scholarly journals Do Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Have the Potential to Compete against Each Other?

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3718
Author(s):  
Anandita Pal ◽  
Adam H. Metherel ◽  
Lauren Fiabane ◽  
Nicole Buddenbaum ◽  
Richard P. Bazinet ◽  
...  

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consumed in low abundance in the Western diet. Increased consumption of n-3 PUFAs may have beneficial effects for a wide range of physiological outcomes including chronic inflammation. However, considerable mechanistic gaps in knowledge exist about EPA versus DHA, which are often studied as a mixture. We suggest the novel hypothesis that EPA and DHA may compete against each other through overlapping mechanisms. First, EPA and DHA may compete for residency in membrane phospholipids and thereby differentially displace n-6 PUFAs, which are highly prevalent in the Western diet. This would influence biosynthesis of downstream metabolites of inflammation initiation and resolution. Second, EPA and DHA exert different effects on plasma membrane biophysical structure, creating an additional layer of competition between the fatty acids in controlling signaling. Third, DHA regulates membrane EPA levels by lowering its rate of conversion to EPA’s elongation product n-3 docosapentaenoic acid. Collectively, we propose the critical need to investigate molecular competition between EPA and DHA in health and disease, which would ultimately impact dietary recommendations and precision nutrition trials.

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Marine Remize ◽  
Yves Brunel ◽  
Joana L. Silva ◽  
Jean-Yves Berthon ◽  
Edith Filaire

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future.


2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 199-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Rymer ◽  
C. Dyer ◽  
D.I. Givens ◽  
R. Allison

The dietary essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are predominantly found in fish oil, but fish consumption in the UK is low. Increasing the yield of EPA and DHA in cows’ milk would increase human intakes of EPA and DHA, and this can be achieved by including fish oil in cows’ diets. However, because EPA and DHA are susceptible to rumen biohydrogenation, their transfer efficiency into milk is low.In vitroobservations by Gulatiet al. (1999) suggested that if the concentration of fish oil in the rumen exceeded 1 mg/ml, EPA and DHA were not hydrogenated. The objectives of this study were therefore to determine the relationships between fish oil intake by dairy cows, and the probable concentrations of fish oil in the cows’ rumen, with the yield of EPA and DHA in their milk.


2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 1763-1766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasutake Tomata ◽  
Susanna C. Larsson ◽  
Sara Hägg

Abstract Purpose Observational studies have suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may decrease Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. In the present study, we examined this hypothesis using a Mendelian randomization analysis. Methods We used summary statistics data for single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with plasma levels of n-6 PUFAs (linoleic acid, arachidonic acid) and n-3 PUFAs (alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid), and the corresponding data for AD from a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 63,926 individuals (21,982 diagnosed AD cases, 41,944 controls). Results None of the genetically predicted PUFAs was significantly associated with AD risk; odds ratios (95% confidence interval) per 1 SD increase in PUFA levels were 0.98 (0.93, 1.03) for linoleic acid, 1.01 (0.98, 1.05) for arachidonic acid, 0.96 (0.88, 1.06) for alpha-linolenic acid, 1.03 (0.93, 1.13) for eicosapentaenoic acid, 1.03 (0.97, 1.09) for docosapentaenoic acid, and 1.01 (0.81, 1.25) for docosahexaenoic acid. Conclusions This study did not support the hypothesis that PUFAs decrease AD risk.


2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 673-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S. Mir ◽  
M. Ivan ◽  
M. L. He ◽  
B. Pink ◽  
E. Okine ◽  
...  

The diet is the source of many essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids for all mammals. These fatty acids either, as altered isomers or as other elongated products, have been found to provide unique advantages to human health. Currently two conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) isomers (cis-9, trans-11 C18:2; trans-10, cis-12 C18:2) and two elongated products of linolenic acid [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3)] have been recognized for their roles in maintaining human health. Consumers can obtain these functional fatty acids from beef if the feeding management of beef cattle can be altered to include precursor fatty acids. Diet, breed, and gender are important factors that affect total fat content and/or the fatty acid profile of beef with regard to CLA, EPA, and DHA. Diet provides the precursor fatty acids that are altered and deposited, and breed dictates, the amount of fat that is deposited. These fatty acids can be increased in beef by increasing the forage:concentrate ratio, inclusion of non-fermented forage, and supplementation with various oils or oil seeds. The CLA and vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1) concentration in beef was increased by feeding sunflower oil or seeds, linseed, and soybean oil supplemented diets, while cattle fed linseed and fish oil supplemented diets had increased concentrations of EPA and DHA. Although the concentration of these fatty acids can be increased in beef, there is a need to further the understanding of the mechanism by which they exert positive affects on human health. Key words: Cattle, beef, fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid


2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Calder

EPA and DHA appear to be the most important n-3 fatty acids, but roles for n-3 docosapentaenoic acid are now also emerging. Intakes of EPA and DHA are usually low, typically below those recommended. Increased intakes result in higher concentrations of EPA and DHA in blood lipids, cells and tissues. Increased content of EPA and DHA modifies the structure of cell membranes and the function of membrane proteins. EPA and DHA modulate the production of lipid mediators and through effects on cell signalling can alter the patterns of gene expression. Through these mechanisms, EPA and DHA alter cell and tissue responsiveness in a way that often results in more optimal conditions for growth, development and maintenance of health. DHA has vital roles in brain and eye development and function. EPA and DHA have a wide range of physiological roles, which are linked to certain health or clinical benefits, particularly related to CVD, cancer, inflammation and neurocognitive function. The benefits of EPA and DHA are evident throughout the life course. Future research will include better identification of the determinants of variation of responses to increased intake of EPA and DHA; more in-depth dose–response studies of the effects of EPA and DHA; clearer identification of the specific roles of EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and DHA; testing strategies to enhance delivery of n-3 fatty acids to the bloodstream; and exploration of sustainable alternatives to fish-derived very long-chain n-3 fatty acids.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Wang ◽  
Qiaowei Lin ◽  
Peipei Zheng ◽  
Lulu Li ◽  
Zhengxi Bao ◽  
...  

The present research was undertaken to determine the effects of EPA (20 : 5 n-3) and DHA (22 : 6 n-3) on chylomicron and VLDL synthesis and secretion by Caco-2 cells. Cells were incubated for 12 to 36 h with 400 μM OA, EPA, and DHA; then 36 h was chosen for further study because EPA and DHA decreased de novo triglycerides synthesis in a longer incubation compared with OA  (P<0.01). Neither the uptake nor oxidation was different in response to the respective fatty acids (P>0.05). Compared with OA, intercellular and secreted nascent apolipoprotein B48 and B100 were decreased by EPA and DHA (P<0.01). Both DHA and EPA resulted in a lower secretion of chylomicron and VLDL (P<0.01). In contrast to OA, EPA and DHA were preferentially incorporated into phospholipids instead of triacylglycerols (P<0.01). These discoveries demonstrated that exposure of DHA and EPA reduced the secretion of chylomicron and VLDL partly by regulating the synthesis of TG and apoB.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan-Chi Chang ◽  
Jisun So ◽  
Stefania Lamon-Fava

AbstractThe omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affect cell function and metabolism, but the differential effects of EPA and DHA are not known. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study, we assessed the effects of 10-week supplementation with EPA-only and DHA-only (3 g/d), relative to a 4-week lead-in phase of high oleic acid sunflower oil (3 g/day, defined as baseline), on fasting serum metabolites in 21 subjects (9 men and 12 post-menopausal women) with chronic inflammation and some characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Relative to baseline, EPA significantly lowered the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates fumarate and α-ketoglutarate and increased glucuronate, UDP-glucuronate, and non-esterified DHA. DHA significantly lowered the TCA cycle intermediates pyruvate, citrate, isocitrate, fumarate, α-ketoglutarate, and malate, and increased succinate and glucuronate. Pathway analysis showed that both EPA and DHA significantly affected the TCA cycle, the interconversion of pentose and glucuronate, and alanine, and aspartate and glutamate pathways (FDR < 0.05) and that DHA had a significantly greater effect on the TCA cycle than EPA. Our results indicate that EPA and DHA exhibit both common and differential effects on cell metabolism in subjects with chronic inflammation and some key aspects of metabolic syndrome.


1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 401-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.J. Robles ◽  
H.S. García ◽  
J.A. Monroy ◽  
O. Angulo

Menhaden oil was hydrolyzed using a lipase from Pseudomonas sp. The hydrolysate was cold frac tionated at-72°C. Glyceride synthesis was performed using the same lipase under different reaction environments. The best conditions for the esterification reaction were 39 °C for 18 h in a reaction mixture containing anhydrous glycerol, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enriched solution (2% lipids in hexane), hexane, and phosphate buffer-lipase solution (1% w/v). Product composition was 81.33% triacylglycerides and 18.67% of free fatty acids (w/w). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accounted for 36.18% of the esterified fatty acids, of which 58% was EPA and 42% was DHA. This method offers an alternative to produce glycerides rich in n-3 PUFA.


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