Endogenous synthesis of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids from vegetable edible oils

• Grant number: 23/07321-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Inar Castro Erger
• Grantee: Leticia Vilela Segre
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Despite pharmacological advances, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the leading cause of mortality in the world. Most recommendations for CVD prevention includes the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids (n-3 FA), because of the capacity of these fatty acids to reduce inflammation and triacylglycerol concentrations, controlling the atherosclerosis progression and CVD risks. However, n-3 FA, in particular, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), responsible for the CVD protection, must be obtained from the diet, since their endogenous synthesis is very low in mammals. The main source of EPA and DHA for human consumption is fish or marine foods, representing a strong limitation in terms of sustainability. For this reason, vegetable sources of EPA and DHA have been searched. Among the non-GMO alternatives, echium, chia and ahiflower seeds could be interesting options, but all of them need to have their n-3 FA converted into EPA and DHA in the liver. The rate of conversion depends on several factors, such as age, genre and proportion of omega 6 fatty acids (n-6 FA) in the diet. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the capacity of providing EPA and DHA, in different tissues, attributed to the consumption of echium, chia and ahiflower seeds oil, compared with the one most consumed oil (soybean). Mice will be divided into 4 groups receiving 4% of echium, chia, ahiflower and soybean oil for 8 weeks. One baseline group will be included to characterize the initial time. After, mice will be euthanized, plasma will be collected in EDTA tubes and tissues will be kept at -80°C until the analysis. The EPA and DHA content will be determined by GC/MS. The results will be expressed as the amount of EPA/DHA/g of oil intake. This result is essential to estimate the amount of these oils necessary for further clinical trials in terms of dietary practices or supplementation.