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European Journal of Medical Research Jul 2023Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L) is an ancient perennial plant species regarded as a multipurpose plant owing to its richness in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids... (Review)
Review
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L) is an ancient perennial plant species regarded as a multipurpose plant owing to its richness in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) including α-linolenic acid (ALA). The extensive biochemical analysis of flaxseed resulted in the identification of its bioactive, i.e., lignans with potential application in the improvement of human health. Flaxseed oil, fibers, and lignans exert potential health benefits including reduction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and autoimmune and neurological disorders that have led to the diversification of flaxseed plant applications. This comprehensive review focuses on flaxseed oil as the major product of flaxseed with emphasis on the interrelationship between its chemical composition and biological effects. Effects reviewed include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiulcer, anti-osteoporotic, cardioprotective, metabolic, and neuroprotective. This study provides an overview of flaxseed oil effects with the reported action mechanisms related to its phytochemical composition and in comparison, to other PUFA-rich oils. This study presents the most updated and comprehensive review summarizing flaxseed oil's health benefits for the treatment of various diseases.
Topics: Humans; Linseed Oil; Flax; Cardiovascular Diseases; Antioxidants; Lignans
PubMed: 37464425
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01203-6 -
Metabolites Jul 2023Phytohormones exhibit a wide range of chemical structures, though they primarily originate from three key metabolic precursors: amino acids, isoprenoids, and lipids.... (Review)
Review
Phytohormones exhibit a wide range of chemical structures, though they primarily originate from three key metabolic precursors: amino acids, isoprenoids, and lipids. Specific amino acids, such as tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, and arginine, contribute to the production of various phytohormones, including auxins, melatonin, ethylene, salicylic acid, and polyamines. Isoprenoids are the foundation of five phytohormone categories: cytokinins, brassinosteroids, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and strigolactones. Furthermore, lipids, i.e., α-linolenic acid, function as a precursor for jasmonic acid. The biosynthesis routes of these different plant hormones are intricately complex. Understanding of these processes can greatly enhance our knowledge of how these hormones regulate plant growth, development, and physiology. This review focuses on detailing the biosynthetic pathways of phytohormones.
PubMed: 37623827
DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080884 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of global mortality with 1.7 million deaths a year. One of the alternative systems to drug therapy to minimize... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of global mortality with 1.7 million deaths a year. One of the alternative systems to drug therapy to minimize the risk of CVDs is represented by alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid of the omega-3 series, known for its cholesterol-lowering effect. The main purpose of this review is to analyze the effects of ALA and investigate the relevant omega-6/omega-3 ratio in order to maintain functionally beneficial effects. Concerning the lipid-lowering preventive effects, ALA may favorably affect the values of LDL-C and triglycerides in both adult and pediatric populations. Furthermore, ALA has shown protective effects against hypertension, contributing to balancing blood pressure through customary diet. According to the 2009 EFSA statement, dietary ALA may contribute to reducing the risk of CVDs, thanks to anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic and cardioprotective effects.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Hypertension; Antihypertensive Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 37762621
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814319 -
The European Respiratory Journal Oct 2023Eicosanoids are bioactive lipids that regulate systemic inflammation and exert vasoactive effects. Specific eicosanoid metabolites have previously been associated with...
BACKGROUND
Eicosanoids are bioactive lipids that regulate systemic inflammation and exert vasoactive effects. Specific eicosanoid metabolites have previously been associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH), yet their role remains incompletely understood.
METHODS
We studied 482 participants with chronic dyspnoea who underwent clinically indicated cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with invasive haemodynamic monitoring. We performed comprehensive profiling of 888 eicosanoids and eicosanoid-related metabolites using directed non-targeted mass spectrometry, and examined associations with PH (mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >20 mmHg), PH subtypes and physiological correlates, including transpulmonary metabolite gradients.
RESULTS
Among 482 participants (mean±sd age 56±16 years, 62% women), 200 had rest PH. We found 48 eicosanoids and eicosanoid-related metabolites that were associated with PH. Specifically, prostaglandin (11β-dhk-PGF2α), linoleic acid (12,13-EpOME) and arachidonic acid derivatives (11,12-DiHETrE) were associated with higher odds of PH (false discovery rate q<0.05 for all). By contrast, epoxide (8(9)-EpETE), α-linolenic acid (13()-HOTrE(γ)) and lipokine derivatives (12,13-DiHOME) were associated with lower odds. Among PH-related eicosanoids, 14 showed differential transpulmonary metabolite gradients, with directionality suggesting that metabolites associated with lower odds of PH also displayed pulmonary artery uptake. In individuals with exercise PH, eicosanoid profiles were intermediate between no PH and rest PH, with six metabolites that differed between rest and exercise PH.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlight the role of specific eicosanoids, including linoleic acid and epoxide derivatives, as potential regulators of inflammation in PH. Of note, physiological correlates, including transpulmonary metabolite gradients, may prioritise future studies focused on eicosanoid-related pathways as important contributors to PH pathogenesis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Linoleic Acid; Eicosanoids; Inflammation; Epoxy Compounds
PubMed: 37857430
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00561-2023 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Feb 2024α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a member of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) family, has often been ignored due to a lack of information. ALA has... (Review)
Review
α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a member of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) family, has often been ignored due to a lack of information. ALA has gradually attracted increased attention due to its nutritional and medicinal advantages. Studies have shown that ALA exerts beneficial effects on a variety of diseases, including cancer. In this review, we summarize the antitumor effects of ALA in the context of cell biology, including the inhibition of proliferation, the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis, and antioxidant effects. In addition, studies have shown that ALA can be used as a drug carrier or exert positive clinical effects when combined with drugs. Therefore, the use of ALA in clinical treatments is very promising and valuable.
PubMed: 38541002
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14030260 -
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and... 2024Obesity is a growing global problem that causes various complications such as diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, and hepatobiliary disease....
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a growing global problem that causes various complications such as diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, and hepatobiliary disease. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has been reported to exhibit multiple pharmaceutical effects. This study aimed to explore the effects of ALA on obesity-induced adipose tissue accumulation, cognitive impairment, inflammation, and colonic mucosal barrier integrity.
METHODS
Mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) and were treated with ALA (60 or 100 mg/kg). Body weight, adipose tissue, serum glucose and lipid levels, glucose resistance, and insulin resistance were measured. Cognitive ability was analyzed using the behavior tests. PTP1B and IRS/p-AKT/p-GSK3β/p-Tau signaling were examined to evaluate inflammation and synaptogenesis. Colon mucosal barrier integrity was examined by Alcian blue staining and expression of the tight junction proteins. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and liver damages were evaluated. 3T3-L1 cells were used for in vitro experiments. Cell viability, migration and invasion were detected. The levels of ROS, iron, and ferrous ions were measured to assess ferroptosis. Metabolomic analysis of adipose tissues was performed.
RESULTS
ALA treatment prevented HFD-induced adipose tissue accumulation, improved glucose and lipid homeostasis and metabolism. Administration of ALA repressed the HFD-induced increase in insulin levels and insulin resistance index. Serum and colon levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were decreased after ALA treatment. ALA elevated mitochondrial content in brown adipose tissues. ALA ameliorated obesity-induced cognitive impairment and hippocampal inflammation, enhanced colon mucosa integrity. ALA treatment ameliorated HFD-induced liver damage and lipid accumulation and inhibited differentiation of preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells into mature adipocytes and induces ferroptosis. Metabolomic analysis suggested that ALA may target the glycerolipid metabolism pathway to ameliorate obesity. Knockdown of AGPAT2 abolished the protective effects of ALA.
CONCLUSION
ALA treatment suppressed adipose accumulation in adipocytes, improved cognitive ability and colon integrity, and alleviated liver damage by modulating the 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 2 (AGPAT2).
PubMed: 38435630
DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S434671 -
Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology Sep 2023γ-Linolenic acid-enriched galactosyldiacylglycerols (GDGs-GLA), as the natural form of γ-linolenic acid in microalgae, have a range of functional activities, including... (Review)
Review
γ-Linolenic acid-enriched galactosyldiacylglycerols (GDGs-GLA), as the natural form of γ-linolenic acid in microalgae, have a range of functional activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. The low abundance of microalgae and the structural stereoselectivity complexity impede microalgae extraction or chemical synthesis, resulting in a lack of supply of GDGs-GLA with a growing demand. At present, there is a growing interest in engineering oleaginous yeasts for mass production of GDGs-GLA based on their ability to utilize a variety of hydrophobic substrates and a high metabolic flux toward fatty acid and lipid (triacylglycerol, TAG) production. Here, we first introduce the GDGs-GLA biosynthetic pathway in microalgae and challenges in the engineering of the native host. Subsequently, we describe in detail the applications of oleaginous yeasts with as the representative for GDGs-GLA biosynthesis, including the development of synthetic biology parts, gene editing tools, and metabolic engineering of lipid biosynthesis. Finally, we discuss the development trend of GDGs-GLA biosynthesis in .
PubMed: 37692201
DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.06.007 -
Galen Medical Journal 2023Overweight and obesity are the most critical risk factors for chronic diseases. The quality of dietary fatty acids as one of the factors affecting fat accumulation has...
BACKGROUND
Overweight and obesity are the most critical risk factors for chronic diseases. The quality of dietary fatty acids as one of the factors affecting fat accumulation has received little attention. This study investigates the association between dietary linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with body fat indices in a sample of healthy Iranian adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this cohort-based cross-sectional study, 3,195 individuals aged 20 to 60 who participated in the Shiraz University of Medical Science Employees Health Cohort study were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 118-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and body composition was assessed by the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. Multiple linear regression adjusted for relevant confounders was used to determine the associations.
RESULTS
Mean dietary intake of LA was 14.20 ± 7.01 mg/day for men and 13.90 ± 6.71 mg/day for women. Additionally, the daily intake of ALA was 0.18 ± 0.18 mg/day in men and 0.17 ± 0.19 mg/day in women. Dietary intake of ALA for men had an inversely significant association with body fat mass (BFM) (β: -0.585, 95% CI: -1.137, -0.032, P=0.038), percentage of body fat (PBF) (β: -0.537, 95% CI: -0.945, -0.129, P=0.010), Visceral Fat Area (VFA) (β: -2.998, 95% CI: -5.695, -0.302, P=0.029), and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) (β: -0.689, 95% CI: -1.339, -0.040, P=0.038).
CONCLUSION
Higher dietary ALA intake was associated with lower BFM, BFP, VAF, and WHR in men. The present study confirms that ALA intake should be considered a preventive treatment to improve body composition. However, further research is recommended in this regard.
PubMed: 38774859
DOI: 10.31661/gmj.v12i.3023 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Mar 2024Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively characterized due to its many biological activities and health benefits, but conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) is... (Review)
Review
Conjugated Linolenic Acid (CLnA) vs Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A Comprehensive Review of Potential Advantages in Molecular Characteristics, Health Benefits, and Production Techniques.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been extensively characterized due to its many biological activities and health benefits, but conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) is still not well understood. However, CLnA has shown to be more effective than CLA as a potential functional food ingredient. Current research has not thoroughly investigated the differences and advantages between CLnA and CLA. This article compares CLnA and CLA based on molecular characteristics, including structural, chemical, and metabolic characteristics. Then, the research evidence of CLnA on various health benefits is comprehensively reviewed and compared with CLA in terms of effectiveness and mechanism. Furthermore, the potential of CLnA in production technology and product protection is analyzed. In general, CLnA and CLA have similar physicochemical properties of conjugated molecules and share many similarities in regulation effects and pathways of various health benefits as well as in the production methods. However, their specific properties, regulatory capabilities, and unique mechanisms are different. The superior potential of CLnA must be specified according to the practical application patterns of isomers. Future research should focus more on the advantageous characteristics of different isomers, especially the effectiveness and safety in clinical applications in order to truly exert the potential value of CLnA.
Topics: alpha-Linolenic Acid; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; Isomerism; Food Ingredients; Functional Food
PubMed: 38442367
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08771