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Nutrition Reviews Jul 1995In a 5-year study of survivors of a first myocardial infarction, the effect of an alpha-linolenic acid-enriched diet (experimental) was compared with the prudent diet of... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Review
In a 5-year study of survivors of a first myocardial infarction, the effect of an alpha-linolenic acid-enriched diet (experimental) was compared with the prudent diet of the American Heart Association (control) in prevention of secondary coronary events. After a mean follow-up of 27 months, there were 5 nonfatal myocardial infarctions and 3 cardiac deaths in the experimental group versus 17 nonfatal myocardial infarctions and 16 cardiac deaths in the control group. Overall mortality was 20 in the control and 8 in the experimental group. An alpha-linolenic acid-enriched diet appears to be effective in secondary prevention of coronary events, but a follow-up trial with a larger sample size is suggested.
Topics: American Heart Association; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diet; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; United States; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 7494621
DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.1995.tb01550.x -
American Journal of Reproductive... Oct 2021This study aims to investigate the effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on the gut microbiota (GM) and the abdominal environment in mice with endometriosis (EMS).
PROBLEM
This study aims to investigate the effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on the gut microbiota (GM) and the abdominal environment in mice with endometriosis (EMS).
METHODS
The effects of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EMS mice on mice treated with antibiotic cocktail were conducted. The 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt software were used to detect the structure and function of GM respectively. The protein levels of Claudin 4 and ZO-2 in the intestinal wall were detected using the western blotting. The level of LPS in the abdominal cavity was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of macrophages in the abdominal cavity was detected using flow cytometry.
RESULTS
The exogenous supplementation of ALA could restore the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in EMS mice. After the ALA treatment, the abundance of 125 functional pathways and 50 abnormal enzymes related to GM in EMS mice was significantly improved (p < .05). The expression of the ZO-2 protein in the intestinal wall was decreased, and the level of LPS in the abdominal cavity was significantly increased after FMT from EMS mice (p < .05). ALA could increase the expression of the ZO-2 protein in the intestinal wall of EMS mice, reduce the level of LPS in the abdominal cavity (p < .05) and reduce the aggregation of peritoneal macrophages (p < .05).
CONCLUSION
Alpha-linolenic acid can improve the GM, intestinal wall barrier and abdominal inflammatory environment and reduce the level of LPS in mice with EMS.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Endometriosis; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice; Zonula Occludens-2 Protein; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 34022075
DOI: 10.1111/aji.13471 -
Biochimie Jan 2016Stroke is a worldwide major cause of mortality and morbidity. Preclinical studies have identified over 1000 molecules with brain-protective properties. More than 200... (Review)
Review
Stroke is a worldwide major cause of mortality and morbidity. Preclinical studies have identified over 1000 molecules with brain-protective properties. More than 200 clinical trials have evaluated neuroprotective candidates for ischemic stroke yet, to date almost all failed, leading to a re-analysis of treatment strategies against stroke. An emerging view is to seek combinatory therapy, or discovering molecules able to stimulate multiple protective and regenerative mechanisms. A pertinent experimental approach to identify such candidates is the study of brain preconditioning, which refers to how the brain protects itself against ischemia and others stress-inducing stimuli. The recent discovery that nutrients like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA is an essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid required as part of our daily diet), may be an efficient brain preconditionner against stroke fosters the novel concept of brain preconditioning by nutraceuticals. This review stresses the underestimated role of nutrition in preventing and combating stroke. Although there is a consensus that increased consumption of salt, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages may promote pathologies like hypertension, obesity and alcoholism - all of which are well known risk factors of stroke - few risk factors are attributed to a deficiency in an essential nutrient in the diet. The ALA deficiency observed in the Western modern diets may itself constitute a risk factor. This review outlines how ALA supplementation by modification of the daily diet prevented mortality and cerebral damage in a rodent model of ischemic stroke. It also describes the pleiotropic ability of ALA to trigger responses that are multicellular, mechanistically diverse, resulting in neuronal protection, stimulation of neuroplasticity, and brain artery vasodilation. Overall, this review proposes a promising therapeutic opportunity by integrating a nutritional-based approach focusing on enriching the daily diet in ALA to prevent the devastating damage caused by stroke.
Topics: Animals; Brain Ischemia; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Stroke; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 26092420
DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.06.005 -
The American Journal of Clinical... May 2009alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) has been associated inconsistently with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Additional studies have become available since the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3) has been associated inconsistently with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Additional studies have become available since the publication of 2 previous meta-analyses.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to review the published data on the relation between ALA and prostate cancer.
DESIGN
We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that included data on ALA and risk of prostate cancer. Data were pooled from studies that compared the highest ALA quantile with the lowest ALA quantile, and risk estimates were combined by using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
The relation between ALA and prostate cancer is inconsistent across studies. We pooled data from 8 case-control and 8 prospective studies. The summary estimate revealed that high ALA dietary intakes or tissue concentrations are weakly associated with prostate cancer risk (relative risk [RR]: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.43). When examined by study type (ie, retrospective compared with prospective or dietary ALA compared with tissue concentration) or by decade of publication, only the 6 studies examining blood or tissue ALA concentrations revealed a statistically significant association. With the exception of these studies, there was significant heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias. After adjustment for publication bias, there was no association between ALA and prostate cancer (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.17).
CONCLUSIONS
Studies examining the relation between ALA and prostate cancer have produced inconsistent findings. High ALA intakes or high blood and adipose tissue concentrations of ALA may be associated with a small increased risk of prostate cancer. However, these conclusions are qualified because of the heterogeneity across studies and the likelihood of publication bias.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Case-Control Studies; Humans; Male; Odds Ratio; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Factors; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 19321563
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.26736E -
Progress in Lipid Research Nov 2009There is little doubt regarding the essential nature of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), yet the capacity of dietary ALA to maintain adequate tissue levels of long chain n-3... (Review)
Review
There is little doubt regarding the essential nature of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), yet the capacity of dietary ALA to maintain adequate tissue levels of long chain n-3 fatty acids remains quite controversial. This simple point remains highly debated despite evidence that removal of dietary ALA promotes n-3 fatty acid inadequacy, including that of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and that many experiments demonstrate that dietary inclusion of ALA raises n-3 tissue fatty acid content, including DHA. Herein we propose, based upon our previous work and that of others, that ALA is elongated and desaturated in a tissue-dependent manner. One important concept is to recognize that ALA, like many other fatty acids, rapidly undergoes beta-oxidation and that the carbons are conserved and reused for synthesis of other products including cholesterol and fatty acids. This process and the differences between utilization of dietary DHA or liver-derived DHA as compared to ALA have led to the dogma that ALA is not a useful fatty acid for maintaining tissue long chain n-3 fatty acids, including DHA. Herein, we propose that indeed dietary ALA is a crucial dietary source of n-3 fatty acids and its dietary inclusion is critical for maintaining tissue long chain n-3 levels.
Topics: Brain; Cardiovascular System; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Public Health; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 19619583
DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2009.07.002 -
Nutrients Mar 2020α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory activity. In contrast, the influence of an ALA-rich diet on intestinal microbiota composition and its...
α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory activity. In contrast, the influence of an ALA-rich diet on intestinal microbiota composition and its impact on small intestine morphology are not fully understood. In the current study, we kept adult C57BL/6J mice for 4 weeks on an ALA-rich or control diet. Characterization of the microbial composition of the small intestine revealed that the ALA diet was associated with an enrichment in and . In contrast, taxa belonging to the Firmicutes phylum, including , cluster XIVa, Lachnospiraceae and , had significantly lower abundance compared to control diet. Metagenome prediction indicated an enrichment in functional pathways such as bacterial secretion system in the ALA group, whereas the two-component system and ALA metabolism pathways were downregulated. We also observed increased levels of ALA and its metabolites eicosapentanoic and docosahexanoic acid, but reduced levels of arachidonic acid in the intestinal tissue of ALA-fed mice. Furthermore, intestinal morphology in the ALA group was characterized by elongated villus structures with increased counts of epithelial cells and reduced epithelial proliferation rate. Interestingly, the ALA diet reduced relative goblet and Paneth cell counts. Of note, high-fat Western-type diet feeding resulted in a comparable adaptation of the small intestine. Collectively, our study demonstrates the impact of ALA on the gut microbiome and reveals the nutritional regulation of gut morphology.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Biodiversity; Fatty Acids; Feces; Food Analysis; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Immunohistochemistry; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestine, Small; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Metagenome; Metagenomics; Mice; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 32168729
DOI: 10.3390/nu12030732 -
The Protein Journal Apr 2023Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, E.C. 3.1.1.7) termed as the true cholinesterase functions to end cholinergic transmission at synapses. Due to its diverse expression in...
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, E.C. 3.1.1.7) termed as the true cholinesterase functions to end cholinergic transmission at synapses. Due to its diverse expression in non-neural tissues such as erythrocytes and bones along with its various molecular forms, researchers seek a non-classical role for this protein. Here, the inhibitory action of unsaturated 18 carbon fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid and 20 carbon fatty acid arachidonic acid on AChE were investigated. Enzyme activity was measured in kinetic assay method according to Ellman assay utilizing acetylthiocholine. Analysis of the activity data revealed that among the fatty acids examined the IC values differed according to the length of the fatty acid and the number of the double bonds. Arachidonic acid, a 20-carbon fatty acid with 4 unsaturated bonds (20:4 n-6, cis 5,8,11,14) displayed an IC value of 2.78 µM and K value of 396.35 µM. Linoleic acid, an essential 18-carbon fatty acid (18:2 n-6, cis 9,12) had an IC value of 7.95 µM and K value of 8027.55 µM. The IC value of alpha-linolenic acid, 18-carbon fatty acid (18:3 n-3, cis-9,12,15) was found as 179.11 µM. Analysis of the data fit the inhibition mechanism for linoleic, alpha-linolenic and arachidonic acid as mixed-type; non-competitive. Molecular docking complied with these results yielding the best score for arachidonic acid. The alkenyl chain of the fatty acids predictably reached to the catalytic site while the carboxylate strongly interacted with the peripheric anionic site.
Topics: Humans; Linoleic Acid; Acetylcholinesterase; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Molecular Docking Simulation; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Fatty Acids; Arachidonic Acids; Carbon
PubMed: 36538202
DOI: 10.1007/s10930-022-10088-z -
Circulation Jul 2008
Review
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Risk; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 18606912
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.791467 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... 2005Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found mainly in plant sources, including flaxseed oil, canola oil, and walnuts. Although substantial... (Review)
Review
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found mainly in plant sources, including flaxseed oil, canola oil, and walnuts. Although substantial evidence indicates that consumption of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from seafood reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), the effect of ALA intake on CHD risk is less well-established. ALA may reduce cardiovascular risk through a variety of biologic mechanisms, including platelet function, inflammation, endothelial cell function, arterial compliance, and arrhythmia. Although clinical benefits have not been seen consistently in all studies, most prospective observational studies suggest that ALA intake reduces the incidence of CHD, and two randomized trials have demonstrated that a dietary pattern that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts or legumes, and ALA-rich foods substantially reduces the recurrence of CHD events. Additional observational and clinical studies will help establish the effects of ALA on CHD risk and determine whether such effects vary based on gender, duration of intake, background dietary intake of seafood, or other factors. Presently, the weight of the evidence favors recommendations for modest dietary consumption of ALA (2 to 3 g per day) for the primary and secondary prevention of CHD.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Coronary Disease; Evidence-Based Medicine; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Humans; Plant Oils; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 15945135
DOI: No ID Found -
Reproduction, Nutrition, Development 2005The principal biological role of alpha-linolenic acid (alphaLNA; 18:3n-3) appears to be as a precursor for the synthesis of longer chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids... (Review)
Review
The principal biological role of alpha-linolenic acid (alphaLNA; 18:3n-3) appears to be as a precursor for the synthesis of longer chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Increasing alphaLNA intake for a period of weeks to months results in an increase in the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) in plasma lipids, in erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets and in breast milk but there is no increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), which may even decline in some pools at high alphaLNA intakes. Stable isotope tracer studies indicate that conversion of alphaLNA to EPA occurs but is limited in men and that further transformation to DHA is very low. The fractional conversion of alphaLNA to the longer chain n-3 PUFA is greater in women which may be due to a regulatory effect of oestrogen. A lower proportion of alphaLNA is used for beta-oxidation in women compared with men. Overall, alphaLNA appears to be a limited source of longer chain n-3 PUFA in humans. Thus, adequate intakes of preformed long chain n-3 PUFA, in particular DHA, may be important for maintaining optimal tissue function. Capacity to up-regulate alphaLNA conversion in women may be important for meeting the demands of the fetus and neonate for DHA.
Topics: Biological Availability; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Estrogens; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Humans; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Oxidation-Reduction; Sex Factors; alpha-Linolenic Acid
PubMed: 16188209
DOI: 10.1051/rnd:2005047