This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing sodium lasalocid with additives from barbatimão bark (Stryphnodendron rotundifolium) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Twenty-four Pantaneiro lambs with an initial body weight of 21.2 ± 3.6 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design with three treatments: 1.50 g/lamb/day of dried barbatimão bark (DBB); 0.30 g/lamb/day of hydroalcoholic extract of barbatimão bark (HEB); and 0.019 g/lamb/day of sodium lasalocid (LAS). Carcass characteristics were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the treatments, except for the degree of fattening (P = 0.01) where LAS showed higher values than HEB, but similar to DBB. The yellowness and hue angle values of LAS and DBB were higher than those of HEB (P < 0.05). The crude protein content of the meat decreased (P = 0.01) with the inclusion of barbatimão bark additives. Barbatimão bark additives show potential as a natural alternative to sodium lasalocid in lamb diets, as they do not negatively affect carcass characteristics. Although there was a reduction in the crude protein content of the meat with the use of barbatimão bark additives, this impact did not reduce meat quality.

This study, for the first time, sought to investigate whether the interaction between the GRS consists of three SNPs (CAV-1, CRY-1, MC4R) and fat intake is associated with inflammatory markers among Iranian overweight and obese women.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 246 overweight and obese women, aged 18-48 years. Three SNPs, including CAV-1 rs3807992, CRY-1 rs2287161, and MC4R rs17782313, were genotyped using PCR-RFLP to calculate the genetic risk score (GRS) for each participant. Dietary fat intake was measured using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and Galectin-3 (Gal-3) were assessed as the primary outcomes of the study.

After controlling for confounding variables, a significant interaction between high total fat intake and high GRS, compared to the reference group, was found for TGF-β level (P-value: 0.028). A significant positive interaction between high GRS and high intakes of SFA intake (P-value: 0.013). A significant interaction between high GRS and high intakes of MUFA, compared to the reference group, was found for ghrelin level (P-value: 0.040) and MCP-1 level (P-value: 0.075). There was a significant interaction between high GRS and intakes of DHA, compared to the reference group, for Gal-3 level (P-value: 0.013) MCP-1 level (P-value: 0.020).

Consuming different types of fats can influence the interaction between GRS and inflammatory markers, suggesting further research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-024-01542-z.

Although dietary omega fatty acids have been recognized for positive effects on mental health, the specific association between omega fatty acids intake and suicidal ideation remains ambiguous. This study aims to explore the potential association between the prevalence of suicidal ideation and dietary omega fatty acids intake in American adults.

The data of 27,944 American adults collected from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed in this study. To assess the association between dietary omega fatty acids intake and suicidal ideation as measured by Item 9 of PHQ-9, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and stratified analyses, mediation analyses were employed.

Logistic regression analyses indicate that the intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were inversely associated with the prevalence of suicidal ideation, and dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratio was positively associated with the prevalence of suicidal ideation. Subgroup analyses further revealed a stronger association between suicidal ideation and omega fatty acids intake in individuals with a history of stroke. Furthermore, a saturation effect and non-linear association were identified between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake and the prevalence of suicidal ideation, characterized by an L-shaped curve with an inflection point at 1.36 g/d, 13.69 g/d, respectively. Notably, C-reactive protein (CRP) partially mediated the association between omega-6, omega-3 fatty acids intake and suicidal ideation by a proportion of 3.8% and 4.0%.

The findings of this study suggest that higher omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake and lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio is associated with a declined prevalence of suicidal ideation.

Not applicable.

Ovarian cancer (OC), a leading cause of gynecological cancer mortality, is frequently detected at advanced stages due to asymptomatic early progression. This study investigates plasma-based untargeted metabolomics for identifying biomarkers to screen and differentiate ovarian tumors (OT). Plasma samples from OC, benign ovarian tumors (BOT), and healthy controls (HC) were analyzed. Samples were randomized into train and test sets, with differential metabolites screened via two-tailed Student's t-test and partial least squares discriminant analysis. ROC models evaluated discriminatory capacity. Key metabolites demonstrated high predictive value: TMAO and hippuric acid distinguished OT from HC (AUC > 0.95), while linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid (AUC > 0.9) further supported OT screening. Kynurenine differentiated OC from BOT (AUC = 0.808). Reduced levels of specific lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC (17:0/0:0), LPC (15:0/0:0)) also distinguished OT from HC (AUC = 0.771-0.89). These findings suggest plasma metabolomics holds promise for noninvasive biomarker discovery in OT screening and distinguishing between malignant and benign cases, though further validation of metabolite quantification is warranted prior to clinical application.

In recent years, the use of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω3 and ω6, as food supplements in livestock has increased due to their beneficial properties related to their antioxidant activity. It has been demonstrated however that a high intake of these substances has prooxidant and cell-damaging effects, especially if their circulating concentrations are unbalanced. Starting from these premises, and taking advantage of previous findings, the present study aimed at defining the optimal circulating concentrations and PUFAs ω3/ω6 ratio, to ensure the antioxidant/oxidant balance in sheep RBCs.

All tested concentrations (25-300 µg/mL in PBS) of PUFAs-ω3 after 4 h of treatment on sheep RBCs, showed antioxidant properties with a significant decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) versus the control group (CTRL) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ω6 showed an antioxidant effect at low concentrations (25-200 g/mL) but a pro-oxidant effect at the highest concentrations (250 and 300 µg/mL) with a significant increase in ROS production (123.6 ± 2.1 and 131.4 ± 6.5% sloope RFU of CTRL respectively p < 0,001), malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.01), and haemolysis (p < 0.01) versus CTRL group (1.1 ± 0.1%), and, also with a decrease of Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) (p < 0,05). The ratio ω3/ω6 of 1:10 (25/250 µg/mL) and 1:4 (25/100 µg/mL) showed an intracellular ROS level like the CTRL group whereas, the ratio 1:2 (100/200 µg/mL) resulted in a significant decrease in ROS production (62.71 ± 2.31% slope RFU of CTRL, p < 0.001) and MDA (p < 0.001), with an increase in TEAC (p < 0.05), and a decrease haemolysis versus the control group (p < 0,01).

Our results showed that a beneficial effect on the oxidative state of sheep RBCs was obtained with in vitro administration of low concentrations of ω6 and with all tested concentrations of ω3. The addition of ω6 at high concentrations leads to an imbalance in the PUFA ω3/ω6 ratio, compromising the oxidative state and viability of the RBCs. The maximum antioxidative effect was found at ω3/ω6 ratio 1:2).

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases where serum lipoprotein oxidation plays a significant role. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n -6 :  n -3 unbalance ratio consumption, affects lipoprotein oxidation, and inflammation processes. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between n -6 :  n -3 PUFA ratio intake with oxidized lipoproteins in individuals with CAD.

A cross-sectional study was performed including 105 subjects (51 diagnosed with CAD and 54 non-CAD) from western Mexico. Dietary information was collected using a habitual day food record. Serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) concentrations were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

CAD subjects had higher oxHDL/HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) ratio [0.102 (0.092-0.112) vs. 0.080 (0.070-0.090), P  = 0.004] and oxLDL/LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) ratio [129.2 (108-150.4) vs. 59.7 (39.3-80), P  < 0.001] compared to non-CAD subjects. Risk factors associated with CAD were a high n -6 :  n -3 PUFA ratio (odds ratio, OR = 2.3, P  = 0.046), hypoalphalipoproteinemia in men (OR = 3.2, P  = 0.014), moderate/high tobacco index (OR = 6.33, P  = 0.003), elevated waist circumference in women (OR = 7, P  = 0.004), hypertension (OR = 21.14, P  < 0.001), and type 2 diabetes (OR: 25, P  < 0.001). The oxHDL/HDL-c ratio was positively associated with the n -6 :  n -3 PUFA ratio [ r2  = 28.3, B  = 0.002 (0.001-0.003), P  < 0.001] in CAD patients.

This study showed that a higher n -6 :  n -3 PUFA ratio intake correlates with higher serum oxHDL/HDL-c in CAD patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. Although these mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, it is established that oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in driving neurodegeneration in MS. These pathological mechanisms contribute to a wide range of symptoms, including motor and sensory deficits, as well as cognitive impairment. The impairments in cognitive functions can cause a major burden for these patients and significantly affect their quality of life. For example, memory is one of the most frequently impaired cognitive domains in MS. These deficits often correlate with biomarkers of neurodegeneration and disease progression. Despite the substantial burden of cognitive impairment in MS, no established treatments currently exist to prevent or mitigate cognitive decline in these patients, aside from the disease-modifying treatments. Several clinical trials have investigated the potential of antioxidant supplementation to improve cognitive outcomes in MS patients. However, their findings are often controversial. This review discusses trials evaluating the effects of supplementation with various antioxidants, including Ginkgo biloba, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, N-acetylcysteine, lipoic acid, xanthophylls, and crocin, on cognitive performance. We discuss the findings of these studies, highlight methodological limitations, and explore the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds may modulate cognition. These mechanisms range from mitigating OS, inflammation, and glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the CNS to addressing secondary symptoms such as depression and fatigue, which are often linked to cognitive decline. By reviewing the current evidence, this review not only underscores the therapeutic potential and limitations of antioxidant supplementation but also provides guidance for future research to optimize study design and advance our understanding of cognitive preservation strategies in MS.

Developing treatments for age-related diseases requires cost-effective and efficient approaches. Nutrients and natural metabolites offer safer alternatives to synthetic drugs. Aging increases the need for solutions that protect health and repair cells. Recent studies show that nutrients and natural products reduce oxidative stress, regulate metabolism, and influence longevity-related genes. This review focuses on vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural products that improve healthspan and combat aging. It also discusses challenges such as standardization, clinical validation, and regulatory approval. Finally, emerging trends, such as personalized nutrition and advanced delivery systems, highlight the potential of these metabolites for addressing aging.

Obesity is linked to poorly controlled asthma and may impair bronchodilator response. This study examines dietary factors affecting asthma symptoms, control, and lung function.

In a multi-center, cross-sectional study of 102 individuals with obesity and poorly controlled asthma, we assessed dietary intake (Arizona Food Frequency Questionnaire), asthma symptoms and control (standardized questionnaires), and lung function (spirometry and bronchodilator response). Correlations between omega-3 and -6 fatty acids with asthma outcomes and lung function were examined using Pearson correlations and multivariate regression.

Median age was 56 (IQR 41-64) years, and median BMI was 37 (35-42) kg/m2. Fifty-four percent were African American and 75 % were female. Median total calorie intake was 2029 (1199-3837) kcal, median total omega-3 intake was 1.07 (0.63-2.04) g, and median omega-6 intake was 24.54 (13.31-45.35) g. No significant relationship was found between fatty acid intake and asthma symptoms, asthma control, or baseline lung function. However, percent bronchodilator response was positively correlated with omega-3 fatty acids (r = 0.273, p = 0.0074). After adjusting for caloric intake, for every 1 g increase in omega-3 intake, there was a 4 % increase in percent bronchodilator response.

Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may influence bronchodilator response in patients with poorly controlled asthma and obesity. Interventions to improve overall dietary quality, such as increased omega-3 intake, may improve medication response in people with obesity and poorly controlled asthma. Future research is needed to better understand this association and determine if additional dietary factors might affect medication responses.

Heat stress (HS), driven by rising global temperatures, significantly impairs the nutritional composition and sensory quality of meat from monogastric animals, particularly swine and poultry. HS induces physiological disturbances, including reduced feed intake, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption, which together reduce muscle protein content by 10-15% and essential amino acid levels (e.g., lysine, methionine, threonine) by 15-25%. Lipid profiles are also altered, with up to 30% reductions in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3s, and an increased saturated fat content. Additionally, HS reduces the retention of vitamins E, A, D, and C by 20-50% and critical minerals such as selenium, zinc, and iron, compromising antioxidant capacity, immune function, and oxygen transport. These changes diminish meat tenderness, juiciness, flavour, and colour stability, leading to reduced consumer appeal and dietary quality. The consumption of heat-stressed meat may elevate risks for cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress, and micronutrient deficiencies. Mitigation strategies, including dietary antioxidant and osmolyte supplementation, genetic selection for thermotolerance, and optimised feeding practices, can reduce oxidative damage by up to 40% and improve nutrient retention. This review synthesises the current evidence on HS-induced meat quality deterioration and explores nutritional and management strategies to protect animal productivity and human health.

Background/Objectives:Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is a widely distributed plant known for its medicinal and nutritional properties. This study aims to evaluate the fatty acid composition and bioactivities of crude lipophilic extracts (chloroform/methanol 2:1) from purslane collected in Serbia and Greece, with a focus on its antimicrobial and anticancer potential. Methods: Chemical analysis was conducted to determine the fatty acid composition of the extracts. Antibacterial activity was assessed using standard microdilution assays, while antibiofilm assays evaluated the extracts' ability to inhibit biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity was tested on cancer cell lines (MCF7, HeLa, CaCo2, HepG2) and normal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to explore the interactions of bioactive fatty acids with microbial and cancer-related proteins. Results: The analysis revealed significant levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid as the predominant fatty acid in both samples (31.42% and 34.51%). The Greek extract exhibited stronger antibacterial activity than the Serbian extract, particularly against Aspergillus versicolor, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiofilm assays showed up to 89.54% destruction at MIC levels, with notable reductions in exopolysaccharide and extracellular DNA production, especially for Greek samples. Cytotoxicity testing indicated moderate effects on cancer cell lines (IC50 = 178.17-397.31 µg/mL) while being non-toxic to keratinocytes. Molecular docking identified strong interactions between key fatty acids and microbial and cancer-related proteins. Conclusions: These results highlight purslane's potential as a source of bioactive compounds, particularly in antimicrobial and anticancer applications. The findings suggest that purslane extracts could be developed for therapeutic purposes targeting microbial infections and cancer.

Seafood, nuts, and seeds are key dietary sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which may benefit reproductive health.

This study aims to investigate associations of periconception dietary intake of PUFA-rich foods and omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs with fecundability and subfertility in females and males.

Among 830 females and 651 males, participating in a population-based prospective cohort study from preconception onwards, we assessed periconception dietary intake at median 12.4-wk gestation (95% range: 10.9, 18.4) and time to pregnancy via questionnaires. Fecundability was defined as the probability of conceiving within 1 mo and subfertility as time to pregnancy ≥12 mo or use of assisted reproductive technology. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression were used to assess associations between PUFA(-rich foods) with fecundability and subfertility.

In females, PUFA-rich food intake was not significantly associated with fertility. Higher omega-3 PUFA intake, especially docosahexaenoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, but not omega-6 PUFA, was per standard deviation score (SDS) increase associated with increased fecundability and reduced subfertility. Strongest effects were observed for females in the highest quartile. A lower omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA ratio was associated with increased fecundability and lower subfertility risk [fecundability ratio (FR): 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87, 0.96; odds ratio (OR): 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.26, per unit increase in omega-6:omega-3 PUFA ratio]. In males, higher intake of nuts/seeds, but not seafood, was associated with increased fecundability and lower subfertility (FR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.20; OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.97 per SDS increase in nuts/seeds). Strongest effects were present for those who consumed the highest amount. No associations were observed for omega-3 or omega-6 PUFA intake in males.

In females, higher dietary omega-3 PUFAs intake may benefit fertility. Increased nuts and seeds consumption may improve fertility in males, independent of PUFA intake. These findings suggest potential for gender-specific dietary interventions to support reproductive health.

Different dietary choices can influence blood fatty acid profiles, which are crucial for maintaining physiological health and reducing disease risk. In particular, the exclusion of animal foods in vegetarian diets is associated with a higher risk of undersupply of long-chain omega (n)-3 fatty acids, which could, potentially, have a negative effect on inflammation. This study aimed to examine differences in plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid profiles as well as inflammation-related biomarkers between various plant-based diets and a regular omnivores diet.

The Nutritional Evaluation (NuEva) study is a is a parallel-designed trial. Here screening data was used to investigate differences in plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid profiles across omnivores (Western diet; n = 62), flexitarians (n = 69), vegetarians (n = 64) and vegans (n = 57). Furthermore, markers associated with inflammation are investigated and correlated with selected fatty acids.

Flexitarians showed lower erythrocyte saturated fatty acids (SFA) than omnivores, while vegans had the lowest plasma SFA. Vegans had higher erythrocyte monounsaturated fatty acids proportions, like oleic acid, than flexitarians and vegetarians. n-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, were highest in vegans and vegetarians. Conversely, omnivores had higher arachidonic acid in erythrocytes. Vegans had lower n-3 fatty acids in both plasma and erythrocytes, also reflected in a lower n-3 index (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) values, indicating a trend with restriction of animal foods: omnivores/flexitarians > vegetarians > vegans. While interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) did not differ between groups, and vegans had lower leptin levels compared to omnivores.

The NuEva study revealed significant impact of dietary patterns on fatty acid profiles, with vegans and vegetarians displaying lower concentrations of SFA and n-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, compared to omnivores and flexitarians. Despite the clear differences in fatty acid profiles across the diets, the inflammatory markers measured in our healthy collective are comparable.

Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT03582020.

The significance of Seafood as a reservoir of bioactive substances is increasing. With sea creatures making up approximately half of all living organisms on the planet, seas, and oceans present many innovative materials and are believed to hold the most substantial remaining reserve of beneficial natural compounds. Seafood provides a plentiful supply of essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, various fatty acids (such as omega-3s), and bioactive compounds like taurine, carotenoids, and phytosterols, all contributing to its numerous health advantages. Furthermore, seafood contains bio-lipopeptides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, and it promotes health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Enzymes, vitamins, and minerals further enrich its nutritional profile, supporting various metabolic processes and overall well-being. This review emphasizes the health benefits of seafood consumption, encompassing its cardio-protective effects that bolster heart health, its antidiabetic properties that aid in regulating blood sugar levels and its anti-cancer effects that may lower the risk of specific cancers. Additionally, seafood contributes to anti-obesity effects, enhances brain health, delivers antioxidative activity to combat oxidative stress, and supports maternal care during pregnancy and lactation.

Water is a fundamental resource for life, and exposure to water contamination has far-reaching implications for an increased risk of tumor diseases.

Studies of rectal and colorectal cancer related to water contamination were identified from the published literature in the PUBMED databases from 2010 to 2024.

This review provides a critical analysis of the current evidence, summarizing the association of water contamination, including industrial waste, pesticides, heavy metals, with rectal and colorectal cancer. It highlights their impact on rectal and colorectal cancer progression by underlying processes of DNA damage, chronic inflammation, and microbial contamination.

Rectal cancer is a significant global health concern with a strong association between environmental pollutants in water sources and increased incidence of rectal cancer. It is vital to identify how waster pollutants influence the development and progression of rectal cancer and formulate targeted preventive approaches and social interventions to decrease the disease's impact.

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been employed for the compositional analysis of flaxseed oil, detection of its adulteration and investigation of the thermal effects on its molecular composition. Excitation wavelengths from 320 to 420 nm have been used to explore the valued ingredients in flaxseed oil. The emission bands of flaxseed oil centred at 390, 414, 441, 475, 515 and 673/720 nm represent vitamin K, isomers of vitamin E, carotenoids and chlorophylls, which can be used as a marker for quality analysis. Due to its high quality, it is highly prone to adulteration and in this study, detection of its adulteration with canola oil is demonstrated by applying principal component analysis. Moreover, the effects of temperature on the molecular composition of cold pressed flaxseed oil has been explored by heating them at cooking temperatures of 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and 180 °C, each for 30 min. On heating, the deterioration of vitamin E, carotenoids and chlorophylls occurred with an increase in the oxidation products. However, it was found that up to 140 °C, flaxseed oil retains much of its natural composition whereas up to 180 oC, it loses much of its valuable ingredients along with increase of oxidized products.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Its prevalence is closely linked to the dramatic rise in obesity and non-communicable diseases. MASLD exhibits a progressive trajectory that may culminate in development of hepatic cirrhosis, thereby predisposing affected individuals to an elevated likelihood of hepatocarcinogenesis. Diet, especially dietary fatty acids, serves as a key link between nutrient intake and MASLD pathogenesis.

To explore the impact of various omega-6 fatty acid subtypes on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of MASLD.

A systematic literature search was conducted across Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus, and Embase databases from inception through June 2024 to identify all original studies linking different subtypes of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to the pathogenesis and management of MASLD. The search strategy explored the linkage between omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their subtypes, including linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), arachidonic acid, conjugated LA, and docosapentaenoic acid, in relation to MASLD and cardiometabolic risk.

By employing the specified search strategy, a total of 83 articles were identified as potentially eligible. During the title, abstract, and full-text screening phases, 27 duplicate records were removed, leaving 56 records for relevance screening. Of these, 43 records were excluded for reasons such as irrelevance and language restrictions (limited to English), resulting in 13 full-text articles being included for detailed assessment (10 human studies,1 animal study, and 2 review articles). Although certain subtypes, as GLA, dihomo-GLA, omega-6-derived oxylipins, and most arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids, exhibit pro-inflammatory effects, our findings suggest that other subtypes such as LA, cis-9, trans-11 conjugated LA, and docosapentaenoic acid have beneficial effects on fatty liver, cardiometabolic risk factors, and inflammation, even at high intake levels.

The varying health effects of omega-6 fatty acids, ranging from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory impacts on the liver, leave the question of their recommendation for MASLD patients unresolved. This underscores the importance of careful selection when considering omega-6 supplementation.

Background: Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), such as maresins and resolvins, play a key role in resolving inflammation and repairing tissues. This study aimed to evaluate whether maresin-1 (MaR1) and resolvin-D1 (RvD1) could serve as serum non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 UC patients (30 active, 30 remission) and 30 healthy controls. Disease activity was assessed using the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES). Inflammatory indices, including the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), CRP-lymphocyte ratio (CLR), CRP-albumin ratio (CAR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), were calculated. Plasma MaR1 and RvD1 levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate biomarker accuracy. Results: CRP, NLR, PLR, CLR, CAR, SIRI, and SII were significantly elevated in active UC, whereas MaR1 and RvD1 were lower compared to remission and controls (p < 0.05). MaR1 levels were lower in the remission group than in controls. ROC analysis demonstrated high area under the curve (AUC) values for RvD1 (0.906), CAR (0.872), CLR (0.861), and CRP (0.858) in distinguishing active UC from remission, and for CRP (0.944), CAR (0.939), CLR (0.939), RvD1 (0.928), and MaR1 (0.889) in distinguishing active UC from controls. The specificity for detecting active UC was 60% for MaR1 and 80% for RvD1. Both RvD1 and MaR1 showed a negative correlation with the MES, with RvD1 demonstrating a stronger correlation (r = -0.754, p < 0.001). Conclusions: RvD1 shows a strong negative correlation with disease severity in ulcerative colitis, while low MaR1 levels in remission may indicate subclinical inflammation. Although MaR1 and RvD1 are not disease-specific, their role in inflammation resolution suggests they may complement conventional inflammatory markers for more comprehensive UC monitoring.

Diet influences macronutrient availability to cells, and although mechanisms of sensing dietary glucose and amino acids are well characterized, less is known about sensing lipids. We defined a nutrient signaling mechanism involving fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) that is activated by the essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ω-6 linoleic acid (LA). FABP5 directly bound to the regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (Raptor) to enhance formation of functional mTORC1 and substrate binding, ultimately converging on increased mTOR signaling and proliferation. The amounts of FABP5 protein were increased in tumors and serum from triple-negative compared with those from receptor-positive breast cancer patients, which highlights its potential role as a biomarker that mediates cellular responses to ω-6 LA intake in this disease subtype.

Studies have shown a close correlation among immune cells, plasma metabolites, and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is not clear if this association is related, which we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate. We analyzed the association between immune cells, plasma metabolites, and AF by using summarized data from genome-wide association studies. Among them, we explored the associations between immune cells and AF by using bidirectional MR analysis. Combined with mediation analysis and multivariable MR, we further identified potential mediating plasmic metabolites. Results shows that causal relationships between 8 immune cell phenotypes and AF were identified with all 8 exhibiting reverse causality. Furthermore, 22 plasma metabolites have a causal relationship with AF. In addition, 2 immune cell phenotypes including CD25 on IgD + CD38dim and CX3CR1 on CD14 + CD16-monocyte, which were found to have causal relationships with 4 plasma metabolites, including 4-acetamidobutanoate levels, Octadecanedioylcarnitine (C18-DC) levels, Linolenate [alpha or gamma; (18:3n3 or 6)] levels, and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate levels, which might be mediators. Ultimately, only 4-acetamidobutanoate levels, CD25 on IgD + CD38dim, and AF did appear to function as mediators (P-value = .030 < .05). In conclusion, immune cells and plasma metabolites are causally associated with AF. We have identified that 4-acetamidobutanoate levels appear to mediate the pathway linking CD25 on IgD + CD38dim to AF. This finding provides a new perspective for the early prevention and diagnosis of preatrial AF.

Definitive structural elucidation of lipids is pivotal for unraveling the functions of lipids in biological systems. Despite advancements in mass spectrometry (MS) for lipid analysis, challenges in annotation scope and efficiency remain, especially in resolving isomers. Herein, we introduce an optimized method using liquid chromatography coupled with electron impact excitation of ions from organic tandem mass spectrometry (LC-EIEIO-MS/MS) for comprehensive analysis and structural annotation of lipids. This approach integrates a six-step analytical protocol for precise lipid annotation, including (1) extracting MS information, (2) classifying lipids, (3) aligning sum composition, (4) determining sn-positions, (5) locating C═C positions, and (6) ascertaining annotation levels. In analyzing 34 lipid standards spiked into serum, our method achieved 100% and 82.4% annotation accuracy at the sn- and C═C isomer levels, respectively, compared to 26.5% and 0% in the CID mode using MS-DIAL. A total of 1312 sn-positions and 1033 C═C locations of lipids were annotated in quality control plasma pooled from healthy individuals and patients with Alzheimer's disease. The isomers of lipids revealed more pronounced differences between the healthy and diseased groups compared to the sum compositions of the lipids. Overall, the LC-EIEIO-MS/MS approach provides a comprehensive profiling and efficient annotation method for lipidomics, promising to shed new light on lipid-related biological pathways and disease mechanisms.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 and omega-3 families affect processes implicated in vascular and neural retinal disease pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between the dietary omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using a nationwide representative sample of older adults (≥ 50 years), including 1,944 men and 2,592 women, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2018). Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intakes were collected through a 24-hour recall method and used to calculate the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. Associations between the ratio and AMD were determined using odds ratios (ORs) from multivariate logistic regressions.

The prevalence of AMD was 19.8% and 17.7% in Korean men and women, respectively. In women, the multivariable-adjusted OR for incurring AMD was significantly higher in the 2nd (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.02-1.81) and 3rd (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.02-1.83) tertiles of the dietary omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio than in the 1st tertile (OR = 1, the reference OR) (P = 0.036 for this trend). However, this association was not observed in men.

These results suggest that high omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios may be associated with an increased prevalence of AMD among Korean women.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the deadliest disorders in psychiatry. AN patients tend to avoid high-fat and high-calorie foods to maintain a pathologically low body weight. High-fat foods are major sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), lipids that are crucial for health and brain development. PUFAs can be categorized into different omega classes (n-3, n-6) or into essential (ALA, LA) versus nonessential PUFAs (EPA, DHA, ARA). PUFAs are metabolized by Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes into bioactive oxylipins with inflammation-resolving properties termed epoxy-fatty acids (EpFAs). EpFAs are further hydrolyzed into pro-inflammatory diol-fatty acids (DiHFAs) by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), the protein product of an AN risk gene, EPHX2 . Using a meal challenge study protocol, EpFA and DiHFA oxylipins and sEH were analyzed in age-matched AN and healthy women to determine if sEH-associated oxylipins affect AN risk and psychopathology. At the fasting timepoint, half of the oxylipins were lower in AN compared to controls (all p<0.050). After eating, all but one EpFAs increased in AN (p=0.091 to 0.697) whereas all EpFAs decreased in controls (p=0.0008 to 0.462). By contrast, essential PUFA-derived DiHFAs significantly increased, whereas nonessential PUFA-derived DiHFAs significantly decreased in both groups. DiHFA oxylipins associated with AN psychopathology displayed a PUFA-dependent directionally opposite pattern: n-3 DHA-derived DiHFAs (DiHDPEs) were associated with lower severity in eating disorder risk, global psychological maladjustment, shape and restraint concerns, and global Eating Disorder Examination score. By contrast, n-6 ARA-derived DiHFAs (DiHETrEs) were associated with more severe emotional dysregulation, bulimia, interoceptive deficits, asceticism, and overcontrol scores. On the other hand, EpFA oxylipins were not significantly associated with AN psychopathology. This study confirms lipid metabolic dysregulation as a risk factor for AN. CYP450 oxylipins associated with AN risk and symptoms are sEH- and PUFA class-dependent. Our findings reveal that gene-diet interactions contribute to metabolic dysregulation in AN, highlighting a need for additional research to develop precision medicine for AN management.

This study aimed to explore the effects of glutamate (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, composition of amino acids and fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the colonic microbial community of Shaziling pigs. A total of 48 healthy male Shaziling pigs (150 d, 31.56 ± 0.95 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups, and fed a basal diet with no supplement (control group) or supplemented with 1% Glu (Glu group) for 51 d, and 6 pigs per group were finally slaughtered. Glu significantly increased the average daily gain (P = 0.039), lean percentage (P = 0.023), and intramuscular fat (IMF) content (P = 0.015), and decreased the fat percentage (P = 0.021) of Shaziling pigs. In the muscle, Glu increased the concentrations of inosine-5'-monophosphate (P = 0.094), Fe (P = 0.002), Cu (P = 0.052), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (P = 0.024), and decreased the content of C18:2n6 (P = 0.011), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) (P = 0.014), and PUFAs (P = 0.014). Moreover, Glu significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes (FAS, SREBP-1C) (P = 0.032, P = 0.026) and muscle growth-related genes (MyHCⅡb, MyHCⅡx) (P = 0.038, P = 0.019) in the muscle, and increased the relative abundance of Spirochaetota (P < 0.001) and the acetic acid content in the colon (P = 0.039). Correlation analysis indicated that the acetic acid content was positively correlated with the relative Spirochaetota abundance and the IMF content, and a negative trend with the fat percentage of Shaziling pigs. In conclusion, these results indicated that Glu could simultaneously increase the lean percentage and IMF content and decrease the fat percentage of Shaziling pigs, and these beneficial effects may be related to increased colonic Spirochaetota abundance and acetic acid concentrations.

The identification of systemic inflammation (SI) as a central player in the orchestration of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has opened new avenues for the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this disease condition. ACLF, which develops in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis, is characterized by single or multiple organ failure and high risk of short-term (28-day) mortality. Its poor outcome is closely associated with the severity of the systemic inflammatory response. In this review, we describe the key features of SI in patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis and ACLF, including the presence of a high blood white cell count and increased levels of inflammatory mediators in systemic circulation. We also discuss the main triggers (i.e. pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns), the cell effectors (i.e. neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes), the humoral mediators (acute phase proteins, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and bioactive lipid mediators) and the factors that influence the systemic inflammatory response that drive organ failure and mortality in ACLF. The role of immunological exhaustion and/or immunoparalysis in the context of exacerbated inflammatory responses that predispose ACLF patients to secondary infections and re-escalation of end-organ dysfunction and mortality are also reviewed. Finally, several new potential immunogenic therapeutic targets are debated.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Its development is a multifactorial and multistage process influenced by a dynamic interplay between gut microbiota, environmental factors, and fatty acid metabolism. Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota and abnormalities in microbiota-associated metabolites have been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis, highlighting the pivotal role of microbial and metabolic interactions. Fatty acid metabolism serves as a critical nexus linking dietary patterns with gut microbial activity, significantly impacting intestinal health. In CRC patients, reduced levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and SCFA-producing bacteria have been consistently observed. Supplementation with SCFA-producing probiotics has demonstrated tumor-suppressive effects, while therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating SCFA levels have shown potential in enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical settings. This review explores the intricate relationship between gut microbiota, fatty acid metabolism, and CRC, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms and their potential translational applications. Understanding this interplay could pave the way for novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies in the management of CRC.

In recent years, researchers have examined the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or a low omega-6/3 ratio to protect the knee joint. The current study is based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis and uses the Mendelian randomization (MR) method to evaluate the effect of total PUFA, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-6/3 ratios on osteoarthritis (OA). First, we downloaded the latest PUFA and OA GWAS data. The PUFA data were divided into four groups: total PUFA, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-6/3 ratios. The OA data were split into nine groups: hip OA (total, males, and females), knee OA (total, males, and females), and hand OA (total, males, and females). Then, qualified SNPs were selected as instrumental variables. Inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, and the MR‒Egger method were used for MR analysis. Finally, MR‒Egger, MR-Presso, and Cochran's Q statistical methods were used to evaluate the heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Thirty-six IVW results showed that total PUFA, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-6/3 ratios did not significantly increase or decrease the risk of knee, hip, and hand OA. The IVW results of the effect of PUFA on OA (male and female) were as follows: total PUFA-knee OA (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92-1.02, P = 0.283); total PUFA-hip OA (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.93-1.08, P = 0.806); total PUFA-hand OA (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.91-1.07, P = 0.896). There was no obvious horizontal polytropy in all the analyses, and there was heterogeneity in some analyses. Our study does not indicate that total PUFA, mega-3, and low omega-6/3 ratios are helpful for people with OA, nor does it indicate that omega-6 increases the risk of OA. The dietary management of PUFA in OA patients needs to be performed cautiously.

Consumer product chemicals pose an environmental risk to public health. Exposure during pregnancy to consumer product chemicals, particularly phthalates and phenols, may increase the susceptibility to pregnancy disorders by dysregulating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, existing studies rely on downstream and nonmodifiable markers of these processes. Oxylipins are oxidized lipids that act as key upstream drivers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Importantly, oxylipins are responsive to therapeutic interventions and thus potentially modifiable. Using recent advances in lipidomics and statistical approaches to address both individual chemical biomarkers and their mixtures, we determined associations between early pregnancy biomarkers of consumer product chemical exposure and oxylipins in a large prospective cohort. Overall, our results revealed associations among oxylipins produced across several biosynthetic pathways, suggesting a pattern indicative of dysregulated inflammation and elevated levels of oxidative stress. Phthalate metabolites were the primary drivers of associations, particularly for metabolites of low molecular weight phthalates, often used in personal care products. However, we found similar associations for a biomarker of a phthalate replacement that is increasingly used in consumer products. Our study provides observational evidence of specific physiological pathways that may be dysregulated by exposure to consumer product chemicals, including legacy phthalates and phthalate replacements.

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω3 FAs) are essential components of cell membranes that also serve as precursors of numerous regulatory molecules. α-Linolenic acid (ALA), one of the most important ω3 FAs in plants, is synthesized in both the plastid and extraplastidial compartments. FA desaturase 3 (FAD3) is an extraplastidial enzyme that converts linoleic acid (LA) to ALA. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that FAD3 proteins are distinct from FAD7 and FAD8 desaturases, which convert LA to ALA in plastids. Structural analysis of FAD3 proteins indicated a positive relationship between enzymatic activity and transmembrane pore length and width. An inverse relationship between temperature and ALA biosynthesis was also evident, with ALA accumulation decreasing with increasing temperature. These findings suggest that certain FAD3 enzymes are more effective at converting LA to ALA than others. This information could potentially be used to engineer crop plants with higher levels of ALA.

C. idella burgers made from a pasture-based system provide a natural method for producing high-quality fish products, resulting in meat enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, as well as fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants. In this study, C. idella meat burgers were made from two types of diets: pasture-based (PS) and grain-based (GS). A total of 36 burgers were stored in plastic trays (three burgers per tray; 12 trays per group), in a refrigeration chamber at 4 °C ± 0.1 °C for 120 h to conduct a shelf-life experiment comparing the meats. Initial fatty acid profile and nutritional composition were determined at 0 h. Additionally, fat-soluble vitamins, antioxidants, TBA, and FRAP were measured at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. PS burgers exhibited higher concentrations of n-3 LC-PUFAs, vitamins, antioxidants, except for gamma-tocopherol, and FRAP than GS burgers (P < 0.05), while GS burgers had higher TBA and γ-tocopherol (P < 0.05). Both burgers experienced vitamin reduction during storage, with PS burgers maintaining higher concentrations. Vitamin decline correlated with increased oxidation (TBA) in both burger types. These results suggest that pasture-fed burgers have longer shelf life than GS burgers due to reduced oxidation and enhanced stability of bioactive compounds.

Poultry can be a sustainable source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) through the bioconversion of dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3). However, this process is currently limited by the high n-6/n-3 ratio in poultry diets affecting the competition between n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) for the same biosynthetic enzymes, and the rate-limiting Δ6 desaturase which act at both, the first and final steps of DHA synthesis pathway. Echium plantagineum oil (EO) is an unusual source of stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) which bypasses the first Δ6 desaturase step potentially increasing n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) synthesis. To explore this hypothesis, 60 Canarian male chickens at 18 weeks of age were divided into three groups and fed diets differing only in their FA formulation: soy oil (SO) rich in linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6); linseed oil (LO) rich in ALA; and EO, a balanced LA/ALA oil also rich in SDA and γ-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6). The dietary treatments did not affect the total lipid (TL) content (p>0.05) and did not substantially vary the lipid class (LC) profiles in the brain, liver, intestine, and muscle tissues. However, the inclusion of LO and EO equally increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels in the brain, liver, and intestine compared to animals fed with SO (p<0.05). Moreover, EO increased hepatic relative expressions of the fatty acid elongases (elovl2 and elovl5). Consequently, and in alignment with our hypothesis, EO was more effective than LO in enriching chicken thigh meat with n-3 LC-PUFA (6.0 vs 4.2%; p<0.05). We concluded that lowering the dietary LA/ALA ratio and increasing the SDA content in poultry diets enhance the potential of chicken metabolism for enriching poultry products with n-3 LC-PUFA. Emerging evidence suggest that local plants like those including in Echium genus, rich in SDA and with a balanced LA/ALA ratio, could offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional ALA sources in poultry production.

This study compared the effect of 2 pasture-based feeding systems, namely a traditional perennial ryegrass (PRG) diet, and a recently introduced, more sustainable multispecies swards (MSS) diet, on the functional lipid profile of raw milk. In addition to the 2 pasture diets, the study uniquely examined the combined effects of breed, namely Holstein Friesian (HF) or Jersey Holstein Friesian (JFX), and lactation stage in Ireland, spanning from March to November. Bulk milk samples (n = 144 yearly) for the 4 groups examined were collected for 4 wk per each of the 9 mo specified. Changes in total fatty acid (FA) and triglyceride carbon number profiles were determined by GC with a flame ionization detector, and those in polar lipids (PL) content by HPLC-evaporative light scattering-MS. Based on multivariate analysis, both diet (34.0% contribution) and breed (19.1% contribution) influenced milk FA on a yearly basis; however, in early lactation there were no differences in FA profile between the groups. In middle lactation and late lactation (LL), the MSS diet increased proportions of nutritionally beneficial n-6 and n-3 PUFA in milk, including C18:3 n-3 (ALA), C18:2 n-6 (LA) and C22:5 n-3 (DPA). Although proportions of ALA and LA increased in MSS milks, the LA/ALA ratio remained around 1 for the 2 feeding systems, confirming the beneficial modulation of LA and ALA in milks from pasture-based diets. Particularly in LL, the milk of JFX cows tended to have increased de novo FA, compared with HF, suggesting implications for techno-functional properties of dairy products such as butter. The milk of PRG HF group showed improved health-promoting properties, with lower thrombogenicity and atherogenicity indices on a yearly basis. Regarding techno-functional properties, the PRG HF group resulted in higher oleic acid reflecting in lower spreadability index, suggesting that butter made of this group would be more spreadable, compared with the one made from the other milk groups examined. The triglyceride and PL profiles were mainly affected by stage of lactation. Overall, these results show the effects of cow diet, breed, and stage of lactation on milk lipid profile, with important implications for the nutritional and techno-functional characteristics of dairy products.

This review integrates new developments in psychology with updated physiological insight on the complex relationships among chronic psychological stress (arising from weight stigmatization and body shaming), food composition, physical activity and metabolic health for the example of diabetes. We address how visual measures of health, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio, do not adequately capture metabolic health and can instead contribute to weight stigmatization, chronic stress, and system-wide impairment of metabolic health. We also emphasize the importance of food composition over calorie counting. We summarize how chronic stress interacts with nutritional deficiencies and physical inactivity to disrupt the stress response, immune response, gut microbiome, and function of fat depots. We specifically address how interactions among lifestyle factors and the gut microbiome regulate whether fat stored around the waist has a negative or positive effect on metabolic health. We aim to provide a resource and updated framework for diabetes prevention and health promotion by (i) highlighting metabolic imbalances triggered by lifestyle changes during the transition to industrialized society and (ii) detailing the potential to support metabolic health through access to modest, but comprehensive lifestyle adjustments.

Kefir-based fermentation products exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, platelet activation and aggregation, and other related manifestations, thereby preventing the onset and development of several chronic diseases. Specifically, water kefir, a symbiotic culture of various microorganisms used for the production of several bio-functional fermented products, has been proposed for its health-promoting properties. Thus, water kefir grains and its apple pomace-based fermentation beverage were studied for bioactive amphiphilic and lipophilic lipid compounds with antioxidant, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Total lipids (TL) were extracted and further separated into their total amphiphilic (TAC) and total lipophilic content (TLC), in which the total phenolic and carotenoid contents (TPC and TCC, respectively) and the fatty acid content of the polar lipids (PL) were quantified, while the antioxidant activity of both TAC and TLC were assessed in vitro, by the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP bioassays, along with the anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activity of TAC against human platelet aggregation induced by the thrombo-inflammatory mediator, platelet-activating factor (PAF) or standard platelet agonists like ADP.ATR-FTIR spectra facilitated the detection of specific structural, functional groups of phenolic, flavonoid, and carotenoid antioxidants, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of specific anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic PL bioactives bearing unsaturated fatty acids in their structures, with favorable omega-6 (n-6)/omega-3 (n-3)polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which further support the findings that the most potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic bioactivities were observed in the TAC extracts, in both water kefir grains and beverage cases. The detection of such bioactive components in both the uncultured water kefir grains and in the cultured beverage further supports the contribution of water kefir microorganisms to the bioactivity and the bio-functionality of the final fermented product. Nevertheless, the extracts of the beverage showed much stronger antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic activities, which further suggests that during the culture process for producing this beverage, not only was the presence of bioactive compounds produced by kefir microflora present, but biochemical alterations during fermentation of bioactive components derived from apple pomace also seemed to have taken place, contributing to the higher bio-functionality observed in the apple pomace-water kefir-based beverage, even when compared to the unfermented apple pomace. The overall findings support further studies on the use of water kefir and/or apple pomace as viable sources of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic amphiphilic bioactive compounds for the production of novel health-promoting bio-functional fermented products.

In this work, we studied the relationships between the most representative fatty acids (FAs) and their ratios in red blood cell (RBC) membranes and dietary fatty acids alongside several cardiometabolic risk factors. Twenty-six individuals were enrolled with a mean age of 50.4 ± 12.7 years (16 males and 10 females). By bivariate analysis, dietary oleic acid (OA) correlated negatively with C20:4n-6 (AA) (p = 0.031) in RBCs. With multivariate regression analysis, dietary OA (p < 0.001) is an independent predictor and negatively associated with AA levels in RBCs, while the elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids 6 (ELOVL6) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 16 (SCD16) activities (p < 0.05) was positively associated with AA levels in RBCs. The multivariate regression models also showed that dietary OA was an independent predictor and positively associated with C22:5n-3 (DPA) in RBCs. Furthermore, BMI positively correlated with SCD16, and both SCD16 and SCD18 were positively associated with triacylglycerols levels. In addition, SCD16 positively and significantly correlated with LDL-c and the LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and negatively correlated with the ApoA1/ApoB ratio, and SCD16 and ELOVL6 were significantly associated with HDL molecular subfractions. Therefore, our data underline that OA, SCD16 and ELOVL6 can interfere with n-3 and n-6 partition in biomembranes such as RBCs, suggesting an important molecular (patho)physiological regulatory mechanism role in controlling bioactive molecules' availability such as those involved in the immune-inflammatory response.

The antioxidant, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects of the amphiphilic compounds extracted from both avocado juice and by-products, were evaluated. All extracts were assessed for their total phenolic content (TPC) and total carotenoid content (TCC), and for their antioxidant activities by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays as well as for their anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic potency in human platelets. The extracts rich in TAC (Total Amphiphilic Content) showed much higher content in phenolics and carotenoids from the extracts of total lipophilic content (TLC), which was reflected by the much stronger antioxidant capacities of TAC extracts. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of not only phenolics and carotenoids, but also of bioactive polar lipids (PLs) in avocado TAC extracts, the LC-MS based structural analysis of which further revealed a fatty acid composition favourable for unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) versus saturated ones (SFAs), including monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like the oleic acid (C18:1n9) and omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like the alpha linolenic acid (C18:3n3), with the subsequent anti-inflammatory low values of the n6/n3 PUFA ratio. The presence of such bioactive PLs that are rich in UFA within the TAC extracts of avocado juice and its by-products provide an explanation for the observed potent anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities of avocado TAC against thrombo-inflammatory mediators like platelet activating factor (PAF) and against standard platelet agonists like ADP, offering promise for such avocado TAC extracts, as ingredients in functional products for health/promoting applications either in cosmetics or in functional foods and nutraceuticals, or even drugs.

The aim of this research was to explore the possible connection between combined Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) and the prevalence of chronic inflammatory airway diseases (CIAD), including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic bronchitis, along with the mortality rate among individuals with CIAD.

Data were gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018 cycles. The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) was calculated using 16 different nutrients and 4 different lifestyles, which was then categorized into four groups. The CIAD included individuals with self-reported asthma, chronic bronchitis, or COPD. Mortality data up to December 31, 2019, was obtained from the National Death Index. In cross-sectional studies, the association between OBS and the prevalence of total and specific CIAD was examined using multiple logistic regressions. Dose-response relationships were analyzed through restricted cubic spline regression (RCS). In prospective cohort studies, cumulative survival rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank tests. Multiple COX regressions were conducted to evaluate the relationship between OBS and all-cause as well as respiratory diseases mortality among participants with CIAD.

A total of 12,458 adults were enrolled in this study. The demographic characteristics of the study population revealed a mean age of 52.25 ± 15.8 years, 47.73% being male, and the majority identified as Non-Hispanic White (66.87%). We found that 20.26% of the participants were suffered from CIAD, followed by asthma (15.41%), chronic bronchitis (6.10%) and COPD (3.80%), respectively. The median OBS levels were 20.98 with a standard deviation of 0.17. After adjusting for all confounders, we found that the highest quartile of OBS was significantly associated with lower prevalence of total CIAD (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.64-0.81), asthma (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.52-0.73), chronic bronchitis (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.44-0.92), and COPD (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.77) compared to the lowest quartile. Additionally, a linear and inverse relationship was found between OBS and the incidence of various respiratory disorders. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that individuals in the highest quartile of OBS had the lowest risk of both all-cause mortality (log-rank test p = 0.017) and respiratory diseases mortality (log-rank test p < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting for multiple factors, individuals in the fourth quartile continued to show a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.93) and respiratory diseases mortality (HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.43-0.74) in comparison to those in the lowest quartile of OBS levels.

The findings revealed that a higher OBS was significantly linked to a decreased prevalence of total and specific CIAD, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD. Higher OBS levels were also associated with reduced mortality from both all causes and respiratory diseases among CIAD patients. These findings offer valuable information on the role of diet and lifestyle in preventing CIAD.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed (ELS) and Padina pavonica algae extract (PP) on rabbit carcass and meat quality. Ninety-six rabbit carcasses from two production cycles were analyzed. In the first cycle (C1), rabbits were fed a control diet (1CNT), the same diet supplemented with 5% ELS (1ELS5%), and supplemented with 3.5% ELS and 0.2% PP (1LPP3.5%). In the second cycle (C2), the diets varied in composition and supplementation levels: a different control diet (2CNT), the same diet with 5% ELS (2ELS5%), and with 5% ELS and 0.2% PP (2LPP5%). Meat analyses were performed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle for physical properties and on thigh meat (THM) for proximate composition, vitamin E, coenzyme-Q10, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and mineral content. No significant differences in LTL physical quality were observed in C1, although LTL was brighter in C2 (p < 0.001). THM in C2 had higher fat content (p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with ELS and PP extract significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and improved the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) in rabbit meat, demonstrating their positive impact on meat quality.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of selected plant additives on changes in the content of fatty acids, lipid quality indicators and mineral composition of yogurts produced from cow's milk. The analysis included natural yogurts and yogurts enriched with 10% of chia seeds, hulled hemp seeds, quinoa seeds and oat bran. The fatty acid composition, the content of lipid quality indicators and the content of mineral components was varied in all analyzed yogurts. The plant additives used caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in their fatty acid content, i.e., a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and a significant increase in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The plant additives used caused significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in the content of fatty acids, i.e., a significant decrease in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and a significant increase in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It was shown that additives such as chia seeds and peeled hemp seeds caused the greatest changes in the analyzed yogurts. Yogurts with these additives were characterized by a significant increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-3 acids, and a more favorable n-6/n-3 ratio. Yogurts with these additives were also characterized by significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower atherogenic (AI) and thrombogenic (TI) indices and a higher hypocholesterolemia-to-hypercholesterolemia ratio (H/H). The addition of peeled hemp seeds caused the greatest changes in the content of minerals. Yogurts with hemp seeds were characterized by the highest content of all measured macroelements, as well as copper, iron and zinc. In turn, the highest manganese content was determined in the yogurts with the addition of chia seeds.

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as omega-3 (n-3), are essential in anti-inflammatory processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary intervention along with supplementation of 1.8 g of marine n-3 PUFAs on anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory markers in adults.

An 8-week double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with a diet (200 kcal/day reduction each 4 weeks based on the estimated basal caloric expenditure) containing a n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio ≤ 5:1, along with daily 1.8 g of marine n-3 supplementation (EPA and DHA) vs. active placebo 1.6 g (ALA). A total of 40 subjects were included in the study, 21 in the marine omega-3 group and 19 in the active placebo group. Inclusion criteria included subjects aged 25 to 50 years with obesity as determined by body mass index (BMI) and/or abdominal obesity according to ATP III criteria.

The marine omega-3 supplemented group had a better effect compared to the active placebo group, increasing Resolvin D1 [129.3 (-90.1-193.5) vs. -16.8 (-237.8-92.5) pg/mL, p = 0.041], IL-10 [1.4 (-0.7-4.6) vs. -2.0 (-5-0.05) pg/mL, p = 0.001], and decreasing IL-6 [-0.67 (2.72--0.59) vs. 0.03 (-0.59-1.84) pg/mL, p = 0.015], and MCP-1 [-29.6 (-94.9-5.50) vs. 18.3 (-97.3-66.35) pg/mL, p = 0.040].

A diet supplemented with marine n-3 improves inflammatory markers by increasing systemic levels of Resolvin D1 and IL-10 and decreasing IL-6 and MCP-1.

Aeronautical military personnel operate under intense physical and mental stress, requiring high psychophysical aptitude. Adequate nutrition is essential to sustain operational readiness and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases and other health issues. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of aeronautical military personnel group in Spain through dietary parameters.

A total of 390 male aeronautical military personnel, who attended the Centro de Instrucción de Medicina Aeroespacial (Madrid, Spain), were evaluated. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated by three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls (DIAL® program).

The median energy intake was 2134 kcal/day, with significant variations across professional groups, highest in parachutists (2347 kcal/day). Protein intake was 18.2% TE, while carbohydrate intake was 37.6% TE, below standards, with 83.8% of participants not meeting the EFSA guidelines. However, a high intake of added sugars was observed (10% TE). Fat intake (38.3% TE) and saturated fats (11.7% TE) exceeded recommendations. Micronutrient deficiencies were notable for vitamin D (98% below recommendations), folate (56.4%), vitamin C (40.2%), calcium (50.3%), iodine (76.6%), and zinc (59%). Elevated cholesterol intake (352 mg/day) and inadequate fiber intake (18.5 g/day) were also observed.

This study highlights imbalanced dietary patterns among Spanish aeronautical military personnel, with high protein, fat, cholesterol and added sugar consumption, low carbohydrate, and inadequate intake of critical micronutrients and fiber. These findings emphasize the need for targeted dietary interventions, nutritional monitoring protocols, and specific guidelines to enhance health and performance in this specialized group.

Background/Objectives: Marine organisms, including shrimps, have gained research interest due to containing an abundance of bioactive lipid molecules.This study evaluated the composition and the in vitro biological activities of amphiphilic bioactive compounds from four different wild shrimp species: Litopenaeus vannamei, Penaeus kerathurus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, and Parapenaeus longirostris. Methods: Total lipid (TL) extracts were obtained from shrimp and separated into total amphiphilic (TAC) and total lipophilic (TLC) compounds. Phenolic (TPC) and carotenoid (TCC) contents, antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assays), and biological effects on platelet-activating factor (PAF) and ADP-induced platelet activation were evaluated. Structural analyses were performed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, while LC-MS was used to elucidate the fatty acid composition and overall structure of polar lipids (PLs) present in shrimp TAC extracts. Results: TAC extracts, rich in phenolics, carotenoids, PL, and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities compared with TLC extracts, which showed potent antioxidant capacity. Significant amounts of UFAs, such as the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) oleic acid (C18:1n9) and omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n3), were detected in the PLs of shrimp TAC extracts, with favorable anti-inflammatory values for their n6/n3 PUFA ratio. Shrimp amphiphilic bioactives present in the TAC extracts provide anti-inflammatory effects against the PAF pathway and antithrombotic effects against ADP and eicosanoid pathways. Conclusions: The overall findings support further study on the use of shrimp extracts rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and antioxidant amphiphilic bioactives as ingredients to produce new bio-functional health-promoting products, in the context of sustainable development and circular economy.

This study investigated the fatty acids (FA) profile of 54 actinomycete strains isolated from marine sediments collected off the Portugal continental coast, specifically from the Estremadura Spur pockmarks field, by GC/MS. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were prepared from the ethyl acetate lipidic extracts of these strains and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with FA identification performed using the NIST library. The identified FAs varied from C12:0 to C20:0, where 32 distinct FAs were identified, including 7 branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs), 9 odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs), 8 monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), 6 saturated fatty acids (SFAs), 1 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and 1 cyclic chain fatty acid (CCFA). The average expressed content was BCFA (47.54%), MUFA (28.49%), OCFA (26.93%), and SFA (22.16%), of which i-C16:0, C18:1ω9, and C16:0 were predominant, while PUFA (3.58%) and CCFA (0.41%) were identified as minor components. The identified BCFA were i-C16:0, a-C15:0, i-C15:0, i-C15:1ω6, a-C16:0, a-C14:0, and i-C17:0, which include combined branching and unsaturation and branching and odd. SFAs were present in all species, with C16:0 and C18:0 being the most representative. Rare OCFAs C19:1ω9, C17:1ω7, C15:0, and C17:0 were expressed. PUFA C18:1ω9 was detected; within this class, omega families ω9, ω7, ω6, and ω5 were identified, and no ω3 was detected. The only CCFA was benzene-butanoic acid (benzene-C4:0). These findings highlight the metabolic versatility of actinomycetes, providing valuable insights into microbial chemotaxonomy and offering promising biochemical leads for the development of biofuel, nutraceutical, and antifungal agents. Furthermore, these results underline the diversity and biotechnological potential of FAs in actinomycetes, uncovering their potential to be used as microbial cell factories, and paving the way for innovations in biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and eco-friendly industrial products.