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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2020) | Viewed by 66402

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
Interests: environmental factors impacting lung health; omega-3 fatty acids; specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators; agricultural dust exposure; inflammation regulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients that are critical for many biological processes. Renewed interest in the roles of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in human health has developed in the past decade, with new research expanding our understanding of their roles in immunomodulation and the regulation of inflammation resolution. These roles have contributed to our understanding of numerous chronic inflammatory disease states, including cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and obesity, as well as novel opportunities for clinical interventions.

In this Special Issue of Nutrients, we would like to highlight research investigating the various mechanisms by which omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids influence human health across the lifespan. Relevant work could include in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies assessing the impacts of omega-3 fatty acids and their bioactive lipid-mediator derivatives in specific cell and organ systems, as well as epidemiological assessments of polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary intakes and human health outcomes. We welcome various types of manuscript submissions, including original research articles and review articles.

Prof. Dr. Tara M. Nordgren
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • inflammation
  • cardiovascular disease
  • respiratory disease
  • obesity
  • cancer
  • dietary patterns
  • chronic inflammatory diseases
  • specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators
  • fish intake

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2036 KiB  
Article
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength and Muscle Performance among the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis
by Ya-Hui Huang, Wan-Chun Chiu, Yuan-Pin Hsu, Yen-Li Lo and Yuan-Hung Wang
Nutrients 2020, 12(12), 3739; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123739 - 4 Dec 2020
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 15072
Abstract
There is increasing evidence showing the role of fatty acids and their derived lipid intermediates in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass synthesis and function. However, the role of omega-3 fatty acids remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the potential [...] Read more.
There is increasing evidence showing the role of fatty acids and their derived lipid intermediates in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass synthesis and function. However, the role of omega-3 fatty acids remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids on sarcopenia-related performances among the elderly. Eligible literature and reports of randomized controlled trials were comprehensively searched from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases until July 2018. A total of 10 articles were available for the meta-analysis. There were minor benefits for muscle mass gain (0.33 kg; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.62) and timed up and go performance (−0.30 s; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.17). Subgroup analyses regarding muscle mass and walk speed indicated that omega-3 fatty acid supplements at more than 2 g/day may contribute to muscle mass gain (0.67 kg; 95% CI: 0.16, 1.18) and improve walking speed, especially for those receiving more than 6 months of intervention (1.78 m/sec; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.17). Our findings provide some insight into the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on muscle mass, especially for those taking supplements at more than 2 g/day. We also observed that a long period of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may improve walking speed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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10 pages, 726 KiB  
Article
Lower Serum n-3 Fatty Acid Level in Older Adults with Sarcopenia
by Il-Young Jang, Hee-Won Jung, Jin Hoon Park, Jeoung Hee Kim, Seungjoo Lee, Eunju Lee, Jin Young Lee, So Jeong Park, Da Ae Kim, Su Jung Kim, Hyun Ju Yoo and Beom-Jun Kim
Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 2959; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12102959 - 27 Sep 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3931
Abstract
The n-3 fatty acid (FA) has evoked considerable interest as a modifiable factor for maintenance of muscle health owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. To clarify this possibility, we investigated circulating n-3 FA level, a reliable biomarker of FA status in the [...] Read more.
The n-3 fatty acid (FA) has evoked considerable interest as a modifiable factor for maintenance of muscle health owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. To clarify this possibility, we investigated circulating n-3 FA level, a reliable biomarker of FA status in the body, in relation to sarcopenia in a cohort of Asian older adults. Blood samples were collected from 125 participants who underwent comprehensive assessment of muscle mass and function. Serum FA level was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the cut-off points specified for the Asian population. After adjusting for sex, age, and body mass index, subjects with sarcopenia and those with low muscle strength had 36.5% and 32.4% lower serum n-3 levels (P = 0.040 and 0.030), respectively, than controls. The odds ratios per standard deviation increment in serum n-3 level for sarcopenia and low muscle strength were 0.29 and 0.40 (P = 0.015 and 0.028), respectively. A higher serum n-3 level was significantly associated with greater muscle strength (P = 0.038). These findings suggest a possible protective effect of n-3 FA on human muscle homeostasis. Further well-designed large-scale longitudinal studies are necessary to understand the definite role of circulating n-3 FA level in sarcopenia risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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21 pages, 4389 KiB  
Article
Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Iron Supplementation Alone, but Not in Combination, Lower Inflammation and Anemia of Infection in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Mice
by Arista Nienaber, Jeannine Baumgartner, Robin C. Dolman, Mumin Ozturk, Lizelle Zandberg, Frank E. A. Hayford, Frank Brombacher, Renee Blaauw, Suraj P. Parihar, Cornelius M. Smuts and Linda Malan
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2897; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092897 - 22 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7153
Abstract
Progressive inflammation and anemia are common in tuberculosis (TB) and linked to poor clinical outcomes. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have inflammation-resolving properties, whereas iron supplementation in TB may have limited efficacy and enhance bacterial growth. We investigated effects of iron [...] Read more.
Progressive inflammation and anemia are common in tuberculosis (TB) and linked to poor clinical outcomes. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have inflammation-resolving properties, whereas iron supplementation in TB may have limited efficacy and enhance bacterial growth. We investigated effects of iron and EPA/DHA supplementation, alone and in combination, on inflammation, anemia, iron status markers and clinical outcomes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected C3HeB/FeJ mice. One week post-infection, mice received the AIN-93 diet without (control) or with supplemental iron (Fe), EPA/DHA, or Fe+EPA/DHA for 3 weeks. Mice supplemented with Fe or EPA/DHA had lower soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin and hepcidin than controls, but these effects were attenuated in Fe+EPA/DHA mice. EPA/DHA increased inflammation-resolving lipid mediators and lowered lung IL-1α, IFN-γ, plasma IL-1β, and TNF-α. Fe lowered lung IL-1α, IL-1β, plasma IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. However, the cytokine-lowering effects in the lungs were attenuated with Fe+EPA/DHA. Mice supplemented with EPA/DHA had lower lung bacterial loads than controls, but this effect was attenuated in Fe+EPA/DHA mice. Thus, individually, post-infection EPA/DHA and iron supplementation lowered systemic and lung inflammation and mitigated anemia of infection in TB, but not when combined. EPA/DHA also enhanced bactericidal effects and could support inflammation resolution and management of anemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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15 pages, 513 KiB  
Article
Levels of n-3 and n-6 Fatty Acids in Maternal Erythrocytes during Pregnancy and in Human Milk and Its Association with Perinatal Mental Health
by Corinne Urech, Simone R. B. M. Eussen, Judith Alder, Bernd Stahl, Günter Boehm, Johannes Bitzer, Nana Bartke and Irene Hoesli
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092773 - 11 Sep 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3609
Abstract
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 FA) status may be associated with mood disorders. Here, we evaluated the potential association between antenatal depression/anxiety and n-3/n-6 FA in (a) maternal erythrocytes and (b) human milk. In addition, we explored [...] Read more.
Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 FA) status may be associated with mood disorders. Here, we evaluated the potential association between antenatal depression/anxiety and n-3/n-6 FA in (a) maternal erythrocytes and (b) human milk. In addition, we explored associations between n-3/n-6 FA in erythrocytes and in human milk and postpartum depression, while controlling for antenatal depression. Twenty-seven pregnant women diagnosed with a current major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 9), anxiety disorder (AD; n = 10) or a mixed anxiety-depression disorder (MADD; n = 8), and 40 healthy controls were included. n-3/n-6 FA were determined in maternal erythrocytes in gestational week 32 and in human milk in postpartum week 1. In the first week postpartum, the Edinburgh-Postnatal-Depression-Questionnaire was used to assess postpartum depression. Results show that women with M(A)DD had significantly lower erythrocyte levels of total n-3 FA, EPA, DHA and DGLA, and significantly higher n-6 DPA, and n-6:n-3, AA:EPA and n-6 DPA:DHA ratios compared to healthy controls. No significant associations between antenatal depression or anxiety and n-3/n-6 FA in human milk were found. After controlling for antenatal mental health, n-3/n-6 FA in maternal erythrocytes or in human milk were not significantly associated with postpartum depression. In conclusion, antenatal depression, alone or with an anxiety disorder, was associated with lower n-3 FA levels and higher n-6:n-3 FA ratios in maternal erythrocytes during gestation. This study provides some insights into the associations between n-3/n-6 FA levels during pregnancy and lactation and perinatal mental health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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19 pages, 3396 KiB  
Article
A High Docosahexaenoic Acid Diet Alters the Lung Inflammatory Response to Acute Dust Exposure
by Edward C. Dominguez, Art J. Heires, Jacqueline Pavlik, Tricia D. Larsen, Stephanie Guardado, Joseph H. Sisson, Michelle L. Baack, Debra J. Romberger and Tara M. Nordgren
Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082334 - 4 Aug 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3781
Abstract
Agricultural workers are at risk for the development of acute and chronic lung diseases due to their exposure to organic agricultural dusts. A diet intervention using the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic approach for [...] Read more.
Agricultural workers are at risk for the development of acute and chronic lung diseases due to their exposure to organic agricultural dusts. A diet intervention using the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic approach for alleviating a dust-induced inflammatory response. We thus hypothesized a high-DHA diet would alter the dust-induced inflammatory response through the increased production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Mice were pre-treated with a DHA-rich diet 4 weeks before being intranasally challenged with a single dose of an extract made from dust collected from a concentrated swine feeding operation (HDE). This omega-3-fatty-acid-rich diet led to reduced arachidonic acid levels in the blood, enhanced macrophage recruitment, and increased the production of the DHA-derived SPM Resolvin D1 (RvD1) in the lung following HDE exposure. An assessment of transcript-level changes in the immune response demonstrated significant differences in immune pathway activation and alterations of numerous macrophage-associated genes among HDE-challenged mice fed a high DHA diet. Our data indicate that consuming a DHA-rich diet leads to the enhanced production of SPMs during an acute inflammatory challenge to dust, supporting a role for dietary DHA supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing dust-induced lung inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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12 pages, 1173 KiB  
Article
Effect of Food with Low Enrichment of N-3 Fatty Acids in a Two-Month Diet on the Fatty Acid Content in the Plasma and Erythrocytes and on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Healthy Young Men
by Martin Jaček, Dana Hrnčířová, Jolana Rambousková, Pavel Dlouhý and Petr Tůma
Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082207 - 24 Jul 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2878
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 series (n-3 PUFA) exhibit a number of favorable effects on the human organism and it is desirable to increase their intake in the diet. For this purpose, flaxseed oil was added to a chicken-feed mixture for the [...] Read more.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 series (n-3 PUFA) exhibit a number of favorable effects on the human organism and it is desirable to increase their intake in the diet. For this purpose, flaxseed oil was added to a chicken-feed mixture for the production of meat and eggs. The content of n-3 PUFA in the obtained meat was increased from 250 mg (reference value) to 900 mg in 100 g of meat and from 110 mg (reference value) to 190 mg in 100 g of whole egg; the enriched products are designated as omega-3 meat and omega-3 eggs. Omega-3 meat and eggs were subsequently fed for a period of eight weeks in an amount of 480 g of meat and four eggs (228 g netto) a week to a group of 14 healthy volunteers, whose body composition parameters were measured and blood was analyzed biochemically to determine blood lipids, coagulation parameters, plasma, and erythrocyte fatty acid spectrum composition. A control group of 14 volunteers was fed normal chicken and eggs in the same regime. The performed dietary intervention increases the intake of long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) by 37 mg per day, which represents 7–15% of the recommended daily dose. The performed tests demonstrated that the consumption of omega-3 enriched meat and eggs significantly increases the content of n-3 PUFA in the erythrocytes, which are a long-term indicator of fatty acid intake. This intervention has no demonstrable effect on the basic body parameters, such as body weight, fat content, Body Mass Index (BMI), and also on the plasma cholesterol level, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood clotting and inflammation markers, and omega-3 index. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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13 pages, 3204 KiB  
Article
Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Intake by Ethnicity, Income, and Education Level in the United States: NHANES 2003–2014
by Caleb Cave, Nicholas Hein, Lynette M. Smith, Ann Anderson-Berry, Chesney K. Richter, Karl Stessy Bisselou, Adams Kusi Appiah, Penny Kris-Etherton, Ann C. Skulas-Ray, Maranda Thompson, Tara M. Nordgren, Corrine Hanson and Melissa Thoene
Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2045; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072045 - 9 Jul 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4846
Abstract
Although there are many recognized health benefits for the consumption of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), intake in the United States remains below recommended amounts. This analysis was designed to provide an updated assessment of fish and n-3 LCPUFA intake (eicosapentaenoic [...] Read more.
Although there are many recognized health benefits for the consumption of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), intake in the United States remains below recommended amounts. This analysis was designed to provide an updated assessment of fish and n-3 LCPUFA intake (eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and EPA+DHA) in the United States adult population, based on education, income, and race/ethnicity, using data from the 2003-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 44,585). Over this survey period, participants with less education and lower income had significantly lower n-3 LCPUFA intakes and fish intakes (p < 0.001 for all between group comparisons). N-3 LCPUFA intake differed significantly according to ethnicity (p < 0.001), with the highest intake of n-3 LCPUFA and fish in individuals in the “Other” category (including Asian Americans). Supplement use increased EPA + DHA intake, but only 7.4% of individuals consistently took supplements. Overall, n-3 LCPUFA intake in this study population was low, but our findings indicate that individuals with lower educational attainment and income are at even higher risk of lower n-3 LCPUFA and fish intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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17 pages, 2914 KiB  
Article
Supplementation of Re-Esterified Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Reduce Inflammatory and Muscle Damage Markers after Exercise in Endurance Athletes: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial
by Domingo J. Ramos-Campo, Vicente Ávila-Gandía, Fco Javier López-Román, José Miñarro, Carlos Contreras, Fulgencio Soto-Méndez, Joan C. Domingo Pedrol and Antonio J. Luque-Rubia
Nutrients 2020, 12(3), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030719 - 9 Mar 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5428
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the effect of 10 weeks of a highly concentrated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + eicosapentaenoic (EPA) supplementation (ratio 8:1) on strength deficit and inflammatory and muscle damage markers in athletes. Fifteen endurance athletes participated in the study. In a [...] Read more.
This study aimed to analyse the effect of 10 weeks of a highly concentrated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + eicosapentaenoic (EPA) supplementation (ratio 8:1) on strength deficit and inflammatory and muscle damage markers in athletes. Fifteen endurance athletes participated in the study. In a randomized, double-blinded cross-over controlled design, the athletes were supplemented with a re-esterified triglyceride containing 2.1 g/day of DHA + 240 mg/day of EPA or placebo for 10 weeks. After a 4-week wash out period, participants were supplemented with the opposite treatment. Before and after each supplementation period, participants performed one eccentric-induced muscle damage exercise training session (ECC). Before, post-exercise min and 24 and 48 h after exercise, muscle soreness, knee isokinetic strength and muscle damage and inflammatory markers were tested. No significant differences in strength deficit variables were found between the two conditions in any of the testing sessions. However, a significant effect was observed in IL1β (p = 0.011) and IL6 (p = 0.009), which showed significantly lower values after DHA consumption than after placebo ingestion. Moreover, a significant main effect was observed in CPK (p = 0.014) and LDH-5 (p = 0.05), in which significantly lower values were found after DHA + EPA consumption. In addition, there was a significant effect on muscle soreness (p = 0.049), lower values being obtained after DHA + EPA consumption. Ten weeks of re-esterified DHA + EPA promoted lower concentrations of inflammation and muscle damage markers and decreased muscle soreness but did not improve the strength deficit after an ECC in endurance athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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Review

Jump to: Research

40 pages, 3428 KiB  
Review
Cytochrome P450 Metabolism of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Neurodegeneration
by Morteza Sarparast, Devon Dattmore, Jamie Alan and Kin Sing Stephen Lee
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3523; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113523 - 16 Nov 2020
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 6357
Abstract
Due to the aging population in the world, neurodegenerative diseases have become a serious public health issue that greatly impacts patients’ quality of life and adds a huge economic burden. Even after decades of research, there is no effective curative treatment for neurodegenerative [...] Read more.
Due to the aging population in the world, neurodegenerative diseases have become a serious public health issue that greatly impacts patients’ quality of life and adds a huge economic burden. Even after decades of research, there is no effective curative treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have become an emerging dietary medical intervention for health maintenance and treatment of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research demonstrated that the oxidized metabolites, particularly the cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolites, of PUFAs are beneficial to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease; however, their mechanism(s) remains unclear. The endogenous levels of CYP metabolites are greatly affected by our diet, endogenous synthesis, and the downstream metabolism. While the activity of omega-3 (ω-3) CYP PUFA metabolites and omega-6 (ω-6) CYP PUFA metabolites largely overlap, the ω-3 CYP PUFA metabolites are more active in general. In this review, we will briefly summarize recent findings regarding the biosynthesis and metabolism of CYP PUFA metabolites. We will also discuss the potential mechanism(s) of CYP PUFA metabolites in neurodegeneration, which will ultimately improve our understanding of how PUFAs affect neurodegeneration and may identify potential drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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14 pages, 956 KiB  
Review
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites in Hyperemesis Gravidarum
by Richard Lindberg, Maria Lindqvist, Miles Trupp, Marie-Therese Vinnars and Malin L. Nording
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3384; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113384 - 4 Nov 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3713
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been studied in relation to pregnancy. However, there is limited knowledge on PUFAs and their metabolites in relation to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a pregnancy complication associated with nutritional deficiencies and excessive vomiting. In order to survey the field, [...] Read more.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been studied in relation to pregnancy. However, there is limited knowledge on PUFAs and their metabolites in relation to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a pregnancy complication associated with nutritional deficiencies and excessive vomiting. In order to survey the field, a systematic review of the literature was performed, which also included nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) due to its close relationship with HG. In the very few published studies found, the main subjects of the research concerned free fatty acids (four records), lipid profiles (three records), and bioactive lipids (one article about prostaglandin E2 and one about endocannabinoids). The authors of these studies concluded that, although no cause-and-effect relationship can be established, HG is linked to increased sympathetic responsiveness, thermogenic activity and metabolic rate. In addition, NVP is linked to a metabolic perturbance (which lasts throughout pregnancy). The low number of retrieved records underlines the need for more research in the area of PUFAs and HG, especially with regard to the underlying mechanism for the detected effects, potentially involving growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) since evidence for GDF15 regulation of lipid metabolism and the role for GDF15 and its receptor in nausea and vomiting is emerging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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18 pages, 686 KiB  
Review
ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Colonic Inflammation and Colon Cancer: Roles of Lipid-Metabolizing Enzymes Involved
by Maolin Tu, Weicang Wang, Guodong Zhang and Bruce D. Hammock
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3301; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113301 - 28 Oct 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4260
Abstract
Substantial human and animal studies support the beneficial effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on colonic inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there are inconsistent results, which have shown that ω-3 PUFAs have no effect or even detrimental effects, making it difficult [...] Read more.
Substantial human and animal studies support the beneficial effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on colonic inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there are inconsistent results, which have shown that ω-3 PUFAs have no effect or even detrimental effects, making it difficult to effectively implement ω-3 PUFAs for disease prevention. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of ω-3 PUFAs will help to clarify their potential health-promoting effects, provide a scientific base for cautions for their use, and establish dietary recommendations. In this review, we summarize recent studies of ω-3 PUFAs on colonic inflammation and CRC and discuss the potential roles of ω-3 PUFA-metabolizing enzymes, notably the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, in mediating the actions of ω-3 PUFAs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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13 pages, 1069 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Chronic Liver Disease and Portal Hypertension: Potential of DHA as Nutraceutical
by Zoe Boyer-Diaz, Paloma Morata, Peio Aristu-Zabalza, Albert Gibert-Ramos, Jaime Bosch and Jordi Gracia-Sancho
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092627 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4590
Abstract
Chronic liver disease constitutes a growing public health issue worldwide, with no safe and effective enough treatment clinical scenarios. The present review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), focusing on the major contributors of its pathophysiology: [...] Read more.
Chronic liver disease constitutes a growing public health issue worldwide, with no safe and effective enough treatment clinical scenarios. The present review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), focusing on the major contributors of its pathophysiology: inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and portal hypertension. We present the benefits of supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid triglycerides (TG-DHA) in other health areas as demonstrated experimentally, and explore its potential as a novel nutraceutical approach for the treatment of ACLD and portal hypertension based on published pre-clinical data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health)
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