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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023This study is based on the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of seven edible insect species: , , , , , and . The aim of the present study is to provide new data on the...
This study is based on the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of seven edible insect species: , , , , , and . The aim of the present study is to provide new data on the fatty acid distributions among lipid classes as well as the species-specific protein conversion factor (Kp) of a wide range of insects in order to further improve the nutritional characterisation of insects as food. Oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all insects except for , in which a significantly higher percentage of linoleic acid was found. The majority of the lipids were neutral lipids. A significant amount of α-linolenic acid in the phospholipid fraction of was shown, while in phospholipids were the only fraction in which a measurable amount of docosahexaenoic acid was found. Overall, in most insects, the phospholipid fraction had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to the other classes, which may be protective in terms of auto-oxidative stability. Kp values in the range of 4.17 to 6.43 were obtained. Within the nutritional quality indices, all insects showed healthy fatty acids and high-quality amino acid profiles.
PubMed: 38002148
DOI: 10.3390/foods12224090 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2023Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gradually becoming one of the most common and health-endangering diseases. Flaxseed powder (FLA) is rich in α-linolenic...
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gradually becoming one of the most common and health-endangering diseases. Flaxseed powder (FLA) is rich in α-linolenic acid, dietary fiber, lignans, and other active ingredients, which have lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated whether the FLA improves host metabolism by gut bacteria modulation and further bile acid modulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. At the end of the experiment, we found that FLA can significantly reduce the body weight, body fat content, and serum TG, LDL-C, and TNF-α levels of mice, and improve liver steatosis. FLA intervention has a significant effect on preventing and regulating the gut flora disturbance caused by HFD. FLA intervention affects bile acid metabolism in the intestine and causes significant changes in functional bile acids, which can play a lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory role by activating the intestinal Fxr- Fgfr4-Cyp7a1 and Tgr5-Tlr4-Tnfα pathways.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Bile Acids and Salts; Flax; Powders; Diet, High-Fat; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Lipids; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Liver
PubMed: 37167728
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114864 -
The British Journal of Nutrition Jun 2024The primary goal of the investigation was to analyse the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) on rats with indomethacin...
The primary goal of the investigation was to analyse the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) on rats with indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcers. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: Control, IND (50 mg/kg, p.o.), IND pretreated with GLA 100 mg/kg (p.o. for 14 d), IND pretreated with GLA 150 mg/kg (p.o. for 14 d) and IND pretreated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o. for 14 d). The stomach tissues were examined to calculate the ulcer index and pH and analyse biochemical markers (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), TNF-1, IL-6 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1)) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde: (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and CAT (catalase)) as well as undergo histopathological assessment. GLA 100 and 150 mg/kg showed a protective effect against IND-induced gastric damage. It reduced levels of COX1, TNF-1, IL-6 and ICAM and increased PGE2 levels. GLA also normalised antioxidant function by modulating MDA, SOD, GSH and CAT. GLA intervention protects against IND-induced gastric ulcers by restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance and reducing inflammation.
Topics: Animals; Stomach Ulcer; Indomethacin; Antioxidants; Rats; Oxidative Stress; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Male; Rats, Wistar; Dinoprostone; Gastric Mucosa; Interleukin-6; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Superoxide Dismutase; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Glutathione; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cyclooxygenase 1; Malondialdehyde; Omeprazole
PubMed: 38443203
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114524000382 -
Diabetes Jan 2024In contrast to the well-defined biological feedback loops controlling glucose, the mechanisms by which the body responds to changes in fatty acid availability are less...
UNLABELLED
In contrast to the well-defined biological feedback loops controlling glucose, the mechanisms by which the body responds to changes in fatty acid availability are less clearly defined. Growth differentiating factor 15 (GDF15) suppresses the consumption of diets high in fat but is paradoxically increased in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Given this interrelationship, we investigated whether diets high in fat could directly increase GDF15 independently of obesity. We found that fatty acids increase GDF15 levels dose dependently, with the greatest response observed with linolenic acid. GDF15 mRNA expression was modestly increased in the gastrointestinal tract; however, kidney GDF15 mRNA was ∼1,000-fold higher and was increased by more than threefold, with subsequent RNAscope analysis showing elevated expression within the cortex and outer medulla. Treatment of wild-type mice with linolenic acid reduced food intake and body mass; however, this effect disappeared in mice lacking the GDF15 receptor GFRAL. An equal caloric load of glucose did not suppress food intake or reduce body mass in either wild-type or GFRAL-knockout mice. These data indicate that fatty acids such as linolenic acid increase GDF15 and suppress food intake through a mechanism requiring GFRAL. These data suggest that a primary physiological function of GDF15 may be as a fatty acid sensor designed to protect cells from fatty acid overload.
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The mechanisms by which the body responds to changes in fatty acid availability are less clearly defined. We investigated whether diets high in fat could directly increase growth differentiating factor 15 (GDF15) independently of obesity. Fatty acids increase GDF15 and reduce food intake through a GFRAL signaling axis. GDF15 is a sensor of fatty acids that may have important implications for explaining increased satiety after consumption of diets high in fat.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Eating; Fatty Acids; Glucose; Linolenic Acids; Mice, Knockout; Obesity; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 37847913
DOI: 10.2337/db23-0495 -
Antiviral Research Aug 2023Zika virus (ZIKV) has garnered global attention due to its association with severe congenital defects including microcephaly. However, there are no licensed vaccines or...
Zika virus (ZIKV) has garnered global attention due to its association with severe congenital defects including microcephaly. However, there are no licensed vaccines or drugs against ZIKV infection. Pregnant women have the greatest need for treatment, making drug safety crucial. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acid, has been used as a health-care product and dietary supplement due to its potential medicinal properties. Here, we demonstrated that ALA inhibits ZIKV infection in cells without loss of cell viability. Time-of-addition assay revealed that ALA interrupts the binding, adsorption, and entry stages of ZIKV replication cycle. The mechanism is probably that ALA disrupts membrane integrity of the virions to release ZIKV RNA, inhibiting viral infectivity. Further examination revealed that ALA inhibited DENV-2, HSV-1, influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection dose-dependently. ALA is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral agent.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Dengue; Herpes Simplex; Orthomyxoviridae; Virus Replication
PubMed: 37429528
DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105666 -
European Review For Medical and... Nov 2023Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist used in chronic inflammatory diseases and various cancer treatments. Although the main mechanism of the toxic effect of MTX...
OBJECTIVE
Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist used in chronic inflammatory diseases and various cancer treatments. Although the main mechanism of the toxic effect of MTX is not known, it is stated that it causes oxidative stress and inflammation. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) protects against oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. For this reason, we aimed to find out the useful effect of ALA on MTX-induced nephrotoxicity MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mice were divided into 4 groups randomly. The control group was treated with physiological saline solution; the ALA group was treated with ALA (200 mg/kg) by gavage; MTX-treated group received 20 mg/kg i.p. (intraperitoneal) MTX; and MTX+ALA treated group received 20 mg/kg i.p. MTX and ALA 200 mg/kg by gavage. All of the drugs were performed once a day for 9 days.
RESULTS
Alpha-linolenic acid significantly decreased oxidative stress parameters and MTX-induced inflammatory and apoptotic mediators. Furthermore, histopathological examination showed that MTX induced significant edematous damage, and ALA treatment attenuated this damage in renal tissue.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results revealed that ALA may be helpful against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity in mice via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Methotrexate; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Inflammation; Kidney
PubMed: 38039041
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202311_34479 -
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics Mar 2024Targeted interventions are needed to delay or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Poor dietary habits are associated with cognitive decline, highlighting... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Targeted interventions are needed to delay or prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Poor dietary habits are associated with cognitive decline, highlighting the benefits of a healthy diet with fish and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Intake of omega-3 PUFAs docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is linked with healthy aging, cardiovascular benefits, and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Although omega-3 has health benefits, its intake is often inadequate and insufficient in modern diets. Although fish oil supplements offer an alternative source, inconsistent results from clinical trials raise questions about the factors determining their success.
AREAS COVERED
In this this review, the authors discuss the aforementioned determining factors and highlight strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of omega-3 PUFAs interventions for dementia and cognitive decline. Moreover, the authors provide suggestions for potential future research.
EXPERT OPINION
Factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition can all influence the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation. When implementing clinical trials, it is crucial to consider these factors and recognize their potential impact on the interpretation of results. It is important to study each variable independently and the interactions between them.
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Dietary Supplements; Dementia
PubMed: 38379273
DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2313547 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Nov 2023The effect of walnut-related modulation of gut microbiota composition on microbiota functionality is unknown. The aim was to characterize the effect of a walnut-enriched... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND & AIMS
The effect of walnut-related modulation of gut microbiota composition on microbiota functionality is unknown. The aim was to characterize the effect of a walnut-enriched diet (WD), compared to a fatty acid-matched diet devoid of walnuts (WFMD) and a diet where oleic acid replaces alpha-linolenic acid (ORAD), on bacterial gene expression.
METHODS
A 3-period, randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding study was conducted. Participants were provided a 2-week run-in standard western diet (SWD; 50% kcal carbohydrate, 16% protein, 34% fat, 12% SFA). Following the SWD in random sequence order, participants were provided the WD, WFMD, and ORAD (48% carbohydrate; 17% protein; fat 35%; 7% SFA). The WD contained 18% of energy from walnuts (57 g/d/2100 kcal). The WFMD and ORAD were devoid of walnuts; liquid non-tropical plant oils were included in these diets. Metatranscriptomic analyses were performed as an exploratory outcome.
RESULTS
The analytical sample included 35 participants (40% female) with a mean ± SD age of 43 ± 10 y and BMI of 30.3 ± 4.9 kg/m. The ⍺-diversity of taxa actively expressing genes, assessed by observed species (p = 0.27) and Pielou's Evenness (p = 0.09), did not differ among the diets. The ⍺-diversity of actively expressed genes was greater following the WD compared to the WFMD and ORAD as assessed by the observed genes and Pielou's Evenness metrics (p < 0.05). β-Diversity of the actively expressed genes differed following the WD compared to the WFMD (p = 0.001) and ORAD (p = 0.001); β-diversity did not differ between the WFMD and ORAD. Active composition analyses showed increased Gordonibacter (p < 0.001) activity following the WD vs. the ORAD. Greater expression of many genes was observed following the WD compared to the WFMD and ORAD. Following the WD, greater expression of metabolism-related genes encoding glycine amidinotransferase (GATM; K00613) and arginine deiminase (K01478) was observed compared to the WFMD. Greater expression of glycine amidinotransferase (GATM; K00613) by Gordonibacter was also observed following the WD vs. the WFMD and ORAD.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest walnut intake may increase endogenous production of homoarginine through gut microbiota-mediated upregulation of GATM, which is a novel mechanism by which walnuts may lower cardiovascular disease risk. However, given the exploratory nature replication is needed.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02210767).
Topics: Humans; Juglans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Nuts; Diet; Diet, Western; Carbohydrates; Cross-Over Studies
PubMed: 37826992
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.09.023 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023The bioactive conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) can be microbiologically produced by different probiotic strains when in the presence of α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). Food...
The bioactive conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) can be microbiologically produced by different probiotic strains when in the presence of α-linolenic acid (α-LNA). Food matrices are a good vector, such as has been previously demonstrated with fermented milk enriched with microbial CLNA by DSM 20091 from lipase-hydrolyzed flaxseed oil. The aim of the present work was to further assess the nutritional, biochemical and organoleptic properties of the developed dairy product, as well as its storage stability throughout 28 days at 4 °C, proving its suitability for consumption. Milk lactose hydrolyzed into glucose (0.89 g/100 g) and galactose (0.88 g/100 g), which were further metabolized into lactic (0.42 g/100 g), acetic (0.44 g/100 g) and propionic (0.85 g/100 g) acids. Titratable acidity reached 0.69% and pH 4.93. Compared with the control (no CLNA), fat content was slightly higher (2.0 g/100 g). Acetic acid was the major volatile (83.32%), lacking important dairy flavor contributors, like acetaldehyde. Sensory analysis revealed predominant astringency and bitterness. No microbial concerns arose during storage, but the CLNA content increased, and some saturated fatty acids seemed to oxidize. In conclusion, the CLNA-enriched fermented milk revealed reasonable compositional properties, yet further improvements are needed for optimal consumer acceptance and a prolonged shelf-life.
PubMed: 38201050
DOI: 10.3390/foods13010021 -
Zoological Research May 2024Iridovirus poses a substantial threat to global aquaculture due to its high mortality rate; however, the molecular mechanisms underpinning its pathogenesis are not well...
Iridovirus poses a substantial threat to global aquaculture due to its high mortality rate; however, the molecular mechanisms underpinning its pathogenesis are not well elucidated. Here, a multi-omics approach was applied to groupers infected with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), focusing on the roles of key metabolites. Results showed that SGIV induced obvious histopathological damage and changes in metabolic enzymes within the liver. Furthermore, SGIV significantly reduced the contents of lipid droplets, triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipoproteins. Metabolomic analysis indicated that the altered metabolites were enriched in 19 pathways, with a notable down-regulation of lipid metabolites such as glycerophosphates and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), consistent with disturbed lipid homeostasis in the liver. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed that the top enriched pathways were related to cell growth and death and nucleotide, carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, supporting the conclusion that SGIV infection induced liver metabolic reprogramming. Further integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated that SGIV infection activated crucial molecular events in a phagosome-immune depression-metabolism dysregulation-necrosis signaling cascade. Of note, integrative multi-omics analysis demonstrated the consumption of ALA and linoleic acid (LA) metabolites, and the accumulation of L-glutamic acid (GA), accompanied by alterations in immune, inflammation, and cell death-related genes. Further experimental data showed that ALA, but not GA, suppressed SGIV replication by activating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in the host. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive resource for understanding host response dynamics during fish iridovirus infection and highlight the antiviral potential of ALA in the prevention and treatment of iridoviral diseases.
Topics: Animals; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Fish Diseases; Liver; Iridovirus; DNA Virus Infections; Metabolomics; Antiviral Agents; Transcriptome; Metabolic Reprogramming; Multiomics
PubMed: 38682434
DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2024.028