Article
Clinical Neurology
Yuxi Jia, Ping Li, Fei Wu, Fanjie Zeng, Beilin Zhang, Jinpeng Wang
Summary: This study investigated the potential influences of n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as supplements in VPA-induced autistic rat model. The results showed that supplementation with n-3/n-6 PUFA (1:5) reduced repetitive stereotyped behaviors and social deficits in neonatal rats exposed to VPA, likely due to improved inflammatory responses through the alteration of STAT3 signaling. This study provides evidence for the use of n-3/n-6 PUFAs in the treatment of autism in humans.
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASE AND TREATMENT
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ana C. M. Vitor, Jorge J. Correia, Susana P. Alves, Rui J. B. Bessa
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid composition of lamb brain and retina tissues after feeding them with three experimental diets supplemented with EPA-rich microalgae. The results demonstrated that the brain EPA content remained unchanged after supplementation, while the retinal tissues showed a high response to microalgae supplementation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Te-Hsuan Tung, Yang-Ching Chen, Ya-Tin Lin, Shih-Yi Huang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fish oil intake on gut microbiota, bile acid profiles, and behavior in rats. The results suggest that fish oil intake can increase the abundance of certain microbial species and bile acid concentrations, thereby alleviating emotional symptoms.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ligang Yang, Chao Yang, Zhixiu Song, Min Wan, Hui Xia, Xian Yang, Dengfeng Xu, Da Pan, Hechun Liu, Shaokang Wang, Guiju Sun
Summary: Postprandial metabolism plays significant roles in various pathological conditions, and the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio is closely associated with physiological disorders. This study investigated the effects of high fat meals with different n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios on postprandial metabolism in normal control and hypertriglyceridemia rats. The results showed that the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio influenced the postprandial response of triglyceride, total cholesterol, tumor necrosis factor alpha, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species in both normal control and hypertriglyceridemia rats.
FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Estefania Aparicio, Carla Martin-Grau, Cristina Bedmar, Nuria Serrat Orus, Josep Basora, Victoria Arija
Summary: This study found that factors such as high education levels, older age, consumption of fish and seafood, and non-smoking are significantly associated with serum fatty acid concentrations in pregnant women, leading to a better omega-3 fatty acid profile. Further research is needed to explore the health consequences of these findings.
Article
Microbiology
Liyi Wang, Qiuyun Nong, Yanbing Zhou, Ye Sun, Wentao Chen, Jintang Xie, Xiaodong Zhu, Tizhong Shan
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios on serum fatty acid composition, microbiota, and their metabolites in the intestine of pigs. The results showed that a lower dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio improved serum fatty acid composition and metabolome-microbiome responses in Heigai pigs. This study provides new insights into regulating pig metabolism and understanding the interaction between host and microbes in pigs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuangfei Li, Boyu Wang, Liangxu Liu, Yingjie Song, Chuhan Lv, Xingyu Zhu, Yanqing Luo, Christopher H. K. Cheng, Huapu Chen, Xuewei Yang, Tao Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that adding Aurantiochytrium sp. to diets can significantly improve the growth performance and immune response of Trachinotus ovatus. With increased microalgae content, the growth rate and feed utilization efficiency of fish were enhanced, along with increased fatty acid content in blood and tissues, resulting in improved immunity and disease resistance in fish.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Amruta Kulkarni, Ai Zhao, Baoru Yang, Yumei Zhang, Kaisa M. Linderborg
Summary: The intake of fatty acids affects the composition of lipids in the body. In this study, rats were fed a peanut-oil-based diet for 33 days after weaning to investigate the effects of mild (n-3) deficiency on the lipid composition of various organs and feces. Results showed a lower level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the (n-3) deficient group compared to the control group, but no difference in DHA content was observed in the eyes and feces. This study highlights the importance of adequate maternal nutrition for a healthy fatty acid balance in rats.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kiwako Mori, Sayoko Kuroha, Jing Hou, Heonuk Jeong, Mamoru Ogawa, Shin-ichi Ikeda, Jing X. Kang, Kazuno Negishi, Hidemasa Torii, Makoto Arita, Toshihide Kurihara, Kazuo Tsubota
Summary: This study demonstrates the inhibitory effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the progression of myopia and its association with choroidal thinning.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xuan Jiang, Qin Yang, Hongyan Qu, Yongquan Chen, Shenglong Zhu
Summary: The gut-liver axis is crucial in the development of NAFLD and FFAR4 may act as a bridge between the gut and liver. In this study, FFAR4 deficiency in mice with high endogenous n-3 PUFAs blocked the protective effects on intestinal barrier dysfunction and hepatic steatosis. FFAR4 deficiency also affected the gut microbiota and various metabolic pathways associated with NAFLD aggravation. These findings highlight the role of FFAR4 in the treatment of NAFLD through the gut-liver axis.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Kelei Li, Xianfeng Shao, Huiying Li, Xiaotong Kuang, Xiaolei Song, Yan Wang, Suqin Zhu, Duo Li
Summary: This study found that a combination of folic acid and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has a better preventive effect on neural tube defects induced by maternal diabetes compared to folic acid alone. The combination treatment reduced neuroepithelial cell apoptosis and regulated the expression of key genes involved in diabetes-induced defects. The combination therapy also attenuated diabetes-induced hypermethylation and overexpression of genes related to one-carbon metabolism and lowered levels of homocysteine.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucas Taoro-Gonzalez, Daniel Pereda, Catalina Valdes-Baizabal, Miriam Gonzalez-Gomez, Jose A. Perez, Fatima Mesa-Herrera, Ana Canerina-Amaro, Herminia Perez-Gonzalez, Covadonga Rodriguez, Mario Diaz, Raquel Marin
Summary: Recent findings suggest that changes in brain lipid composition during aging can affect the integrity and protein signaling of lipid rafts, leading to memory impairment. However, a n-3 LCPUFA-enriched diet has been shown to improve cognitive function and stabilize the lipid composition of hippocampal lipid rafts in aged mice. These findings suggest that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation may have a rejuvenating effect on the microenvironment of lipid rafts, enhancing cognitive performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marie C. Conway, Emeir M. McSorley, Maria S. Mulhern, Toni Spence, Edwin van Wijngaarden, Gene E. Watson, Karin Wahlberg, Daniela Pineda, Karin Broberg, Barry W. Hyland, Diego F. Cobice, J. J. Strain, Alison J. Yeates
Summary: The study found that consuming two portions of fish per week significantly increased concentrations of EPA, DHA, and total n-3 PUFA in women of childbearing age, with a lower n-6:n-3 ratio compared to those consuming no fish or one portion per week. However, fish consumption did not have a significant effect on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile in the current study.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maha Timraz, Ahmad Binmahfoz, Terry J. Quinn, Emilie Combet, Stuart R. Gray
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of LCn-3 PUFA supplementation on muscle strength in older individuals. A systematic literature review was conducted, and five relevant studies were included. The results showed that LCn-3 PUFA supplementation did not significantly improve grip strength compared to the control group.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maike Wolters, Annkathrin von der Haar, Ann-Kristin Baalmann, Maike Wellbrock, Thomas L. Heise, Stefan Rach
Summary: The review found that supplementation of n-3 PUFAs has a modest beneficial effect on depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals with longer treatment duration and those without depression or with mild to moderate depression. However, there are differences in effects based on different EPA dosages, and the overall quality of evidence remains insufficient.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Judith R. Homberg, Jadzia Jagiellowicz
Summary: Expert opinions are divided on the impact of putative risk factors on vulnerability to depression. Research suggests that individuals may be more susceptible to negative environments, while also being more sensitive to positive environments.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucia Caffino, Francesca Mottarlini, Giorgia Targa, Michel M. M. Verheij, Judith Homberg, Fabio Fumagalli
Summary: The study found that the deletion of serotonin transporter (SERT) may sensitize the glutamatergic synapses of the nucleus accumbens core to long-term but not short-term intake of cocaine.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Melissa A. E. van de Wal, Merel J. W. Adjobo-Hermans, Jaap Keijer, Tom J. J. Schirris, Judith R. Homberg, Mariusz R. Wieckowski, Sander Grefte, Evert M. van Schothorst, Clara van Karnebeek, Albert Quintana, Werner J. H. Koopman
Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with various syndromes and diseases, including Leigh syndrome. Mutations in the NDUFS4 gene can cause Leigh syndrome, and studying it in mouse models has provided new insights into the pathomechanism and treatment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lucia Caffino, Francesca Mottarlini, Giorgia Targa, Michel M. M. Verheij, Fabio Fumagalli, Judith R. Homberg
Summary: This study investigates the influence of SERT deletion on glutamate homeostasis in the NAc, and finds that SERT deletion leads to a reduction in glutamate signaling and further dysregulation in the glutamatergic synapse after cocaine self-administration.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Sbrini, Sabrina I. Hanswijk, Paola Brivio, Anthonieke Middelman, Michael Bader, Fabio Fumagalli, Natalia Alenina, Judith R. Homberg, Francesca Calabrese
Summary: Peripheral serotonin levels have an influence on brain functions under basal and dynamic situations. The lack of peripheral serotonin can reduce anxiety-like behavior, as well as neuronal activation and the expression of brain plasticity-related genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathan R. Reinwald, Natalia Gass, Anne S. Mallien, Alexander Sartorius, Robert Becker, Markus Sack, Claudia Falfan-Melgoza, Christian Clemm von Hohenberg, Damiana Leo, Natascha Pfeiffer, Anthonieke Middelman, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Judith R. Homberg, Wolfgang Weber-Fahr, Peter Gass
Summary: This study investigates the effects of dopamine transporter (DAT) silencing on brain structure, function, and behavior using a rat model. The results suggest that constitutive DAT blockade leads to brain changes associated with impaired action inhibition control and motor hyperactivity, which are relevant for neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia, and OCD. The study provides multimodal evidence for prefrontal-midbrain decoupling and striato-cerebellar neuroplastic compensation as transdiagnostic mechanisms of hyperdopaminergia.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Christian J. M. Klein, Thomas Budiman, Judith R. Homberg, Dilip Verma, Jaap Keijer, Evert M. van Schothorst
Summary: Advances in automation and technology have increased the number of methods and systems available for monitoring locomotor activity and behavior in animals. This review discusses existing automated methods that allow for the measurement of locomotor activity and behavior in rodents in their natural laboratory environment. The review also evaluates the suitability of these methods for group-housed animals, in accordance with ethical guidelines, while highlighting their limitations.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kari Bosch, Giulia Sbrini, Irene Burattini, Desiree Nieuwenhuis, Francesca Calabrese, Dirk Schubert, Marloes J. A. G. Henckens, Judith R. Homberg
Summary: The study found that CUMS induced acute disruptions of circadian locomotor rhythm and reduced sucrose preference in rats. These effects persisted for up to four weeks after stress cessation, while repeated testing also had an impact on results.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Anne Stephanie Mallien, Laura Becker, Natascha Pfeiffer, Federica Terraneo, Melissa Hahn, Anthonieke Middelman, Rupert Palme, Kerstin Camile Creutzberg, Veronica Begni, Marco Andrea Riva, Damiana Leo, Heidrun Potschka, Fabio Fumagalli, Judith R. Homberg, Peter Gass
Summary: In preclinical psychiatry research, the study focused on the severity assessment of a genetically modified rat strain with DAT gene deficiency, showing alterations in behavior patterns and coping difficulties due to the high extracellular dopamine levels. The study aimed to provide evidence for a relative severity assessment for the rat model based on scientific evidence and proposed classifying the rats as moderate according to the criteria of the EU directive 2010/63.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Correction
Behavioral Sciences
Christian J. M. I. Klein, Thomas Budiman, Judith R. Homberg, Dilip Verma, Jaap Keijer, Evert M. van Schothorst
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Correction
Psychiatry
Chao Ciu-Gwok Guo, Tao He, Joanes Grandjean, Judith Homberg
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Mariana Duque-Quintero, Carlijn R. Hooijmans, Alexander Hurowitz, Afsana Ahmed, Ben Barris, Judith R. Homberg, Rene Hen, Alexander Z. Harris, Peter Balsam, Piray Atsak
Summary: Two-thirds of individuals experience adversity during childhood, which increases the risk of developing mood and substance use disorders. Animal models are useful for studying the effects of early-life adversity (ELA) on reward deficits. A systematic review and meta-analyses revealed that ELA significantly reduces reward behaviors, particularly in the domains of reward responsiveness and social reward processing.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Paola Brivio, Maria Teresa Gallo, Peter Karel, Giulia Cogi, Fabio Fumagalli, Judith R. Homberg, Francesca Calabrese
Summary: Stress-related mental disorders are influenced by genetic factors that determine an individual's susceptibility to negative environments. Using a 5-HTT knockout rat model, researchers investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics in increased threat anticipation. Their findings revealed impaired mitochondrial dynamics in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex of these rats, suggesting a potential mechanism contributing to the reduced extinction recall observed. The study highlights the importance of mitochondrial dynamics in the development of psychiatric disorders.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Bart C. J. Dirven, Dewi van der Geugten, Carolina Temporao, Miranda van Bodegom, Leonie Madder, Laura van Agen, Judith R. Homberg, Tamas Kozicz, Marloes J. A. G. Henckens
Summary: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following a traumatic event, and the differences in susceptibility between individuals may be attributed to aberrant hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) function. Using a mouse model, this study found specific structural and functional changes in the ventral DG of trauma-susceptible mice.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Casper J. H. Wolf, Hanka Venselaar, Marcia Spoelder, Harmen Beurmanjer, Arnt F. A. Schellekens, Judith R. Homberg
Summary: The neurotransmitter GHB is involved in neuronal energy homeostasis and is also used recreationally and medicinally. Little is known about the structure and function of GHB receptor subtypes. This opinion article discusses the potential structural and functional properties of the GHBh1 receptor subtype, which shares similarities with a riboflavin transporter and may have dual functions. Further research into the GHBh1 receptor subtype could lead to new therapeutic possibilities for GHB.
