High α-linolenic acid and fish oil ingestion promotes ovulation to the same extent in rats

Prostaglandins (PG) have a regulatory influence on ovulation. α-Linolenic acid (ALA) vs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) differently influence PG biosynthesis. Whereas high EPA/DHA reduces PGE₂, enhancing ovulation, we hypothesized that ALA would not affect ovulation. Our objective was to determine the effect of low and high ALA intake vs EPA/DHA on ovarian phospholipids, ovulation, and PG synthesis in rats. Following 27 days on diet and ovulation induction, ovaries were isolated and analyzed in 22 pups per diet. Ovarian phospholipid (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) incorporation increased with EPA/DHA ingestion. With significant ovarian (n-3) PUFA or EPA (P < .05) enrichment in the high–n-3 PUFA diets, ova release increased. Although high ALA did not enrich total (n-3), it increased ova release and tissue EPA over low ALA or control. Dietary EPA/DHA more effectively reduced ovarian arachidonic acid levels than dietary ALA. Dietary ALA increased PGF and very high intake reduced PGE, whereas EPA/DHA did not alter PGE or PGF. Enhanced ova release with high (n-3) PUFA intake may be induced via multiple mechanisms including reduced ovarian arachidonic acid. Significant ovarian retention of EPA and DHA enhanced ovulation with unchanged total PGE and PGF. Lack of change in PGE may have resulted from reduced PGE₂ combined with increased PGE₃. When EPA alone was elevated, PGE was reduced, whereas PGF was increased. Results indicate that very high ALA intake enhances ovulation similar to very high EPA/DHA ingestion, an effect potentially mediated via similar patterns of PGF₂α and PGE₂ synthesis.     

Effect of Dietary Fat and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Urinary Eicosanoids and Sex Hormone Concentrations in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial

Substantial evidence relates increased sex hormone concentrations with increased breast cancer risk. Varying omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) intake may lead to alterations in eicosanoid balance and changes in circulating sex hormones that reduce risk. To clarify effects of dietary fat and n-3 FA intake on breast cancer risk markers, circulating sex hormones and urinary eicosanoids were measured in response to controlled feeding of diets designed to increase plasma concentrations of n-3 FA. A controlled cross-over feeding trial in postmenopausal women was conducted using 3 diets: high fat (HF; 40% energy from fat), low fat (LF; 20% energy from fat), and low fat plus n-3 FA (LFn3; 20% of energy from fat plus 3% of energy from n-3 FA) in 8-wk feeding periods. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid n-3 increased with the LFn3 relative to HF and LF (P < 0.0001). Plasma estradiol increased by 51% with HF (P = 0.03). Urinary prostaglandin E metabolite increased with HF relative to LF (P = 0.02) and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B₂ increased with HF (P = 0.01). These results do not support a role of n-3 FA in the reduction of sex hormone levels.     

Effect of dietary fat and omega-3 fatty acids on urinary eicosanoids and sex hormone concentrations in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled feeding trial

Substantial evidence relates increased sex hormone concentrations with increased breast cancer risk. Varying omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) intake may lead to alterations in eicosanoid balance and changes in circulating sex hormones that reduce risk. To clarify effects of dietary fat and n-3 FA intake on breast cancer risk markers, circulating sex hormones and urinary eicosanoids were measured in response to controlled feeding of diets designed to increase plasma concentrations of n-3 FA. A controlled cross-over feeding trial in postmenopausal women was conducted using 3 diets: high fat (HF; 40% energy from fat), low fat (LF; 20% energy from fat), and low fat plus n-3 FA (LFn3; 20% of energy from fat plus 3% of energy from n-3 FA) in 8-wk feeding periods. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid n-3 increased with the LFn3 relative to HF and LF (P < 0.0001). Plasma estradiol increased by 51% with HF (P = 0.03). Urinary prostaglandin E metabolite increased with HF relative to LF (P = 0.02) and urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B(2) increased with HF (P = 0.01). These results do not support a role of n-3 FA in the reduction of sex hormone levels.     

Validity and reliability of an omega-3 fatty acid food frequency questionnaire for first-generation Midwestern Latinas

This study tested the hypothesis that a culturally developed omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) could be an accurate instrument to capture n-3 fatty acid food intakes of first-generation Midwestern Latinas. The goal of the study was to assess validity and test-retest reliability of an FFQ to estimate total n-3 fatty acid (total n-3), α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intakes. An n-3 FFQ was developed and pilot tested. Two FFQs and 3 nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls were collected from 162 participants. Pearson correlation and paired t test were used to test the hypothesis. Correlation of the 2 FFQs was 0.71 for total n-3, 0.65 for ALA, 0.74 for EPA, and 0.54 for DHA (P < .01). The means of the 2 FFQs and of the 24-hour recalls were not significantly different for total n-3 and ALA (P > .05), but were significantly different for EPA and DHA. The n-3 FFQ had acceptable reliability, validated only total n-3 and ALA, and provided relevant findings about the n-3 eating habits of Midwestern Latinas.     

Serum phospholipid monounsaturated fatty acid composition and Δ-9-desaturase activity are associated with early alteration of fasting glycemic status

Because alterations in blood fatty acid (FA) composition by dietary lipids are associated with insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders, we hypothesized that serum phospholipid FA composition would reflect the early alteration of fasting glycemic status, even in people without metabolic syndrome (MetS). To examine this hypothesis, serum phospholipid FA, desaturase activities, fasting glycemic status, and cardiometabolic parameters were measured in study participants (n = 1022; 30-69 years; male, n = 527; female, n = 495; nondiabetics without disease) who were stratified into normal fasting glucose (NFG) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) groups. Total monounsaturated FA (MUFA), oleic acid (OA; 18:1n-9), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3n-6), Δ-9-desaturase activity (D9D; 18:1n-9/18:0), and DGLA/linoleic acid (20:3n-6/18:2n-6) in serum phospholipids were significantly higher in IFG subjects than NFG controls. Study subjects were subdivided into 4 groups, based on fasting glucose levels and MetS status. Palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) was highest in IFG-MetS and lowest in NFG–non-MetS subjects. Oleic acid and D9D were higher in IFG-MetS than in the other 3 groups. Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and DGLA/linoleic acid were higher in MetS than in non-MetS, regardless of fasting glucose levels. The high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins (hs-CRPs) and 8-epi-prostaglandin-F_2α were higher in IFG than in NFG, regardless of MetS status. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins were higher in IFG-MetS than in the other 3 groups. Total MUFAs, OA, and D9D were positively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting glucose, triglyceride, hs-CRP, and 8-epi-prostaglandin-F_2α. Palmitoleic acid was positively correlated with triglyceride and hs-CRP. Lastly, total MUFA, OA, palmitoleic acid, and D9D were associated with early alteration of fasting glycemic status, therefore suggesting that these may be useful markers for predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases.     

Fatty acid profiles,antioxidant status,and growth of preterm infants fed diets without or with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Summary. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are considered conditionally essential nutrients for the infant born prematurely, and attempts are being made to match fatty acid profiles of formula and breast fed infants. In this double-blind, randomized study we investigated the effects of a formula enriched with both n-6 and n-3 LCP on plasma fatty acid profiles, antioxidant status and growth of premature infants. 29 infants received either a formula devoid of LCP or a LCP supplemented formula (0.5 g/100 g fat linoleic acid metabolites, 0.8 g/100 g fat -linolenic acid metabolites). 17 breast fed infants served as a control group. At study entry as well as two and four weeks later, plasma and urine samples were collected, growth data obtained and food tolerance was documented. At the end of the four week study period, plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels of supplemented infants were significantly higher than those of unsupplemented infants and similar to those of infants fed human milk. Plasma n-6 LCP concentrations including arachidonic acid (AA) were similar between groups. The plasma -tocopherol levels of breast fed and supplemented infants were similar and tended to be lower than in infants fed the formula devoid of LCP. Urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) excretion of formula fed infants was significantly higher compared to infants fed human milk, but did not differ between the two formula groups. Parameters of growth and milk tolerance did not differ between groups. Our results demonstrate that plasma LCP levels similar to those of breast fed infants can be achieved with the LCP supplemented formula used in this trial, without evidence of adverse effects of the LCP enrichment.AA arachidonic acid - ALA -linolenic acid - DGLA dihomo--linolenic acid - DHA docosahexaenoic acid - EPA eicosapentaenoic acid - F formula devoid of LCP - GLA -linolenic acid - HM human milk - LA linoleic acid - LCP long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids - LCP-F formula enriched with LCP - MDA malondialdehyde - PC phosphatidylcholine - PCA postconceptional age - PE phosphatidylethanolamine - PUFA polyunsaturated fatty acid     

不同年龄阶段小鼠脑聚集二十二碳六烯酸及脂肪酸去饱和酶的变化

【目的】 探讨生命早期不同年龄阶段脑摄取、聚集二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)(C22:6n-3)及相关去饱和酶的变化。 【方法】 使用6~8周龄清洁级C57BL/6J雌性小鼠,分别给予n-3 多不饱和脂肪酸(n-3 PUFAs)缺乏饲料和含n-3 PUFAs饲料喂养6周,然后雌雄合笼交配繁殖,新生仔鼠分别于生后7、21 d和42 d时取血、脑和肝脏。采用甲酯化-气相色谱分析对血浆、脑和肝脏中脂肪酸谱进行分析;采用荧光定量PCR方法对脑和肝脏中脂肪酸去饱和酶1(FADS1)和脂肪酸去饱和酶2(FADS2)基因mRNA表达进行检测。 【结果】 对不同年龄小鼠组织脂肪酸的比较发现,脑中DHA和总n-3 PUFAs含量在两种不同饲料组均随年龄增加而升高;而肝中的含量则随年龄增加而降低。与n-3 PUFAs缺乏组相比,饲料中添加n-3 PUFAs可使仔鼠生后7、21 d和42 d时脑和肝脏中DHA和总n-3 PUFAs含量均显著升高;升高的程度在脑组织中随年龄增加而降低,而在肝脏组织中则不随年龄变化。对不同年龄段FADS表达的比较发现,FADS1和FADS2 mRNA在脑组织中的表达量于42 d时显著高于7 d和21 d,而在肝组织中的表达量于各年龄段之间无显著性差异。与n-3 PUFAs缺乏组相比,饲料中添加n-3 PUFAs可使仔鼠生后7 d和21 d时脑组织FADS1和FADS2表达水平显著降低,而42 d时的表达无变化;肝组织中这两种酶mRNA水平在7 d和21 d时无变化,42 d时FADS1显著降低。 【结论】 发育期脑对DHA的聚集需求随着年龄增大而逐渐减少;FADS在脑中的表达水平随年龄增大而升高。同时,饲料n-3 PUFAs缺乏状态对脑聚集DHA以及FADS的影响在年龄小时更明显。     

The effect of fish oil supplementation on brain DHA and EPA content and fatty acid profile in mice

Supplementation with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids may improve cognitive performance and protect against cognitive decline. However, changes in brain phospholipid fatty acid composition after supplementation with n-3 fatty acids are poorly described. The purpose of this study was to feed increasing n-3 fatty acids and characterise the changes in brain phospholipid fatty acid composition and correlate the changes with red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma in mice. Increasing dietary docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) did not alter brain DHA. Brain EPA increased and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased across treatment groups, and correlated with fatty acid changes in the RBC (r?>?0.7). Brain cis-monounsaturated fatty acids oleic and nervonic acid (p?p?相似文献   

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce retinal stress induced by an elevation of intraocular pressure in rats

N-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to prevent tissue release of inflammatory molecules. We have shown that a combination of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs is more efficient than single supplementations on the long-term consequences of intraocular pressure elevation. We hypothesized that such an association is also more effective during early retinal stress by modifying retinal proinflammatory prostaglandin and cytokine productions. Rats were supplemented for 3 months with n-6 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs, or both n-6 and n-3 PUFAs. After 3 months, a surgical elevation of intraocular pressure was induced. Retinal morphometry and glial cell activation were evaluated 24 hours after laser treatment. The retinal levels of prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and the messenger RNA levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured. Retinal glial cell activation after laser treatment was partly prevented by dietary n-6, n-3, and n-6 and n-3 PUFAs. Retinal PGE₁ was unaffected by the laser treatment or by the diet. Dietary n-6 and/or n-3 PUFAs prevented the increase in PGE₂ levels observed in laser-treated retinas without affecting the induction of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α messenger RNAs. This study shows that not only a combination of n-6 and n-3 PUFAs but also single supplementations can preserve the retina from early glial cell activation and PGE₂ release. The protective effect is not mediated by changes in cytokine expression but may be related to modifications in retinal prostaglandin metabolism.     

Low-fat diet with omega-3 fatty acids increases plasma insulin-like growth factor concentration in healthy postmenopausal women

The insulin-like growth factor pathway plays a central role in the normal and abnormal growth of tissues; however, nutritional determinants of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and its binding proteins in healthy individuals are not well defined. Three test diets—high-fat diet (40% energy as fat), low-fat diet (LF; 20% energy as fat), and a diet with low fat and high omega-3 fatty acid (LFn3; 23% energy as fat)—were tested in a randomized crossover designed controlled feeding trial in healthy postmenopausal women. Plasma IGF-I, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), insulin, glucose, and ratio of IGF-I/IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured in response to diets. Insulin sensitivity was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance We hypothesized that IGF-I, insulin, and glucose concentrations would decrease and IGFBP-3 concentration would increase in response to the low-fat diets. Eight weeks of the LFn3 diet increased circulating IGF-I (P < .001) and IGFBP-3 (P = .01) and the LF diet increased IGFBP-3 (P = .04), resulting in trends toward an increased IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio with the LFn3 diet and a decreased IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio with the LF diet (P = .13 for both comparisons). No statistically significant differences were detected between treatments at baseline or 8 weeks for IGF-1, IGFBP-3, or the ratio of IGF-1/IGFBP-3. Insulin, glucose, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were not altered by the interventions. Low-fat diet with high n-3 fatty acids may increase circulating IGF-I concentrations without adversely affecting insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.     

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may mutually benefit both obesity and osteoporosis

The overconsumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), resulting in a high ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA, may contribute to the increased pathogenesis of obesity and osteoporosis by promoting low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI). As evidence suggests, both obesity and osteoporosis are linked on a cellular and systemic basis. This review will analyze if a relationship exists between LGCI, fat, bone, and n-3 PUFA. During the life cycle, inflammation increases, fat mass accumulates, and bone mass declines, thus suggesting that a connection exists. This review will begin by examining how the current American diet and dietary guidelines may fall short of providing an anti-inflammatory dose of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It will then define LGCI and outline the evidence for a relationship between fat and bone. Inflammation as it pertains to obesity and osteoporosis and how EPA and DHA can alleviate the associated inflammation will be discussed, followed by some preliminary evidence to show how mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) lineage commitment may be altered by inflammation to favor adipogenesis. Our hypothesis is that n-3 PUFA positively influence obesity and osteoporosis by reducing LGCI, ultimately leading to a beneficial shift in MSC lineage commitment. This hypothesis essentially relates the need for more focused research in several areas such as determining age and lifestyle factors that promote the shift in MSC commitment and if current intakes of EPA and DHA are optimal for fat and bone.     

Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency selectively up-regulates delta6-desaturase expression and activity indices in rat liver: prevention by normalization of omega-3 fatty acid status

This study investigated the effects of perinatal dietary omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid depletion and subsequent repletion on the expression of genes that regulate long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis in rat liver and brain. It was hypothesized that chronic n-3 fatty acid deficiency would increase liver Fads1 and Fads2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression/activity and that n-3 fatty acid repletion would normalize this response. Adult rats fed the n-3-free diet during perinatal development exhibited significantly lower erythrocyte, liver, and frontal cortex LCn-3 fatty acid composition and reciprocal elevations in LC omega-6 (n-6) fatty acid composition compared with controls (CONs) and repleted rats. Liver Fads2, but not Fads1, Elovl2, or Elovl5, mRNA expression was significantly greater in n-3-deficient (DEF) rats compared with CONs and was partially normalized in repleted rats. The liver 18:3n-6/18:2n-6 ratio, an index of delta6-desturase activity, was significantly greater in DEF rats compared with CON and repleted rats and was positively correlated with Fads2 mRNA expression among all rats. The liver 18:3n-6/18:2n-6 ratio, but not Fads2 mRNA expression, was also positively correlated with erythrocyte and frontal cortex LCn-6 fatty acid compositions. Neither Fads1 or Fads2 mRNA expression was altered in brain cortex of DEF rats. These results confirm previous findings that liver, but not brain, delta6-desaturase expression and activity indices are negatively regulated by dietary n-3 fatty acids.     

Serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids are low in Chinese men with metabolic syndrome,whereas serum levels of saturated fatty acids,zinc, and magnesium are high

The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that serum levels of phospholipid (PL) fatty acids (FA) and minerals are associated with the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Chinese population and the profiles of changes may differ from patients with MetS from Western countries. The levels of serum PL, FA, and minerals were examined in 201 subjects (52 with MetS and 149 healthy controls without any MetS components) in China. The saturated FA proportion in serum was significantly higher, whereas the proportion of total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), n-3 and n-6 PUFA (22:6n-3: −16%, P = .006; 20:4n-6: −36%, P < .001), and estimated δ-5 desaturase were significantly lower in the MetS group compared with those that are not MetS. Subjects with MetS had higher levels of serum Zn (P = .037) and Mg (P < .001) than subjects without MetS. The proportion of n-3 PUFA was significantly negatively correlated with body mass index and waist circumference. In conclusion, serum PL FA composition and serum minerals in Chinese men with MetS differed significantly from that of healthy individuals, reflecting a decrease in n-3 and n-6 PUFA, especially 22:6n-3 and 20:4n-6, and an increase in saturated FA, magnesium, and zinc. These changes may reflect improper dietary intake in subjects with MetS, and dietary modification could be useful to prevent MetS and as an adjunctive therapy.     

Protective effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on myocardial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) complications, such as chronic arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Improved myocardial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury results in smaller myocardial infarction, which is a major factor in the occurrence of CHD complications. We hypothesized that a specific dietary fatty acid profile (low in saturated and n-6 PUFA but high in plant and marine n-3 PUFA) may improve myocardial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion injury and reduce infarct size. To test this assumption, we used a well-defined rat model of myocardial infarction. Based on our results, in comparison to a diet that is high in either saturated or n-6 PUFA but poor in plant and marine n-3 PUFA, a diet that is low in saturated fats and n-6 PUFA but rich in plant and marine n-3 PUFA results in smaller myocardial infarct size (P < .01). The effects of the 3 diets were also examined by analyzing the fatty acid composition of plasma, erythrocyte cell membranes, and the phospholipids of myocardial mitochondria. The results show a great accumulation of n-3 PUFA and a parallel decrease in arachidonic acid, the main n-6 PUFA, in plasma, cell membranes, and cardiac mitochondria (P < .0001). We conclude that improved myocardial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion may be one of the critical factors explaining the protective effects of dietary n-3 PUFA against CHD complications in humans. In addition to increasing n-3 PUFA intake, an optimal dietary pattern aimed at reducing cardiovascular mortality should include a reduction of the intake of both saturated and n-6 PUFA.     

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.     

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Composition of Maternal Diet and Erythrocyte Phospholipid Status in Chilean Pregnant Women

Chilean diets are characterized by a low supply of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are critical nutrients during pregnancy and lactation, because of their role in brain and visual development. DHA is the most relevant n-3 PUFA in this period. We evaluated the dietary n-3 PUFA intake and erythrocyte phospholipids n-3 PUFA in Chilean pregnant women. Eighty healthy pregnant women (20–36 years old) in the 3rd–6th month of pregnancy were included in the study. Dietary assessment was done applying a food frequency questionnaire, and data were analyzed through the Food Processor SQL^® software. Fatty acids of erythrocyte phospholipids were assessed by gas-liquid chromatography. Diet composition was high in saturated fat, low in mono- and PUFA, high in n-6 PUFA (linoleic acid) and low in n-3 PUFA (alpha-linolenic acid and DHA), with imbalance in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Similar results were observed for fatty acids from erythrocyte phospholipids. The sample of Chilean pregnant women showed high consumption of saturated fat and low consumption of n-3 PUFA, which is reflected in the low DHA content of erythrocyte phospholipids. Imbalance between n-6/n-3 PUFA could negatively affect fetal development. New strategies are necessary to improve n-3 PUFA intake throughout pregnancy and breast feeding periods. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop dietary interventions to improve the quality of consumed foods with particular emphasis on n-3 PUFA.     

Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid affect ovarian prostaglandin levels differently in rats

Prostaglandins (PGs) play a key role in the regulation of ovulation. Typically, ingestion of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been found to decrease, whereas arachidonic acid (ARA) increases PG biosynthesis in most systems. We hypothesized that DHA and EPA would decrease ovarian PGE₂, enhancing ovulation, with combined EPA and DHA having the greatest effect, whereas ARA would increase PGE₂, suppressing ovulation. Our objective was to determine how 0.3-g/100-g diet DHA and EPA alone or combined, or ARA would affect tissue composition, ovulation, and PG synthesis in rats. After 27 days on diet and ovulation induction, ovaries were isolated and analyzed from 22 pups per diet. Eicosapentaenoic acid alone reduced ovarian n-6 PUFA attributable to reduced ARA incorporation. Arachidonic acid ingestion reduced and EPA enhanced ovarian n-3 PUFA to levels above what was seen with DHA or DHA/EPA combinations. Docosahexaenoic acid alone increased total PGE 1.5-fold over control, whereas neither differed from the remaining treatments. Increased total PGE with DHA was attributable to elevated PGE₃ with PGE₂ unchanged by diet, and PGE₃ only increased with DHA ingestion alone. Total PGF differed from control with the highest DHA intake, alone or combined with EPA, or with ARA ingestion (P < .05). Increased PGF with DHA was attributable to increased PGF_3α. Experimental diets did not alter ovulation from control. Results indicate that DHA and EPA consumption at human achievable doses differently alters ovarian phospholipids and PGs associated with ovulation with potential for significant 3-series PG without significantly perturbing ovulation.     

High Fat Diet Administration during Specific Periods of Pregnancy Alters Maternal Fatty Acid Profiles in the Near-Term Rat

Excessive fat intake is a global health concern as women of childbearing age increasingly ingest high fat diets (HFDs). We therefore determined the maternal fatty acid (FA) profiles in metabolic organs after HFD administration during specific periods of gestation. Rats were fed a HFD for the first (HF1), second (HF2), or third (HF3) week, or for all three weeks (HFG) of gestation. Total maternal plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were monitored throughout pregnancy. At day 20 of gestation, maternal plasma, liver, adipose tissue, and placenta FA profiles were determined. In HF3 mothers, plasma myristic and stearic acid concentrations were elevated, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was reduced in both HF3 and HFG mothers. In HF3 and HFG mothers, hepatic stearic and oleic acid proportions were elevated; conversely, DHA and linoleic acid (LA) proportions were reduced. In adipose tissue, myristic acid was elevated, whereas DHA and LA proportions were reduced in all mothers. Further, adipose tissue stearic acid proportions were elevated in HF2, HF3, and HFG mothers; with oleic acid increased in HF1 and HFG mothers. In HF3 and HFG mothers, placental neutral myristic acid proportions were elevated, whereas DHA was reduced. Further, placental phospholipid DHA proportions were reduced in HF3 and HFG mothers. Maintenance on a diet, high in saturated fat, but low in DHA and LA proportions, during late or throughout gestation, perpetuated reduced DHA across metabolic organs that adapt during pregnancy. Therefore a diet, with normal DHA proportions during gestation, may be important for balancing maternal FA status.     

Perturbation of phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acid positional location in the heart of rats depleted of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturates

Rats depleted of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3–D) display several features of the metabolic syndrome, including obesity, liver steatosis, insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, the heart phospholipid (PL) and triacylglycerol (TG) fatty acid content and pattern were compared between female control rats (C) and n-3–D rats. The sole n-3 fatty acids found in n-3–D rats, C22:5(n-3) and C22:6(n-3), were 10 to 20 times lower than in C. The total fatty acid content of PL was lower in n-3–D rats than C. No ectopic TG accumulation was found in n-3–D rats. In both PL and TG, the C16:0/C16:1(n-7) and C18:0/C18:1(n-9) ratios suggested increased Δ9-desaturase activity in n-3–D rats. The PL C18:2(n-6)/C20:4(n-6) and C20:4(n-6)/C22:4(n-6) ratios were also lower in n-3–D rats than C. Prior intravenous injection of a medium-chain TG:fish oil emulsion to n-3–D rats 60 to 120 minutes before killing augmented the PL content in C22:5(n-3) and C22:6(n-3), minimized the age-related decrease in the PL C18:1(n-9) relative content, and increased the TG C22:4(n-6) content. The alteration of cardiac function in n-3–D rats and its improvement after injection of medium-chain TG:fish oil emulsion coincides with parallel changes in heart lipid fatty acid content and pattern.     

Fatty acid composition of salami from different countries and their nutritional implications

‘Milano-type’ salami from 13 European and American countries were analysed to establish their nutritional value in relation to fat and fatty acid composition. The fat content, fatty acid profile, ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, ratio of hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (h/H) and the contribution to the daily intake recommended for the population were studied. Differences (P<0.05) in the dry matter, pH, water activity, fat content, and percentages of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were found.

Principal component analysis permitted samples to be separated into three different groups: (1) salamis from Chile, Mexico and Brazil, with high n-6/n-3 ratios (14–16), medium iodine index (73–76) and high h/H ratios (2.6–2.7); (2) European salamis and salamis from Costa Rica and USA, with medium and high n-6/n-3 ratios (8–15), low iodine index (62–72) and low h/H ratios (2.1–2.6); and (3) products from Peru, with the lowest n-6/n-3 ratio (7.2), the highest iodine index (about 80) and medium h/H ratio (2.5).