The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. Allergies are intensely related to bronchial asthma and to other respiratory diseases such as chronic sinusitis, middle ear infections, and nasal polyps. Treatment can vary from inhalers to oral medications to drugs delivered in a nebulizer or breathing machine. Besides, dietary involvement was a significant tool to reduce the severity of many chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma. Randomly assigned, double blind, and placebo controlled 290 adults with mild to moderately persistent bronchial asthma concluded in this study, were subjected to alternating phases of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn either singly or in combination. Subjective symptom improvement, pulmonary function, and biochemical tests were carried out at the beginning of the study and at the end of each therapeutic phase. The study findings showed that nearly half of the cases were in age between 18 years to 40 years followed by 29.6 of the cases that fall in age range between 40 years and 60 years. It was clear that all the four supplements (ogema-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn, and combination) contributed more than placebo in reducing the severity of bronchial asthma. However, omega 3 fatty acids and combined supplement significantly contributed in symptomatic improvement (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement of pulmonary function and sputum inflammatory markers with diet supplementation (p < 0.05). So, the subjects with mild and moderately persistent bronchial asthma may get benefit from their dietary supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids, Zinc and vitamin C. It is evident from this study that omega 3 fatty acids and combined supplementation significantly improved the severity of bronchial asthma.

Comparison of the effects of 3 kinds of oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on glycolipid metabolism and lipoprotein subfractions

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(ω-3 PUFAs)can be classifi ed into animal-and plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs.Patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM)are frequently accompanied by dyslipidemia,which is closely related to the high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C)subfractions change.This study aimed to determine the effects of different sourcesω-3 PUFAs on glucolipid metabolism and lipoprotein subfractions in T2DM with dyslipidemia.Ninety T2DM patients with dyslipidemia were randomly assigned to take 3 g/day fi sh oil(FO,containing eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)),3 g/day perilla oil(PO,containingα-linolenic acid(ALA)),or 3 g/day blend oil(BO,containing EPA,DHA and ALA)for 3 months.90 patients completed the intervention.There was a significant reduction of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)in all the groups.The triglycerides(TG)in the FO group were signifi cantly different with a group×time interaction(P=0.043),which was higher compared with the other two groups.The serum small HDL-C subfractions in the PO group was higher and the serum large HDL-C subfractions in the PO group was lower than those in the BO and FO groups.Plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs are more effective at controlling blood glucose than animal-derivedω-3 PUFAs.However,animal-derivedω-3 PUFAs have a signifi cant lowering effect on TG compared with plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs.Particularly,large HDL-C subfractions after animal-derivedω-3 PUFAs intake were higher than plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs intake;while small HDL-C subfractions were lower.Both the animal-and plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs have practical value in improving glucose and lipids metabolism in T2DM patients with dyslipidemia.

Development and Production of Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Enriched Foods is an Important Dietary Strategy to Improve People's Nutritional and Health Status

Both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients important for cellular structure and function but cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from food.These two classes of fatty acids are metabolically and functionally different and antagonistically regulate many physiological and pathological processes.Thus,the relative balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for good health.However,today’s diet contains too much Omega-6 but too little Omega-3,leading to a severe imbalance with a very high Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio(>10)in most people.Many lines of evidence suggest that this imbalance is a key factor contributing to the development of modern chronic diseases.A growing number of studies ranging from laboratory research to clinical trials have shown that balancing the tissue ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids by increasing tissue levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and/or decreasing the content of Omega-6 fatty acids are very beneficial for the prevention and treatment of many life-threating chronic diseases as well as for health promotion of the general public.Therefore,development and production of foods rich in Omega-3-fatty acids should be considered as a key health program to balance essential fat intake and thereby improve the nutritional and health status of all people.

A randomized controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome

AIM:To evaluate the role of dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome.METHODS:A prospective,interventional,placebo controlled,double blind randomized trial was done at two referral eye centers.Two hundred and sixty-four eyes of patients with dry eye were randomized to receive one capsule(500mg)two times a day containing 325mg EPA and 175mg DHA for 3 months(omega-3 group).The omega-3 group was compared to a group of patients(n=254)who received a placebo(placebo group).There were 4 patient visits(at baseline,1 month,2 months and3 months).On each visit,recording of corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),slit lamp examination and questionnaire based symptom evaluation and scoring was done.A symptomatic score of 0-6 was mild,6.1-12moderate and 12.1-18 severe dry eye.Response to intervention was monitored by routine tear function tests like Schirmer I test,tear film break-up time(TBUT),Rose Bengal staining and most notably,conjunctival impression cytology.RESULTS:Sixty-five percent of patients in the omega-3group and 33%of patients in placebo group had significant improvement in symptoms at 3 months(P=0.005).There was a significant change in both Schirmer’s test value and TBUT values in the omega-3group(P【0.001),both comparisons.However,there was a larger drift in TBUT values in omega-3 than the placebo group,in comparison to Schirmer’s test values.The mean TBUT score was 2.54±2.34 in the omega-3group and 0.13±0.16 in placebo group,respectively.The mean reduction in symptom score in omega-3 group was 2.02±0.96 as compared to 0.48±0.22 in placebogroup(P【0.001).Despite a slight increase mean score,the Schirmer scores did not correlate well with symptomatic improvement.CONCLUSION:Omega-3 fatty acids have a definite role for dry eye syndrome.The benefit seems to be more marked in conditions such as blepharitis and meibomian gland disease.The role of omega fatty acids in tear production and secretion needs further evaluation.

Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,citrus pectin,and milk-derived exosomes on intestinal barrier integrity and immunity in animals

The gastrointestinal tract of livestock and poultry is prone to challenge by feedborne antigens,pathogens,and other stress factors in the farm environment.Excessive physiological inflammation and oxidative stress that arises firstly disrupts the intestinal epithelial barrier followed by other components of the gastrointestinal tract.In the present review,the interrelationship between intestinal barrier inflammation and oxidative stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease was described.Further,the role of naturally existing immunomodulatory nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,citrus pectin,and milk-derived exosomes in preventing intestinal barrier inflammation was discussed.Based on the existing evidence,the possible molecular mechanism of these bioactive nutrients in the intestinal barrier was outlined for application in animal diets.

Alterations of attention and impulsivity in the rat following a transgenerational decrease in dietary omega-3 fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs),particularly the omega-3 PUFAs,are thought to be involved in neuronal processes,to play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders and to be important for the integrity of central nervous system functioning.The present study investigated the effects of nutritional omega-3 PUFAs on attentional functions and impulsive behavior in Wistar rats.For this purpose,female Wistar rats were fed an omega-3 deficient diet over several generations,and the dams of the seventh generation were randomly assigned to two diet groups and fed an omega-3 deficient or an omega-3 sufficient diet.In addition,a group of previously untreated dams was fed an omega-3 sufficient diet.The male offspring of these three diet groups were tested using an established paradigm for the assessment of attention and impulsive behavior,i.e.a modified version of the five-choice-serial-reaction-time task(5CSRTT).The present data show that the deficiency of omega-3 PUFAs over generations led to substantial changes in attentional processes and impulsive behaviors.The impairments associated with an omega-3 deficiency were partly corrected by treatment with the omega-3 sufficient diet in the last generation of the omega-3 deficient group which showed substantial improvements in attention parameters.While there were no significant effects of dietary modifications on psychomotor activity levels,there was some evidence for changes in impulsive behavior.In conclusion,transgenerational dietary changes in the availability of omega-3 PUFAs led to changes in attentional processes and impulsive behavior in rats,supporting the hypothesis that omega-3 PUFAs play a role in cognitive and behavioral processes.The present findings offer a promising approach in the investigation of the role of omega-3 PUFAs in a variety of cognitive and behavioral domains.

A Diet with 3% of Energy from a Mixture of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Significantly Increases in Vivo Lipid Peroxidation in Postmenopausal Women

Dietary omega-3 (n - 3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are recommended by public health organizations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and several epidemiological studies have suggested there is an inverse association between n - 3 intake and human cancers. However, n - 3 are susceptible to an increase in lipid peroxidation in the human body. As part of a crossover dietary intervention study of a diet (20% of energy from fat) with or without an additional 3% of energy from a mixture of n - 3 (with 5.36 g α-linolenic acid and 1.45 g eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid per 2000 kcal per day), we measured total in vivo lipid peroxidation in healthy postmenopausal women (n = 15). Our results indicated that the diet with 3% of energy from n - 3 significantly increased the urinary concentrations of total polar lipophilic aldehydes and related compounds produced via lipid peroxidation (p α, β-unsaturated hydroxy aldehydes 4-hydroxy-2-trans - hexenal (p trans -decenal (p < 0.05) compared to the diet with less than 1% of energy from n - 3. This is also the first study to document the presence of 4-hydroxy-2-trans -decenal in the urine of individuals consuming n - 3. These results demonstrate that an increase in 3% of energy from dietary n – 3 increases in vivo lipid peroxidation.

Role of perinatal long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in cortical circuit maturation:Mechanisms and implications for psychopathology

Accumulating translational evidence suggests that the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) plays a role in the maturation and stability of cortical circuits that are impaired in different recurrent psychiatric disorders. Specifically, rodent and cell culture studies find that DHA preferentially accumulates in synaptic and growth cone membranes and promotes neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine stability, and synaptogenesis. Additional evidence suggests that DHA may play a role in microglia-mediated synaptic pruning, as well as myelin development and resilience. In nonhuman primates n-3 fatty acid insufficiency during perinatal development leads to widespread deficits in functional connectivity in adult frontal cortical networks compared to primates raised on DHA-fortified diet. Preterm delivery in non-human primates and humans is associated with early deficits in cortical DHA accrual. Human preterm birth is associated with longstanding deficits in myelin integrity and cortical circuit connectivity and increased risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), mood, and psychotic disorders. In general, ADHD and mood and psychotic disorders initially emerge during rapid periods of cortical circuit maturation and are characterized by DHA deficits, myelin pathology, and impaired cortical circuit connectivity. Together these associations suggest that early and uncorrected deficits in fetal brain DHA accrual may represent a modifiable risk factor for cortical circuit maturation deficits in psychiatric disorders, and could therefore have significant implications for informing early intervention and prevention strategies.

EFFECTS OF SIMVASTAIN COMBINED WITH OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ON HIGH SENSITIVE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN, LIPIDEMIA, ANDFIBRINOLYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH MIXED DYSLIPIDEMIA

Objective To evaluate the effects of simvastatin combined with omega-3 fatty acids on high sensitive C-reactive protein(HsCRP), lipidemia, and fibrinolysis in coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD risk equivalent patients with mixed dyslipi-demia. Methods A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled and parallel group trial was conducted. Patients with CHD and CHD risk equivalents with mixed dyslipidemia were treated with 10 or 20 mg simvastatin for 6-12 weeks. Following with the treatment of patients whose low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-ch) reaching goal level (< 100 mg/dL) or close to the goal (< 130 mg/dL), while triglyceride (TG) ≥200 mg/dL and < 500 mg/dL, was combined with omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d) or a placebo for 2 months. The effects of the treatment on HsCRP, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-ch, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-ch), TG, lipoprotein (a) [LP (a)], apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apolipoprotein B (apoB), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) were investigated. Forty patients finished the study with each group consisting of twenty patients. Results (1) There were significant reductions of HsCRP, TG, TC, and TC/HDL-ch, which decreased by 2.16 ±2.77 mg/L (38.5%), 94.0 ±65.4 mg/dL (31.1%), 13.3 ±22.3 mg/dL (6.3%), 0.78 ±1.60 respectively in the omega-3 fatty acids group (P< 0.01, < 0.001, < 0.05, < 0.05) compared to the baseline. HsCRP and triglyceride reduction were more significant in omega-3 fatty acids group compared to the placebo group (P=0.021 and 0.011 respectively). (2) In the omega-3 fatty acids group, the values and percentage of TG reduction had a significantly positive relation with HsCRP reduction (r=0.51 and 0.45, P=0.021 and 0.047 respectively). Conclusion In CHD and CHD risk equivalent patients with mixed dyslipidemia, dyslipidemia’s therapeutic effect using simvastatin and omega-3 fatty acids may result from not only the combination of lipid adjustment, but also enhancement of their own nonlipid influences.

Combined Add-on Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Copper, and Selenium in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: The present study evaluated the effects of a combined nutritional supplement, containing omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) and different antioxidative micronutrients on nutrient status and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The study was conducted as a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial. A hundred patients with defined RA were allocated to the verum or placebo group. During a period of twelve weeks they were given three capsules of their specific study supplementation every day. The daily dosage of ω-3 FA was 1.35 g (thereof 900 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA), 90 mg vitamin E, 600 μg vitamin A, 3 mg copper, and 75 μg selenium, or soy oil (placebo), respectively. Outcome variables were the changes in DAS 28, the number of tender and swollen joints, morning stiffness, and supply with different nutrients (e.g. serum concentration of EPA, AA and vitamin E), as well as blood lipid levels. Results: Sixty-four participants were included in this analysis: 30 receiving verum and 34 placebo. After twelve weeks of intervention, little but not significant improvements were observed in the DAS 28 and other clinical factors. Subgroup analysis revealed that the effect was much more pronounced in patients who were at least at a moderate activity of illness. Regarding the nutritional status, the serum concentration of EPA (P < 0.001), vitamin E (P < 0.01), SOD (P < 0.05), and GPx (P < 0.001) increased significantly, while AA (P < 0.001) decreased after supplementation. The concentration of triglycerides decreased significantly in the verum group (P < 0.05) but not in the placebo group. Conclusions: A twelve week add-on supplementation of a combined food supplement (ω-3 FA + antioxidants) effected modest but not significant changes in the clinical parameters in RA. Though vitamin E, SOD and GPx improved significantly, equivalent to an increased antioxidant defence. This supplementation was dedicated to enhance the nutritional status of critical nutrients in RA, especially with regard to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in these patients.

Plasma Phospholipid Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Freshwater Fish Consumption in the Brazilian Amazon

Background: Amazonian riverside communities consume large quantities of freshwater fish, comparable to marine fish consumption of Inuit, Scandinavian and Japanese populations. Few studies have considered the relation of high freshwater fish consumption and intake of omega-3 fatty acids (FA). Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the profile of the concentrations of plasma phospholipid FAs and its relation with freshwater fish intake in 12 riverside communities in the Tapajós River basin (State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon). Design: This cross-sectional study included 333 adults (15 - 86 years old). Fish meal frequency was determined using a 7-day interview-administered dietary recall questionnaire. Fish were categorized as piscivorous and non-piscivorous fish on trophic level. Plasma phospholipid FAs were measured by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Results: Participants consumed 5 to 6 fish meals a week, with twice as many non-piscivorous fish than piscivorous fish (4.4 fish/week vs 2.2 fish/week, respectively). The omega-3 FA levels in plasma phospholipids were low (EPA + DHA = 31.21 mg/L;%EPA + DHA = 2.59%). Omega-3 FAs increased with frequency of fish intake, and particularly with piscivorous fish, controlling for sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics. DHA levels were greater in women than in men. Conclusions: Omega-3 FA in this Amazonian population increased with fish consumption, but although they consumed freshwater fish almost daily, the concentrations of omega-3 FA were relatively low and comparable to fish-eater communities for which fish is not a dietary mainstay. It is possible that nutrients present in marine, but not in certain freshwater fish species, may facilitate absorption of omega-3 FA. Sex and/or gender differences must be taken into account when assessing the relationship between fish consumption and plasma phospholipid omega-3 FA levels.

Antidiabetic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: From Mechanism to Therapeutic Possibilities

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance caused by dysfunction of pancreatic β cells. Over the past few decades, epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid decrease the risk of metabolic diseases including DM. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating DM have been partly revealed. In this review, the authors describe the antidiabetic effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and also discuss their possibilities as therapeutics for DM in the light of recent findings.

Novel Lipase from Golden Pompano(Trachinotus ovatus)Viscera:Purification,Characterization,and Application in the Concentrating of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Lipases have been widely applied in a variety of industrial fields,such as food,pharmaceuticals,biofuels,and biotechnology.Recent years have witnessed a great interest in modifying lipids for the production of triacylglycerols enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs).Here,a novel salt-tolerant,organic solvent-stable,and bile salt-activated lipase was purified from golden pompano(Trachinotus ovatus)viscera,which was named as golden pompano lipase(GPL).GPL had a specific activity of 57.2U mg^(-1)with an estimated molecular weight of 14 k Da,exhibited optimal activity at 40℃a nd pH 8.0,and showed K_(m)and V_(max)of 40.16μmol L^(-1)and 769.23μmol L^(-1)min^(-1),respectively.GPL activity was enhanced by Mn^(2+)and sodium deoxycholate.It was active in organic solvents,including methanol,ethanol,chloroform,and hexane.GPL also showed a good salinity tolerance of up to 1 mol L^(-1).n-3PUFA enrichment in the glyceride fraction of golden pompano oil was performed by GPL-catalyzed hydrolysis and yielded a total PUFA concentration of 56.99%.EPA,DHA,and DPA were enriched by 10.4-,3.2-,and 1.8-fold of their initial levels,respectively.This study recognized the industrial applicability of GPL to prepare enriched C_(20-22)n-3 PUFA.

Free fatty acids receptors 2 and 3 control cell proliferation by regulating cellular glucose uptake

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a worldwide problem,which has been associated with changes in diet and lifestyle pattern.As a result of colonic fermentation of dietary fibres,short chain free fatty acids are generated which activate free fatty acid receptors(FFAR)2 and 3.FFAR2 and FFAR3 genes are abundantly expressed in colonic epithelium and play an important role in the metabolic homeostasis of colonic epithelial cells.Earlier studies point to the involvement of FFAR2 in colorectal carcinogenesis.AIM To understand the role of short chain FFARs in CRC.METHODS Transcriptome analysis console software was used to analyse microarray data from CRC patients and cell lines.We employed short-hairpin RNA mediated down regulation of FFAR2 and FFAR3 genes,which was validated using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction.Assays for glucose uptake and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)generation was done along with immunofluorescence studies to study the effects of FFAR2/FFAR3 knockdown.For measuring cell proliferation,we employed real time electrical impedancebased assay available from xCELLigence.RESULTS Microarray data analysis of CRC patient samples showed a significant down regulation of FFAR2 gene expression.This prompted us to study the FFAR2 in CRC.Since,FFAR3 shares significant structural and functional homology with FFAR2,we knocked down both these receptors in CRC cell line HCT 116.These modified cell lines exhibited higher proliferation rate and were found to have increased glucose uptake as well as increased level of glucose transporter 1.Since,FFAR2 and FFAR3 signal through G protein subunit(Gαi),knockdown of these receptors was associated with increased cAMP.Inhibition of protein kinase A(PKA)did not alter the growth and proliferation of these cells indicating a mechanism independent of cAMP/PKA pathway.CONCLUSION Our results suggest role of FFAR2/FFAR3 genes in increased proliferation of colon cancer cells via enhanced glucose uptake and exclude the role of PKA mediated cAMP signalling.Alternate pathways could be involved that would ultimately result in increased cell proliferation as a result of down regulated FFAR2/FFAR3 genes.This study paves the way to understand the mechanism of action of short chain FFARs in CRC.

Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has been recognized as a major health burden.It is the most important cause of chronic liver disease and a major independent cardiovascular risk factor.Lacking a definite treatment for NAFLD,a specific diet and an increase in physical activity represent the most commonly used therapeutic approaches.In this review,major literature data about the use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs) as a potential treatment of NAFLD have been described.n-3 PUFAs,besides having a beneficial impact on most of the cardio-metabolic risk factors(hypertension,hyperlipidemia,endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis) by regulating gene transcription factors [i.e.,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),PPAR,sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1,carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein],impacts both lipid metabolism and on insulin sensitivity.In addition to an enhancement of hepatic beta oxidation and a decrease of the endogenous lipid production,n-3 PUFAs are able to determine a significant reduction of the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules(tumor necrosis factor-and interleukin-6) and of oxygen reactive species.Further strengthening the results of the in vitro studies,both animal models and human intervention trials,showed a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs on the severity of NAFLD as expressed by laboratory parameters and imaging measurements.Despite available results provided encouraging data about the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs as a treatment of NAFLD in humans,welldesigned randomized controlled trials of adequate size and duration,with histological endpoints,are needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of PUFA,as well as other therapies,for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients.It is worthwhile to consider that n-3 PUFAs cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be derived from exogenous sources(fish oil,flaxseeds,olive oil) which are typical foods of the Mediterranean diet,known for its beneficial effects in preventing obesity,diabetes and,in turn,cardiovascular events.According to these data,it is important to consider that most of the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs can also be obtained by an equilibrate nutrition program.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids promote liver regeneration after 90% hepatectomy in rats

AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid(ω-3 PUFA) administration on liver regeneration after 90% partial hepatectomy(PH) in rats.METHODS:ω-3 PUFAs were intravenously injected in the ω-3 PUFA group before PH surgery.PH,sparing only the caudate lobe,was performed in both the control and the ω-3 PUFA group.Survival rates,liver weight/body weight ratios,liver weights,HE staining,transmission electron microscope imaging,nuclearassociated antigen Ki-67,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and signal transduction were evaluated to analyze liver regeneration.RESULTS:All rats in the control group died within 30 h after hepatectomy.Survival rates in the ω-3 PUFA group were 20/20 at 30 h and 4/20 1 wk after PH.Liver weight/body weight ratios and liver weights increased significantly in the ω-3 PUFA group.The structure of sinusoidal endothelial cells and space of Disse was greatly restored in the ω-3 PUFA group compared to the control group after PH.In the ω-3 PUFA group,interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 levels were significantly increased whereas IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-levels were dramatically decreased.In addition,activation of protein kinase B(Akt) and of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway were identified at an earlier time after PH in the ω-3 PUFA group.CONCLUSION:Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may prevent acute liver failure and promote liver regeneration after 90% hepatectomy in rats.

Omega-3 fatty acids and mental health

Nutrition plays a key role in brain development,mental health,and psychiatric disorders.The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in physical health is well established,and their role in mental health is becoming increasingly evident.Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in a wide range of physiological functions that are related to neurogenesis,neurotransmission,and neuroinflammation;therefore,they play fundamental roles in the development,functioning,and aging of the brain.In humans,dietary deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of developing various psychiatric disorders,including depression,bipolar disorder,schizophrenia,dementia,attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,and autism.In particular,eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid have been linked to the maintenance of mental health,and their deficits have been implicated in the pathophysiology of mental disorders.This may be mediated by the modulation of inflammatory processes and their direct effects on neuronal membrane fluidity and receptor function.However,randomized clinical trials that have investigated the therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acids have yielded inconclusive results,thereby limiting the use of these nutrients in psychiatric practice.High-quality clinical trials should be conducted to examine the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing and treating mental disorders.The undesirable side effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation should also be considered.These effects may become apparent after many years of administration,and therefore,they may not be detected in most cases.

Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p56 in lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group(P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.

Effects of dietary ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immunoglobulins, cytokines, fatty acid composition, and performance of lactating sows and suckling piglets

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ratios of n-6：n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFA） on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets. Thirty pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three treatments from d 108 of gestation until weaning （26-29 d） and were fed diets containing different ratios of n-6：n-3 PUFA including 3：1,9：1 and 13：1. The effects on sow and litter production traits were examined together with an assessment of sow body condition. No differences were detected among the treatments for the daily feed intake of sows or changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation （P 〉 0.05）. Litter size at d 14 and d 21 were tended to increase in 3：1 treatment compared with 9：1 and 13：1 treatments （P 〈 0.10）. Litter weight gain （1.77 kg/d） from d 0 to d 14 was tended to increase in 9：1 groups compared with the other two treatments （P 〈 0.10）. A significant difference was observed for the content of a -linolenic acid, total n-3 PUFA, and the ratio of n-6：n-3 PUFA in the colostrum, milk, and piglets plasma （P 〈 0.01）. The effects of different ratios of n-6：n-3 PUFA in sow diets on colostrum, milk and piglet plasma immunoglobulin concentrations are studied. No difference was observed among treatments in the concentrations of IgM, and IgA in colostrum （P 〉 0.05）. A great significant difference for IgG concentration was observed among 3 group in colostrum. A great significant difference for IgA, and IgM （P〈 0.01） concentrations in piglet plasma at d14 and a significant difference for IgG（P 〈 0.05） was observed at d14. Furthermore, at d 21 of lactation, piglet plasma IgG and IgA concentration were greater in 3：1 compared with 13：1 group （P 〈 0.01）. In summary, the current study demonstrated that altering the ratio of n-6：n-3 PUFA in lactating sow diet had an effect on the immune component including immunoglobulin and cytokines, and it tended to increase the litter average daily gain and improve the immune status of piglets when dietary ratio of n-6：n-3 PUFA was 9：1.

Effects of the Ratio of n-6∶n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Maternal Diet on Immunoglobulins,Fatty Acid Composition,and Performance of Lactating Sows and Suckling Piglets under Conditions of Low Maternal Energy Intake

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different ratios of n-6 ∶ n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFA） in sow diets on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets at low digestible energy intakes. Twenty-one pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three diets from day 108 of gestation until weaning （26 to 29 d） ,containing n-6∶n-3 PUFA ratios of 3 ∶1,8 ∶1 and 11 ∶1. The effects on sow and litter production traits and on sow body condition were examined. There were no differences among treatments in daily feed intakes or in changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation. Litter size,litter weight at birth and weaning and litter average daily weight gain were also unaffected by treatment. As expected, large differences were observed in n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in the colostrum and plasma of sows and piglets （P 〈 0. 01） . The ratio of n6 ∶ n-3 PUFA the diet was positively correlated with those in colostrum,sow plasma and piglet plasma （R 2= 0. 55,0. 80 and 0. 80,respectively） . Sow plasma insulin and IGF-I levels at weaning were unaffected by the treatments. Plasma leptin （P 〈 0. 05） concentrations were increased in sows fed the diet with a n-6∶n-3 ratio of 8 ∶ 1. Immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum were not altered by dietary treatment. Plasma IgG concentrations at d 14 were highest in piglets from sows fed the 8 ∶ 1 ratio of n-6∶n-3. Furthermore,this group had the highest IgA concentrations at day 21 of lactation compared with the other two groups （P 〈 0. 05） . In summary,our study demonstrated that at low digestible energy levels,altering the ratio of n-6 ∶ n-3 PUFA in the diets for lactating sows affected immune components and the fatty acid composition of lactating sows and their piglets. Further studies are needed to examine whether higher levels of fat supplementation than those used in the present study （1. 5%） can successfully enhance performance.