The influence of dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the association between short-term exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide and respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes among healthy adults

Abstract Background Short-term exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is associated with adverse respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. Supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has shown protection against exposure to fine particulate matter. This study aims to investigate whether habitual omega-3 PUFA intake differentially modify the associations between respiratory and cardiovascular responses and short-term exposure to ambient NO2. Methods Sixty-two healthy participants were enrolled into low or high omega-3 groups based on their habitual omega-3 PUFA intake. Each participant was repeatedly assessed for lung function, blood lipids, markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis, vascular function, and heart rate variability (HRV) in up to five sessions, each separated by at least 7 days. This study was carried out in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, USA between October 2016 and September 2019. Daily ambient NO2 concentrations were obtained from an area air quality monitoring station on the day of outcome assessment (Lag0), 4 days prior (Lag1-4), as well as 5-day moving average (5dMA). The associations between short-term exposure to NO2 and the measured indices were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models stratified by omega-3 levels and adjusted by covariates including relative humidity and temperature. Results The average concentration of ambient NO2 during the study periods was 5.3±3.8 ppb which was below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In the high omega-3 group, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in short-term NO2 concentrations was significantly associated with increased lung function [e.g. 1.2% (95%CI: 0.2%, 2.2%) in FVC at lag1, 2.6% (95%CI: 0.4%, 4.8%) in FEV1 at 5dMA], decreased blood lipids [e.g. -2.6% (95%CI: -4.4%, -0.9%) in total cholesterol at lag2, -3.1% (95%CI: -6.1%, 0.0%) in HDL at 5dMA, and -3.1% (95%CI: -5.5%, -0.7%) in LDL at lag2], improved vascular function [e.g. 8.9% (95%CI: 0.6%, 17.2%) increase in FMD and 43.1% (95%CI: -79.8%, -6.3%) decrease in endothelin-1 at 5dMA], and changed HRV parameters [e.g. -7.2% (95%CI: -13.6%, -0.8%) in HFn and 13.4% (95%CI: 0.2%, 28.3%) in LF/HF ratio at lag3]. In the low omega-3 group, an IQR increase in ambient NO2 was associated with elevations in coagulation markers (von Willebrand Factor, D-dimer) and a decrease in HRV (very-low frequency); however, null associations were observed between short-term NO2 exposure and changes in lung function, blood lipids, and vascular function. Conclusions The results in this study imply that dietary omega-3 PUFA consumption may offer respiratory and vascular benefits in response to short-term exposure of healthy adults to NO2 levels below the NAAQS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02921048).

Download Full-text

Positive Associations of Dietary Marine Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids with Lung Function: A Meta-analysis (P18-087-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz039.p18-087-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bonnie Patchen ◽

Jiayi Xu ◽

R Graham Barr ◽

Ester van Eekelen ◽

Josee Dupuis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Lung Function ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Fish Intake ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Black And White ◽

Former Smokers

Abstract Objectives Our previous study found positive associations between plasma levels of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and lung function, especially in current smokers. Given that plasma n-3 PUFA concentrations are driven by dietary intake, we extended our prior findings to a larger sample by studying dietary n-3 PUFAs, including DHA, DPA, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and fish intake. Methods Nine cohorts from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium (N = 37,077 black and white participants) contributed dietary intake and lung function data. In each cohort and each ancestry, separately, associations of dietary n-3 PUFA/fish intake with lung function were estimated in linear regression models. Models were extended to test for n-3 PUFA/fish × smoking status interaction. Fixed-effects meta-analysis was used to generate summarized effect estimates across the cohorts and ancestries. Results Dietary DPA, DHA, EPA, and fish intake were positively associated with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). ALA had little to no association with these lung function parameters. Associations were similar for black and white participants, and consistent in direction and magnitude across most cohorts. For all participants, 1 standard deviation (SD) higher intake of DPA (∼30 mg/d), DHA (∼200 mg/d), and EPA (∼150 mg/d) were associated with 12–16 mL higher FEV1 and 10–15 mL higher FVC. The effect estimates for fish were in the same direction but smaller in magnitude. Smoking modified the associations of DHA and EPA with FEV1 and FVC; 1 SD higher intake of DHA and EPA were associated with 28–32 mL higher FEV1 and 24–25 mL higher FVC in current smokers, 17–21 mL higher FEV1 and 7–12 mL higher FVC in former smokers, and little to no association in never smokers. Conclusions Dietary DHA, DPA, and EPA, but not ALA, are positively associated with FEV1 and FVC, corroborating our previous findings for plasma n-3 PUFAs. This large cross-sectional meta-analysis shows that diets rich in marine n-3 PUFAs are associated with higher lung function, especially for current and former smokers. Funding Sources National Institutes of Health, NHLBI and NIDDK.

Download Full-text

Genetically Determined Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Lung Function: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa061_101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1473-1473

Author(s):

Bonnie Patchen ◽

Jiayi Xu ◽

Dana Hancock ◽

Patricia Cassano

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Lung Function ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Mendelian Randomization ◽

Kidney Diseases ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Reverse Causality ◽

Fatty Acid Elongase ◽

Positive Effects

Abstract Objectives Cross-sectional studies have found positive associations of plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N-3 PUFAs) and lung function parameters, including the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to address potential limitations in previous findings, including residual confounding and reverse causality, and improve causal inference for the relationship of N-3 PUFAs on lung function. Methods We instrumented the N-3 PUFAs alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) with genetic variants in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS1/FADS2) and fatty acid elongase (ELOVL2) genes. We performed two sample MR, using genome-wide association data for N-3 PUFAs in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genetic Epidemiology Consortium and for FEV1 and FVC in the UK Biobank. We also performed multivariable MR (MVMR) including linoleic acid (LA), the main dietary N-6 PUFA, to account for shared genetic predictors. We used the Wald's ratio or inverse variance weighted method in all analyses. Results In univariable MR, ALA was negatively associated with FEV1 (−0.27 ± 0.13 SD/% total FA, P = 0.02), while EPA was positively associated with FEV1 (0.05 ± 0.02 SD/% total FA, P = 0.02). The DPA—FEV1 association was similar to EPA (P = 0.05). These results align with the opposing effects of FADS1/2 variants on ALA vs EPA and DPA. DHA was not associated with FEV1 and there were no statistically significant N-3 PUFA—FVC associations. Using GWAS estimates adjusted for correlated N3-PUFAs did not alter these results. In MVMR including LA, the ALA—FEV1 associations were strengthened (P = 0.007), while the EPA—and DPA—FEV1 associations were no longer statistically significant. Conclusions Our analyses suggest that higher ALA has a direct negative effect on lung function, while the positive effects of EPA and DPA may be through the balance of N-3 and N-6 PUFA metabolism. However, interpretation of MVRM findings when modeling metabolic pathways needs further consideration. Funding Sources This work was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health Training Program (T32) in Translational Nutrition Research at Cornell University.

Download Full-text

Short-term acute exposure to wildfire smoke and lung function in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) cohort

10.1101/2020.12.15.20248289 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Subhabrata Moitra ◽

Ali Farshchi Tabrizi ◽

Dina Fathy ◽

Samineh Kamravaei ◽

Noushin Miandashti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Air Quality ◽

Lung Function ◽

Air Pollutants ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Short Term ◽

Royal Canadian Mounted Police ◽

Wildfire Smoke ◽

Peripheral Airways ◽

Short Term Exposure

ABSTRACTRationaleThe increasing incidence of extreme wildfire is becoming a concern for public health. Although long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with respiratory illnesses, reports on the association between short-term occupational exposure to wildfire smoke and lung function remain scarce.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data of 218 Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers (mean age: 38±9 years) deployed at the Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016. Individual exposure to air pollutants was calculated by integrating the duration of exposure with the air quality parameters obtained from the nearest air quality monitoring station during the phase of deployment. Lung function was measured using spirometry and body plethysmography. Association between exposure and lung function was examined using principal component linear regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe participants were predominantly male (71%). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and residual volume (RV) were 76.5±5.9 and 80.1±19.5 of % predicted. A marginal association was observed between the principal air pollution component and higher RV [β: 1.55; 95%CI: -0.28 to 3.37 per interquartile range change of air pollution index], but not with other lung function indices. The association was significantly higher in participants who were screened within the first three months of deployment [2.80; 0.91 to 4.70] than those screened later [-0.28; -2.58 to 2.03], indicating a more acute effect of air pollution on peripheral airways.ConclusionAcute short-term exposure to wildfire-associated air pollutants may impose subtle but clinically important deleterious respiratory effects, particularly in the peripheral airways.

Download Full-text

The influence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on atrial fibrillation development after surgical myocardial revascularisation

Clinical Medicine (Russian Journal) ◽

10.18821/0023-2149-2017-95-8-693-699 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 95 (8) ◽

pp. 693-699

Author(s):

Olesya A. Rubanenko ◽

O. V. Fatenkov ◽

S. M. Khokhlunov ◽

A. P. Semagin ◽

D. V. Kuznetsov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Average Dose ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Pufa Intake ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Aim. To estimate the influence of short-term omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) treatment on the development of new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with the detection of indicators of inflammation, oxidative stress, myocardial injury or dysfunction. Material and methods. The patients did not receive statins at the stage of out-patient treatment. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, troponin, NT-proBNP, superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured on admission and 3.6±1.3 days after CABG. All the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised patients who did not receive omega-3 PUFA (51 patients, 86.3% males, mean age 62.8+4.0), 2 group included patients who received PUFA (51 patients, 90.2% males, mean age 62.1±4.0 years) 5 days (mean) before CABG at an average dose 2 g per day and for 3 weeks after CABG at an average dose 1 g per day. Results. Postoperative AF more often occurred in group 1 (41.2% vs 23.5%; p=0.04 ( mean 4.8±3.0 days). The patients of group 1 more often had FC-III angina pectoris (60.8% vs 51.0%, p=0.04), whereas patients of group 2 more often had the history of myocardial infarction (78.4% vs 58.8%, p=0.03) and respiratory pathology (23.5% vs 2.0%, p=0.0009). According to univariate regression analysis, omega-3 PUFA intake was associated with a decrease of new episodes of AF at the early postoperative period (odds ratio (OR) 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.9; p=0.04). IL-6 levels were significantly higher in pre- and postoperative periods in patients of group 1 (34.8±25.5 pg/ml vs 2.9±2.5 pg/ml, p<0.0001; 54.6±44.9 pg/ml vs 39.5±29.7 pg/ml, p=0.04, respectively). Before CABG, SOD levels in both groups were higher than normal (group 1 - 3478.6±2365.7 units/g vs group 2 - 2893.4±2365.7 units/g, p>0.05). After CABG, SOD levels became lower in both groups but remained significantly higher in group 1 (2311.8±1371.6 units/g vs 662.5±572.4 units/g, р<0.0001). MPO after CABG was insignificantly raised in group 1 (before CABG - 176.8±83.8 mg/l, after CABG - 212.5±131.8 mg/l) and lowered in patients with omega-3 PUFA intake (280.4±202.1 before and 235.3±147.6 after CABG). Conclusions. The study showed that omega-3 PUFA intake in perioperative period of CABG leads to a significant decrease in occurrence of new AF cases. The patients who received omega-3 had lower IL-6 levels as a proinflammatory factor and SOD level as a marker of oxidative stress.

Download Full-text

Pure omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA, DPA or DHA) are associated with increased plasma levels of 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) in a short-term study in women

Food & Function ◽

10.1039/c9fo02440a ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 2058-2066

Author(s):

Ge Liu ◽

Robert A. Gibson ◽

Damien Callahan ◽

Xiao-Fei Guo ◽

Duo Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Metabolic Pathway ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Short Term ◽

Term Study ◽

Furan Fatty Acids ◽

Short Term Study

3-Carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) is a metabolite of furan fatty acids found in plasma and urine. Our data show that purified EPA, DPA and DHA may also be precursors of CMPF; however the metabolic pathway(s) remain unclear.

Download Full-text

Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids administration on vascular function, inflammatory and fibrinolytic status in adults with metabolic syndrome

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/eht309.p4296 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 34 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. P4296-P4296

Author(s):

A. Plastiras ◽

G. Siasos ◽

D. Tousoulis ◽

E. Oikonomou ◽

A. Verveniotis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Fatty Acids ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Vascular Function ◽

Omega 3

Download Full-text

Walnuts, Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, and Adolescent Brain Development: Protocol for the Walnuts Smart Snack Dietary Intervention Trial

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.593847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Jordi Julvez ◽

Florence Gignac ◽

Silvia Fernández-Barrés ◽

Dora Romaguera ◽

Aleix Sala-Vila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Population Based ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Pufa Intake ◽

Neuropsychological Development ◽

Randomized Controlled

Background: Adolescence, when the most complex behaviors are refined to adult sophistication, represents a major window of opportunity and vulnerability for neuropsychological development. To support and protect this complex and active brain growth, different nutritional components considered essential need to be acquired from the diet. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids are mainly obtained from seafood, seeds, and walnuts. Known for their rich lipid profile, walnuts contain sizable amounts of an essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid that is the precursor of two longer-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA): docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids. While there is growing evidence of neuropsychological improvements in the young developing brain associated with omega-3 PUFA intake, few studies have examined whether consuming walnuts during adolescence entails similar beneficial effects. There is a need to further explore the ways in which walnuts influence youthful brain function, particularly for the long-term. Thus, we designed the WALNUTs study (WSS), a population-based randomized controlled trial conducted in adolescents in Barcelona, Spain. We hypothesize that walnut intake will increase omega-3 PUFA tissue availability (particularly ALA) to a level that enhances the neuropsychological development during adolescence.Methodology/Design: We conducted a 6-month population-based randomized controlled trial in teenagers (n = 800) and we aimed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention (four walnuts per day, or 30 kernel g, ~1.5g of ALA) in enhancing brain neuropsychological and socio-emotional development compared to a control group with no walnut intervention. Before randomization, different neuropsychological tests were recorded for all participants, and blood samples (in a subsample of participants) were collected to measure omega-3 PUFA levels at baseline, and all again, after randomization and the intervention. The data is now collected and we will conduct linear regression models to assess the effect of the intervention.Discussion: The WALNUTs (WSS) study results will allow us to better understand the role of plant-based omega-3 PUFA intake from regular walnut consumption on neuropsychological development during adolescence. Results could be translated into nutritional public health recommendations targeting teenagers.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health # NCT02590848. Retrospectively registered 29/10/2015.

Download Full-text