Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Clemens von Schacky
Summary: The structure and function of the brain rely on a sufficient supply of EPA and DHA through the bloodstream. Lower Omega-3 Index levels are associated with increased risks, highlighting the importance of adequate intake of these essential fatty acids for optimal brain health.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maja Tomczyk, Jeffery L. Heileson, Miroslaw Babiarz, Philip C. Calder
Summary: Fatty fish and certain species of algae are the only natural sources of EPA and DHA, which have various beneficial effects for athletes. Due to limited intake and fluctuating content, athletes may consider using supplements to ensure sufficient EPA and DHA levels.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Michael J. Patan, David O. Kennedy, Cathrine Husberg, Svein Olaf Hustvedt, Philip C. Calder, Benita Middleton, Julie Khan, Joanne Forster, Philippa A. Jackson
Summary: The study found that consuming oil rich in DHA could improve wake efficiency and latency but may lead to feeling less energetic and rested. On the other hand, consuming oil rich in EPA could improve sleep efficiency but decrease time in bed and total sleep time. The results suggest that n-3 PUFAs have positive effects on sleep quality, with differential effects observed between DHA and EPA.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wenjia Gu, John M. M. Kavanagh, Dale D. D. McClure
Summary: There is an increasing demand for sustainable sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and microalgae can be used to produce eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on a large scale. The choice of suitable strains is crucial for successful production. However, findings from small-scale systems do not always translate to larger photobioreactors. In this study, the productivity and fatty acid composition of eleven microalgal strains were examined in both flask and photobioreactor cultures. The results showed that predictions based on flask screening were not accurate for photobioreactors, highlighting the need for improved screening tools. Among the species tested, Phaeodactylum tricornutum showed the most potential when grown in photobioreactors. The study also investigated the impact of environmental conditions (temperature and salinity) on EPA production and found that EPA content remained relatively constant within the tested temperature and salinity ranges. Finally, nutritional information about the biomass was provided, which can be used as a starting point for formulating food products.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Martin E. Reiner, Philipp Baumgartner, Andrea Wiencierz, Michael Coslovsky, Nicole R. Bonetti, Mark G. Filipovic, Giulia Montrasio, Stefanie Aeschbacher, Nicolas Rodondi, Oliver Baretella, Michael Kuehne, Giorgio Moschovitis, Pascal Meyre, Leo H. Bonati, Thomas F. Luescher, Giovanni G. Camici, Stefan Osswald, David Conen, Juerg H. Beer
Summary: The study showed that EPA and DPA were associated with large noncortical or cortical infarcts (LNCCIs) in patients with atrial fibrillation, with EPA negatively correlated and DPA positively correlated with LNCCIs. However, there was no significant correlation between EPA and DPA with markers of small vessel disease in atrial fibrillation patients.
Article
Neurosciences
Hui Chen, Zhou Feng, Lingxia Min, Mingliang Tan, Dongyun Zhang, Qiuwen Gong, Hongliang Liu, Jingming Hou
Summary: This study demonstrated that activated microglia produce TNF-a to induce endothelial necroptosis via the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, leading to BSCB disruption after SCI. The use of TNF-a-specific antibody and necroptosis inhibitor alleviates BSCB disruption. VNS inhibits microglia-derived TNF-a production and reduces the expression of p-RIP3 and p-MLKL, thus mitigating BSCB disruption and reducing neuroinflammation and neural damage.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Roberta Dourado Cavalcante da Cunha de Sa, Jussara de Jesus Simao, Viviane Simoes da Silva, Talita Mendes de Farias, Maysa Mariana Cruz, Vitor Jaco Antraco, Lucia Armelin-Correa, Maria Isabel Alonso-Vale
Summary: This study found that different ratios of EPA and DHA have different impacts on adipose tissue metabolism, with fish oil rich in EPA instead of DHA effectively reversing changes induced by obesity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alejandra Valencia-Naranjo, Luz M. Manjarres-Correa, Juliana Bermudez-Cardona
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the concentrations of EPA and DHA in the erythrocytes and breast milk of lactating women after three months of supplementation. The study found low consumption of omega-3 food sources and low EPA and DHA content initially. After supplementation, there was a significant increase in DHA levels in both erythrocytes and breast milk, while EPA levels did not change significantly.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
William S. S. Harris, Kristina H. H. Jackson, Heather Carlson, Nils Hoem, Tonje E. E. Dominguez, Lena Burri
Summary: This study analyzed blood samples from dogs and cats and developed equations to estimate the Omega-3 Index (O3I) in these species. This provides convenience for further research to determine optimal blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs and cats, which can be used to gauge the amount of supplemental EPA and DHA each animal needs to achieve an optimal O3I.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sen Lin, Chang Xu, Xuechen Yin, He Tian, Xifan Mei
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes chronic functional impairment in patients, especially older adults who often have shorter lifespans. Overexpression of p75 leads to neuroinflammation and motor dysfunction following SCI in adult mice. In this study, it was found that p75 deletion could promote motor/sensory function recovery and improve survival in both adult and aged mice.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yuying Li, Huiping Qiu, Shuihong Yao, Qunfeng Li, Yuemin Ding, Yanhui Cao, Xuming Chen, Xiaoping Zhu
Summary: The study shows that Gen can promote the recovery of SCI rats, reduce inflammation, and enhance motor function and axon regeneration by inhibiting the IKKs/NF-κB signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoichi Sunagawa, Ayumi Katayama, Masafumi Funamoto, Kana Shimizu, Satoshi Shimizu, Nurmila Sari, Yasufumi Katanasaka, Yusuke Miyazaki, Ryota Hosomi, Koji Hasegawa, Tatsuya Morimoto
Summary: This study found that both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) suppress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the development of heart failure to the same extent through the inhibition of p300-histone acetyltransferase activity.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sen Lin, Zipeng Zhou, Haosen Zhao, Chang Xu, Yue Guo, Shuang Gao, Xifan Mei, He Tian
Summary: The study found that TNF ablation promoted the beneficial conversion from M1 to M2 phenotype, improved mitochondrial metabolism, and reduced ROS activity. Systemic application of TPEN increased the ratio of M1 M/Ms, while prolonged TNF expression was found to be destructive to recovery after SCI.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jing Chen, Johan Garssen, Frank Redegeld
Summary: The study showed cell type-dependent anticancer potential of DHA and EPA. Both compounds induced apoptosis in MM cells via multiple pathways and enhanced bortezomib chemosensitivity by activating NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Timing of concurrent treatment with bortezomib and DHA or EPA is crucial for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lena Stiefvatter, Konstantin Frick, Katja Lehnert, Walter Vetter, Alexander Montoya-Arroyo, Jan Frank, Ulrike Schmid-Staiger, Stephan C. Bischoff
Summary: Dietary supplements that promote healthy aging are necessary in an aging society. A randomized controlled trial showed that microalgae rich in eicosapentaenoic acid, carotenoids, vitamins, and beta-glucans have anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-oxidative effects, which may have positive effects on healthy elderly individuals.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Zilong Wang, Changyu Jiang, Hongyu Yao, Ouyang Chen, Sreya Rahman, Yun Gu, Junli Zhao, Yul Huh, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: The study demonstrates that intrathecal opioids can induce itching by acting on MOR on spinal inhibitory interneurons, resulting in disinhibition of the spinal itch circuit. In addition, spinal ablation of GRPR(+) neurons can reduce opioid-induced itch, while intrathecal NPY administration can suppress itch response.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natasha C. Brigham, Rebecca Nofsinger, Xin Luo, Nathan Z. Dreger, Alexandra K. Abel, Tiffany P. Gustafson, Seth P. Forster, Andre Hermans, Ru-Rong Ji, Matthew L. Becker
Summary: Medical prescriptions for post-surgical pain relief are the main source of opioid drugs, which pose high risks of side effects. A novel method of post-surgical analgesia using bio-resorbable PEU films for controlled delivery of non-opioid COX-2 inhibitor has been successfully developed, showing effective pain relief in animal models and potential reduction in opioid prescriptions for pain management.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Juliet Mwirigi, Moeno Kume, Shayne N. Hassler, Ayesha Ahmad, Pradipta R. Ray, Changyu Jiang, Alexander Chamessian, Nakleh Mseeh, Breya P. Ludwig, Benjamin D. Rivera, Marvin T. Nieman, Thomas van de Ven, Ru-Rong Ji, Gregory Dussor, Scott Boitano, Josef Vagner, Theodore J. Price
Summary: PAR3, a member of the PAR family of GPCRs, is expressed widely in DRG neurons and may act as a coreceptor for other PARs in the peripheral sensory nervous system. Its selective activation by a peptide agonist suggests a contribution to nociception in various contexts and modulation of other PARs' activity.
Letter
Neurosciences
Ya-Kai Xie, Hao Luo, Xiao-Yun Qiu, Zhen-Zhong Xu
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aerziguli Aierken, Ya-Kai Xie, Wenqi Dong, Abuliken Apaer, Jia-Jia Lin, Zihan Zhao, Shilong Yang, Zhen-Zhong Xu, Fan Yang
Summary: DeC-1.2, a novel cyclic peptide designed with a hot-spot centric approach, selectively inhibits the ligand activation of TRPM8 channels, effectively abolishing cold allodynia in oxaliplatin treated mice without altering body temperature. This indicates its potential as a novel analgesic against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.
Article
Cell Biology
Ya-Kai Xie, Hao Luo, Shan-Xin Zhang, Xiao-Ying Chen, Ran Guo, Xiao-Yun Qiu, Shuai Liu, Hui Wu, Wen-Bo Chen, Xing-Hua Zhen, Qiang Ma, Jin-Lan Tian, Shun Li, Xinzhong Chen, Qingjian Han, Shumin Duan, Chengyong Shen, Fan Yang, Zhen-Zhong Xu
Summary: This study reveals the mechanisms underlying the development of DNP in patients with diabetes and identifies a potential therapeutic target. The researchers found that GPR177 in A-fiber neurons mediates the secretion of WNT5a, which in turn activates the TRPV1 ion channel and causes pain. These findings contribute to the search for therapies to relieve neuropathic pain.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Ru-Rong Ji
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yihan Liao, Yinshi Ren, Xin Luo, Anthony J. Mirando, Jason T. Long, Abigail Leinroth, Ru-Rong Ji, Matthew J. Hilton
Summary: This study reveals the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in regulating cartilage degradation and pain in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Genetic ablation of Il6 reduces cartilage catabolism, innervation of the knee joint, and nociceptive signaling in male mice with PTOA. However, it does not improve subchondral bone sclerosis or chondrocyte apoptosis. The study highlights IL-6 as a potential target for disease-modifying drugs for PTOA in a sex-specific manner.
Article
Anesthesiology
Kenta Furutani, Ouyang Chen, Aidan McGinnis, Yuqing Wang, Charles N. Serhan, Trond Vidar Hansen, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: The article demonstrates that 3-oxa-PD1 effectively reduces both acute and chronic itch in mouse models by regulating synaptic transmission and astroglial LCN2 production. Stable SPM analogs like 3-oxa-PD1 could be useful in treating pruritus associated with different skin injuries.
Review
Cell Biology
Aidan McGinnis, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: Preclinical studies have found that glial cells play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain in conditions such as diabetes, chemotherapy, major surgeries, and virus infections. Satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit similar characteristics and functions in the genesis of neuropathic pain. However, SGCs are not simply peripheral astrocytes and have unique roles and interactions. Recent findings also suggest that SGCs are enriched with proteins related to fatty acid metabolism, which may have implications for novel therapeutic approaches targeting glial cells.
Article
Immunology
Chunjing Bao, Ouyang Chen, Huaxin Sheng, Jeffrey Zhang, Yikai Luo, Byron W. Hayes, Han Liang, Wolfgang Liedtke, Ru-Rong Ji, Soman N. Abraham
Summary: IgE-mediated anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic reaction triggered by allergens, resulting in the release of mediators from mast cells. The drop in body temperature associated with anaphylaxis in mice also involves the activation of the body's thermoregulatory neural circuit. This circuit is activated by chymase from mast cells stimulating TRPV1+ sensory neurons, leading to hypothermia.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ouyang Chen, Qianru He, Qingjian Han, Kenta Furutani, Yun Gu, Madelynne Olexa, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: Our understanding of neuropathic itch is limited due to a lack of relevant animal models. In this study, we established a mouse model of chronic itch by inoculating cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) in mice. The model exhibited lymphoma growth, immune cell accumulation, and persistent pruritus. We observed time-dependent changes in nerve innervations and identified different mechanisms underlying acute, chronic, and neuropathic itch.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qin Zhang, Sangsu Bang, Sharat Chandra, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: Inflammation causes pain, but it has been found that acute inflammation can also resolve pain through specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and macrophage signaling. GPR37, expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes, is involved in various disorders and has recently been identified as being expressed in macrophages. Activation of GPR37 enhances macrophage phagocytosis and promotes the resolution of inflammatory pain. Novel ligands of GPR37, such as neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) and osteocalcin (OCN), have shown analgesic effects in animal models.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Wang Gong, Christopher R. Donnelly, Blake R. Heath, Emily Bellile, Lorenza A. Donnelly, Hulya F. Taner, Luke Broses, J. Chad Brenner, Steven B. Chinn, Ru-Rong Ji, Haitao Wen, Jacques E. Nor, Jie Wang, Gregory T. Wolf, Yuying Xie, Yu Leo Lei
Summary: Research suggests that IFN-I signaling plays a dual role in cancer, both maintaining anti-tumor immunity and potentially promoting aggressive tumor phenotypes. Cancer-specific IFN-I activation can induce cancer stemness and the release of cancer-derived exosomes with high levels of immune checkpoint receptor ligands. Experimental results show that mice with Ifnar1-deficient tumors exhibit lower tumor burden and increased immune cell infiltration.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Zilong Wang, Changyu Jiang, Hongyu Yao, Ouyang Chen, Sreya Rahman, Yun Gu, Junli Zhao, Yul Huh, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: The study revealed that intrathecal morphine induces itch by acting on MOR on spinal inhibitory interneurons, leading to disinhibition of spinal itch circuit. The data provide mechanistic insights into the treatment of chronic itch with opioid receptor antagonists like naloxone.
