scholarly journals A role for vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in major depression? An exploration using genomics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Milaneschi ◽  
Wouter J Peyrot ◽  
Michel G Nivard ◽  
Hamdi Mbarek ◽  
Dorret I Boomsma ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundTrials testing the effect of vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids (n3-PUFA) supplementation on major depressive disorder (MDD) reported conflicting findings. These trials were boosted by epidemiological evidence suggesting an inverse association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and n3-PUFA levels with MDD. Observational associations may emerge from unresolved confounding, shared genetic risk, or direct causal relationships. We explored the nature of these associations exploiting data and statistical tools from genomics.MethodsResults from GWAS on 25-OH-D (N = 79366), n3-PUFA (N = 24925) and MDD (135458 cases, 344901 controls) were applied to individual-level data (>2,000 subjects with measures of genotype, DSM-IV lifetime MDD diagnoses and circulating 25-OH-D and n3-PUFA) and summary-level data analyses. Shared genetic risk between traits was tested by polygenic risk scores (PRS). Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (2SMR) analyses tested the potential bidirectional causality between traits.OutcomeIn individual-level data, PRS were associated with the phenotype of the same trait (PRS 25-OH-D p = 1.4e-20, PRS N3-PUFA p = 9.3e-6, PRS MDD p = 1.4e-4), but not with the other phenotypes, suggesting a lack of shared genetic effects. In summary-level data, 2SMR analyses provided no evidence of a causal role on MDD of 25-OH-D (p = 0.50) or n3-PUFA (p = 0.16), or for a causal role of MDD on 25-OH-D (p = 0.25) or n3-PUFA (p = 0.66).ConclusionsApplying genomics tools indicated that that shared genetic risk or direct causality between 25-OH-D, n3-PUFA and MDD is unlikely: unresolved confounding may explain the associations reported in observational studies. These findings represent a cautionary tale for testing supplementation of these compounds in preventing or treating MDD.Research in contextEvidence before this studyMeta-analyses of trials testing the effect of vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids (n3-PUFA) supplementation on major depressive disorder (MDD) reported conflicting findings, including small clinical effect or no effect. These trials were boosted by epidemiological evidence suggesting an inverse association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and n3-PUFA levels with MDD. However, observational associations may emerge from different scenarios, including unresolved confounding, shared genetic risk, or direct causal relationships.Added value of this studyGenomics provides unique opportunities to investigate shared risk and causality between traits applying new statistical tools and results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In the present study we examined the nature of the association of 25-OH-D and n3-PUFA with MDD using the latest data and tools from genomics. We found no significant evidence of shared genetic risk or direct causality between vitamin D or n-3 PUFA and MDD; at this stage, unresolved confounding should be considered the most likely explanation for the association reported by observational studies.Implications of all the available evidenceFindings from the present study, in conjunction with previous conflicting evidence from clinical studies, represent a cautionary tale for further research testing the potential therapeutic effect of vitamin D and n3-PUFA supplementation on depression, as the expectations of a direct causal effect of these compounds on mood should be substantially reconsidered. Genomic tools could be efficiently employed to examine the nature of observational associations emerging in epidemiology, providing some indications on the most promising associations to be prioritized in subsequent intervention studies.

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anahita Izadi ◽  
Leila Khedmat ◽  
Reza Tavakolizadeh ◽  
Sayed Yousef Mojtahedi

Abstract Background Childhood hypertension (CH) is related to the dietary intake and diversity of children. The study aimed to assess the critical role of dietary diversity, and seafood long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) in reducing CH among the Iranian community. Methods A cross-sectional two-phase study with 7–12-year-old Iranian students was designed. In the initial phase, the socio-demographic characteristics, and blood pressure status (normal, pre-hypertension, and hypertension) based on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure data were assessed. The 24-h dietary recall questionnaire was used to generate the dietary diversity score (DDS, count of consumed food groups) and dietary variety score (DVS, the cumulative number of daily consumed food items). In the second phase, the association between CH reduction and changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) levels of schoolchildren intervened by a seafood diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids were assessed using the regression analyses. Results The pre-hypertension and hypertension prevalence rates were 7.8 and 9.15%, respectively. CH was significantly associated with age, gender, and DDS. A significant inverse association was found between the high intake of seafood and CH (P = 0.032). The gas-chromatography analysis showed the high presence of α-linolenic (ALA, 6.72%), eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 7.62%), docosapentaenoic (DPA, 5.88%), and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 18.52%) acids in the seafood-based diet (p <  0.05). The low blood pressure levels with regular consumption of this healthy-functional diet were significantly associated with a reduction in BMI, LDL, TC, and TG, and a remarkable increase in 25OHD and HDL levels. The multiple linear regression showed that the SBP was highly associated with the TC (p <  0.001; β = 0.464). Conclusions The age and DDS were efficient predictors for the different CH status. A regular seafood-rich dietary pattern due to the high LC n-3 PUFAs contents could significantly reduce the obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1234-1239 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.S.L. Leung Yinko ◽  
G. Thanassoulis ◽  
K.D. Stark ◽  
M. Avgil Tsadok ◽  
J.C. Engert ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 924-924
Author(s):  
Angus Scrimgeour ◽  
Michelle Condlin ◽  
Andrei Loban ◽  
James DeMar

Abstract Objectives Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in neuronal, axonal and glial damage. Interventions targeting neuroinflammation to enhance recovery from TBI are needed. Exercise is known to improve cognitive function in TBI patients. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D reportedly reduce inflammation, and in combination, might improve TBI outcomes. This study examined how an anti-inflammatory diet affected plasma TBI biomarkers, voluntary exercise and behavior following exposure to mild TBI (mTBI). Methods Adult, male rats were individually housed in cages fitted with voluntary running wheels and daily running distance was recorded during the study. A modified weight drop method induced mTBI, and during 30 days post-injury, rats were fed diets supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 (AIDM diet), or non-supplemented AIN-76A diets (CON diet). Behavioral tests were periodically conducted to assess functional deficits. Plasma levels of Total tau (T-tau), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) and neurofilament light chain (NF-L) were measured at 48 h, 14 d and 30 d post-injury. Fatty acid composition of food, plasma and brain tissues was determined. Results In rats exposed to mTBI, NF-L levels were significantly elevated at 48 h post-injury (P &lt; 0.005), and decreased to levels seen in uninjured rats by 14 d post-injury. T-tau, GFAP and UCH-L1 plasma levels did not change at 48 h or 14 d post-injury. However, at 30 d post-injury, T-tau, GFAP and UCH-L1 all significantly increased in rats exposed to mTBI and fed CON diets (P &lt; 0.005), but not in rats fed AIDM diets. Behavioral tests conducted post-injury showed that exercise counteracted cognitive deficits associated with mTBI. The AIDM diets significantly increased docosahexaenoic acid levels in plasma and brain tissue (P &lt; 0.05), and in serum levels of vitamin D (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions The anti-inflammatory diet significantly altered the temporal profiles of plasma T-tau, GFAP and UCH-L1 following mTBI. Voluntary running exercise protected against mTBI-induced cognitive deficits, but had no impact on plasma levels of neurotrauma biomarkers. Thus the prophylactic effect of exercise, when combined with an anti-inflammatory diet, may facilitate recovery in patients with mTBI. Funding Sources U.S. Army MRDC.


Fisheries ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-8
Author(s):  
Elena Kharenko ◽  
Anna Sopina

The formation of collective immunity, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is directly related to the state of health of each member of the community, therefore, taking care of the health of citizens becomes one of the priority tasks of any state. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D, essentially being a hormone D, strengthens the innate immunity associated with the exchange of zinc in the human body, which, in turn, affects the replication of viruses and accel-erates their excretion. Omega-3 fatty acids have a wide spectrum of biological activity, includ-ing in the treatment of inflammatory processes of various etiologies.


Author(s):  
Sir Peter Gluckman ◽  
Mark Hanson ◽  
Chong Yap Seng ◽  
Anne Bardsley

Where possible, pre-conception counselling is desirable for both prospective parents in order to address issues of lifestyle and nutrition so that pregnancy can proceed with the best possible start. If dieting is necessary this should be initiated as far in advance of the pregnancy as possible, because inadequate nutrition around the time of conception can influence the fetal growth trajectory and weight at birth. Regardless of BMI, women should also be encouraged to engage in regular aerobic exercise. Nutritional requirements in the pre-conception period include adequate amounts of oily fish to provide omega-3 fatty acids. All women planning a pregnancy should receive 400 #amp;#x00B5;g of folic acid daily, and vitamin B12 and vitamin D supplementation may be necessary, particular for vegetarians. Other vitamins and minerals should be considered, particularly iron and iodine, but most should be obtainable from a balanced diet. Harmful behaviours and environmental exposures should be avoided.


Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Haidari ◽  
Behnaz Abiri ◽  
Masood Iravani ◽  
Seyed-Mohsen Razavi ◽  
Parvin Sarbakhsh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Much evidence is available demonstrating that both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids block the development and progression of colonic carcinogenesis. The results of animal studies have shown that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammatory biomarkers, enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, and decrease the side effects of chemotherapy or cancer. Also, observational studies propose that higher levels of 25(OH)D are related to improved survival of colorectal cancer patients. This study will aim to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids co-supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, tumor marker CEA, and nutritional status in colorectal cancer patients. Methods/design We will carry out an 8-week double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids co-supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, tumor marker CEA, and nutritional status in patients with stage ӀӀ or ӀӀӀ colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Discussion Because of the important effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on molecular pathways involved in cancer development and progression, it seems that both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may provide a new adjuvant therapy by decreasing inflammatory biomarkers and resistance to cancer treatment in patients with colorectal cancer. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20180306038979N1. Registered on 16 March 2018.


Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hemant D Mahajan ◽  
Jingchuon Guo ◽  
Siyi Shangguan ◽  
Bradley Willcox ◽  
Katsuyuki Miura ◽  
...  

Introduction: Aortic calcification (AC) is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular (CV) events. Marine omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) are reported to have anti-atherogenic properties. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that blood levels of OM3 have a significant inverse association with AC. Methods: ERA JUMP is a population-based study of subclinical atherosclerosis in 1335 men aged 40-49 without CVD (310 European American, 107 African American, 303 Japanese American, 313 Japanese in Japan and 308 Korean in South Korea). Participants were examined for AC, blood levels of OM3, CV risk and other factors in 2002-07 with rigorous standardization. AC was assessed by electron-beam CT and quantified using the Agatston method. OM3 were measured using gas chromatography, expressed as the percentage of total fatty acids and defined as the sum of eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. After excluding missing data for AC (n=36), OM3 (n=8) and heavy drinkers (ethanol >69 g/day) (n=73), our final analytic sample was 1218. The association of the presence of AC with OM3 was analyzed using logistic regression adjusting for age, race, CV risk and other factors. We also performed Tobit regression and ordinal logistic regression to assess the relation between AC score (ACS) and OM3. Results: Mean [standard deviation (SD)] of age, LDL-C, and pack-years of smoking were 45.2 (2.8) years, 127 (35) mg/dl and 9.5 (13.6), respectively. Prevalence (%) of hypertension and diabetes was 22.4 and 8.0, respectively. Mean (SD) of OM3 was 6.1 (3.1) (%) and 58.1% had ACS>0. In a fully adjusted model with stepwise backward elimination, odds of ACS>0 was reduced by 10% with one SD increase in OM3 level (p <0.001). Results of Tobit regression and ordinal logistic regression suggest a statistically significant lower ACS for every SD increase in OM3 level. There was no significant interaction on AC between race and OM3. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study showed a significant inverse association of OM3 with AC in an international multi-ethnic cohort.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania E. Makariou ◽  
Evangelos N. Liberopoulos ◽  
Aris P. Agouridis ◽  
Anna Challa ◽  
Moses Elisaf

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mardia López-Alarcón ◽  
Otilia Perichart-Perera ◽  
Samuel Flores-Huerta ◽  
Patricia Inda-Icaza ◽  
Maricela Rodríguez-Cruz ◽  
...  

Background.Low-grade inflammation is the link between obesity and insulin resistance. Because physiologic insulin resistance occurs at puberty, obese pubertal children are at higher risk for insulin resistance. Excessive diets in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are risk factors for insulin resistance, but calcium, magnesium, vitamin-D, and the omega-3 fatty acids likely protect against inflammation and insulin resistance.Objective.To analyze interactions among dietary saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids on the risk of inflammation and insulin resistance in a sample of prepubertal and pubertal children.Methods.A sample of 229 children from Mexico City was analyzed in a cross-sectional design. Anthropometric measurements, 24 h recall questionnaires, and blood samples were obtained. Serum insulin, glucose, calcium, magnesium, 25-OHD3, C-reactive protein, leptin, adiponectin, and erythrocytes fatty acids were measured. Parametric and nonparametric statistics were used for analysis.Results.While mean macronutrients intake was excessive, micronutrients intake was deficient(P<0.01). Inflammation determinants were central obesity and magnesium-deficient diets. Determinants of insulin resistance were carbohydrates intake and circulating magnesium and adiponectin.Conclusions.Magnesium-deficient diets are determinants of inflammation, while high intake of refined carbohydrates is a risk factor for insulin resistance, independently of central adiposity.


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