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PubMed2026

Diverse methyl-end desaturases enable LC-PUFA biosynthesis across Annelida.

Recent studies have demonstrated that annelids possess front-end desaturases and elongases involved in the biosynthesis of physiologically important long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). However, methyl-end desaturases (ωx desaturases), enzymes that play a central role in the de novo biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their subsequent conversion into LC-PUFA, have so far been reported in only a limited number of polychaete species. To advance our understanding of ωx desaturases across the phylum Annelida, this study performed a comprehensive molecular and functional characterisation of these enzymes in the major annelid taxa Polychaeta, Clitellata and Sipuncula, encompassing species from diverse taxonomic groups and ecological niches. A total of 110 ωx desaturase sequences were retrieved from available genomes and transcriptomes. The number of ωx desaturase genes varied among species, ranging from zero to four copies. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that annelid ωx desaturases are classified into two major clades, designated Cluster A and Cluster B. Analyses of histidine-box motifs and exon-intron organisation revealed conserved patterns within each clade. Functional characterisation of ωx desaturases from Eisenia fetida (Clitellata) and Sipunculus nudus (Sipuncula), together with previously published data from polychaetes, demonstrated that annelids generally possess two ωx desaturases, one with Δ12 desaturase activity and another with ω3 desaturase activity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that annelids possess a phylogenetically and functionally diverse ωx desaturase repertoire that underpins their LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity and may reflect adaptation to different ecological and nutritional environments.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Genome-wide association study of patterns of perinatal exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids from the EDEN mother-child cohort.

The genetic determinants of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status during the perinatal window require deeper understanding. We conducted a genome-wide association study of perinatal PUFA patterns in 1352 mother-child pairs from the French EDEN cohort using maternal genotype data. Five perinatal PUFA patterns had been previously derived using PUFA levels measured in maternal blood, cord blood, and colostrum simultaneously. We used linear regression models assuming additive genetic effects to assess the associations between common SNPs and each pattern, adjusting for maternal age, study center, and genetic ancestry. Pattern 1 "High omega-3 Long-chain (LC)-PUFAs, low omega-6 LC-PUFAs" was not associated with any genetic variants. Patterns 2 to 5-"Omega-6 LC-PUFAs," "Colostrum LC-PUFAs," "Omega-6 precursor (LA) and DGLA," and "LA and colostrum ALA"-were strongly associated with variants in the FADS gene cluster. The strongest association was observed between Pattern 4 "Omega-6 precursor (LA) and DGLA," and rs174546 located on FADS1 gene region (β (SE) = 0.80 (0.034), p < 10⁻102). No other robust association was found with other genes. These findings underscore the main contribution of FADS variants to the variability of four specific perinatal PUFA patterns in our cohort. This study should be replicated in larger, ancestrally diverse populations beyond individuals of European descent.

EDEN cohort↗

PubMed2026

Causal Relationship of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Mental disorders (MDs) pose a important global health challenge, with a complex pathogenesis complicating treatment development. Nutritional interventions, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have gained attention as potential therapeutic options. OBJECTIVE: This Mendelian randomization (MR) meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential causal relationship between PUFAs and MDs. DATA SOURCES: Genome-wide association study data were utilized to analyze the association between PUFAs (including omega-3, omega-3 percentage [omega-3%], omega-6, omega-6 percentage [omega-6%], and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio) and 12 major MDs. DATA EXTRACTION: Two-sample MR technology was used to assess the role of PUFAs in MDs. DATA ANALYSIS: The MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted omega-3 was causally linked to MDs, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Omega-3% exhibited protective effects against emotional personality disorder. Conversely, omega-6 was inversely correlated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder risk, while a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with an increased risk of depression and other mood disorders. CONCLUSION: High omega-3 levels and omega-3% may reduce the risk of MDs, whereas a high omega-6:omega-3 ratio may elevate the risk. These findings highlight the potential of PUFAs, particularly omega-3, in MD prevention and treatment, while underscoring the need for further research into the complex interactions between omega-3 and omega-6. The study provides a scientific foundation for future clinical trials and dietary intervention strategies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO no. CRD42024598472.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Seafood and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and age-related hearing loss: a cross-sectional study conducted in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common condition associated with dementia, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N-3 PUFAs), mainly derived from seafood, have been hypothesized to protect against ARHL through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, evidence remains inconsistent. This cross-sectional study examined the association of seafood and dietary fatty acid intakes with ARHL in a Japanese population with high seafood consumption. METHODS: A total of 13,908 adults aged 50-79 years from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Cohort Study were included. Hearing thresholds were measured by pure-tone audiometry at 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Seafood, N-3 PUFA, and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intakes were categorized into quartiles. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate adjusted mean differences in hearing thresholds. RESULTS: In men, higher SFA intake was significantly associated with lower hearing thresholds at 1,000 Hz (Q4 vs. Q1: β = -2.23 dB HL, 95% CI: -3.437 to -1.023) and for pure-tone average (β = -1.704 dB HL; 95% CI, -2.872 to -0.536). Seafood and N-3 PUFA intakes were not significantly associated with hearing thresholds. In women, no significant associations were observed. CONCLUSION: In this population with high seafood consumption, seafood and N-3 PUFA intakes were not associated with hearing thresholds. Low SFA intake may be associated with higher hearing thresholds in Japanese men, suggesting that the relationship between dietary fatty acids and ARHL may be complex and may differ by sex.

Age-related hearing loss↗

PubMed2026

Trans-omics integration underscores distinct roles of polyunsaturated phospholipids in bidirectional offspring birth weight deviations.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal birth weights are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and future metabolic consequences. We aimed to examine cord blood lipidomes from low, normal and high birth weight (LBW, NBW, HBW) infants to identify core lipid signatures associated with non-optimum birth weight, and to derive biological insights through trans-omics data integration with placental proteome, maternal plasma lipidome and clinical phenome. METHODS: We conducted quantitative lipidomics of cord blood samples from two independent cohorts: a retrospective discovery cohort (n = 147) and a prospective validation cohort (n = 73). Integration with placental proteomics, maternal plasma lipidomics and clinical phenomics was conducted to elucidate potential biological implications. FINDINGS: We identified substantial reductions in cord blood polyunsaturated phospholipids (PUFA-PLs) (FDR <0.05) associated with placental vesicle trafficking and formation in LBW, and altered neutrophil degranulation in HBW. Combinatorial analyses of paired maternal plasma and cord blood samples indicated that cord blood PUFA-PL reductions were not attributable to deficient maternal supply, but rather to impeded assimilation (LBW) and increased utilisation (HBW). INTERPRETATION: Our findings provide biological insights that may inform targetable, lipid-oriented nutritional and/or pharmacological strategies to modulate foetal growth and development, with the goal of optimising clinical outcomes for both mother and child. FUNDING: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82170854, 81870579, 81870545, 82571043, 2357308); National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding (2022-PUMCH-C-019); Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project (2024ZD0530200 and 2024ZD0530204); Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission (Z201100005520011); Peking University Clinical Scientist Training Program (No. BMU2023PYJH022); Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation (7202163, 7184252).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Fatty acids and breast cancer: Epidemiology, subtype-specific metabolism, immune regulation, and clinical translation.

Fatty acids (FAs) are bioactive dietary and metabolic molecules that participate in membrane architecture, energy homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, gene regulation and immune function, all of which intersect with breast cancer (BC) risk, progression and treatment response. In this narrative review we integrate epidemiological, clinical, translational and mechanistic evidence on the role of FAs in BC. Saturated, monounsaturated, trans- and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) are treated as distinct biological exposures rather than interchangeable measures of total fat intake. Similarly, evidence from dietary assessment, circulating biomarkers, erythrocyte membrane composition, adipose tissue stores and tumor lipid signatures is interpreted separately, because each captures exposure and biology at a different level. BC subtypes differ in FA synthesis, uptake, oxidation, storage and remodeling: luminal tumors are frequently linked to hormone-regulated lipogenesis, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive tumors to growth-factor-driven lipid metabolism, and triple-negative tumors to exogenous FA uptake, inflammatory lipid mediators and ferroptosis-related vulnerabilities. FA-derived mediators also shape immune-cell polarization, cytokine signaling and the tumor microenvironment, and dietary FAs may reshape the gut microbiota; the fiber-derived short-chain FAs it produces, distinct from dietary FAs, likewise help regulate immune and inflammatory tone. Clinical data suggest possible roles for fat-quality modification and selected n-3 PUFA interventions, but findings are heterogeneous and not yet sufficient to support routine biomarker-guided precision onco-nutrition. Candidate biomarkers, such as erythrocyte n-6:n-3 composition, require prospective validation before clinical implementation. FA biology thus represents a modifiable but complex axis in BC prevention, tumor biology and supportive care.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Sex-dependent upregulation in oxylipins involved in inflammation resolution in the cerebellum of Niemann-Pick disease C1 mice.

Unresolved inflammation in the cerebellum is implicated in motor and cognitive decline in Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic mutations in the Npc1 gene encoding a cholesterol transporter protein. It is unclear whether unresolved inflammation in NPC stems from impairments in lipid-mediated resolution. For this reason, free lipid mediators (i.e., oxylipins) involved in inflammation resolution, as well as esterified lipid mediators known to regulate the bioavailability of free oxylipins were quantified using Reverse-Phase Ultra- Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to negative Electrospray Ionization and Triple Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry (RP-UPLC-ESI(-)-QqQ-MS/MS) in Npc1 knock-in (NPC1ki) and Wildtype (WT) mice. Total cholesterol and fatty acids including polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) precursors to oxylipins, were quantified using Gas Chromatography coupled to Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). Compared to WT mice, female NPC1ki mice, but not males, exhibited significantly elevated levels of free pro-resolving fatty acid epoxides (EpETrE and EpDPE) from the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway. Esterified mono- and dihydroxy lipid mediators derived from the lipoxygenase (LOX) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) pathways were mainly increased in NPC1ki females, suggesting enhanced sequestration of pro-inflammatory LOX and sEH metabolites. While PUFAs and cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between groups, myristic (C14:0) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1n-7) were significantly elevated in female NPC1ki mice compared to WT controls. These findings suggest sex-specific adaptations in inflammation resolution pathways in NPC, with females exhibiting distinct inflammatory responses that may drive sex-related differences in disease pathogenesis. Our findings underscore the need for sex-specific therapeutic approaches to improve NPC treatment outcomes.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Immunomodulatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Mechanistic Insights and Health Implications.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a significant role in immunomodulation, with nutrigenomic approaches highlighting their impact on gene expression related to immune responses. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can modulate inflammatory pathways, potentially reducing chronic inflammation and enhancing immune function. This review discusses the intersection of nutrigenomics and nutriepigenomics, focusing on how omega-3 fatty acids influence gene expression, immune function, and overall health. The immune system is a complex network responsible for defending the body against pathogens and maintaining internal balance. Comprised of innate and adaptive immunity, the system involves various cells, tissues, and organs working together to combat infections and prevent diseases. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play a significant role in modulating the immune system. These fatty acids influence immune cell function, membrane fluidity, and signaling processes, enhancing immune responses and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, EPA and DHA affect several signaling pathways, reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation, a critical transcription factor in the inflammatory response. Additionally, they activate PPAR-γ, further diminishing inflammatory gene expression. As precursors to specialized proresolving lipid mediators, EPA and DHA help shift the lipid mediator profile from proinflammatory to antiinflammatory derivatives, thus aiding in the resolution of inflammation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide new insights into the response of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) larvae to temperature fluctuations.

Sebastes schlegelii usually encounter elevated and fluctuating water temperatures near its upper thermal limit in summer, yet the hepatic responses of larvae to repeated temperature fluctuation regimes remain unclear. To address this question, S. schlegelii larvae were exposed for 8 days to four thermal regimes: constant 18 °C (CT), constant 28 °C (HT), intermittent cooling from 18 to 8 °C followed by recovery to 18 °C (FL), and intermittent warming from 18 to 28 °C followed by recovery to 18 °C (FH). Survival rate was evaluated, and integrated liver transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed. Final survival rates were 96.67% in the CT group, 97.78% in the FL group, and 77.78% in the FH group. Survival rate in the HT group (38.89%) was significantly lower than that in the other three groups (P < 0.05). HTvsCT, FLvsCT, FHvsCT, and FHvsHT comparisons identified 2598, 1207, 622, and 2404 differentially expressed genes and 627, 606, 690, and 610 differential metabolites, respectively. KEGG enrichment analyses of DEGs and SDMs in HTvsCT highlighted HSP-mediated proteostasis, endoplasmic-reticulum protein processing, branched-chain and sulfur amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and central carbon metabolism, with upregulated hsp90aa1, bckdha, gclc, and pfkp and reduced levels of branched-chain amino acids and methionine. Compared with HT, FH showed attenuated disturbances in proteostasis, amino acid and redox regulation, and central carbon metabolism, together with recovery-associated glycerophospholipid turnover. FL primarily induced polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-related membrane lipid remodeling. These findings indicate that hepatic responses differed between continuous high-temperature exposure and temperature fluctuations and between fluctuation regimes.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Multiplex FAD2/FATB Editing Generates Ultra-High-Oleic, Low-Saturate Soybean With Increased Seed Fatty Acid Content.

Oleic acid (18:1), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels are important traits for storage stability and edibility. In this study, we aimed to develop high-oleic soybean (Glycine max) by simultaneously targeting fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) and fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase B (FATB) gene families using CRISPR/Cas9. Considering the paleopolyploid genome of soybean, multiple sgRNAs were designed to target GmFAD2-1, GmFAD2-2, and GmFATB genes expressed during seed development. Compared with targeting GmFAD2-1 alone (~83%), additional editing of GmFAD2-2B, GmFAD2-2C, and GmFATB1a increased the 18:1 fatty acid content to over 90%. Editing of GmFATB significantly reduced the SFA content by more than 40% compared with wild-type (WT). Reduced absolute SFA content was also observed in GmFAD2-only edited lines with decreased GmFATB expression. Notably, all evaluated high-oleic genotypes in the Williams82-background showed higher mean total fatty acid (TFA) content than the WT, both per unit seed mass and per seed. Correlation analysis of 805 individual seed profiles from Williams82-background lines further characterized the relationship between 18:1 fatty acid composition and TFA content per unit seed mass. Gene expression analysis revealed no consistent increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis genes, whereas the expression of sugar-dependent 1 (SDP1) was reduced. In contrast, genes involved in phosphatidic acid (PA) metabolism, including diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) and phospholipase D (PLD), were partially upregulated. These transcriptional changes support a hypothesis that altered lipid turnover may contribute to the higher TFA phenotype. Collectively, this study defines effective multiplex target combinations for ultra-high oleic, low-saturated soybean.

FAD2↗

PubMed2025

Interaction of genetics risk score and fatty acids quality indices on healthy and unhealthy obesity phenotype.

BACKGROUND: The growth in obesity and rates of abdominal obesity in developing countries is due to the dietary transition, meaning a shift from traditional, fiber-rich diets to Westernized diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Environmental changes, such as improving the quality of dietary fat consumed, may be useful in preventing or mitigating the obesity or unhealthy obesity phenotype in individuals with a genetic predisposition, although this has not yet been confirmed. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how dietary fat quality indices with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) or metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) based on the Karelis criterion interact with genetic susceptibility in Iranian female adults. METHODS: In the current cross-sectional study, 279 women with overweight or obesity participated. Dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire and dietary fat quality was assessed using the cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (N6/N3) essential fatty acids. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms-MC4R (rs17782313), CAV-1 (rs3807992), and Cry-1(rs2287161) were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and were combined to produce the genetic risk score (GRS). Body composition was evaluated using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Participants were divided into MHO or MUO phenotypes after the metabolic risk assessment based on the Karelis criteria. RESULTS: We found significant interactions between GRS and N6/N3 in the adjusted model controlling for confounding factors (age, body mass index, energy, and physical activity) (β = 2.26, 95% CI: 0.008 to 4.52, P = 0.049). In addition, we discovered marginally significant interactions between GRS and N6/N3 in crude (β = 1.92, 95% CI: -0.06 to 3.91, P = 0.058) and adjusted (age and energy) (β = 2.00, 95% CI: -0.05 to 4.05, P = 0.057) models on the MUH obesity phenotype. However, no significant interactions between GRS and CSI were shown in both crude and adjusted models. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of personalized nutrition and recommends further study of widely varying fat intake based on the findings on gene-N6/N3 PUFA interactions.

Humans↗