Articles tagged with Fatty Acids
A natural substance in dairy fat, trans-palmitoleic acid, has been identified as a potential factor in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The compound is found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter and may mimic the normal biologic role of its produced counterpart, cis-palmitoleic acid.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a way to strengthen polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them less susceptible to oxidation. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective nutritional supplements and new approaches to combatting neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a protein called Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) protects against the severe inflammatory response caused by high levels of saturated fat. Mice deficient in this protein showed massive lymph node expansion and died after consuming a diet high in saturated fats.
Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) show deficits in both delay and trace eyeblink conditioning, a finding that could aid in assessing and diagnosing FAS. Researchers tested 63 children on delay conditioning and found that 33% met the criteria compared to 79% of control group members.
Scientists have engineered plants to accumulate high levels of desired compounds that could be used to make plastics. The research uses a new metabolic pathway in plants to produce a type of fatty acid that could serve as a source for chemical building blocks.
A randomized controlled trial of DHA supplementation in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found no beneficial effect on cognitive and functional decline. The study included 402 participants who received either DHA or a placebo for 18 months. No significant difference was observed in the rate of brain atrophy, ADAS-c...
A study found that consuming polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, is associated with a reduced prevalence of periodontitis. The research suggests that dietary therapy using n-3 fatty acids could be a less expensive and safer method for preventing and treating gum disease.
Ongoing studies by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are investigating the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Research has shown that DHA and EPA, two essential fatty acids, can help protect against chronic diseases such as insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method for converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel, using a single reaction vessel and environmentally friendly catalysts. The process is six times faster than current methods, consuming less energy and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.
Recent studies have found that saturated fat has a limited impact on cardiovascular disease risk and that replacing it with other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains, may be more beneficial for heart health. The 'saturated fat is bad' paradigm is being reexamined by leading scientists.
Researchers are studying how genetic code affects warfarin breakdown in Yup'ik Eskimos to develop personalized drug prescriptions. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for Alaska Natives with limited access to healthcare.
A recent UCI study discovered that liver defects may be a likely cause of low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Alzheimer's patients. The research found that DHA is not only essential for brain health but also plays a crucial role in preventing the neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a molecular mechanism making omega-3 fatty acids effective against chronic inflammation and insulin resistance in diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids activate GPR120 receptor on macrophages, resulting in anti-inflammatory effects and improved insulin sensitivity.
Researchers found that naringenin activates nuclear receptors, increasing fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting 'bad cholesterol' production. This compound mimics actions of existing drugs, offering a potential treatment for hyperlipidemia, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
A new study from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research found an association between a 'Western-style' diet and an increased risk of ADHD diagnosis in adolescents. The research examined the dietary patterns of over 1,800 adolescents and classified them into 'Healthy' or 'Western' patterns.
Researchers found that inhibiting fatty acid synthase in macrophages significantly reduces atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study identifies key factors that can prevent plaque buildup and may lead to the development of new drugs.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found that stimulating the production of fatty acid elongase-5 enzyme in mice can cure mild diet-induced diabetes. The study suggests a new approach to diabetes therapy, with potential applications for human treatment and management of related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers created a preliminary neurobehavioral profile of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) using neuropsychological data from a multisite study. The results suggest that executive functioning and spatial processing are especially sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure, making these traits valuable in distinguishing between ch...
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that no new medical strategies exist to prevent or treat fetal alcohol syndrome, a disorder caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Despite ongoing research, sensitive diagnostic tools are lacking, and more investigation is needed into biomarkers and prevention programs.
Researchers found biochemical mediators of inflammation produced by activated macrophages, which stimulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. These findings could lead to the development of new treatments for inflammatory diseases linked to omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin.
A large trial found no link between fish oil supplements and improved cognitive function in people aged 70-80 years. High intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were observed after two years, but no benefits for memory or concentration were detected.
A University of Illinois study found that a specific omega-6 fatty acid is critical for maintaining healthy skin. Without this acid, mice developed severe ulcerative dermatitis, which was reversed when the acid was added to their diet.
A University of Illinois study found that a lack of omega-3 fatty acid is linked to male infertility. Sperm counts were extremely low and sperm shape was abnormal, but fertility was restored when DHA was introduced into the diet. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in male fertility.
Researchers found a dietary pattern involving high intakes of salad dressing, nuts, fish, tomatoes, poultry, fruits, and cruciferous and dark leafy vegetables to be significantly associated with reduced Alzheimer's disease risk. This pattern reflects multiple pathways in the development of Alzheimer's disease, including the impact of v...
Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully engineered photosynthetic cyanobacteria to secrete fatty acids, which can be converted into oil for use as a renewable biofuel. This breakthrough could significantly increase the energy yield of biofuels while minimizing environmental impact.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart disease events. The researchers reviewed 8 trials involving over 13,000 participants and found a 19% reduced risk of CHD risk compared to control groups.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the role of VEGF-B protein in regulating fatty acid transport proteins in blood vessel walls, leading to increased fat intake and potential new treatments for metabolic diseases. The study found that blocking VEGF-B signalling may reduce insulin resistance and blood glucose levels.
A 12-week fish oil capsule course reduced psychotic disorder progression by 22.6% in high-risk individuals, with improved symptoms and functioning compared to placebo. Omega-3 fatty acids may offer a safe prevention strategy for young people at risk of psychosis.
Researchers discovered leukemia cells rely on fatty acid metabolism to grow and survive. Inhibiting this process makes them vulnerable to drugs that induce cell death, providing a potential new approach to treating leukemia and other cancers.
Researchers at JBEI developed an Escherichia coli bacteria strain to produce biodiesel fuel and other chemicals directly from plant biomass, overcoming the limitations of traditional biofuel production. The microbes can efficiently convert biomass into fuels with minimal chemical modifications.
A study published in JAMA found that higher omega-3 fatty acid blood levels were associated with a lower rate of telomere shortening, a marker of biological aging, in patients with coronary heart disease. Patients with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids experienced the slowest rate of telomere shortening over 5 years.
Cancer cells co-opt the fat metabolism pathway to produce free fatty acids, promoting aggressive behaviors and potentially linking obesity to cancer progression. This discovery offers a new target for treating malignant cancers and preventing cancer progression.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that tocotrienol form of natural vitamin E can prevent nerve cells from dying after a stroke by blocking the release of fatty acids. The study suggests that this form of vitamin E has distinct functions and offers a potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating strokes.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association finds that deficiencies in DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, may contribute to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and ADHD. The research suggests that increasing DHA in the diet may help improve nervous-system function.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that inhibiting fatty acid synthesis in brain cancer cells can lead to massive cell death, especially in tumors with amplified EGFR signaling. This discovery suggests a new treatment approach for glioblastomas and potentially other cancers.
A study by Spanish researchers found that roe of hake, lumpsucker and salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for metabolic functions. Minimal consumption satisfies the body's requirements, preventing cardiovascular disease and other conditions.
A new game called Immune Attack teaches 7th-12th graders about immune system proteins and cells. The game shows significant gains in confidence and knowledge among players, according to an FAS expert. The game is designed to inspire high school computer programming classes to create their own games.
A study found that long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake was linked to a reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in white participants. However, the association was not observed among black participants. The researchers suggest an increase in dietary omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for colon cancer prevention.
A recent metobolomics study found that impaired peroxisomal oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with progression to NASH. The study also revealed significantly higher plasma monounsaturated fatty acids in patients with NAFL and NASH.
Researchers found that boiling or baking fish with low-sodium soy sauce and tofu is beneficial for heart health, while eating fried, salted, or dried fish increases risk. Omega-3 intake varied by gender and ethnicity, with men who consumed more omega-3s having lower cardiac death rates.
Research shows that biotech soybean oil enriched with SDA produces more EPA than traditional ALA, reducing heart disease risk. The oil's high efficiency and absence of contaminants make it a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids for humans.
Researchers have discovered that saturated fatty acids can 'anger' the immune system by hijacking Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) on blood cells, leading to chronic inflammation. This interaction may be the key to understanding obesity-related metabolic consequences, and a new class of insulin sensitizers is being explored.
ASU has been awarded two grants totaling over $10 million to support high-risk, high-reward advances in alternative energy research. The projects focus on developing ultra-high-energy metal-air batteries and using photosynthetic bacteria to produce automotive fuel from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
A large study found that individuals following a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, were less likely to develop depression. The diet's high intake of monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil may be protective against depressive symptoms.
Researchers at North Carolina State University aim to create fuels that can be used in place of conventional diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. They plan to genetically modify Dunaliella algae to produce fatty acids that can be converted into fuels, with the goal of creating a cost-competitive, renewable energy source.
A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, nuts, and fish has been associated with a reduced risk of depression. The study found that individuals who closely followed the diet had a greater than 30 percent reduction in depression risk compared to those who did not adhere to it.
A study by LSUHSC researchers found that unstable carotid artery plaques contain more inflammation and less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic ones. Increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods may prevent strokes or improve treatment safety.
A decade-long debate has been resolved with the discovery that membrane-bound Fas ligand is essential for programmed cell death, protecting against cancer development and autoimmune diseases. Conversely, excessive secreted Fas ligand promotes tumour growth and autoimmunity.
A new UT Southwestern study suggests that fat from certain foods makes its way to the brain, causing it to send messages to cells warning them to ignore hunger signals. The researchers found that palmitic acid, a type of saturated fatty acid, is particularly effective at triggering this mechanism.
Researchers at McMaster University found that corpses of animals emit the same death stench, produced by specific fatty acids, which repels living relatives of insects. This ancient warning signal may have evolved to avoid disease and predators, with potential applications in pest control and immunity activation.
A nonagenarian researcher, Fred Kummerow, has filed a petition with the FDA to ban trans fats from the American diet. His research suggests that trans fats contribute to the two main causes of heart disease: blood clots and atherosclerosis. The FDA has 180 days to respond to his petition.
Researchers identified a substance in the liver that helps process fat and glucose, which is also a component of the common food additive lecithin. Lecithin products may one day be used to control blood lipids and reduce risk for diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease
A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids has been found to protect against a variety of diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests that a diet enriched in EPA and DHA can ameliorate the progression of retinal lesions in a mouse model of AMD.
The Foot & Ankle Specialist journal has been accepted for inclusion in the MEDLINE database, providing researchers and clinicians with improved access to high-quality studies on foot and ankle treatments. This acceptance aims to enhance the dissemination of techniques and advancements in foot and ankle care.
Researchers at Yale University developed a system to detect human skin vapors, revealing fatty acids as primary attractants for mosquitoes. The technology also enables dogs to identify their owners by detecting unique skin compounds.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an edible coating that triples omega-3 fatty acids in fish, reducing lipid oxidation and preventing microorganism growth. The coating, enriched with fish oil, also maintains moisture levels and prevents color change.
A study found that safflower oil supplements reduced trunk fat in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes, while CLA supplementation lowered total body fat and BMI. Both oils also improved fasting blood sugar levels.
A LSUHSC M.D./Ph.D. student has been awarded a $148,480 NIH grant to investigate the therapeutic potential of novel omega-3 fatty acid derivatives in experimental stroke. The project aims to define interactions between omega-3 fatty acids and pro-survival protein signaling pathways in the aging brain after stroke.
Research finds that mice fed sunflower oil (n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids) run faster than those on linseed oil (n-3 fatty acids), achieving a 6.3% boost in sprint speed. This effect is significant for small mammals, such as mice and their predators.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may delay AMD progression, with higher intake reducing risk. Early stages benefited from DHA, while advanced stages were protected by combination of nutrients.