Alteration of polyunsaturated fatty acid status and metabolism in health and disease

Abstract

-Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) cannot be synthesised in the body and must be ingested by food. A balanced intake of both n-6 and n-3 PUFA is essential for good health. PUFA are the basic constituents of phospholipid membranes and determine cellular membrane fluidity and modulate enzyme activities, carriers and membrane receptors. They are also precursors of active metabolites known collectively as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes) which regulate our cellular functions. Studies indicate that n-3 PUFA have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiarrhythmic actions and immuno-modulating properties. Erythrocyte fatty acid status is a reflection of dietary fat intake. It also explores PUFA metabolism and gives information about the integration of these fatty acids into cellular membranes. Thus, erythrocyte fatty acid analysis can detect PUFA insufficiencies and imbalances from the diet, but also metabolic abnormalities and lipid peroxidation. It can be helpful in the prevention and the control of chronic diseases in which PUFA alterations have been observed as coronary heart diseases, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, inflammatory and auto-immune disorders, atopic eczema, Alzheimer dementia, major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, etc.essential fatty acids / erythrocytes / metabolism / chronic diseases

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Clarias Batrachus Oil in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice (Mus Musculus)

“…The decrease in concentration of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, GSH and increase in concentration of TBARS is observed in diabetic mice when compared with control which is in accordance with previous reports indicating depletion in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, GSH content is due to higher level of free radicals generation [22,26,27]. The decrease in activity of enzymes SOD and catalase and increase in activity of GGT was observed in diabetic mice might be due to insulin insufficiency in Type 1 diabetes which results in increased hydrogen peroxide production due to increase in oxidation [28].…”

“…Researchers over past several years showed importance of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) mainly omega-3 and omega-6 in advancement of health and in disease prevention. These two PUFAs are labelled as essential and plays important role in the biological systems for maintaining integrity of cell membrane, growth and development [22]. Present study focuses on the beneficial effect of fish oil extracted from fresh water fish Clarias batrachus on improvement of antioxidant status in diabetes induced mice.…”

The "selfish brain" hypothesis for metabolic abnormalities in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

“…62 Among fatty acids, the omega-3 group has been the focus of increasing attention, as a result of epidemiological studies linking high rates of dietary omega-3 with low levels of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. 63 In fact, different levels of omega-3 have been reported in patients with schizophrenia and BD. 64,65 Interestingly, omega-3 fatty acids also have an important role in brain energy metabolism, exerting an influence on brain glucose uptake.…”

Oxidative stability of refrigerated fish pates containing loquat seed extract

“…The consumption of these fatty acids is involved in brain development of children and protection against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and mental illness (ZAMARIA, 2004). Despite the benefi ts of PUFAs, they are highly susceptible to oxidation due to their double bonds.…”