Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Blood from Patients with and without Catheter-Proven Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Statins reduce morbidity and mortality of CAD. Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with CAD. Previous data indicate that a higher conversion of precursor fatty acids (FAs) to arachidonic acid (AA) is associated with increased CAD prevalence. Our study explored the FA composition in blood to assess n-3 PUFA levels from patients with and without CAD. We analyzed blood samples from 273 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Patients were stratified according to clinically relevant CAD (n = 192) and those without (n = 81). FA analysis in full blood was performed by gas chromatography. Indicating increased formation of AA from precursors, the ratio of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) to AA, the delta-5 desaturase index (D5D index) was higher in CAD patients. CAD patients had significantly lower levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs (n-6 PUFA) and n-3 PUFA, particularly EPA, in the blood. Thus, our study supports a role of increased EPA levels for cardioprotection.

Bioactive lipids-based therapeutic approach to COVID-19 and other similar infections

It is suggested that COVID-19 (coronavirus) and other enveloped viruses can be inactivated by bioactive lipids. Bioactive lipids (BALs) AA, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-GLA (DGLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are precursors to anti-inflammatory metabolites prostaglandin E1, lipoxin A4, resolvins, protectins and maresins that enhance phagocytosis of macrophages and leukocytes to clear debris, enhance microbial clearance and wound healing to restore homeostasis. BALs influence cell membrane fluidity and thus, prevent SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and Arboviruses (such as Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika) to infect the target cells. BALs modulate the generation of M1 and M2 macrophages. Mesenchymal and adipose tissue-derived stem cells secrete LXA4 and other BALs to bring about their beneficial actions in COVID-19. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), derived from arachidonic acid, triggers generation of anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4 and thus, modulates pathogenesis of COVID-19. AA, the precursor to both PGE2 and LXA4, and thus, is suited to prevent and ameliorate COVID-19.

Borage Oil Intake by Overweight Young Adults: No Effect on Metabolic Rate; Beneficial Effects on Plasma Triglyceride and HDL Cholesterol Readings

Some research has raised the possibility that gamma linolenic acid (GLA) can increase resting metabolic rate (RMR), which can help with weight control. However, in overweight young adults with a...

An Investigation on the in vitro Effects of Elaidic Acid and Gamma-Linolenic Acid on the Survival of MDA-MB-231 and RKO Cell Lines

Colorectal and breast cancer are a major cause of mortality worldwide. They can be caused due to an array of factors, of which diet plays an important role. Previous studies have suggested that Elaidic acid (EA), a trans fatty acid, supports the growth of colon cancer cell lines, like-RKO, LoVo, and HT29;. In contrast, Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a poly-unsaturated fatty acid, has tumoricidal effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate and delineate the in vitro dose-dependent effects of EA and GLA on the survival of MDA-MB-231(breast cancer cell line) and RKO cells (colon cancer cell line), through cell viability assay. The principal findings of this study were that EA induced a stimulatory effect. At the same time, GLA had an inhibitory effect on both cell lines. There was no statistical significance in the percentage viability of the MDA-MB-231 cells after treatment with EA. At the same time, there was a statistical difference in percentage viability after treatment with GLA. The highest test concentration of GLA that caused approximately 99% inhibition of MDA-MB-231 cells was 500µM, and its IC50 was mathematically calculated to be 239.687µM. For RKO cells, there was a statistical difference in percentage cell viability after treatment with EA. At the same time, there was no statistical difference in percentage cell viability after treatment with GLA. These results suggested that MDA-MB-231 cells were more susceptible to the effects of EA and GLA and also that EA should be consumed in moderation, while GLA appeared as a promising therapeutic option either by itself or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs.