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The American Journal of Clinical... Dec 2012Prior studies of α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk have generated inconsistent results. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Prior studies of α-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-derived omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk have generated inconsistent results.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the evidence regarding the relation of ALA and CVD risk.
DESIGN
We searched multiple electronic databases through January 2012 for studies that reported the association between ALA (assessed as dietary intake or as a biomarker in blood or adipose tissue) and CVD risk in prospective and retrospective studies. We pooled the multivariate-adjusted RRs comparing the top with the bottom tertile of ALA using random-effects meta-analysis, which allowed for between-study heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven original studies were identified, including 251,049 individuals and 15,327 CVD events. The overall pooled RR was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.97; I² = 71.3%). The association was significant in 13 comparisons that used dietary ALA as the exposure (pooled RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.99; I² = 49.0%), with similar but nonsignificant trends in 17 comparisons in which ALA biomarkers were used as the exposure (pooled RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.03; I² = 79.8%). An evaluation of mean participant age, study design (prospective compared with retrospective), exposure assessment (self-reported diet compared with biomarker), and outcome [fatal coronary heart disease (CHD), nonfatal CHD, total CHD, or stroke] showed that none were statistically significant sources of heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
In observational studies, higher ALA exposure is associated with a moderately lower risk of CVD. The results were generally consistent for dietary and biomarker studies but were not statistically significant for biomarker studies. However, the high unexplained heterogeneity highlights the need for additional well-designed observational studies and large randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effects of ALA on CVD.
Topics: Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Risk; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 23076616
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.044040 -
Animal Biotechnology Dec 2022The present study was undertaken to elucidate the direct ALA effects on mice TM4 Sertoli cells proliferation . Our results showed that TM4 cells viability was...
The present study was undertaken to elucidate the direct ALA effects on mice TM4 Sertoli cells proliferation . Our results showed that TM4 cells viability was significantly stimulated by ALA ( 0.05). The 50 μM ALA increased the concentration of total antioxidant capacity, induced the mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarized, and markedly decreased the number of apoptosis cells ( 0.05). ALA also up-regulated G2/Mitotic-specific cyclin-B1 gene and apoptosis suppressive gene expression ( 0.05). In conclusion, those results indicated that ALA could increase TM4 Sertoli cells antioxidant capacity, induced the mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarized, inhibited cells apoptosis and stimulated TM4 Sertoli cells proliferation .
Topics: Male; Mice; Animals; Antioxidants; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Sertoli Cells; Cell Proliferation; Apoptosis
PubMed: 33938783
DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1919130 -
Inflammation Oct 2020Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. It can be...
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. It can be alleviated by certain bioactive compounds, including α-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a bioactive component in fermented black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger). The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ALA in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. UC was induced in C57BL/6 mice by allowing them to freely drink water containing 2.5% DSS for 7 days, followed by oral administration of ALA (30 and 60 mg/kg/day) or vehicle control for 7 days. DSS-induced colitis was evaluated using the Disease Activity Index (DAI) and by measuring colon length and performing a histopathological examination. Compared to the control group, the vehicle-treated group showed a higher DAI score, shorter colon, goblet cell loss, and crypt shortening. The ALA treatment mitigated clinical signs of UC and histopathological changes. Furthermore, it mitigated intestinal inflammation by reducing the expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1-positive macrophages in the colon. These results show that ALA alleviates DSS-induced UC by suppressing colon damage, which includes goblet cell loss, crypt shortening, and a reduction of macrophages in the colon.
Topics: Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Dextran Sulfate; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Plant Extracts; Raphanus; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 32468499
DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01260-7 -
International Journal of Food Sciences... May 2021Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, including the precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA) is often sub-optimal and not in line with international guidelines. Supplementation...
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, including the precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA) is often sub-optimal and not in line with international guidelines. Supplementation is debatable, but some individuals, e.g., pre-diabetic, low-grade inflammation, cardiometabolic yet otherwise healthy subjects, might benefit from supra-physiological omega-3 intake, particularly to lessen inflammation. We explored the feasibility of a large clinical trial by performing a pilot study to evaluate adherence, palatability, and self-reported side effects of ALA administration in a group of volunteers. We enrolled 12 individuals with borderline dyslipidemia or overweight, treated with dietary advice according to international guidelines and who had insufficient intakes of essential fatty acids. Subjects were followed for nutritional counselling and were matched with appropriate controls. Patients were administered 6 g/day of ALA, for two months. We report the absence of side effects. such as fishy aftertaste and gastrointestinal distress, in addition to a slight decrease of C-reactive protein concentrations (Identifier: ISRCTN13118704).
Topics: Adult; Aged; Blood Pressure; C-Reactive Protein; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Essential; Feasibility Studies; Female; Heart; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Overweight; Patient Compliance; Pilot Projects; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 32746658
DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2020.1802581 -
Acta Biomaterialia Mar 2022Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in the establishment and the maintenance of the skin barrier function. However, the impact of their derived...
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in the establishment and the maintenance of the skin barrier function. However, the impact of their derived lipid mediators remains unclear. Skin substitutes were engineered according to the self-assembly method with a culture medium supplemented with 10 μM of both α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). The supplementation with ALA and LA decreased testosterone absorption through a tissue-engineered reconstructed skin model, thus indicating an improved skin barrier function following supplementation. The exogenously provided fatty acids were incorporated into the phospholipid and triglyceride fractions of the skin substitutes. Indeed, the dual supplementation increased the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (15-fold), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (3-fold), and LA (1.5-fold) in the epidermal phospholipids while it increased the levels of ALA (>20-fold), DPA (3-fold) and LA (1.5-fold) in the epidermal triglycerides. The bioactive lipid mediator profile of the skin substitutes, including prostaglandins, hydroxy-fatty acids, N-acylethanolamines and monoacylglycerols, was next analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The lipid supplementation further modulated bioactive lipid mediator levels of the reconstructed skin substitutes, leading to a lipid mediator profile more representative of the one found in normal human skin. These findings show that an optimized supply of PUFAs via culture media is essential for the establishment of improved barrier function in vitro. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Supplementation of the culture medium with 10 μM of both α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) improved the skin barrier function of a tissue-engineered skin model. The exogenously provided fatty acids were incorporated into the phospholipid and triglyceride fractions of the skin substitutes and further modulated bioactive lipid mediator levels, including prostaglandins, hydroxy-fatty acids, N-acylethanolamines and monoacylglycerols. These findings highlight the important role of ALA and LA in skin homeostasis and show that an optimized supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids via culture media is essential for the establishment of improved barrier function in vitro.
Topics: Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acid; Lipidomics; Skin; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 34808417
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.021 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Jun 2021The aim of this study was to determine the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on clinical plasmids.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of unsaturated fatty acids on clinical plasmids.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Two unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) at final concentration 0, 0·03, 0·3 and 3 mmol l , respectively, were used to assess the effects on conjugative transfer of a mcr-1-harbouring plasmid pCSZ4 (IncX4) in conjugation experiment. The inhibitory mechanisms were analysed by molecular docking and the gene expression of virB11 was quantitated by qRT-PCR. Target plasmid diversity was carried out by TrwD/VirB11 homology protein sequence prediction analysis. Our results showed that LA and ALA inhibit plasmid pCSZ4 transfer by binding to the amino acid residues (Phe124 and Thr125) of VirB11 with dose-dependent effects. The expression levels of virB11 gene were also significantly inhibited by LA and ALA treatment. Protein homology analysis revealed a wide distribution of TrwD/VirB11-like genes among over 37 classes of plasmids originated from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates representing a diversity of plasmids that may be potentially inhibited by unsaturated fatty acids.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
Our work reported here provides additional support for application of curbing the spread of multiple plasmids by unsaturated fatty acids.
Topics: Adenosine Triphosphatases; Colistin; Conjugation, Genetic; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Proteins; Gene Expression; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Linoleic Acid; Molecular Docking Simulation; Plasmids; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 33034112
DOI: 10.1111/jam.14885 -
The American Journal of Clinical... May 1999
Topics: Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Humans; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 10232618
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/69.5.827 -
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 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Oct 2016Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the parent essential fatty acid of the omega-3 family. This family includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been conserved in neural... (Review)
Review
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the parent essential fatty acid of the omega-3 family. This family includes docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has been conserved in neural signaling systems in the cephalopods, fish, amphibian, reptiles, birds, mammals, primates, and humans. This extreme conservation, in spite of wide genomic changes of over 500 million years, testifies to the uniqueness of this molecule in the brain and affirms the importance of omega-3 fatty acids. While DHA and its close precursor, eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA), have received much attention by the research community, ALA, as the precursor of both, has been considered of little interest. There are many papers on ALA requirements in experimental animals. Unlike humans, rats and mice can readily convert ALA to EPA and DHA, so it is unclear whether the effect is solely due to the conversion products or to ALA itself. The intrinsic role of ALA has yet to be defined. This paper will discuss both recent and historical findings related to this distinctive group of fatty acids, and will highlight the physiological significance of the omega-3 family.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Molecular Structure; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 25774650
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2013.828678 -
Nutrition Reviews Jun 2008Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is known to have health benefits. For many years, the importance of the only member of the omega 3 family considered to be essential,... (Review)
Review
Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids is known to have health benefits. For many years, the importance of the only member of the omega 3 family considered to be essential, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has been overlooked. Current research indicates that ALA, along with its longer chain metabolites, may play an important role in many physiological functions. Potential benefits of ALA include cardioprotective effects, modulation of the inflammatory response, and a positive impact on both central nervous system function and behavior. Recommended levels for ALA intake have been set, yet the possible advantages of its consumption are just being revealed.
Topics: Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 18522621
DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00040.x