Early-life stress and dietary fatty acids impact the brain lipid/oxylipin profile into adulthood, basally and in response to LPS.

Brain lipid dysregulation is a hallmark of depression and Alzheimer's disease, also marked by chronic inflammation. Early-life stress (ELS) and dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are risk factors for these pathologies and are known to impact inflammatory processes. However, if these early-life factors alter brain lipid homeostasis on the long-term and thereby contribute to this risk remains to be elucidated. We have recently shown that an early diet enriched in omega(ω)-3 PUFAs protected against the long-term negative effects of ELS on cognition and neuroinflammation. Here, we aim to understand if modulation of brain lipid and oxylipin profiles contributes to the detrimental effects of ELS and the protective ones of the diet. We therefore studied if and how ELS and early dietary PUFAs modulate the brain lipid and oxylipin profile, basally as well as in response to an inflammatory challenge, to unmask possible latent effects. Male mice were exposed to ELS via the limited bedding and nesting paradigm, received an early diet with high or low ω6/ω3 ratio (HRD and LRD) and were injected with saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in adulthood. Twenty-four hours later plasma cytokines (Multiplex) and hypothalamic lipids and oxylipins (liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) were measured. ELS exacerbated the LPS-induced increase in IL-6, CXCL1 and CCL2. Both ELS and diet affected the lipid/oxylipin profile long-term. For example, ELS increased diacylglycerol and LRD reduced triacylglycerol, free fatty acids and ceramides. Importantly, the ELS-induced alterations were strongly influenced by the early diet. For example, the ELS-induced decrease in eicosapentaenoic acid was reversed when fed LRD. Similarly, the majority of the LPS-induced alterations were distinct for control and ELS exposed mice and unique for mice fed with LRD or HRD. LPS decreased ceramides and lysophosphotidylcholine, increased hexosylceramides and prostaglandin E2, reduced triacylglycerol species and ω6-derived oxylipins only in mice fed LRD and ELS reduced the LPS-induced increase in phosphatidylcholine. These data give further insights into the alterations in brain lipids and oxylipins that might contribute to the detrimental effects of ELS, to the protective ones of LRD and the possible early-origin of brain lipid dyshomeostasis characterizing ELS-related psychopathologies.

The Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Effects of Early-Life Stress and Dietary Fatty Acids on Later-Life Central and Metabolic Outcomes in Mice.

Early-life stress (ELS) leads to increased vulnerability for mental and metabolic disorders. We have previously shown that a low dietary ω-6/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio protects against ELS-induced cognitive impairments. Due to the importance of the gut microbiota as a determinant of long-term health, we here study the impact of ELS and dietary PUFAs on the gut microbiota and how this relates to the previously described cognitive, metabolic, and fatty acid profiles. Male mice were exposed to ELS via the limited bedding and nesting paradigm (postnatal day (P)2 to P9 and to an early diet (P2 to P42) with an either high (15) or low (1) ω-6 linoleic acid to ω-3 alpha-linolenic acid ratio. 16S rRNA was sequenced and analyzed from fecal samples at P21, P42, and P180. Age impacted α- and ß-diversity. ELS and diet together predicted variance in microbiota composition and affected the relative abundance of bacterial groups at several taxonomic levels in the short and long term. For example, age increased the abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, while it decreased Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia; ELS reduced the genera RC9 gut group and Rikenella, and the low ω-6/ω-3 diet reduced the abundance of the Firmicutes Erysipelotrichia. At P42, species abundance correlated with body fat mass and circulating leptin (e.g., Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria taxa) and fatty acid profiles (e.g., Firmicutes taxa). This study gives novel insights into the impact of age, ELS, and dietary PUFAs on microbiota composition, providing potential targets for noninvasive (nutritional) modulation of ELS-induced deficits. IMPORTANCE Early-life stress (ELS) leads to increased vulnerability to develop mental and metabolic disorders; however, the biological mechanisms leading to such programming are not fully clear. Increased attention has been given to the importance of the gut microbiota as a determinant of long-term health and as a potential target for noninvasive nutritional strategies to protect against the negative impact of ELS. Here, we give novel insights into the complex interaction between ELS, early dietary ω-3 availability, and the gut microbiota across ages and provide new potential targets for (nutritional) modulation of the long-term effects of the early-life environment via the microbiota.

Dietary Fat and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intakes during Childhood Are Prospectively Associated with Puberty Timing Independent of Dietary Protein.

Dietary fat and fat quality have been inconsistently associated with puberty timing. The aim of this study was to investigate the prospective associations of dietary fat, saturated fatty acid (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) with puberty timing. Using longitudinal data from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth (SCCNG) Study, we analyzed dietary data, anthropometric measurements, and potential confounders. Dietary intakes were assessed by 3-day 24-h recalls. Age at Tanner stage 2 for breast/genital development (B2/G2) and age at menarche/voice break (M/VB) were used as puberty development markers. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the relevance of dietary intake of total fat, SFA, PUFA, and MUFA on puberty timing. Among 3425 girls and 2495 boys, children with higher intakes of total fat and PUFA were more likely to reach their B2/G2 or M/VB at an earlier age. Associations were not attenuated on additional adjustment for childhood dietary protein intake. However, higher intakes of SFA or MUFA were not independently associated with puberty development. A higher intake of dietary fat and PUFA in prepuberty was associated with earlier puberty timing, which was independent of dietary protein intake.

Diet and Physical Activity as Determinants of Continuously Measured Glucose Levels in Persons at High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

We examined how dietary and physical activity behaviors influence fluctuations in blood glucose levels over a seven-day period in people at high risk for diabetes. Twenty-eight participants underwent a mixed meal tolerance test to assess glucose homeostasis at baseline. Subsequently, they wore an accelerometer to assess movement behaviors, recorded their dietary intakes through a mobile phone application, and wore a flash glucose monitoring device that measured glucose levels every 15 min for seven days. Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the associations of metabolic and lifestyle risk factors with glycemic variability. Higher BMI, amount of body fat, and selected markers of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance from the meal tolerance test were associated with higher mean glucose levels during the seven days. Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity and polyunsaturated fat intake were independently associated with less variation in glucose levels (CV%). Higher protein and polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes were associated with more time-in-range. In contrast, higher carbohydrate intake was associated with less time-in-range. Our findings suggest that dietary composition (a higher intake of polyunsaturated fat and protein and lower intake of carbohydrates) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may reduce fluctuations in glucose levels in persons at high risk of diabetes.

Influence of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake on Kidney Functions of Rats with Chronic Renal Failure.

Arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is involved in the development and maintenance of renal functions, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 (ω-3) PUFA that has anti-inflammatory effects and attenuates nephropathy. However, their effects on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of feeding ARA, DHA, and ARA and DHA-containing diets on rats with 5/6 nephrectomized kidneys. Urine and feces were collected every 4 weeks, and the kidneys were collected at 16 weeks after surgery. Urinary albumin (U-ALB) excretion increased gradually with nephrectomy, but the U-ALB excretion was attenuated by feeding the rats with an ARA + DHA-containing diet. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the kidneys were lower in the ARA + DHA group than in the other groups. At 4 weeks after surgery, the lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in the plasma of the ARA + DHA groups decreased significantly after surgery compared to the control CKD group, but this did not happen at 16 weeks post-surgery. There was a significant negative correlation between LPO levels in the plasma at 4 weeks and creatinine clearance, and a positive correlation with urinary albumin levels. These results suggest that the combination of ARA and DHA inhibit the progress of early stage CKD.

Nutritional counseling frequency and baseline food pattern predict implementation of a high-protein and high-polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary pattern: 1-year results of the randomized NutriAct trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: NutriAct is a 36-month randomized controlled multi-center trial designed to analyze the effects of a food pattern focusing on a high-protein and high-unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) intake on healthy aging. We aimed to determine factors associated with a successful modulation of dietary pattern after 12 months in elderly participants. METHODS: 502 participants were randomized into either usual care control group including dietary recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) or an intervention group, which used supplementation of rapeseed oil and specifically designed foods as well as repetitive advices to implement a food pattern based on high intake of predominantly plant proteins, UFA and fiber (NutriAct pattern). Food intake was repeatedly assessed by 3-day food records at months 0, 3, 6 and 12. Linear regression models were used to investigate determinants of basal food intake and modulation of dietary pattern during the intervention. RESULTS: Food records of 242 intervention and 246 control participants (median age 66 y, 37% males) were available at baseline and were included. At baseline, high BMI was related to higher protein and saturated fatty acids and lower fiber intake. The intervention resulted in higher intake of protein, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA) and fiber, and lower carbohydrate and saturated fatty acid consumption (all p < 0.001). While individuals who were already at baseline closer to the NutriAct pattern also achieved a diet closer to the proposed pattern at month 12, the strongest absolute changes (%E) of dietary behavior were seen in those with dietary patterns further away from the proposed pattern at baseline. Attendance to nutritional sessions was crucial to change MUFA, PUFA, fiber and carbohydrate intake. CONCLUSIONS: A successful modification of dietary pattern was achieved by the performed intervention within 12 months. Baseline dietary habits and attendance to nutritional sessions were substantial determinants predicting changes in dietary pattern. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at German Clinical Trials Register (drks.de) as DRKS00010049.

Association between dietary fat and fat subtypes with the risk of breast cancer in an Iranian population: a case-control study.

AIM: To examine the relationship between dietary fat intake and breast cancer (BC) development. METHOD: This case-control study included 473 women with breast cancer (pathologically confirmed) and 501 healthy subjects matched by age and residency. Dietary intakes of different types and sources of fatty acids were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The association between dietary fats and odds of BC was assessed using a logistic regression model in crude and multivariable-adjusted models. P values below 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: Participants' age and body mass index were 44.0 ± 10.8 years and 28.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2, respectively. Individuals with the highest quartile of total fat intake and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake were 1.50 times more at risk to develop BC than others. A positive significant association was observed between animal fat (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.89, 95 % CI = 0.93-3.81), saturated fatty acid (SFA) (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.70, 95 % CI = 0.88-3.30), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (Q4 vs. Q1 OR = 1.85, 95 % CI = 0.95-3.61) and PUFA intake (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 2.12, 95 % CI = 1.05-4.27) with BC risk in postmenopausal women. However, there was no association in premenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Total dietary fat and its subtypes might increase the risk of BC, especially in postmenopausal women. This observational study confirms the role of dietary fat in breast cancer development. Intervention studies involving different estrogen receptor subgroups are needed.

[Controversy about the critical role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), during infancy]. / Controversia actual sobre el papel crítico de los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga, araquidónico (ARA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA), en el lactante.

INTRODUCTION: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are critical for infant growth and development, particularly arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3). ARA and DHA are components of cell membrane phospholipids and play an important role in cell division, differentiation, and signaling; and DHA is the n-3 fatty acid predominant in the developing brain and retina. During the third trimester of pregnancy, LC-PUFAs increase substantially in fetal circulation, and a "biomagnification" process in the fetal brain is observed. Moreover, LC-PUFAs are precursors of eicosanoids and metabolites, which modulate the intensity and duration of the immune response. LC-PUFA synthesis implies complex desaturation and elongation processes on their principal precursors, linoleic acid (LA) (18:3 n-6) (series n-6) and α-linolenic acid (LNA) (20:3 n-3) (series n-3), where fatty acid desaturases (FADS) and elongases (ELOVL) are competing. It is important to notice that during the first months of life, as a consequence of low enzymatic activity, LC-PUFA synthesis from LA and LNA is reduced, especially in those infants carrying variations in the FADS and ELOVL genes, which are involved in LC-PUFA synthesis, and so they are unable to supply their own DHA and ARA needs. Homozygote infants for FADS haplotype A (97 % of the Latinoamerican population) show low levels of ARA (only 43 %) and DHA (only 24 %) when compared to those carrying haplotype D (more prevalent in Europe, Africa and Asia). Human milk is the only source of LA, LNA, ARA, and DHA for the neonate and infant till complementary feeding (CF) is introduced. Infants fed with infant formulas must receive enough amounts of LA, LNA, ARA, and DHA to cover their nutritional requirements. The new guidelines by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2016) recommend that infant formulas and follow-on formulas must contain 20-50 mg of DHA/100 kcal (0.5-1 % of total fatty acids, which is higher than in human milk and the majority of infant formulas in the market), and it is not necessary to add ARA. This new regulation, which is already applicable since February 2020, has resulted in profound controversy because there is no scientific evidence about its appropriateness and safety for healthy children. Then, different international expert groups have revised the research already published about the effects of ARA and DHA addition to infant formulas, and discussed different emerging questions from this European directive. The expert group led from the University of Granada (Spain) recommends the addition of ARA in similar or higher concentrations than those of DHA, at least equal to those present in human milk (0.3 % of total fatty acids), although preferably 0.5 % and up to around 0.64 % of total fatty acids, since new studies confirm the optimal intake of ARA and DHA during the different developmental stages. This recommendation could be of particular importance for infants carrying the haplotype A of FADS.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de cadena larga (AGPI-CL) son críticos para el crecimiento y desarrollo infantil, en particular los ácidos araquidónico (ARA, C20:4n-6) y docosahexaenoico (DHA, C22:6n-3). El ARA y el DHA son componentes de los fosfolípidos de las membranas celulares y desempeñan importantes funciones en la división, diferenciación y señalización celular, siendo el DHA el ácido graso de la serie n-3 predominante en el cerebro y la retina en desarrollo. Durante el tercer trimestre de la gestación, los AGPI-CL aumentan de forma sustancial en la circulación fetal, observándose un proceso de "biomagnificación" en el cerebro fetal. Además, los AGPI-CL son precursores de los eicosanoides y metabolitos implicados en la modulación de la intensidad y duración de la respuesta inmunitaria. La síntesis de AGPI-CL implica un complejo proceso de desaturación y elongación desde los precursores principales, el ácido linoleico (18:3 n-6) (LA) (serie n-6) y el ácido α-linolénico (20:3 n-3) (LNA) (serie n-3), por los cuales compiten las enzimas desaturasas (FADS) y elongasas (ELOVL). Es importante indicar que en los primeros meses de vida, como consecuencia de la baja actividad enzimática, la síntesis de AGPI-CL a partir de LA y LNA es reducida, especialmente en los niños con variaciones en los genes que codifican las FADS y ELOVL involucradas en la síntesis de AGPI-CL y que, por tanto, son incapaces de cubrir por sí mismos sus necesidades de ARA y DHA. Los homocigotos para el haplotipo A de las FADS (97 % de la población latinoamericana) muestran niveles de ARA y DHA de tan solo un 43 % y un 24 %, respectivamente, inferiores a los de los individuos con haplotipo D (más frecuente en Europa, África y Asia). La leche humana constituye la única fuente de LA, LNA, ARA y DHA para el recién nacido y el lactante hasta la introducción de la alimentación complementaria (AC). Los niños alimentados con fórmulas infantiles deben recibir las cantidades de LA, LNA, ARA y DHA suficientes para cubrir los requerimientos nutricionales. La nueva normativa de la Autoridad Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA) (2016) indica que las fórmulas infantiles de inicio y continuación deben contener entre 20 y 50 mg de DHA/100 kcal (0,5-1 % del total de ácidos grasos: más elevado que en la leche humana y en la mayoría de fórmulas infantiles comercializadas) sin la necesidad de incluir también ARA. Esta nueva regulación, que está vigente desde febrero de 2020, ha despertado una gran controversia, al no existir evidencia científica acerca de su pertinencia y seguridad para los niños sanos. Por ello, diferentes grupos de expertos internacionales han revisado la investigación publicada acerca del ARA y el DHA, y discutido diferentes cuestiones emergentes a partir de esta nueva directiva Europea. El grupo de expertos, liderado desde la Universidad de Granada (España), recomienda la adición de ARA en concentraciones iguales o mayores que las de DHA, alcanzando al menos el contenido presente en la leche humana (0,3 % del total de ácidos grasos), aunque preferiblemente un 0,5 % y hasta alrededor del 0,64 % del total de AG, hasta que nuevos estudios confirmen la ingesta óptima de ARA y DHA durante las distintas etapas del desarrollo. Esta recomendación podría ser de especial importancia para los niños portadores del haplotipo A de las FADS.

Dietary Protein Requirement Threshold and Micronutrients Profile in Healthy Older Women Based on Relative Skeletal Muscle Mass.

Although multiple nutrients have shown protective effects with regard to preserving muscle function, the recommended amount of dietary protein and other nutrients profile on older adults for maintenance of high muscle mass is still debatable. The aims of this paper were to: (1) identify dietary differences between older women with low and high relative skeletal muscle mass, and (2) identify the minimal dietary protein intake associated with high relative skeletal muscle mass and test the threshold ability to determine an association with skeletal muscle phenotypes. Older women (n = 281; 70 ± 7 years, 65 ± 14 kg), with both low and high relative skeletal muscle mass groups, completed a food questionnaire. Skeletal muscle mass, fat-free mass (FFM), biceps brachii thickness, vastus lateralis anatomical cross-sectional area (VLACSA), handgrip strength (HGS), maximum elbow flexion torque (MVCEF), maximum knee extension torque (MVCKE), muscle quality (HGS/Body mass), and fat mass were measured. Older women with low relative skeletal muscle mass had a lower daily intake of protein, iodine, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), Vit E, manganese, milk, fish, nuts and seeds (p < 0.05) compared to women with high relative skeletal muscle mass. The minimum required dietary protein intake for high relative skeletal muscle mass was 1.17 g/kg body mass/day (g/kg/d) (sensitivity: 0.68; specificity: 0.62). Women consuming ≥1.17 g/kg/d had a lower BMI (B = -3.9, p < 0.001) and fat mass (B = -7.8, p < 0.001), and a higher muscle quality (B = 0.06, p < 0.001). The data indicate that to maintain muscle mass and function, older women should consume ≥1.17 g/kg/d dietary protein, through a varied diet including milk, fish and nuts that also contain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and micronutrients such as iodine, Vit E and manganese.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and body composition of breast-feeding mothers: the potential role of unsaturated fatty acids.

A paucity of evidence is available regarding the impact of diet's quality during pregnancy and lactation on the body composition of breast-feeding mothers. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between maternal degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and body composition measures specifically those relating to body fat, in the lactation period. A cross-sectional study on healthy mothers of full-term babies has been conducted. At 30 ± 10 d after delivery, anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed. A food frequency questionnaire was performed to compute the Italian Mediterranean Index (IMI) score as an index of adherence to the MD. Data related to pregnancy such as pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain and morbidities were also collected. The 147 mothers included were categorised in IMI-1 (IMI score < 5; n 92) and IMI-2 (IMI score ≥ 5; n 55) groups. IMI-2 mothers showed higher daily energy, total carbohydrates, starch and fibre intakes than IMI-1. The dietary habits of IMI-2 mothers reflect the typical characteristics of MD: they consumed higher quantities of proteins and lipids of vegetal origin, higher amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and lower saturated to PUFAs ratio. The IMI-2 group showed lower absolute fat mass and fat mass index compared to IMI-1 [(20⋅2 ± 5⋅9) v. (22⋅9 ± 8⋅4) kg; P 0⋅036 and (7⋅5 ± 2⋅2) v. (8⋅5 ± 3⋅1) kg/m2; P 0⋅036, respectively], whereas body weight [(61⋅1 ± 8⋅0) v. (63⋅3 ± 9⋅2) kg] and body mass index [(22⋅4 ± 2⋅6) v. (23⋅3 ± 3⋅5) kg/m2] were similar. The degree of adherence to the MD during pregnancy and lactation is positively associated with lower maternal fat deposition in the breast-feeding period. The higher quality of dietary lipids, probably in synergy with the assumption of starchy carbohydrates and fibre, could influence maternal body fat.

Conjugation Inhibitors Effectively Prevent Plasmid Transmission in Natural Environments.

Plasmid conjugation is a major route for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Inhibiting conjugation has been proposed as a feasible strategy to stop or delay the propagation of antibiotic resistance genes. Several compounds have been shown to be conjugation inhibitors in vitro, specifically targeting the plasmid horizontal transfer machinery. However, the in vivo efficiency and the applicability of these compounds to clinical and environmental settings remained untested. Here we show that the synthetic fatty acid 2-hexadecynoic acid (2-HDA), when used as a fish food supplement, lowers the conjugation frequency of model plasmids up to 10-fold in controlled water microcosms. When added to the food for mice, 2-HDA diminished the conjugation efficiency 50-fold in controlled plasmid transfer assays carried out in the mouse gut. These results demonstrate the in vivo efficiency of conjugation inhibitors, paving the way for their potential application in clinical and environmental settings. IMPORTANCE The spread of antibiotic resistance is considered one of the major threats for global health in the immediate future. A key reason for the speed at which antibiotic resistance spread is the ability of bacteria to share genes with each other. Antibiotic resistance genes harbored in plasmids can be easily transferred to commensal and pathogenic bacteria through a process known as bacterial conjugation. Blocking conjugation is thus a potentially useful strategy to curtail the propagation of antibiotic resistance. Conjugation inhibitors (COINS) are a series of compounds that block conjugation in vitro. Here we show that COINS efficiently block plasmid transmission in two controlled natural environments, water microcosms and the mouse gut. These observations indicate that COIN therapy can be used to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Excesive consumption of unsaturated fatty acids leads to oxidative and inflammatory instability in Wistar rats.

Lifestyle modifications such as increase in high-fat food consumption importantly increases the risks for cardiovascular disease. The principal objective of this study is to analyze effects of different high fat diet (HFD) sources on haemodynamic parameters, lipid and oxidative profile, myeloperoxidase activity, and markers of inflammation (IL-6/pentraxin-3). HFD containing 20% of fat, provided by lard (saturated) or soybean oil (unsaturated), as well as control diet were administering to three groups (L, SO and C). Food efficiency ratio and plasma lipids were significantly elevated in both HFD groups. However, only SO group showed an increase in systolic arterial pressure, oxidative stress index, myeloperoxidase activity, liver lipids as well as markers of inflammation: IL-6 and pentraxin-3 (PTX3). In summary, these results indicate inflammogenic potential of excessive soybean oil consumption in triggering liver damage.

Effects of Dietary Fatty Acid Composition on Lipid Metabolism and Body Fat Accumulation in Ovariectomized Rats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a state of excess energy storage resulting in body fat accumulation, and postmenopausal obesity is a rising issue. In this study using ovariectomized (OVX) rats, we mimicked low estrogen levels in a postmenopausal state in order to investigate the effects of different amounts and types of dietary fatty acids on body fat accumulation and body lipid metabolism. METHODS: At 9 weeks of age, rats (n = 40) were given an ovariectomy, eight of which were sham-operated to serve as a control group (S). We then divided OVX rats into four different intervention groups: diet with 5% soybean oil (C), and diet with 5% (L), 15% (M), and 20% (H) (w/w) experimental oil, containing 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and with a polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio of 5. RESULTS: After OVX, compared to the S group, the C group showed significantly higher body weight, and insulin and leptin levels. Compared to the C group, the H group had lower hepatic triglyceride level and FAS enzyme activity, and higher hepatic ACO and CPT-1 gene expressions and enzyme activities. CONCLUSIONS: An OVX leads to severe weight gain and lipid metabolism abnormalities, while according to previous studies, high fat diet may worsen the situation. However, during our experiment, we discovered that the experimental oil mixture with 60% MUFAs and P/S = 5 may ameliorate these imbalances.

Association of polyunsaturated fatty acids with improved heart rate variability and cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Apart from dietary restriction and medical therapy, the benefits of cardiovascular protection offered by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements in patients with ESRD receiving maintenance dialysis remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of PUFAs on blood pressure, heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prognosis. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from Embase, PubMed (including MEDLINE), and Web of Science. We included seven RCTs that involved 724 patients with ESRD receiving dialysis and PUFA supplements. RESULTS: The data indicated that compared with the control group, the PUFA group demonstrated decreased cardiovascular events (Peto odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32 to 0.85, P = 0.009) and HRV (changes in the mean HR [mean difference = -2.59, 95% CI = -4.91 to -0.26, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%]; mean RR interval [MD = 29.03, 95% CI = 5.43 to 52.63, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%]; mean of the standard deviation of all normal RR intervals for all 5 min segments [MD = 2.73, 95% CI = 0.48 to 4.99, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%], and square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent intervals [MD = 2.03, 95% CI = 0.04 to 4.03, P = 0.05, I2 = 0%]). CONCLUSION: PUFA supplements appeared to improve CVD prognosis in patients receiving dialysis. Additional RCTs with longer follow-up periods need to clarify the benefits of PUFA supplements in this patient population.

Maternal Supplementation with Cow's Milk Naturally Enriched with PUFA Alters the Metabolism of Sows and the Fatty Acid Profile of the Offspring.

The study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of gilts with cow's milk naturally enriched with n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on reproductive outcomes, and the serum biochemical and FA profile of swine females and their offspring. During 316 days, 30 gilts were distributed into three groups: (1) Control, fed a basal diet + milk from cows without oil; (2) n-3, fed a basal diet + milk from cows fed a diet enriched with linseed oil; (3) n-6, fed a basal diet + milk from cows fed a diet enriched with soybean oil. The gilts receiving the diets containing PUFA had higher serum urea and very-low-density lipoprotein levels and lower serum total protein and low-density lipoprotein levels compared to the Control group. Females supplemented with n-3 presented higher serum palmitic acid and γ-linolenic acid levels than those fed n-6. Piglets from the Control group were heavier at birth than those from females supplemented with enriched milk. The piglets from females receiving enriched milk had 140 g higher body weight from 1 to 21 days old compared to the Control group, and greater average daily weight gain from 7 to 14 days old. The serum eicosapentaenoic acid level of piglets fed n-3 was 69% higher than those fed n-6, which reduced the AA/EPA ratio. Gilts supplemented with PUFA-enriched cow's milk showed changes in their serum palmitic and γ-linolenic acid levels, in addition to improved performance, EPA concentration and consequently reduced AA/EPA ratio in their piglets, demonstrating beneficial results for their progeny.

Maternal active asthma in pregnancy influences associations between polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and child asthma.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating effects of prenatal polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake on childhood asthma reveal mixed results. Inconsistencies may result from not accounting for important modifying factors such as maternal asthma or child sex. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether associations between prenatal PUFA intake and childhood asthma are modified by prenatal active maternal asthma or child sex in 412 mother-child dyads. METHODS: Energy-adjusted prenatal dietary and supplement intakes of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs were estimated using the Block98 Food Frequency Questionnaire, administered during pregnancy. Mothers reported asthma in children followed prospectively to 4.0 plus or minus 1.7 years. Generalized additive models with smooth terms for PUFA (n-3, n-6, n-6/n-3 ratio) effects were used to investigate associations between PUFAs and child asthma, without prespecifying the form of these relationships, including effect modification by active maternal asthma or child sex. RESULTS: Among mothers (40% Black, 31% Hispanic), 22% had active asthma in pregnancy; 17.5% of children developed asthma. Lower maternal n-3 PUFA intake was significantly associated with risk of childhood asthma (P = .03), in particular among children of mothers with active asthma and low n-3 PUFA intake (P = .01). This inverse association was more apparent in girls (P = .01) compared with boys (P = .30), regardless of maternal asthma status. For n-6 PUFA and the n-6/n-3 ratio, there was a lower risk of childhood asthma in the midrange of intake and increased risk at higher intake (n-6 PUFA P = .10, n-6/n-3 ratio P = .13). CONCLUSION: Consideration of factors that modify effects of prenatal PUFA intake on childhood asthma has implications for designing intervention strategies tailored to impact those at greatest risk.

Dietary patterns related to zinc and polyunsaturated fatty acids intake are associated with serum linoleic/dihomo-γ-linolenic ratio in NHANES males and females.

Identifying dietary patterns that contribute to zinc (Zn) and fatty acids intake and their biomarkers that may have an impact on health of males and females. The present study was designed to (a) extract dietary patterns with foods that explain the variation of Zn and PUFAs intake in adult men and women; and (b) evaluate the association between the extracted dietary patterns with circulating levels of serum dihomo-γ-linolenic fatty acid (DGLA) or serum linoleic/dihomo-γ-linolenic (LA/DGLA) ratio in males and females. We used reduced rank regression (RRR) to extract the dietary patterns separated by sex in the NHANES 2011-2012 data. A dietary pattern with foods rich in Zn (1st quintile = 8.67 mg/day; 5th quintile = 11.11 mg/day) and poor in PUFAs (5th quintile = 15.28 g/day; 1st quintile = 18.03 g/day) was found in females (S-FDP2) and the same pattern, with foods poor in PUFAs (5th quintile = 17.6 g/day; 1st quintile = 20.7 g/day) and rich in Zn (1st quintile = 10.4 mg/day; 5th quintile = 12.9 mg/day) (S-MDP2), was found in males. The dietary patterns with foods rich in Zn and poor in PUFAs were negatively associated with serum LA/DGLA ratio. This is the first study to associate the LA/DGLA ratio with Zn and PUFAs related dietary patterns in males and females.

Dietary intake and plasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in early-stage Parkinson's disease.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important for neuronal function and may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the correlation between dietary intake and plasma concentrations of PUFA and their associations with clinical severity in early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). In a case-control study with 38 patients with PD and 33 controls, we assessed dietary intake using food frequency questionnaires and simultaneously measured the plasma levels of five PUFA. No differences were observed in dietary total energy and lipid intake, including PUFA, between patients with PD and controls. However, α-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) plasma levels were lower in patients with PD. The association between dietary intake and plasma PUFA concentrations was not significant in patients with PD. ALA and LA plasma levels were inversely correlated with motor severity in patients with PD, while docosahexaenoic acid and AA plasma levels were positively correlated with non-motor symptoms after controlling for age and sex.

Associations Between Macronutrients From Different Dietary Sources and Serum Lipids in 24 639 UK Biobank Study Participants.

[Figure: see text].