Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Functional Lipids and Human Health

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Lipids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2025) | Viewed by 12297

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jingjing Duan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
Interests: sphingolipids; sphingolipid metabolism; dietary lipids; fatty acids; aging; human health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advancements have underscored the pivotal role of functional lipids in human health, revealing their profound impact beyond mere energy sources. These lipids not only serve as structural components of cellular membranes but also play crucial roles in signal transduction and gene expression, influencing various physiological processes. Importantly, emerging research highlights their potential to modulate aging, inflammatory responses, and overall metabolic health. Moreover, the interplay between lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition has garnered considerable attention, suggesting a profound link between dietary lipids, microbial ecology, and human health outcomes. This Special Issue on 'Functional Lipids and Human Health' aims to explore these intricate relationships, presenting cutting-edge research on how specific lipid interventions may mitigate inflammation, improve metabolic function, potentially delay aging, benefit neurodegenerative diseases, and alleviate chronic diseases. By synthesizing current findings and future perspectives, this collection seeks to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted roles of functional lipids in promoting human health and well-being.
We invite contributions that elucidate these mechanisms and their implications, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on the transformative potential of functional lipids in healthcare.

Best regards,

Prof. Dr. Jingjing Duan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

dietary lipids
lipid metabolism
human health
functional lipids
sphingolipids
cholesterol
phospholipids
fatty acids
nutrition
lipidomics

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 268 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolites of the Arachidonic Acid Lipoxygenase Pathway May Be Targets for Intervention and Diagnostic Markers for Metabolic Disorders in Pregnancy—A Pilot Study

by Małgorzata Szczuko, Justyna Maj, Kamila Pokorska-Niewiada, Edyta Zagrodnik and Maciej Ziętek

Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3170; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193170 - 8 Oct 2025

Viewed by 222

Abstract

Background: Pathological pregnancy is associated with various complications that may affect the health of both the mother and her offspring. In recent years, lipid metabolites such as hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) fatty acids and hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE) fatty acids have gained increasing interest as potential biomarkers of pathological processes in pregnancy. The aims of the present study were to investigate changes in HETE and HODE levels during pathological pregnancy and to assess their potential role in the development and monitoring of pregnancy complications. Attempts were made to determine associations in cross-sectional studies and relationships in longitudinal ones. Methods: In this study, a liquid chromatograph (HPLC) was used to separate the eicosanoids. The study group consisted of 72 Caucasian women, divided into a control group (n = 51) and a group with non-physiological pregnancy (n = 21). Results: The study results show that the levels of the tested metabolites of the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways increased as pregnancy progressed. Women with non-physiological courses of pregnancy who developed gestational diabetes and/or preeclampsia were characterized by dysregulation of the inflammatory signaling processes involving eicosanoids. Conclusions: Carbohydrate abnormalities during pregnancy were mainly associated with increased synthesis of 5-oxoETE and the use of 5-HETE in the control group but were not visible in the diabetic group. HODE acids probably do not play a significant role in pathological pregnancy. The relatively small size of the pathological group and the wide range of gestational age mean that the tests should be standardized and carried out on a larger scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Lipids and Human Health)

16 pages, 442 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Association Between the Mediterranean Diet and Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells of Spanish Adolescents

by Nicolas Ayala-Aldana, David Lafuente, Iolanda Lázaro, Ariadna Pinar-Martí, Alexios Manidis, Sara Bernardo-Castro, Silvia Fernandez-Barres, Darren R. Healy, Martine Vrijheid, Oren Contreras-Rodríguez, Aleix Sala-Vila and Jordi Julvez

Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2888; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172888 - 6 Sep 2025

Viewed by 951

Abstract

Objective: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is characterized by its emphasis on plant-based foods, olive oil, and fish products, and has been associated with providing relevant fatty acids (FAs) for adolescent physiology. This study aims to investigate the relationship between adherence to the MedDiet and the FA composition of red blood cell (RBC) membranes in an adolescent population. Methods: The current research examines the relationship between MedDiet adherence, assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire, and the composition of RBC membranes, specifically measuring 22 FAs in a cross-sectional analysis of adolescents from two cohorts (mean age = 14.55). Baseline data from 552 participants with complete dietary adherence and FA information were analyzed using multivariable regression models and principal component analysis (PCA) as confirmatory analysis. All regression models were adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, maternal education and cohort enrollment. Results: Main results shown that “Good adherence” to the MedDiet was positively associated with omega-3 FAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (β = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.52; p-value < 0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (β = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.46; p-value = 0.001), and inversely associated with specific omega-6 FAs, such as arachidonic acid (β = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.46, −0.11; p-value = 0.002) and adrenic acid (β = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.08; p-value < 0.001). PCA identified distinct FA patterns, with “Good adherence” to the MedDiet being associated with an increase in the omega-3 FAs pattern (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.49; p-value < 0.001). These findings remained robust after multiple test comparisons. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of the MedDiet to promote optimal RBC FA composition in healthy adolescents, characterized by high levels of omega-3 FAs and reduced levels of arachidonic acid and adrenic acid in RBC membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Lipids and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3150 KB

Open AccessArticle

Myristic Acid Remodels Sphingolipid Metabolism via Dual Pathways: Canonical d18-Sphingolipid Regulation and Non-Canonical d16-Sphingolipid Synthesis

by Yunfei You, Qinghe Zeng, Zhenying Hu, Yu Chen, Mengmin Zhan, Yanlu Wang and Jingjing Duan

Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2881; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172881 - 5 Sep 2025

Viewed by 770

Abstract

Background: Myristic acid (MA), a 14-carbon saturated fatty acid, serves as a precursor for the synthesis of non-canonical d16-sphingoid bases via its activated form, C14:0-CoA. However, its broader regulatory role in sphingolipid (SL) metabolism remains poorly defined. Methods: Using HepG2 cells treated with 50 μM MA, we found that sphingolipidomic analysis revealed reprogrammed sphingolipid metabolism. Results: In the canonical d18-SL pathway, MA directs its activated product C14:0-CoA into ceramide N-acyl chains and downstream metabolites—especially d18:1-C14:0 hexosylceramide. Concurrently, in the non-canonical d16-SL pathway, MA promotes d16-SL synthesis, especially d16:1-ceramides (Cer), d16:1-hexosylceramides (HexCer), and d16:1-C14:0 lactosylceramide. MA treatment further induced a coordinated shift in cellular sphingolipid pools, characterized by a significant increase in total ceramide levels (encompassing both d16- and d18-species) alongside concurrent reductions in total sphingomyelin (SM) contents. At the gene transcriptional level, MA significantly suppressed SPTLC2 mRNA expression while markedly upregulating SMPD2 and SMPD3 mRNA levels. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings position MA as a potent regulator of sphingolipid homeostasis, orchestrating dual pathway modulation: disrupting canonical d18-SL equilibrium through the selective enrichment of N-acyl C14:0-containing SLs, and activating non-canonical d16-SL synthesis. This dual pathway regulation reveals that dietary saturated fatty acids exploit sphingolipid subnetworks to regulate lipid metabolism. The interplay between dietary fatty acids and sphingolipid metabolism still requires deeper exploration. Our findings offer preliminary insights into their roles in regulating both normal and disease-associated lipid metabolism, setting the stage for subsequent mechanistic investigations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Lipids and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1324 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parenteral Nutrition Containing Fish Oil for Hospitalized Non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

by Lorenzo Pradelli, Axel Rüdiger Heller, Stanislaw Klek, Konstantin Mayer, Martin D. Rosenthal and Maurizio Muscaritoli

Nutrients 2025, 17(7), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17071284 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 2512

Abstract

Background and aims: We investigated parenteral nutrition (PN) containing fish oil (FO-PN) vs. standard PN without fish oil (NF-PN) in adult patients hospitalized in the non-intensive care unit (general ward). Methods: Searches in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science (any date to 10 October 2024) were screened, data were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed by two independent researchers. Meta-analyses were performed, with outcomes included in random effects models, and heterogeneity for clinical outcomes was explored via subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Pharmacoeconomic analyses used data from the current meta-analysis. Results: In this study, 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with intervention and control groups given FO-PN and NF-PN, respectively, as part of PN covering ≥70% energy provision. Compared to NF-PN, FO-PN was associated with a 37% lower relative risk (RR) of infection (19 RCTs; RR 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.78; p < 0.0001), 2.03 days shorter length of hospital stay (18 RCTs; 95% CI 1.23–2.84; p < 0.00001), and a 51% reduction in the risk of sepsis (10 RCTs; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32–0.74; p = 0.0009). There was a non-significant 54% reduction in the 30-day mortality rate (11 RCTs; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20–1.08; p = 0.07) for FO-PN. FO-PN was associated with better clinical outcomes and financial savings (i.e., dominance) compared to NF-PN in all five countries studied. Conclusions: FO-PN is a cost-effective option compared to NF-PN for adult patients hospitalized in a general ward across a range of healthcare systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Lipids and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2138 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Lipid Absorption and Lymphatic Transport in Rats

by Qi Zhu, Qing Yang, Ling Shen, Meifeng Xu and Min Liu

Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061034 - 15 Mar 2025

Viewed by 2075

Abstract

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) exerts diverse metabolic effects, yet its influence on intestinal lipid metabolism remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether short-term (one-week) CBD treatment affects lipid absorption and transport through the lymphatic system using a validated lymph fistula model. Results: CBD treatment significantly enhanced the transport of radiolabeled triglycerides through the lymphatic system. This effect appeared specific, as CBD did not substantially alter cholesterol output in the lymph. Chemical assays indicated that CBD treatment did not significantly alter total triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, or non-esterified fatty acid levels in the lymph. However, it significantly enhanced the lymphatic output of apolipoprotein A4 (ApoA4) and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1). Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed a downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (Flt1) in the small intestine, leading to increased lymphatic lacteal permeability and altered lipid transport dynamics. Conclusions: These findings indicate that short-term CBD treatment modulates lymphatic lipid composition and apolipoprotein secretion by regulating lymphatic lacteal function, thereby influencing lipid transport and metabolism. This study provides novel insights into CBD’s role in facilitating TG-rich lipoprotein transport via the lymphatic system, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications in lipid-related disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Lipids and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 666 KB

Open AccessReview

Erythrocyte Membrane Fluidity and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake: Current Outlook and Perspectives for a Novel, Nutritionally Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factor

by Umberto Capece, Shawn Gugliandolo, Cassandra Morciano, Adriana Avolio, Amelia Splendore, Gianfranco Di Giuseppe, Gea Ciccarelli, Laura Soldovieri, Michela Brunetti, Teresa Mezza, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Andrea Giaccari and Francesca Cinti

Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244318 - 14 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4776

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides and have several positive effects on different organs and systems. They are also found in the plasma membrane in variable amounts in relation to genetics and diet. However, it is still unclear whether omega-3 supplementation can reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (MACEs). Two trials, REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial), with highly purified EPA, and STRENGTH (Effect of High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs. Corn Oil on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk), with a combination of EPA and DHA, have produced different outcomes, triggering a scientific debate on possible explanations for the discrepancies. Furthermore, doubts have arisen as to the anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregating activity of these compounds. Recent studies have, however, highlighted interesting effects of EPA and DHA on erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF). EMF is governed by a complex and dynamic biochemical framework, with fatty acids playing a central role. Furthermore, it can be easily measured in erythrocytes from a blood sample using fluorescent probes. Recent research has also shown that EMF could act as a possible cardiovascular risk factor biomarker. This review aims to synthetize the latest evidence on erythrocyte membrane fluidity, exploring its potential role as a biomarker of residual cardiovascular risk and discussing its clinical relevance. Further, we aim to dissect the possible biological mechanisms that link omega-3 modifiable membrane fluidity to cardiovascular health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Lipids and Human Health)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Functional Lipids and Human Health

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI