Evaluation of lipid oxidation in spaghetti pasta enriched with long chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids under different storage conditions

This study investigated lipid oxidation in spaghetti enriched in long chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n−3 PUFA) by the addition to semolina of an integrator containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Two oxidative parameters were evaluated: peroxide value (PV), to assess primary oxidation and oxidised fatty acids to quantify secondary oxidation products. Functional spaghetti had a shelf life comparable to control pasta. LC n−3 PUFA were not significantly implicated in the onset of oxidation in spaghetti stored under daylight and accelerated oxidation in a laboratory heater. Storage decidedly affected shelf life: PV in functional spaghetti increased from 7.1 to 43.4 meq O₂/kg of fat under light exposure over 12 months, and from 7.1 to 16.2 meq O₂/kg under accelerated ageing at 55 °C for 27 days, reproducing about 18 months at room temperature. Oxidised fatty acids increased in fortified spaghetti from 4.8 to 13.8 g/100 g of fat under light exposure over 12 months and from 4.8 to 7.8 g/100 g of fat at 55 °C in 27 days. The high sensitivity of spectrophotometric and chromatographic analytical methods permitted the evaluation of primary and secondary oxidative derivatives in small amounts of fat.     

Nutrient contents of kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala DC.)

Fructose, glucose and sucrose, as the major soluble sugars and citric and malic acids, as the major organic acids, were identified and determined in kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala DC., black cabbage) leaves. Fructose was the predominant sugar (2011 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt) identified, followed by glucose (1056 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt) and sucrose (894 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt). The contents of citric and malic acids were at 2213 and 151 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt in the leaves. The 16:0, 18:2n − 6 and 18:3n − 3 fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acids in the leaves. Considering the level of these fatty acids, 18:3n − 3 was found to be the highest (85.3 μg g⁻¹ dry wt), contributing 54.0% of the total fatty acid content. Linoleic acid (18:2n − 6), being the second most abundant fatty acid was present at 18.6 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, contributing 11.8% of the total fatty acid content. In the seed oil of kale, 22:1n − 9 was the most abundant fatty acid (4198 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, 45.7%), with 18:2n − 6 (1199 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, 12.3%) and 18:1n − 9 (1408 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, 14.8%) being the second next most abundant fatty acids. The most abundant amino acid was glutamic acid (Glu) which was present at 33.2 mg g⁻¹ dry wt. Aspartic acid, which was the second most abundant amino acid, was present at 27.6 mg g⁻¹ dry wt and accounted for 10.2% of the total amino acid content of kale leaf. The amino acid content was assessed by comparing the percentages of the essential amino acids in kale leaf versus those of a World Health Organization (WHO) standard protein. The protein of kale leaf compares well with that of the WHO standard. Only one amino acid, lysine, had a score that fell below 100%; the lysine score of kale leaf was 95%. This study attempts to contribute to knowledge of the nutritional properties of the plant. These results may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information.     

Effects of dietary supplemental fish oil during the peripartum period on blood metabolites and hepatic fatty acid compositions and total triacylglycerol concentrations of multiparous Holstein cows

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of dietary fish oil on plasma metabolite, hepatic fatty acid composition, and total triacylglycerol concentrations. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 42) were completely randomized to 1 of 3 treatments at 3 wk prepartum. Treatments were no supplemental lipid or supplemental lipid from either Energy Booster (Milk Specialties Co., Dundee, IL) or fish oil. Treatment diets were fed from −21 d relative to expected date of parturition until 10 d postpartum. Treatments were fed as a bolus before the a.m. feeding. The dose of lipid fed during the prepartum period was 250 g, whereas approximately 0.92% of the previous day's dry matter intake was supplemented postpartum. Blood was collected 3 times weekly for determination of plasma metabolites. Liver biopsies were performed at 21 and 10 d before expected date of parturition and 1 and 14 d after parturition to determine fatty acid compositions and total triacylglycerol concentrations. Dry matter intake, milk yield, and loss of body weight or body condition score were not affected by supplementing the diet with lipid or by the source of lipid. Supplemental lipid tended to increase plasma glucose and decrease nonesterified fatty acids during the postpartum period. Furthermore, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was reduced during the postpartum period in the lipid-supplemented treatments. However, source of supplemental lipid had no influence on any blood metabolite. Supplemental fish oil altered the fatty acid composition of liver phospholipids and triacylglycerols, decreasing total saturated fatty acids and increasing total n-3 and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (>20 carbon fatty acids). Despite the altered fatty acid composition, hepatic total triacylglycerol concentrations were unaffected by supplemental fish oil. Furthermore, the improved metabolic profile following lipid supplementation did not decrease hepatic total triacylglycerol concentrations.     

Evaluating nutritional quality of pacific fish species from fatty acid signatures

Eight fish species common to the Pacific Northwest coastal waters were categorised according to total lipids in a ranking from lean fish (e.g. walleye pollock) to oily fish (e.g. herring) species. Comprehensive fatty acid signatures were compared on both the relative proportion of total fatty acids and the proportion of total carcass lipid content. Generally, fish species from the Pacific coast had a relatively high proportion of n-3 highly polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 HUFAs), of which more than 80% was accounted for by C20:5n-3 (EPA) and C22:6n-3 (DHA), with species-specific and lower proportions of oleic acid (C18:1n-9) and palmitic acid (C16:0) also dominating. The MUFA contents of fish were lower (P < 0.05) in the lipids of lean and low-fat fish compared to those of fattier species. In contrast, higher (P < 0.05) proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) existed in the low-fat species with DHA contents ranging from 18% to 29% in the low-fat fish and from 8% to 10% in the fattier fish, such as herring and capelin. Expressing the same fatty acid content data in terms of absolute amount of fatty acids (e.g. gFA/100 g wet tissue) showed that both EPA and DHA contents in the flesh of pollock and hake were indeed many fold lower than those found in fatty fish, such as herring. The findings confirm that it is important that both the total lipid content and the fatty acid composition of these Pacific fish food sources be considered when making evaluations on the nutritional quality.     

Composition and antioxidative activities of supercritical CO2-extracted oils from seeds and soft parts of northern berries

The present study investigated the composition and the antioxidative activities of oils from the seeds and the soft parts of a range of northern berries extracted by supercritical CO₂. The seed oils of the species of Rubus, Vaccinium, Empetrum, Fragaria and Hippophaë were rich in linoleic (18:2n-6, 34-55% of total fatty acids) and ??-linolenic (18:3n-3, 29-45% of total) acids with n-6:n-3 ratios of 1:1-1:2. The seed oils of the species Ribes contained, in addition to linoleic and ??-linolenic acids, ??-linolenic (18:3n-6) and stearidonic (18:3n-4) acids. In seed oils from European rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and snowball berry (Viburnum opulus L.), linoleic and oleic (18:1n-9) acids together exceeded 90% of the total fatty acids. The sea buckthorn (SB) pulp oil had palmitoleic (16:1n-7), palmitic (16:0) and oleic acids as the major fatty acids. The SB pulp oil and snowball berry seed oil were rich in ??-tocopherol (120 and 110 mg/100 g oil, respectively), whereas raspberry seed oil contained a high level of ??-tocopherol (320 mg/100 g oil). Seed oils of cranberry (180 mg/100 g oil), Arctic cranberry (190 mg/100 g oil) and lingonberry (120 mg/100 g oil) are rich sources of ??-tocotrienol. The berry seed oils and the SB pulp oil showed varying peroxyl radical scavenging efficacies (300-2300 ??mol ??-tocopherol equivalent per 100 g oil) and inhibitory effects on perioxidation of microsomal lipids (250-1200 ??mol trolox equivalent per 100 g oil) in vitro. The peroxyl radical scavenging activity positively correlated with the total content of tocopherols and tocotrienols of the oils (r = 0.875, P = 0.001). The SB seed oil and pulp oil were active in scavenging superoxide anions produced by xanthine-xanthine oxidase system and inhibited Cu²⁺-induced LDL oxidation in vitro. The SB oils also protected purified DNA and rat liver homogenate from UV-induced DNA oxidation in vitro. The current research suggests potential of supercritical CO₂-extracted oils from northern berries as nutraceuticals and ingredients of functional foods.     

Nutritional and commercial quality of the striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina, from the Adriatic sea

Nutritional quality parameters (proximate and mineral composition, contents of glycogen, fatty acids, cholesterol, plant sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, carotenes) and ecophysiological and commercial quality indicators (Condition Index, percent content of meat and intervalvar fluid) of the striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina, from the central Adriatic coast of Italy were studied at seasonal intervals over a 1-year period. Contents of protein (8.55–10.7 g/100 g), total lipid (0.73–1.59 g/100 g), glycogen (2.25–4.96 g/100 g) and non-protein nitrogen (0.54–0.78 g/100 g) varied significantly during the year, reaching the highest values in winter, in coincidence with a peak of Condition Index. Gas chromatography of total lipids showed high percentages of n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (33.7–41.9% of total fatty acids), in particular eicosapentaenoic (8.16–20.0% of total fatty acids) and docosahexaenoic acids (12.5–20.3% of total fatty acids) and low levels of total n − 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (3.61–7.87% of total fatty acids). HPLC analysis of the unsaponifiable lipids showed low levels of cholesterol, the dominant sterol (28.3–34.2 mg/ 100 g), and variable amounts of plant sterols (stigmasterol + campesterol, β-sitosterol, fucosterol + brassicasterol), α-tocopherol and carotenes.     

Stability of potassium iodide and omega-3 fatty acids in fortified freshwater fish emulsion sausage

Oxidative stability of emulsion sausages prepared from African walking catfish (AF: Clarias gariepinus) and rohu (RH: Labeo rohita) fortified with three levels of the refined tuna oil (2%, 6%, and 10%) with 150 μg KI/100 g sample and without KI was investigated. The control was prepared using 20% soybean oil and without KI. Samples were vacuum-packed and stored at 4 °C. Iodine content decreased approximately 14% after cooking and remained constant throughout storage. Sausages fortified with tuna oil showed higher level of n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), but lower level of n-6 fatty acids (P<0.05) than the control. The ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids of all samples decreased with an increase of tuna oil addition and was stable throughout 4 weeks of storage. Degradation of linoleic (LA) and linolenic acid (LNA) mainly occurred in the samples added 2% tuna oil whereas samples fortified with higher tuna oil (6-10%) exhibited higher loss of EPA and DHA. Hydroperoxide (HPV) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) values were increased as addition level of tuna oil increased. Textural properties were not affected during storage at 4 °C for up to 4 weeks (P<0.05). Based on lipid stability results, 2% fortification of the refined tuna oil was recommended for emulsion sausage prepared from both species. Addition of 150 μg KI/100 g had no effect on lipid oxidation of fish sausages (P<0.05).     

New trends in the seafood market. Sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fillets from Vietnam: Nutritional quality and safety aspects

Sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) produced in the freshwater basins of Vietnam, available on the Italian market as frozen or thawed fillets, were studied for their nutritional quality and safety aspects. Proximate composition, mineral content, fatty acid profile, unsaponifiable components of the lipid fraction and drip loss during thawing at 5 °C were determined on the fillets. Fillets were characterised by high moisture levels (80–85%) and low protein (12.6–15.6%) and lipid (1.1–3.0%) contents. Total lipids were characterised by low cholesterol levels (21–39 mg/100 g), high percentages of saturated fatty acids (41.1–47.8% of total fatty acid) and low percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids (12.5–18.8% of total fatty acids), which were mainly represented by linoleic acid (44–59% of total polyunsaturated fatty acids). The mineral composition was characterised by a high sodium content (222–594 mg/100 g), probably partially due to the sodium tripolyphosphate (E 451) used to retain moisture. As regards safety aspects, the quality of the samples analysed was good, with low residue levels of mercury, organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls.     

Fatty acid and carotenoid composition of egg yolk as an effect of microalgae addition to feed formula for laying hens

Hens were fed five diets based on rapeseed/corn oils with or without addition of the marine microalgae, Nannochloropsis oculata. Colours of egg yolk, fatty acid profiles in phospholipid (PL) and triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions and carotenoid contents were analysed. The major effects on yolk fatty acid composition were observed in the PL fraction with changes in 18:2n − 6, 18:3n − 3, 20:4n − 6, 20:5n − 3 and 22:6n − 3. The highest amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were obtained from the diet containing 20% N. oculata, whereas the highest arachidonic acid content in yolk was from the corn oil diet. In addition, colour (a* value) and carotenoid content increased when N. oculata was included in the diet. Long chained fatty acids were almost exclusively present in the PL fraction of yolk. This study shows that fatty acid composition and carotenoid content of egg yolk are improved by addition of N. oculata in laying hen diet.     

Fish oil in feeds for entire male and female pigs: Changes in muscle fatty acid composition and stability of sensory quality

A total of 72 crossbred [(Norwegian Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] male and female growing-finishing pigs were restrictedly fed diets containing fish oil to study the fatty acid composition of Musculus longissimusdorsi and sensory quality of belly and neck. Six diets were used: two low-fat diets with or without 0.5% fish oil added, and four medium-fat diets with palm kernel oil to fish oil in ratios given as % inclusion: 4.1:0.0, 3.9:0.3, 3.6:0.5 and 3.4:0.7. Feeding fish oil gave a dose-dependent response between fatty acids in the diets and in the M.longissimusdorsi and increased the level of very long chain n−3 fatty acids, especially the C22:5n−3 (DPA). A more efficient n−3 fatty acids deposition was obtained when given as a medium-fat diet rather than the low-fat diet. Female pigs had a significant higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and C18:1 than males suggesting a gender related difference in the delta-9-desaturase activity. No significant differences were found in sensory attributes for short-term stored neck and belly. For pigs fed the highest level of fish oil (0.7%) long-term stored (12 months at −80 °C, 6 months at −20 °C) belly showed a slight increase in fish oil flavour. After warmed-over treatment, fish oil odour and flavour as well as rancid flavour were increased in this group. The results suggest levels of dietary fish oil up to 0.5% produce a healthier meat fatty acid composition, without negative effects on sensory attributes, even in long-termed stored belly.     

Seasonal variation in the fatty acid composition of three Mediterranean fish – sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and picarel (Spicara smaris)

The total fat contents and the fatty acid compositions of three common Mediterranean fish, namely sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and picarel (Spicara smaris) were determined at bimonthly intervals for a one-year period. The purpose of this work was to study the seasonal variation of the fatty acids in the three fish that are some of the best sources of n − 3 fatty acids. The fat and fatty acid content of the investigated fish species show a significant seasonal dependency. Two of the fish (anchovy and picarel) have the highest fat content during the late winter – spring period. On the other hand, sardine shows the highest fat concentrations during the spring-early summer period. The fish that showed the highest variation in fatty acid composition was the anchovy. The sardine was found to be the best source of n − 3 fatty acids during the one-year period (35.35 g/100 g fatty acids). Finally the picarel had the highest oleic acid content (on average, 13.89/100 g fatty acids).     

Seasonal variation in the fatty acid composition of milk available at retail in the United Kingdom and implications for dietary intake

Milk and dairy products are major sources of fat in the human diet, but there are few detailed reports on the fatty acid composition of retail milk, trans fatty acids in particular, and how these change throughout the year. Semi-skimmed milk was collected monthly for one year from five supermarkets and analysed for fatty acid composition. Relative to winter, milk sold in the summer contained lower total saturated fatty acid (SFA; 67 vs 72 g/100 g fatty acids) and higher cis-monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA; 23 vs 21 g/100 g fatty acids) and total trans fatty acid (6.5 vs 4.5 g/100 g fatty acids) concentrations. Concentrations of most trans-18:1 and -18:2 isomers also exhibited seasonal variation. Results were applied to national dietary intakes, and indicated that monthly variation in the fatty acid composition of milk available at retail has limited influence on total dietary fatty acid consumption by UK adults.     

Influence of storage temperature and duration on lipid and protein oxidation and flavour changes in frozen pork dumpling filler

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of storage temperature and duration on oxidation and flavour changes in frozen pork dumpling filler. Freshly prepared dumplings were stored for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 180 d at − 7 °C, − 18 °C, and an oscillation between − 7 °C and − 18 °C. The samples stored at − 7 °C for 180 d had significantly higher levels of TBARS and protein carbonyls than those stored at − 18 °C and the fluctuating − 7 °C/− 18 °C (P < 0.05). The percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in total lipids decreased with extended storage times. The volatile compounds with pleasant odours decreased with time, while the compounds with pungent tastes and smells increased (P < 0.05). The sensory results showed that the dumplings stored at higher frozen temperatures for long periods of time had significantly lower acceptability scores (P < 0.05). The results suggest that oxidation is a primary cause of quality deterioration in pork dumpling filler during frozen storage.     

Sensory and molecular characterisation of the protective effect of storage at −80 °C on the odour profiles of human milk

The aim of this study was to investigate if storage at −80 °C prevents off-odour formation from oxidative fatty acid degradation, as previously observed for storage at −19 °C. This was carried out on milk from mothers being supplemented with fish oil, as well as on milk from those receiving no supplementation (control group). The rationale for this approach was that human milk fatty acid profiles have previously been shown to be highly influenced by maternal fatty acid dietary intake. Also, (poly)unsaturated fatty acids have been shown to be the precursors for off-odour generation during storage at −19 °C. Therefore, determination of aroma marker odourants originating from unsaturated fatty acids was performed on milk from both groups that had been stored at −80 °C, showing that, unlike the previously reported dramatic flavour changes in human milk stored at −19 °C, aroma profiles of milk from both groups remained generally unmodified after storage at −80 °C.     

Lipid components and water soluble metabolites in salted and dried tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) roes

The salted and dried product of tuna roe (bottarga) is a seafood characteristic of the Mediterranean area and exported all over the world. Samples of bottarga from bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, L.) caught in the southwest Mediterranean sea were analysed. The samples were characterised by high content of marine wax esters (55–67 mol% of lipid classes), of docosahexaenoic (22:6 n-3, 25 w%) and oleic (18:1 n-9, 19 w%) fatty acids. Cholesterol was detected as 7–9 w% of lipids. Free fatty acids, index of lipid hydrolysis, represented 32–39 mol% over total fatty acids. Among metabolites, nutrients as taurine, nicotinamide and β-alanine, were found. The microflora comprised staphylococci, enterococci (2.2 log₁₀ CFU/g) and lactic acid bacteria (3 log₁₀ CFU/g). The food-borne pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were not detected. These findings indicate tuna bottarga as valuable source of nutrients.     

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy predicts the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and biohydrogenation products in the subcutaneous fat of beef cows fed flaxseed

This study examined the ability of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their biohydrogenation products in the subcutaneous fat of beef cows fed flaxseed. Subcutaneous fat samples at the 12th rib of 62 cows were stored at − 80 °C, thawed, scanned over a NIR spectral range from 400 to 2498 nm at 31 °C and 2 °C, and subsequently analysed for fatty acid composition. Best NIRS calibrations were with samples at 31 °C, showing high predictability for most of the n−3 (R²: 0.81-0.86; RMSECV: 0.11-1.56 mg g^− 1 fat) and linolenic acid biohydrogenation products such as conjugated linolenic acids, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), non-CLA dienes and trans-monounsaturated fatty acids with R² (RMSECV_, mg g^− 1 fat) of 0.85-0.85 (0.16-0.37), 0.84-0.90 (0.21-2.58), 0.90 (5.49) and 0.84-0.90 (4.24-8.83), respectively. NIRS could discriminate 100% of subcutaneous fat samples from beef cows fed diets with and without flaxseed.     

Effects of fatty acid oxidation products (green odor) on rumen bacterial populations and lipid metabolism in vitro

This study investigated the effects of green odor fatty acid oxidation products (FAOP) from cut grass on lipid metabolism and microbial ecology using in vitro incubations of rumen microorganisms. These compounds have antimicrobial roles in plant defense, and we hypothesized that they may influence rumen lipid metabolism. Further, they may partially explain the higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid cis-9, trans-11 in milk from cows grazing pasture. The first of 2 batch culture experiments screened 6 FAOP (1 hydroperoxide, 3 aldehydes, 1 ketone, and 1 alcohol) for effects on lipid profile, and in particular C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation. Experiment 2 used the most potent FAOP to determine effects of varying concentrations and identify relationships with effects on microbial ecology. Batch cultures contained anaerobic buffer, rumen liquor, and FAOP to a final concentration of 100 μM for experiment 1. Triplicates for each compound and controls (water addition) were incubated at 39°C for 6 h. The hydroperoxide (1,2-dimethylethyl hydroperoxide, 1,2-DMEH) and the long chain aldehyde (trans-2 decenal) had the largest effects on lipid metabolism with significant increases in C_18:0 and C_18:1trans and reductions in C_12:0, C_14:0, C_16:0, C_18:1cis, C_18:2n-6, C_18:3n-3, C_20:0 and total branch and odd chain fatty acids compared with the control. This was associated with significantly higher biohydrogenation of C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acid. In experiment 2, 1,2-DMEH was incubated at 50, 100, and 200 μM for 2, 6, and 24 h. Increasing 1,2-DMEH concentration resulted in a significant linear increase in C_18:1trans-10, trans-11, conjugated linoleic acid, and C_18:0 and a linear decrease in C_18:2n-6 and C_18:3n-3, although the scale of this response declined with time. Microbial profiling techniques showed that 1,2-DMEH at concentrations of 100 and 200 μM changed the microbial community from as early as 2 h after addition, though microbial biomass remained similar. These preliminary studies have shown that FAOP can alter fatty acid biohydrogenation in the rumen. This change was associated with changes in the microbial population that were detected through DNA and branched- and odd-chain fatty acid profiling approaches.     

Histamine production by Enterobacter aerogenes in tuna dumpling stuffing at various storage temperatures

Enterobacter aerogenes was studied for its growth, and promoting the formation of total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) and histamine in tuna dumpling stuffing stored at various temperatures from −20 °C to 37 °C. The bacterial number rapidly increased in low (2.0 log CFU/g) or high (5.0 log CFU/g) inoculated concentrations at temperature above 15 °C and reached the highest bacterial count at 37 °C. In addition, the low spiked sample stored at 37 °C for 12 h and the high spiked sample stored at 25 and 37 °C for 12 h, formed histamine at above 50 mg/100 g of the potential hazard level in most illness cases. However, bacterial growth was controlled by cold storage of the samples at 4 °C or below, but histamine formation was stopped only by frozen storage. Once the frozen stuffing samples were thawed and stored at 25 °C, histamine started to accumulate rapidly.     

Mortadella sausage manufactured with Caiman yacare (Caiman crocodilus yacare) meat,pork backfat,and soybean oil

Mortadellas manufactured using Caiman yacare meat (70%) and pork fat (30%) were reformulated by substituting pork fat with increasing amounts of soybean oil (25%, 50%, and 100%) and evaluated 7, 30, and 60 days post-manufacture. The substitutions resulted in an increase in fat content and in the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (total PUFA; 18:2 n − 6 and 18:3 n − 3), and a reduction in saturated fatty acids (total SFA; 14:0 and 16:0). These alterations reduced (P < 0.01) the indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity by 4- to 5-fold in the formulation with 100% soybean oil compared to the original formulation. The levels of TBARS obtained at day 7 were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with 18:2 n − 6 and 18:3 n − 3 (r = 0.83 and 0.84, respectively) and negatively correlated with 17:0 and 17:1 (r = − 0.91 and − 0.89, respectively). All formulations received favourable overall acceptability by the sensory panel.     

Differential effects of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids on prostaglandin F2alpha production by bovine endometrial cells

Recent studies have implicated n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the reduction of eicosanoid production in the bovine uterus. The objective of this study was to determine whether the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C_20:5, n-3) on PGF_2α production by bovine endometrial (BEND) cells is influenced by the quantity of linoleic acid (C_18:2, n-6) in the incubation medium. Confluent BEND cells were incubated in the absence (control) or presence of 100 μMof EPA for 24 h. After incubation, cells were rinsed and then stimulated with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu; 100 ng/mL) for 6 h. Additional sets of culture dishes were treated with a combination of EPA and increasing n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios for 24 h and then challenged with PDBu for 6 h. The PDBu stimulated PGF_2α secretion and upregulated steady-state concentrations of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta mRNA within 6 h. Preincubation of BEND cells with EPA for 24 h decreased PGF_2α response to phorbol ester, but had no detectable effects on prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2 or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta mRNA abundance in PDBu-stimulated BEND cells. The inhibitory effect of EPA on PGF_2α production was reverted in BEND cells treated with an increasing n-6-to-n-3 fatty acid ratio. Findings indicate that the net inhibition of endometrial PGF_2α bioynthesis by n-3 fatty acids may vary depending on the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in the uterus.