Search Results (345)

Although chemotherapy is the preferred treatment for gastric cancer, the therapeutic drugs currently available have limited efficacy and severe side effects. Cancer stem cells within tumor masses have the distinctive properties of self-renewal, maintenance, and resistance to chemotherapy. Hence, agents capable of targeting stemness in gastric tumors with minimal side effects are urgently required. Enzymes that generate reactive oxygen species contribute to the high oxidation levels observed in tumors. Additionally, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an antioxidant transcription factor, regulates cancer stemness. Increasing evidence highlights the potential of nutritional supplementation to treat cancer stemness. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids support human health and offer benefits for cancer treatment. Linolenic acid (LA), an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, inhibits the expression of proteins associated with stemness and promotes apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Our findings indicated that LA treatment substantially inhibited key characteristics of gastric cancer stemness and induced oxidative stress and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis by downregulating Nrf2-mediated expression. These results suggest that LA is a promising nutritional supplement for targeting cancer stemness in the treatment of gastric cancer. Full article

Background/Objective: In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it has been demonstrated that the treatment has a negative effect on bone health. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs-ω3) may attenuate bone resorption. We evaluated the effects of LCPUFAs-ω3, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation on bone turnover markers and changes in vitamin D concentrations during 6 weeks of supplementation and during 6 weeks of post-intervention follow-up in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods: Thirty-six pediatric patients with ALL were randomly assigned to the ω-3VDCa group (100 mg/kg/d LCPUFAs-ω3 + 4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) or the VDCa group (4000 IU vitamin D + 1000 mg calcium) for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected to determine 25(OH)D, PTH, ICTP, and TRAP-5b (biomarkers of bone resorption) and osteocalcin (OC, a biomarker of bone production) levels at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after supplementation. The 25(OH)D analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, and PTH and bone turnover markers were measured by ELISA. Results: The 25(OH)D concentration increased in both groups (ω3VDCa group: 19.4 ng/mL vs. 44.0 ng/mL, p < 0.0001; VDCa group: 15.3 ng/mL vs. 42.8 ng/mL, p = 0.018) and remained significantly higher at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, ICTP showed lower concentrations in the ω-3VDCa group than in the VDCa group (0.74 ng/mL vs. 1.05 ng/mL, p = 0.024). Conclusions: Combined omega-3 and 4000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 6 weeks had a positive effect on bone health, as indicated by serum ICTP, with no effect on serum 25(OH)D levels over vitamin D supplementation alone. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia, with an exponential increment in its incidence as years go by. However, since pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and multifactorial, therapeutic strategies remain inconclusive and only provide symptomatic relief to patients. In order to solve this problem, new strategies have been investigated over recent years for AD treatment. This field has been reborn due to epidemiological and preclinical findings that demonstrate the fact that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) can be promising therapeutic agents because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurogenic-promoting activities, thus allowing us to classify these molecules as neuroprotectors. Similarly, ω-3 PUFAs perform important actions in the formation of characteristic AD lesions, amyloid-β plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles, reducing the development of these structures. Altogether, the aforementioned actions hinder cognitive decline and possibly reduce AD development. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs modulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and promoting the synthesis of specialised pro-resolving mediators. Consequently, the present review assesses the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs can act as therapeutic molecules and the effectiveness of their use in patients. Clinical evidence so far has shown promising results on ω-3 PUFA effects, both in animal and epidemiological studies, but remains contradictory in clinical trials. More research on these molecules and their neuroprotective effects in AD is needed, as well as the establishment of future guidelines to obtain more reproducible results on this matter. Full article

In this study, we integrated HSQC-based DeepSAT with UPLC-MS/MS to guide the isolation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives (PUFAs) from marine resources. Through this approach, four new (1–4) and nine known (5–13) PUFA analogues were obtained from large-scale cultures of the marine dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, with lipidomic profiling identifying FA18:5 (5), FA18:4 (7), FA22:6 (8), and FA22:6 methyl ester (11) as major constituents of the algal oil extract. Structural elucidation was achieved through integrated spectroscopic analyses of IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data. Given the pivotal role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, we further evaluated the neuroprotective potential of these PUFAs by assessing their regulatory effects on critical microglial functions in human microglia clone 3 (HMC3) cells, including chemotactic migration and amyloid-β42 (Aβ42) phagocytic clearance. Pharmacological evaluation demonstrated that FA20:5 butanediol ester (1), FA18:5 (5), FA18:4 (7), FA22:6 (8), and (Z)-10-nonadecenoic acid (13) significantly enhanced HMC3 migration in a wound-healing assay. Notably, FA18:4 (7) also significantly promoted Aβ42 phagocytosis by HMC3 microglia while maintaining cellular viability and avoiding pro-inflammatory activation at 20 μM. Collectively, our study suggests that FA18:4 (7) modulates microglial function in vitro, indicating its potential to exert neuroprotective effects. Full article

The polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 class have been widely investigated due to their antitumor properties, including in prostate cancer (PCa). Among them is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 ω-3), whose biological activity is higher than other omega-3s, exhibiting a stronger impact on PCa. The specific mechanisms triggered by DHA are blurred by studies that used a blend of omega-3s, delaying the understanding of its biological role, and hence alternative therapeutic approaches. DHA is differentially processed between normal and malignant epithelial PCa cells, which suggests its function as a tumor suppressor. At cell-specific level, it downregulates key pathways in PCa, such as androgen signaling and lipid metabolism, but also changes membrane composition by disrupting phospholipid balance and increasing unsaturation status, arrests the cell cycle, and induces apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. At the tissue level, DHA seems to influence stromal components, such as the inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblast differentiation and resolution of inflammation, which generates a microenvironment favorable to PCa initiation and progression. Considering that such effects are misunderstood and assigned to omega-3s in general, this review aims to discuss the specific effects of DHA on PCa based on in vitro and in vivo evidence. Full article

Local horse breeds, particularly cold-blood types, are often marginalized in economic and social contexts, primarily due to the neglect of their economic, genetic, and cultural potential, as well as their role in preserving the identity of rural areas, local communities, and ecosystems. The valorization of these breeds is a crucial prerequisite for their economic repositioning. The Croatian Posavina horse is a local breed, well adapted to harsh, extensive production systems. Its sustainability is achieved through pasture-based meat production, primarily targeting foreign European markets. Ensuring the sustainability of conservation programs requires a thorough understanding of growth dynamics, carcass traits, and meat quality. This study assessed growth performance and carcass characteristics in a sample of 30 male foals, with ten animals selected for detailed analysis of fatty acid, amino acid, and volatile aromatic compound profiles. At eleven months of age, the foals reached a live weight of 347 kg and a dressing percentage of 60.62%. Color, tenderness, and water-holding capacity parameters were favorable for consumers. The meat’s high protein content (22.37%) and low intramuscular fat (3.61%) make it suitable for health-conscious or sensitive consumer groups. A high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (28.5%) and a nutritionally balanced ω-6/ω-3 ratio (3.46) highlight the meat’s functional properties. The essential-to-non-essential amino acid ratio (0.81) further supports its nutritional value. Sensory analysis confirmed an attractive appearance, desirable texture and flavor, and a rich aromatic profile. The carcass and meat quality results, when compared with the production traits of other horse breeds, indicate that Croatian Posavina foal meat is a high-quality and nutritionally valuable alternative to conventional red meat. With optimized conservation and production strategies, the Croatian Posavina horse holds strong potential for market repositioning within sustainable and functional meat production systems. Full article

Sea urchins (Echinoidea) are marine echinoderms commonly consumed as seafood in East Asia. To date, various metabolic components of sea urchins have been analyzed, and their health benefits for humans have also been attracting attention. Lipids are the major biomolecules present in sea urchins. However, the comprehensive lipid profiling of sea urchins is limited. In this study, we aimed to perform the comprehensive lipid profiling of six types of sea urchins using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The application of untargeted lipidomics led to the identification of 281 lipid molecular species in six varieties of fresh sea urchin gonads. Each lipid metabolite was identified based on its retention time and MS/MS fragmentation pattern. The results of the analysis showed the highest abundance of lipid percentage in Kitamurasakiuni (14.3%), followed by Hokuyobafununi (12.4%). In all the analyzed sea urchins, glycerolipids such as triacylglycerols were found to be the most abundant lipid components. Multivariate analysis revealed that Murasakiuni showed a different lipid profile from the other types. Interestingly, the polyunsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid ratios and health-related nutritional indices factors were found to be higher in Hokuyobafununi compared to other varieties. The ω-3 fatty acids, such as docosapentaenoic acid (FA 22:6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (FA 20:5), were also abundant in Hokuyobafununi. Lipids such as ether and N-acyl-type lysophosphatidylethanolamines were detected for the first time in sea urchins. This study highlights the nutritional significance of sea urchins and their potential use in the development of functional foods. Full article

Dietary marine lipids enriched in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are spotlighted for favorable effects in neurodegenerative conditions and tumor cell proliferation. Commercial marine oils, with high EPA and DHA content, consist of non-polar lipids constituted by triacylglycerols or polar oils composed of phospholipids. Both classes have shown different activities to significantly inhibit proliferation and migration, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This work was aimed at testing marine oils’ associated effects on neuroblastoma (NB) and glioblastoma (GB). Commercial non-polar and polar marine oils were studied in 3D spheroid models developed with human neuroblastoma, GB, and non-nervous embryonic kidney cell lines. This study also included results provided by a new sustainable polar marine oils source: fishery side-streams. Cell viability and mitochondrial activity assessments demonstrated that both marine oils dramatically reduced NB cells’ metabolism, proliferation, and viability. Effects on GB and epithelial cells were different, including a metabolic increase. Marine oils also induce cell differentiation and selectively modulate the activity of neurons and glia, depending on the oils’ chemical form. Sustainable polar oil showed bioactive characteristics similar to commercial krill oil. We propose that marine oils rich in triacylglycerols and phospholipids with high EPA and DHA levels may be a useful tool in NB antiproliferative therapies. Full article

Milk fat plays an important role in the flavor and texture of cheese. However, it contains high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, which have recently been reported to be unsuitable for maintaining good health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of milk fat’s replacement with sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil in fresh cheese processing on the coagulation properties, nutritional value, and sensory properties, aiming to obtain a hybrid fresh cheese rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Milk fat (3.8% in standardized milk) was partly replaced with Vietnamese sacha inchi oil at 20, 40, 60, and 80%. The coagulation time, curd formation, and cheese yield showed no significant differences among the treatments (p > 0.05), suggesting that sacha inchi oil did not adversely affect curd formation. The cholesterol levels decreased substantially, from 8.27 ± 0.53 mg/g in control samples to 2.63 ± 0.63 mg/g at 80% fat replacement. An increase in essential fatty acids in the fresh cheese was also found with an increase in the use of sacha inchi oil to replace milk fat, with the oleic acid concentration (OA, C18:1, cis ω-9) rising from 7.88 ± 0.36% to 23.44 ± 0.13% and the linoleic acid concentration (LA, C18:2, cis ω-6) from 6.44 ± 0.68% to 41.75 ± 2.50% at the highest substitution level. From a nutritional perspective, the replacement of milk fat with sacha inchi oil did not affect the macronutritional values (fat, protein), but it reduced the cholesterol levels and enhanced the overall nutritional value of the fresh cheese with increasing essential fatty acids. The milk fat alternative of sacha inchi oil for cheese processing contributed to a richer and creamier sensory experience of the final products, but no significant differences in the overall liking were found regarding the acceptance of customers. Thus, replacement with sacha inchi oil in PUFA cheese processing is a promising method to improve the nutritional value and sensory quality of fresh cheese. Full article

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz, a native European oilseed crop of the Brassicaceae family, is notable for its short life cycle, making it well-suited for crop rotation and diversification. Its seeds contain a high content of oil (36–47%) that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3, Ω-3) and linoleic acid (LA, C18:2, Ω-6). This oil has diverse industrial applications, including low-emission biofuels, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, biolubricants, bioplastics, and cosmetics. We analyzed the expression of seven key enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis across nine C. sativa accessions at three stages of silique development using highly efficient qRT-PCR assays designed for the target genes and a normalizing control. Our detailed expression analysis revealed significant variation across varieties, with only the gene FAB2c exhibiting genotype-independent expression, indicating a constitutive and essential role in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) biosynthesis. Other genes showed significant interactions between the variety and developmental stage, highlighting the combined influences of genetic background and silique maturation on gene regulation. V18 emerges as particularly promising, exhibiting elevated expression of genes linked to PUFA and VLCFA biosynthesis—traits of significance for food, biofuel, and industrial applications. These findings, together with the developed qRT-PCR assays, provide valuable tools for selecting Camelina varieties with optimized genetic profiles, highlighting the potential of harnessing natural transcriptional diversity for crop improvement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with enhanced inflammatory activity, poor skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, and pancreatic β cell dysfunction that persist in offspring. We hypothesized that targeting heightened inflammation in IUGR-born neonatal lambs by supplementing anti-inflammatory ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) would improve metabolic outcomes. Methods: Maternal heat stress was used to produce IUGR lambs, which received daily oral boluses of ω-3 PUFA Ca²⁺ salts or placebo for 30 days. Results: Greater circulating TNFα and semitendinosus IL6R in IUGR lambs were fully resolved by ω-3 PUFA, and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, muscle glucose oxidation, and hypertension were partially rescued. Impaired glucose oxidation by IUGR muscle coincided with a greater glycogen content that was completely reversed by ω-3 PUFA and greater lactate production that was partially reversed. Ex vivo O₂ consumption was increased in IUGR muscle, indicating compensatory lipid oxidation. This too was alleviated by ω-3 PUFA. Conversely, ω-3 PUFA had little effect on IUGR-induced changes in lipid flux and hematology parameters, did not resolve greater muscle TNFR1, and further reduced muscle β2-adrenoceptor content. Conclusions: These findings show that targeting elevated inflammatory activity in IUGR-born lambs in the early neonatal period improved metabolic outcomes, particularly muscle glucose metabolism and β cell function. Full article

A comparative study of the fatty acid (FA) composition of non-edible (viscera) and edible (mantle and arm) tissues of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was carried out. According to the specimen size, three different groups (1–2 kg, 2–3 kg, and 3–4 kg, respectively) were taken into account. The effect of the cooking process (40 min at 90 °C) and frozen storage (4 months at −18 °C) was analyzed. In all kinds of samples, the polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) group was the most abundant (p < 0.05) and monounsaturated FAs were the least abundant (p < 0.05). Lower (p < 0.05) ω3-PUFA, ω3/ω6 ratio and docosahexaenoic acid values were detected in viscera (35.4–41.9%, 3.0–4.5%, and 12.7–17.5%, respectively) than in edible tissues (44.4–52.5%, 4.1–6.1%, and 24.3–30.1%, respectively). Conversely, higher (p < 0.05) eicosapentaenoic acid content was detected in viscera (19.6–21.9%) than in the edible tissues (17.2–19.3%). In most cases, the cooking process and frozen storage led to an average decrease in the PUFA and ω3-PUFA content and to an increase in the saturated FA presence. In agreement with current nutritional recommendations, all tissues showed great levels of highly valuable indices regarding the lipid fraction. The study proves that viscera, a waste substrate, can be considered a relevant source for food and pharmaceutical industrial requirements. Full article

Duck eggs are rich in essential nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, their application in the food industry is hindered by glucose, which contributes to undesirable darkening during the Maillard reaction in processing. The present study examined the effect of the desugarization of duck eggs using baker’s yeast on their chemical composition. The results showed that the desugarization process reduces the content of glucose and minerals (Cu, Fe, and Zn) and alters the vitamin composition depending on the treatment conditions. Changes were also observed in the fatty acid profile, including increased levels of oleic acid (C18:1), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), and linoleic acid (C18:2, ω − 6). A high intragroup correlation among saturated fatty acids indicates the stability of their distribution. An increase in the content of essential amino acids—glycine, leucine, valine, and phenylalanine—was also recorded. Correlation analysis of the amino acid composition revealed significant relationships among both essential and non-essential amino acids. Overall, the desugarization process using baker’s yeast not only improves the nutritional profile of duck egg powder but also enhances its functional properties, positioning it as a promising ingredient for the food processing industry. Full article

This study examined the effects of replacing corn with an aged brown rice (ABR)–wheat mixture (ABR: wheat = 85%:15%) on laying performance, egg quality, yolk fatty acid profile, economic benefits, serum biochemistry, and nutrient digestibility in laying ducks. A 12-week trial with six hundred 32-week-old Jinding ducks were randomly divided into five groups, with 10 replicates per group, and each replicate contained 12 ducks. The levels of ABR–wheat mixture in the diet were 0%, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50%, respectively, to replace equal amounts of corn. The basic diet of the control group was corn–soybean meal (corn accounted for 50%). The experimental period was 12 weeks (from 32 to 43 weeks old). No significant differences were observed in laying performances (p > 0.05). From a numerical perspective, the duck-housed laying rate and egg mass were highest in the 37.5% group and lowest in the 50% group. Yolk color declined linearly (p < 0.05) over 12 weeks. The albumen height and Haugh unit showed a quadratic increase in weeks 4 and 8 (p < 0.05). The relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased linearly (p < 0.05), while the relative content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ω-3 PUFA, ω-6 PUFA, and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA decreased linearly in egg yolks (p < 0.05). The triglycerides (TG) content in serum showed a significant secondary change (p < 0.05), with the 50% group significantly lower than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of ether extract (EE) in the diets decreased linearly (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) in the diets was significantly reduced with the 50% group (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the 0% and 37.5% groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, economic analysis revealed net gains of 0.04–0.10 USD/duck at ≤37.5% substitution, but a loss (−0.04 USD) at 50%. In conclusion, the ABR–wheat mixture could reduce the yolk color and yolk PUFA content, but it could improve albumen quality and increase yolk MUFA content. High-level ABR–wheat mixture (50%) significantly reduced the TG content in serum and nutrient digestibility of the diet and also showed a numerical decrease in laying rate and egg mass. Our findings suggest that up to a 37.5% ABR–wheat mixture can effectively replace corn in laying duck diets without negatively affecting laying performance, while improving albumen quality and altering yolk fatty acid composition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuroinflammation, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory signaling molecules, including cytokines and eicosanoids, as well as increased microglial reactivity, and is augmented by gut microbiota dysbiosis via the gut–brain axis. We conducted a pilot experiment to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the gut microbiota and neuroinflammation. Methods: Female APP/PS1 mice (TG) and non-transgenic littermates (WT), 13–14 months old, were fed a diet supplemented with 0.3% EPA or control chow for 3 weeks. The gut microbiota composition, hippocampal and plasma eicosanoids levels, platelet activation, and microglial phagocytosis, as well as the brain and retinal genes and protein expression, were analyzed. Results: EPA supplementation decreased the percentage of Bacteroidetes and increased bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes in APP/PS1 and WT mice. Inflammatory lipid mediators were elevated in the hippocampus of the TG mice, accompanied by a reduction in the endocannabinoid docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA). Dietary EPA did not affect hippocampal lipid mediators, but reduced the levels of arachidonic-derived 5-HETE and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) in WT plasma. Moreover, EPA supplementation decreased major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) gene expression in the retina in both genotypes, and MHCII+ cells in the hippocampus of TG mice. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that short-term EPA supplementation shaped the gut microbiota by increasing butyrate-producing bacteria of the Firmicutes phylum and decreasing Gram-negative LPS-producing bacteria of the Bacteroidetes phylum, and downregulated the inflammatory microglial marker MHCII in two distinct regions of the central nervous system (CNS). Further investigation is needed to determine whether EPA-mediated effects on the microbiome and microglial MHCII have beneficial long-term effects on AD pathology and cognition. Full article