHRs. METHODS: SHRs (N = 50) were randomly assigned to one of five dietary groups - standardized control (AIN-76A), Control (25:1 ω-6/ω-3 FAR), CG (25:1 ω-6/ω-3 FAR + 4% CG), PL (25:1 ω-6/ω-3 FAR + 4% PL) or SPG (25:1 ω-6/ω-3 FAR + 4% SPG). Following 6 weeks consumption of diets, SHRs erythrocyte fatty acid profiles were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Significantly lower percentages of total saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) and greater percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids were present among SHR erythrocytes following the consumption of diets containing CG, PL and SPG. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids were greatest among SHRs consuming diets containing purslane. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the ability of GLVs to mitigate the potential effects of an elevated ω-6/ω-3 FAR, which may contribute to an atherogenic fatty acid profile, inflammation and disease pathogenesis. Dietary recommendations for disease prevention should consider the inclusion of these GLVs, particularly among those consuming diets with an ω-6/ω-3 FAR that may promote disease.

Nutraceutical potentialities of Tunisian Argan oil based on its physicochemical properties and fatty acid content as assessed through Bayesian network analyses.

BACKGROUND: Argan oil is traditionally produced by cold pressing in South-western Morocco where rural population uses it as edible oil as well as for its therapeutic properties which give them in counterpart valuable income. Given the economical interest of this oil, several attempts of fraudulency have been registered in the world global market leading to loss of authenticity. Our purpose is to launch a program of Tunisian Argan oil valorization since trees from this species have been introduced sixty years ago in Tunisia. The first step was thus to characterize the physicochemical properties and determine the chemical composition of Tunisian Argan oil in order to assess its quality. METHODS: Physicochemical parameters of oil quality were determined according to the international standard protocols. Fatty acid content analysis of Argan oils was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry. A comparative study was realized among Tunisian, Moroccan and Algerian samples differing also by their extraction procedure. The impact of geographical localisation on the fatty acids composition was studied by statistical and modeling Bayesian analyses. RESULTS: Physicochemical parameters analysis showed interestingly that Tunisian Argan oil could be classified as extra virgin oil. Argan oil is mainly composed by unsaturated fatty acids (80%), mainly oleic and linoleic acid (linoleic acid was positively influenced by the geographical localization (r = 0.899, p = 0.038) and the P/S index (r = 0.987, p = 0.002)) followed by saturated fatty acids (20%) with other beneficial compounds from the unsaponifiable fraction like polyphenols and carotenoids. Together with fatty acid content, these minor components are likely to be responsible for its nutraceutical properties and beneficial effects. CONCLUSION: Tunisian Argan oil displayed valuable qualitative parameters proving its competitiveness in comparison with Moroccan and Algerian oils, and could be therefore considered as extra virgin edible oil for nutraceutical purposes as well as for cosmetic use.

Effect of dietary sugar concentration and sunflower seed supplementation on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, milk fatty acid profile, and blood metabolites of dairy cows.

Previous research has shown that both sunflower seed (SF) and sucrose (SC) supplementation can result in variation in milk fat concentration and composition, possibly due to altered fermentation patterns and biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different sugar concentrations with or without SF supplementation on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation, and milk fatty acid profile in lactating dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows (body weight=620±15kg, 60±10 d in milk, mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to treatments in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each 21-d period consisted of a 14-d diet adaptation period and 7-d collection period. Dairy cows were fed 1 of the following 4 diets: (1) no additional SC without SF supplementation (NSC-SF), (2) no additional SC with SF supplementation (NSC+SF), (3) SC without SF supplementation (SC-SF), and (4) SC with SF supplementation (SC+SF). The diets contained the same amount of forages (corn silage and alfalfa hay). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated by replacing corn grain with SC and SF and balanced using change in proportions of canola meal and sugar beet pulp. No interaction was detected between SC and SF supplementation with respect to dry matter intake, milk yield, and composition. A tendency was found for an interaction between inclusion of SC and SF on energy-corrected milk with the highest amount in the SC-SF diet. Ruminal pH and the molar proportion of acetate were affected by SC inclusion, with an increase related to the SC-SF diet. Diets containing SF decreased the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (4:0 to 10:0) and medium-chain fatty acids (12:0 to 16:0) in milk fat. The addition of SC tended to decrease the concentration of total trans-18:1. These data provide evidence that exchanging SC for corn at 4% of dietary dry matter influenced milk fat content and rumen pH, resulting in a tendency for decreased concentration of trans-18:1 in milk fat. Sucrose alone did not alter the milk fatty acid profile when cows were fed a combination of unsaturated fat and sugar, although several significant interactions between sugar and unsaturated fat were observed.

Fatty acids composition of inner mitochondrial membrane of rat cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes during hypoxia-hypercapnia.

We studied the influence of hypoxic-hypercapnic environment under the effect of hypothermia (artificial hibernation) on fatty acids spectrum of inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) lipids of rat cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. Specific for cellular organelles redistribution of IMM fatty acids was determined. It led to the reduction of total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and increase of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in cardiomyocytes and to the increase of SFAs and decrease of UFAs in hepatocytes. The decrease in the content of oleic acid and increased content of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in IMM were shown. This may be due to their role in the regulatory systems during hibernation, as well as following exit therefrom. It is assumed that artificial hibernation state is characterized by the stress reaction leading to optimal readjustment of fatty acids composition of membrane lipids, which supports functional activity of mitochondria in hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes.

Relationship between central and peripheral fatty acids in humans.

BACKGROUND: In recent years the physiological and pathological importance of fatty acids in both the periphery and central nervous system (CNS) has become increasingly apparent. However surprisingly limited research has been conducted comparing the fatty acid composition of central and peripheral lipid stores. METHODS: The present study compared the distribution of polyunsaturated (PUFA), as well as specific saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids in the whole blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of humans. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was used to determine the fatty acid profiles of twenty-eight matched CSF and whole blood samples. Multiple linear regression modeling, controlling for age, was used to identify significant relationships. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship was seen between whole blood total omega-3 fatty acids and the CSF omega-3 subfractions, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (P = 0.019) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (P = 0.015). A direct association was also observed between the whole blood and CSF omega-6 PUFA, arachidonic acid (AA) (P = 0.045). Interestingly an inverse association between central and peripheral oleic acid was also found (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a relationship between central and peripheral fatty acids of varying degrees of unsaturation and chain length and support the view that some systemic fatty acids are likely to cross the human blood brain barrier (BBB) and thereby influence central fatty acid concentrations.

Identification of sulfoglycolipid bioactivities and characteristic fatty acids of marine macroalgae.

The fatty acid compositions of 21 species of marine macroalgae, including 5 species of Chlorophyta (green algae), 13 of Rhodophyta (red algae), and 3 of Heterokontophyta (brown algae), were collected from northeastern Taiwan to survey their functional lipids. The lipid contents of green algae ranged from 15.36 to 20.15 mg/g, dry basis (db), and were characterized by a high content of C18:2 and C18:3, red algae (18.57-28.34 mg/g db) were high in C20:4 and C20:5, and brown algae (13.11-19.56 mg/g db) were high in C18:4, C20:4, and C:20:5. All algal lipids contained fatty acids of odd-number carbons, C17:0, and C17:1. Red algae had relatively higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and were richer in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) than green and brown algae. A red alga, Porphyra crispata , was extracted with ethanol and separated on a hydrophobic column (Diaion HP-20 column) to obtain sulfoglycolipids (sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols, SQDGs). The main fatty acids in SQDGs were palmitic acid (C16:0), 33.3%; EPA (C20:5), 30.0%; arachidonic acid (C20:4), 12.7%; oleic acid (C18:1), 7.52%; and stearic acid (C18:0), 6.83%. The n-3/n-6 ratio was 1.9, whereas the authentic standard, spinach SQDG, did not contain n-3 fatty acids. Sulfoglycolipids inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The IC50 was 126 µg/mL, which is lower than that of the spinach SQDG (255 µg/mL).

Communication with a growing family: diffusible signal factor (DSF) signaling in bacteria.

Many pathogenic bacteria use cell-cell signaling to regulate the expression of factors contributing to virulence. Bacteria produce signals of diverse structural classes. The signal molecule known as diffusible signal factor (DSF) is a cis-unsaturated fatty acid that was first described in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris. Recent work has shown that structurally related molecules produced by the unrelated bacteria Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa regulate virulence, biofilm formation and antibiotic tolerance in these important human pathogens. Furthermore, DSF family signals have been shown to be involved in interspecies signaling that modulates bacterial behavior. An understanding of these diverse signaling mechanisms could suggest strategies for interference, with consequences for disease control.

A cautionary note on the correct structure assignment of phytoprostanes and the emergence of a new prostane ring system.

Considerable confusion exists about the correct structural representation of phytoprostanes (PhytoP). Improper use of the different nomenclature systems leads to incorrect structure assignment of PhytoP, which results in wrong synthetic approaches to these molecules and may lead to wrong rationalization of biological activity. A new prostane ring system was found, which is proposed to be termed L(1)-PhytoP or L(2)-IsoP, respectively.

Isoprostane nomenclature: inherent problems may cause setbacks for the development of the isoprostanoid field.

Do we have to bother about the isoprostane nomenclature? The widely accepted IUPAC isoprostane nomenclature provides an unambiguous and systematic terminology to name all theoretical possible isoprostanes. However, the currently accepted nomenclature system provides an unnatural framework which is not well suited to address certain biologically relevant questions. Artificial categorization of isoprostanoids into prostanoid families disrupts prostaglandin-ring core structures needed to describe biogenetic precursor-product relationships. In addition, the IUPAC system defines isoprostanoid families which comprise chemically heterogeneous isoprostanoids which largely differ in their physicochemical properties from those of the corresponding prostaglandins. As a result of this, alternative nomenclature systems such as the phytoprostane nomenclature system overcoming some inherent problems of the IUPAC nomenclature are still in use. However, different naming of isoprostanoids especially the classification of prostanoid family names has created considerable confusion. Therefore, a cautionary note on the current use of different nomenclature systems is necessary.

The repertoire of desaturases for unsaturated fatty acid synthesis in 397 genomes.

Fatty acids are the major components of membrane molecules. The fact that unsaturated fatty acids play multiple important roles, physically and biologically, means that the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the membrane needs to be strictly regulated to maintain cellular homeostasis. The most ubiquitous and widespread modification to fatty acids, which results in a great diversity of different structures, is the insertion of double bonds. Fatty acid desaturases directly introduce regioselective double bonds into fatty acids. A phylogenetic analysis of desaturases suggests that the sequences of these proteins include a highly conserved domain, which determines the differences in specificity and regioselectivity found in these enzymes. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of fatty acid desaturases found in the genomic data of 397 organisms. We obtained a set of desaturases clustered by regioselectivity using a hierarchal clustering analysis.

Hypertension prevention: from nutrients to (fortified) foods to dietary patterns. Focus on fatty acids.

Diet affects significantly the incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases and fatty acid intake, in its qualitative as well as quantitative aspects, and influences several risk factors including cholesterol (total, LDL and HDL), triglycerides, platelet aggregation and blood pressure, as evidenced in the 2001 WHO report. This review focuses on the qualitative concern of lipid intake, the various classes of fatty acids of the lipid fraction of the diet, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and their effects on blood pressure. Saturated fat have a bad file and several experimental studies in the rat showed a progressive increase in blood pressure in response to a highly saturated diet. Moreover, a highly saturated diet during gestation led to offspring which, when adults, presented a gender-related hypertension. The mechanism of this effect may be related to the polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (p/s). During the past 20 years, trans fatty acids have been suspected of deleterious health effects, but the investigations have shown that these fatty acids display a biological behaviour close to that of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Moreover, epidemiological investigations did not confirm the relationship between trans fatty acids and cardiovascular pathology. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to exert a positive action on hypertension. This effect could be attributed to the alteration of the p/s, but mainly to the omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The comparison of several animal models led to the conclusion that long-chain omega3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) can prevent the increase in blood pressure and reduce established hypertension, but the efficient dose remains an object of discussion. Moreover, the two long-chain omega3 PUFAs, EPA and DHA, display specific effects, which vary with the aetiology of hypertension, because their mechanism of action is different. DHA acts on both blood pressure and heart function (heart rate and ECG) and interferes with the adrenergic function. Conversely, EPA, which is not incorporated in cardiac phospholipids, has no effect on the heart and its mechanism of action is largely unknown. Although it is accepted by the scientific community that the intake of EPA and DHA needs to be increased, we will have to discover new ways to do it, since marine products are the main source of these fatty acids, and this source is not inexhaustible.