Overview of the therapeutic efficacy of marine fish oil in managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

In the present scenario, obesity is a challenging health problem and its prevalence along with comorbidities are on the rise around the world. Ingestion of fish becomes trendy in daily meals. Recent research has shown that marine fish oil (FO) (found in tuna, sardines, and mackerel) may offer an alternative method for reducing obesity and problems associated with it. Marine FO rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) and long-chain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-6 PUFA) plays an important role in reducing abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome and has a variety of disease-fighting properties, including cardioprotective activity, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory activity. Studies in rodents and humans have indicated that LC n-3 PUFA potentially elicit a number of effects which might be useful for reducing obesity, including suppression of appetite, improvements in circulation, enhanced fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and reduced fat deposition. This review discusses the interplay between inflammation and obesity, and their subsequent regulation via the beneficial role of marine FO, suggesting an alternative dietary strategy to ameliorate obesity and obesity-associated chronic diseases.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Major Depressive Disorder: Restoring Balance for Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection.

Major depressive disorder (MDD), affecting over 264 million individuals globally, is associated with immune system dysregulation and chronic neuroinflammation, potentially linked to neurodegenerative processes. This review examines blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in MDD, focusing on key regulators like matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1). We explore potential mechanisms by which compromised BBB integrity in MDD may contribute to neuroinflammation and discuss the therapeutic potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). n-3 PUFAs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and potential ability to modulate MMP9, AQP4, and ABCB1, thereby restoring BBB integrity in MDD. This review aims to elucidate these potential mechanisms and evaluate the evidence for n-3 PUFAs as a strategy to mitigate BBB dysfunction and neuroinflammation in MDD.

Beneficial effects of linoleic acid on cardiometabolic health: an update.

Linoleic acid (LA), as a part of the wider debate about saturated, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) and health, continues to be at the center of controversy in the world of fatty acid research. A robust evidence base, however, demonstrates that higher intakes and blood levels of LA are associated with improved cardiometabolic health outcomes. LA lowers total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with saturated fatty acids and carbohydrates. Using large prospective datasets, higher blood levels of LA were associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and incident type-2 diabetes mellitus compared with lower levels, suggesting that, across the range of typical dietary intakes, higher LA is beneficial. Recent trials of LA-rich oils report favorable outcomes in people with common lipid disorders. However, an LA intake that is too high can impair endogenous synthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but the threshold at which this becomes clinically relevant is not known. In the absence of a significant intake of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, an ideal dietary ratio of LA and ALA may be theoretically useful as it provides insight into the likely extent of endogenous EPA synthesis from ALA. Updating dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for LA and ALA is needed; however, there are insufficient data to establish RDAs for these fatty acids. The omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) PUFA ratio is not informative and does not shed meaningful insight about the amount of individual fatty acids in each class needed to confer health benefits.

Fatty acids profile in pregnancies affected by neural tube defects.

This study aimed to determine if maternal fatty acids (FA) levels during pregnancy are associated with the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) and to explore the correlation between FA and maternal vitamin D, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate in cases. Plasma FA composition was assessed using capillary gas chromatography. Comparisons between cases and controls were performed by independent samples t-test for continuous variables. Cases had significantly higher levels of heptadecanoic acid, linolelaidic acid, and arachidonic acid (ARA):(eicosapentaenoic acid+docosahexaenoic acid) ratio than controls (p < 0.05). Nervonic acid, ARA, adrenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) levels were significantly lower in cases (p < 0.05). Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were positively correlated with maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. RBC folate levels were negatively correlated with n-3 PUFA.Further research is required to clarify the association of FA metabolism with NTDs.

Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Formation of Adipokines, Cytokines, and Oxylipins in Retroperitoneal Adi-Pose Tissue of Mice.

Oxylipins and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are mediators that coordinate an active process of inflammation resolution. While these mediators have potential as circulating biomarkers for several disease states with inflammatory components, the source of plasma oxylipins/SPMs remains a matter of debate but may involve white adipose tissue (WAT). Here, we aimed to investigate to what extent high or low omega (n)-3 PUFA enrichment affects the production of cytokines and adipokines (RT-PCR), as well as oxylipins/SPMs (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) in the WAT of mice during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation (intraperitoneal injection, 2.5 mg/kg, 24 h). For this purpose, n-3 PUFA genetically enriched mice (FAT-1), which endogenously synthesize n-3 PUFAs, were compared to wild-type mice (WT) and combined with n-3 PUFA-sufficient or deficient diets. LPS-induced systemic inflammation resulted in the decreased expression of most adipokines and interleukin-6 in WAT, whereas the n-3-sufficient diet increased them compared to the deficient diet. The n-6 PUFA arachidonic acid was decreased in WAT of FAT-1 mice, while n-3 derived PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) and their metabolites (oxylipins/SPMs) were increased in WAT by genetic and nutritional n-3 enrichment. Several oxylipins/SPMs were increased by LPS treatment in WAT compared to PBS-treated controls in genetically n-3 enriched FAT-1 mice. Overall, we show that WAT may significantly contribute to circulating oxylipin production. Moreover, n-3-sufficient or n-3-deficient diets alter adipokine production. The precise interplay between cytokines, adipokines, and oxylipins remains to be further investigated.

Nutritional Strategies for Chronic Craniofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders: Current Clinical and Preclinical Insights.

This narrative review provides an overview of current knowledge on the impact of nutritional strategies on chronic craniofacial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Individuals experiencing painful TMDs alter their dietary habits, avoiding certain foods, possibly due to chewing difficulties, which might lead to nutrient deficiencies. Our literature investigation revealed that the causal links between nutritional changes and craniofacial pain remain unclear. However, clinical and preclinical studies suggest that nutraceuticals, including vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, isoprenoids, carotenoids, lectins, polysaccharides, glucosamines, and palmitoylethanolamides, could have beneficial effects on managing TMDs. This is described in 12 clinical and 38 preclinical articles since 2000. Clinical articles discussed the roles of vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, and palmitoylethanolamides. The other nutraceuticals were assessed solely in preclinical studies, using TMD models, mostly craniofacial inflammatory rodents, with 36 of the 38 articles published since 2013. Our investigation indicates that current evidence is insufficient to assess the efficacy of these nutraceuticals. However, the existing data suggest potential for therapeutic intervention in TMDs. Further support from longitudinal and randomized controlled studies and well-designed preclinical investigations is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of each nutraceutical intervention and understand their underlying mechanisms in TMDs.

Effects of Supplementation with Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins, Combined with High-Intensity Functional Training, on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a supplement rich in ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and antioxidant vitamins on physical performance and body composition following a period of high-intensity functional training (HIFT). Nineteen healthy young adults (nine males, ten females) underwent an 8-week HIFT program (3 days·week-1) where they were randomized 1:1 into either the supplement group (SG)-n = 10, receiving a 20 mL daily dose of a dietary cocktail formula (Neuroaspis™ PLP10) containing a mixture of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs (12,150 mg), vitamin A (0.6 mg), vitamin E (22 mg), and γ-tocopherol (760 mg)-or the placebo group (PG)-n = 9, receiving a 20 mL daily dose of virgin olive oil. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and muscle endurance were assessed before and after the training period. Body mass did not change, but muscle mass increased by 1.7 ± 1.9% or 0.40 ± 0.53 kg in the SG (p = 0.021) and decreased by 1.2 ± 1.6% or 0.28 ± 0.43 kg (p = 0.097) in the PG, compared with baseline. VO2max, vertical jump, squat 1RM, bench press 1RM, and muscle endurance increased similarly in both groups. The effects of HIFT on physical performance parameters, muscle damage, and inflammation indices were not affected by the supplementation. In conclusion, HIFT combined with high doses of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and antioxidant vitamins resulted in a small but significant increase in muscle mass and fat reduction compared with HIFT alone.

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Improving Metabolic Dysfunctions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that impacts women of reproductive age. In addition to reproductive and psychological complications, women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While weight reduction can help manage these complications in overweight or obese women, many weight loss interventions have been ineffective due to weight stigma and its psychological impact on women with PCOS. Therefore, exploring alternative dietary strategies which do not focus on weight loss per se is of importance. In this regard, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of marine origin (n-3 PUFAs), which are known for their hypotriglyceridemic, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, have emerged as a potential therapy for prevention and reversal of metabolic complications in PCOS. Several clinical trials showed that n-3 PUFAs can improve components of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. In this review, we first summarize the available clinical evidence for different dietary patterns in improving PCOS complications. Next, we summarize the clinical evidence for n-3 PUFAs for alleviating metabolic complications in PCOS. Finally, we explore the mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs improve the metabolic disorders in PCOS in depth.

Effects of protein grass hay as alternative feed resource on lamb's fattening performance and meat quality.

Protein grass hay (PGH) was used as a new feed source for lambs to study its effect on fattening performance and meat quality. Fifty-six male lambs were allotted to four experimental groups and fed for eight weeks either alfalfa hay (AH)-based diet (control) or diets in which AH was replaced with 33 %, 66 %, or 99 % PGH. The inclusion of PGH did not affect final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, or carcass weight. Moreover, substituting AH with PGH at any level did not influence the ruminal fermentation or serum biochemical parameters, meat color, water holding capacity, shear force, or amino acid profile. However, relative liver weight was increased with 66 % substitutions. Furthermore, replacing 99 % AH with PGH decreased the meat's pH at 24 h. Higher levels of C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, and total n-3 PUFA and a lower ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA were also observed in meat from lambs fed PGH at 99 %. These findings suggest that PGH could be incorporated into the lamb's diet up to 99 % without compromising fattening performance and body health while improving their meat n-3 PUFA deposition.

Potential Impact of Omega 6/3 Ratio and CD68+ Macrophage Infiltration on Survival in NSCLC Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Resection.

Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. The stage of detection significantly influences survival rates with early-stage diagnosis offering the best prognosis. This study investigates the prognostic impact of the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and tumor infiltration by CD8+ lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in NSCLC patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 53 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection between September 2017 and January 2020. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio was quantified using gas chromatography and spectrometry. Tumor infiltration by CD8 and CD68 was assessed through immunohistochemistry. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results: An increased omega-6/omega-3 ratio and higher CD68+ macrophage infiltration were associated with a trend towards worse OS and DFS in NSCLC patients, though these results did not reach statistical significance. CD8+ T-cell infiltration was associated with improved survival outcomes, confirming its role as a favorable prognostic marker. Comparative analysis with existing datasets revealed similar demographic and clinical characteristics, reinforcing the generalizability of our findings. Conclusions: The omega-6/omega-3 ratio and CD68+ macrophage infiltration serve as important factors potentially influencing prognosis in NSCLC patients undergoing pulmonary resection. These findings highlight the need for further research to refine the prognostic utility of these biomarkers and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and immune cell infiltration.

Differential Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Platelet Inhibition by Antiplatelet Drugs In Vitro.

The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) exert multiple cardioprotective effects, influencing inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial function and lipid metabolism, besides their well-established triglyceride lowering properties. It is not uncommon for omega-3 PUFAs to be prescribed for hypertriglyceridemia, alongside antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. In this regard, we studied the effect of EPA and DHA, in combination with antiplatelet drugs, in platelet aggregation and P-selectin and αIIbß3 membrane expression. The antiplatelet drugs aspirin and triflusal, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1); ticagrelor, an inhibitor of the receptor P2Y12; vorapaxar, an inhibitor of the PAR-1 receptor, were combined with DHA or EPA and evaluated against in vitro platelet aggregation induced by agonists arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and TRAP-6. We further investigated procaspase-activating compound 1 (PAC-1) binding and P-selectin membrane expression in platelets stimulated with ADP and TRAP-6. Both DHA and EPA displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by AA, ADP and TRAP-6. In platelet aggregation induced by AA, DHA significantly improved acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and triflusal's inhibitory activity, while EPA enhanced the inhibitory effect of ASA. In combination with EPA, ASA and ticagrelor expressed an increased inhibitory effect towards ADP-induced platelet activation. Both fatty acids could not improve the inhibitory effect of vorapaxar on AA- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. In the presence of EPA, all antiplatelet drugs displayed a stronger inhibitory effect towards TRAP-6-induced platelet activation. Both omega-3 PUFAs inhibited the membrane expression of αIIbß3, though they had no effect on P-selectin expression induced by ADP or TRAP-6. The antiplatelet drugs exhibited heterogeneity regarding their effect on P-selectin and αIIbß3 membrane expression, while both omega-3 PUFAs inhibited the membrane expression of αIIbß3, though had no effect on P-selectin expression induced by ADP or TRAP-6. The combinatory effect of DHA and EPA with the antiplatelet drugs did not result in enhanced inhibitory activity compared to the sum of the individual effects of each component.

Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Parenteral Nutrition on Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The heightened inflammatory response observed in COVID-19 patients suggests that omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) may confer anti-inflammatory benefits. This randomized, double-blind, single-center clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of O3FA supplementation in parenteral nutrition (PN) on inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 69 patients were randomized into three groups: one received standard lipid emulsion, and two received O3FA (Omegaven®) at doses of 0.1 g/kg/day and 0.2 g/kg/day, respectively, in addition to Smoflipid®. The primary outcomes measured were serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on days 1, 5, and 10 of PN initiation. Secondary outcomes included additional inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1Ra, CXCL10), hepatic function, triglyceride levels, and clinical outcomes such as mortality and length of ICU and hospital stay. Results indicated a significant reduction in CRP, IL-6, and CXCL10 levels in the group receiving 0.1 g/kg/day O3FA compared to the control. Additionally, the higher O3FA dose was associated with a shorter ICU and hospital stay. These findings suggest that O3FA supplementation in PN may reduce inflammation and improve clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Fish Consumption and DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy: Study of Gestational and Neonatal Outcomes.

Several studies have explored the association between fish consumption during pregnancy and favorable neonatal outcomes, although some yield conflicting results. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends two to three servings of low-mercury fish per week for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, fish can be a source of pollutants, like methylmercury, impacting neurological development. Conflicting studies on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation exist in the literature, possibly due to varied supplement dosages. This survey, involving 501 women, investigated fish consumption and DHA supplement intake concerning gestational and neonatal outcomes. Notably, 92.1% of participants consumed fish weekly, with significant differences observed in gestational weight gain, birth weight, and length for those eating fish ≥3 times weekly compared to non-consumers. This study supports the recommendation for pregnant women to include fish in their diet while limiting exposure to environmental pollutants. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are suggested to attain nutritional benefits without mercury risk.

Omega-3 fatty acids protect cartilage from acute injurie by reducing the mechanical sensitivity of chondrocytes.

Acute cartilage injuries, such as intra-articular fractures and blunt impacts, frequently result in chondrocyte death and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, significantly elevating the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Despite advances in treatment, no effective therapies currently exist to fully cure PTOA or halt its progression. This study explores the protective effects of the dietary fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on human primary chondrocytes (HPCs) and cartilage explants exposed to mechanical overload and blunt trauma. HPCs were isolated and subjected to mechanical stretching using BioFlex six-well culture plates, while cartilage explants were subjected to impact loading via a customized drop tower. EPA was incorporated into the culture medium, followed by assays to evaluate cell viability, calcium (Ca²âº) influx, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and collagen type II alpha (Col-2a) expression. EPA treatment markedly decreased chondrocyte mechanical sensitivity, as demonstrated by enhanced cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Furthermore, EPA inhibited Piezo1 activation, leading to lower intracellular Ca²âº concentrations, decreased apoptosis, and diminished ROS levels. In cartilage explants, EPA improved chondrocyte viability, minimized structural damage, and sustained higher Col-2a expression compared to the blunt trauma group. These results indicate that EPA effectively shields chondrocytes and cartilage explants from mechanical overload-induced damage by inhibiting Piezo1 activation and mitigating Ca²âº influx, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. The findings suggest that EPA supplementation could offer a promising strategy for preventing PTOA progression following acute cartilage injuries. Further research is warranted to assess the clinical applications of EPA and confirm its efficacy in larger animal models and human trials.

Deciphering the Potential Role of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators in Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders.

Obesity-related metabolic disorders, including diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease, increasingly threaten global health. Uncontrolled inflammation is a key pathophysiological factor in many of these conditions. In the human body, inflammatory responses generate specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which are crucial for resolving inflammation and restoring tissue balance. SPMs derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins hold promise in attenuating the chronic inflammatory diseases associated with lipid metabolism disorders. Recent research has highlighted the therapeutic potential of n-3 PUFA-derived metabolites in addressing these metabolic disorders. However, the understanding of the pharmacological aspects of SPMs, particularly in obesity-related metabolic disorders, remains limited. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of SPMs in resolving metabolic disorders, based on studies in animal models and humans. These studies indicate that SPMs have potential as therapeutic targets for combating obesity, as well as offering insights into their mechanisms of action.

The interplay between diet and the enteric nervous system in the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide, with 1.9 million new cases reported annually. Notwithstanding the progress made in the field of therapeutic modalities and the advent of early diagnosis, CRC continues to represent the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The interactions between cancer cells and enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons are of great importance for the prevention and/or progression of CRC. Dietary factors play an important role in regulating both processes. The consumption of foods rich in polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and the use of probiotics has been shown to promote proper ENS function, which in turn has been demonstrated to indirectly inhibit the development or progression of CRC. Conversely, a diet comprising a high proportion of saturated fats and refined sugars can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, which exacerbates the disease. Nutritional education and dietary modifications can reduce the incidence of new cases of CRC and improve prognosis. Further research into the potential anti- or pro-cancer effects of food substances is recommended.

Optimal Pair Matching Combined with Machine Learning Predicts a Significant Reduction in Myocardial Infarction Risk in African Americans Following Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation.

Conflicting clinical trial results on omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFA) have prompted uncertainty about their cardioprotective effects. While the VITAL trial found no overall cardiovascular benefit from n-3 HUFA supplementation, its substantial African American (AfAm) enrollment provided a unique opportunity to explore racial differences in response to n-3 HUFA supplementation. The current observational study aimed to simulate randomized clinical trial (RCT) conditions by matching 3766 AfAm and 15,553 non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals from the VITAL trial utilizing propensity score matching to address the limitations related to differences in confounding variables between the two groups. Within matched groups (3766 AfAm and 3766 NHW), n-3 HUFA supplementation's impact on myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality was assessed. A weighted decision tree analysis revealed belonging to the n-3 supplementation group as the most significant predictor of MI among AfAm but not NHW. Further logistic regression using the LASSO method and bootstrap estimation of standard errors indicated n-3 supplementation significantly lowered MI risk in AfAm (OR 0.17, 95% CI [0.048, 0.60]), with no such effect in NHW. This study underscores the critical need for future RCT to explore racial disparities in MI risk associated with n-3 HUFA supplementation and highlights potential causal differences between supplementation health outcomes in AfAm versus NHW populations.

The effect of vitamin D3 and omega-3 combination, taken orally, on triglycerides, lining of intestine, and the biodiversity of gut microbiota in healthy rats.

AIM: The gut microbiota plays a key role in host health. An intake of omega-3 and vitamin D3 in a separate manner is vital for maintaining good health of gut microbiota and controlling some illness manifestations. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential change in biodiversity of the gut microbiome in healthy rats supplemented with vitamin D3, omega-3 alone and their combination and to reflect onto the triglyceride levels in serum and fecal samples. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the 16S rRNA gene Miseq Illumina NGS, and monitoring triglyceride levels in serum and fecal samples coupled with several clinical parameters, we examined the effect of orally taken combination of omega-3 and vitamin D3 alongside the separate intake of supplements on gut microbiota in 24 healthy white Wistar rats for six weeks. The study findings showed that combination treatment encouraged the growth of opportunistic Clostridia class during day 21 and 42 of treatment by 7.7 and 7.4 folds, respectively, exhibited incomplete absorption levels for both supplements when used concomitantly, demonstrated a damaging effect on the gut intestinal lining wall thickness (126 µm) when compared to control group (158 µm), increasing lumen diameter (400 µm), and showed higher triglyceride level in fecal samples. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that omega-3 and vitamin D3 supplements as combination intake reveal unfavorable effects, thus, it is advised to conduct further in-depth studies to clarify the presence or absence of any chemical interaction between both supplements' molecules and to investigate based on human model to attain a superior perspective.

Can Omega-3 prevent the accidence of stroke: a mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The lipid-lowering effects of Omega-3 fatty acids have been widely reported, yet their impact on ischemic stroke remains controversial. Reports on the protective effects of unsaturated fatty acids, such as Omega-6 and Omega-7, as well as saturated fatty acids in cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and ischemic stroke, are less frequent. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify fatty acids associated with blood pressure and ischemic stroke through Mendelian randomization. Besides, it seeks to determine whether specific fatty acids can prevent ischemic stroke by managing blood pressure and revealing the specific mechanisms of this action. METHODS: This research involved downloading relevant data from websites and extracting SNPs that met the standard criteria as instrumental variables. Simultaneously, the 'MR-PRESSO' package and 'Mendelian Randomization' package were used to eliminate confounding SNPs that could bias the study results. Then, inverse variance weighting and the weighted median were employed as primary analysis methods, accompanied by sensitivity analysis to assess the validity of the causal relationships. Initially, multivariable Mendelian randomization was used to identify fatty acids linked to blood pressure and the incidence of ischemic stroke. The causal link between certain fatty acids and the initiation of ischemic stroke was then investigated using bidirectional and mediator Mendelian randomization techniques. Stepwise Regression and the Product of Coefficients Method in mediator Mendelian randomization were utilized to ascertain whether specific fatty acids reduce ischemic stroke risk by lowering blood pressure. RESULTS: Multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis indicated a potential inverse correlation between Omega-3 intake and both blood pressure and ischemic stroke. Consequently, Omega-3 was selected as the exposure, with blood pressure and ischemic stroke-related data as outcomes, for further bidirectional and mediation Mendelian Randomization analyses. Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization revealed that Omega-3 significantly influences DBP (P = 1.01e-04) and IS (P = 0.016). It also showed that DBP and SBP significantly affect LAS, SVS, CES, IS, and LS. Mediator Mendelian Randomization identified five established mediating pathways: Omega-3-Diastolic blood pressure-Small vessel stroke, Omega-3-Diastolic blood pressure-Cardioembolic stroke, Omega-3-Diastolic blood pressure-Lacunar stroke, Omega-3-Diastolic blood pressure-Large artery atherosclerosis stroke, and Omega-3-Diastolic blood pressure-Ischemic stroke. Of these, four pathways are complete mediation, and one pathway is partial mediation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that Omega-3 may indirectly reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke by lowering blood pressure. Thus, blood pressure modulation might be one of the mechanisms through which Omega-3 prevents ischemic stroke. In summary, incorporating an increased intake of Omega-3 in the diet can serve as one of the dietary intervention strategies for patients with hypertension. Additionally, it can act as an adjunctive therapy for the prevention of ischemic strokes and their complications.

Current research and future prospects of immunonutrition in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Immune nutrition, as an integral component of nutritional support therapy, has garnered significant attention and research in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Recent advancements in nutritional formulas containing components such as glutamine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and arginine have led to the development of what is now termed immune nutrition or pharmacological nutrition. These formulations go beyond traditional nutritional support, functioning more like nutritional supplements with pharmacological effects. Patients with gastrointestinal malignancies often experience malnutrition and metabolic disturbances, resulting in immune dysfunction, cytokine dysregulation, and endocrine abnormalities. These issues can compromise intestinal mucosal barrier function, affecting the efficacy and prognosis of anticancer therapies. Recent studies indicate that immune nutrition can modulate specific mechanisms involved in various immune and inflammatory pathways, thereby improving patients' immune status and treatment outcomes. While optimal patient selection, dosing, and timing of immune nutrition are still under investigation, its potential applications in oncology are promising. This article aims to analyze the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits of immune nutrition in gastrointestinal malignancies, offering insights into its clinical standardization and application.