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High sodium intake and inadequate potassium intake are associated with high blood pressure. The elderly are more salt sensitive than other age groups, yet a reliable estimate of the dietary sodium and potassium intake of this age group in Hungary is unavailable. The study aimed to estimate the sodium and potassium intakes in the Hungarian elderly from 24 h urine sodium and potassium excretion. In this cross-sectional study, participants were selected from patients of general practitioners practicing in western Hungary. The participants comprised 99 men and 90 women (mean age 67.1 (SD 5.4] years) who participated in the Biomarker2019 survey and returned a complete 24 h urine collection. We assessed dietary sodium and potassium by determining 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretions and 3-day dietary records. The mean urinary sodium was 188.8 (73.5) mmoL/day, which is equivalent to 11.0 g of salt/day; and the mean urinary potassium was 65.8 (24.3) mmoL/day, which is equivalent to 3.03 g of potassium/day, after adjusting for non-urinary potassium losses. Only 7% of the subjects met the World Health Organization's recommended target of less than 5 g of salt/day, and 33% consumed at least the recommended potassium amount of 3.5 g/day, based on the estimates from 24 h urine excretion. For most elderly, sodium intake exceeds, and potassium does not reach, dietary recommendations. The results underline the need to intensify salt reduction efforts in Hungary.

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality rates in Eastern Europe are among the highest in the world. Although diet is an important risk factor, traditional eating habits in this region have not yet been explored. This analysis assessed the relationship between traditional dietary pattern and mortality from all-causes, CVD and cancer in Eastern European cohorts., Methods: Data from the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe prospective cohort were used, including participants from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. Based on food frequency questionnaire data, we constructed an Eastern European diet score (EEDS) from nine food groups which can be considered as traditional in this region. The relationship between categorical (low, moderate, high) and continuous (range 0-18) EEDS and mortality was estimated with Cox-regression., Results: From 18,852 eligible participants, 2234 died during follow-up. In multivariable adjusted models, participants with high adherence to the traditional Eastern European diet had significantly higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.42) and CVD (1.34; 1.08-1.66) deaths compared to those with low adherence. The association with cancer mortality was only significant in Poland (high vs. low EEDS: 1.41; 1.00-1.98). From the specific EEDS components, high consumption of lard was significantly positively related to all three mortality outcomes, while preserved fruit and vegetable consumption showed consistent inverse associations., Conclusion: Our results suggest that traditional eating habits may contribute to the poor health status, particularly the high CVD mortality rates, of populations in Eastern Europe. Adequate public health nutritional interventions in this region are essential.

The aim was to determine whether commercial baby foods marketed within Europe (up to 36 months of age) have inappropriate formulation and high sugar content and to provide suggestions to update European regulations and recommendations as part of a nutrient profile model developed for this age group. The latter was produced following recommended World Health Organization (WHO) steps, including undertaking a rapid literature review. Packaging information from countries across the WHO European region was used to determine mean energy from total sugar by food category. The percentage of products containing added sugar and the percentage of savoury meal-type products containing pureed fruit were also calculated. A total of 2,634 baby foods from 10 countries were summarised: 768 sold in the United Kingdom, over 200 each from Denmark (319), Spain (241), Italy (430) and Malta (243) and between 99-200 from Hungary, Norway, Portugal, Estonia and Slovenia. On average, approximately a third of energy in baby foods in these European countries came from total sugar, and for most food categories, energy from sugar was higher than 10%. Use of added sugars was widespread across product categories, with concentrated fruit juice most commonly used. Savoury meal-type purees did not contain added sugars except in United Kingdom and Malta; however, fruit as an ingredient was found in 7% of savoury meals, most frequently seen in UK products. Clear proposals for reducing the high sugar content seen in commercial baby foods were produced. These suggestions, relating to both content and labelling, should be used to update regulations and promote product reformulation., (© 2020 The Authors. Maternal & Child Nutrition published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: In accordance with the policy actions that address childhood overweight and obesity at European level and as a contribution to the EU Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-20, a Joint Action on Nutrition and Physical Activity (JANPA) was established. As part of JANPA work package 6, an evaluation framework to identify good practices, targeting childhood obesity prevention in kindergartens and schools, was developed. This article describes the WP 6 JANPA framework of good practice criteria and its development, compares it to other frameworks and discusses its potential for future use., Methods: Based on the analysis of scientific literature, a set of 47 potential good practice criteria was drafted, that was then revised and complemented through a series of online Delphi consultations., Results: A final list of 48 good practice criteria (9 of which were rated as core criteria) was developed and grouped into three categories: intervention characteristics (n = 17), implementation (n = 17) and monitoring and evaluation (n = 14)., Conclusion: The identified JANPA framework of good practice criteria complements the existing frameworks by focussing on kindergarten- and school-based initiatives and provides guidance for evaluators, programme planners and decision makers bearing in mind that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. To ensure the effectiveness of future practices, programme planners should endeavour to meet at least the nine JANPA core criteria.

Introduction and Aim: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey was implemented on a sub-sample of the European Health Interview Survey. In this paper, the authors present the data on the vitamin intake of the Hungarian population., Method: The survey represents the vitamin intake of the Hungarian non-institutionalised adult population of 18 years and older. There are significant differences between men's and women's vitamin intake., Results: The intake of all water-soluble vitamins except for vitamin C is higher in men than in women, and the difference between the genders regarding the intake of vitamin E and D is significant. The intake of vitamin B 1, B 2 , B 6 , B 12 , niacin and vitamin C is in line with the recommendations, however, there is an unfavourable decrease in the intake of vitamin A and β-carotene in the case of men compared to the previous survey. Vitamin D and folic acid intakes are critically low, particularly in the elderly, and mainly in case of vitamin D. The population's intake of panthotenic acid and biotin did not reach the recommendations., Conclusion: In order to reach the dietary reference intakes and to prevent deficiencies, it is necessary to inform the population and to make healthy food choices available. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(33): 1302-1313.

Introduction and Aim: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey examined the dietary habits of the Hungarian population. This publication presents the microelement intake., Method: The survey represents the microelement intake of the Hungarian non-institutionalised adult population of 18 years and older., Results: While the intake of iron, copper and manganese corresponded with the recommendations in males, in females it was insufficient. The iron intake of women in their reproductive age (9.8 mg/d) stayed well below the recommendation, thus representing a high health risk. In comparison to earlier Hungarian data chromium intake decreased significantly in both sexes (men p = 0.000, women p = 0.008) and the zinc intake of men (9.6 mg/d) decreased below recommended., Conclusion: Since the consumption of whole grain products with high microelement content in Hungary is very low, it would be favourable to increase the proportion of these foods in the diet. In case of women it is also necessary to increase the consumption of food groups (e.g. meat, fruits) contributing to the iron intake. Furthermore, communication of adequate nutrition, and the availability of healthy foods is essential for the entire population. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(21): 803-810.

Introduction and Aim: The aim of the study was to assess and monitor the dietary habits and nutrient intake of Hungarian adults., Method: Three-day dietary records were used for dietary assessment, the sample was representative for the Hungarian population aged ≥18ys by gender and age., Results: The mean proportion of energy from fat was higher (men: 38 energy%, women: 37 energy%), that from carbohydrates was lower (men: 45 energy%, women: 47 energy%) than recommended, the protein intake is adequate., Conclusion: Unfavorable change compared to the previous survey in 2009 was the increase of fat and saturated fatty acid energy percent in women, the decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption, which explains the decreased fiber intake. An increasing trend in added sugar energy percent in each age groups of both genders was observed compared to 2009. Interventions focusing on the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption and decreasing of saturated fat and added sugar intake are needed. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(15), 587-597.

Introduction and Aim: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey examined the dietary habits of the Hungarian adult population. The aim of the study is to present the macroelement intake of the population., Method: The study represents the macrolement intake of the population with age 18 or over on the day of 31 December 2013, of those who are non-institutionalised., Results: Salt intake decreased compared to the findings of the previous study in 2009 but it is still extremely high (15.9 g in men and 11.2 g in women). The potassium intake is below the recommendation, which together with a high sodium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure. Calcium intake in the youngest age group reached the recommendations, whereas the intake in the oldest age group was well below the references. Magnesium intake complied with the recommendation, the intake of phosphorus however exceeded it. High sodium intake still represents substantial public health risk., Conclusion: The reduction that occured in the population's salt intake since 2009 demonstrates the effectiveness of implemented prevention programs, cooperation with the industry and public awareness campaigns. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(17): 653-661.

After the completion of the Human Genome Project, the era of providing personalized dietary advice based on an individual's genetic profile seemed near. Since then more than a decade has passed and the pace of development has been slower than expected. Genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms which may determine susceptibility to multifactorial diseases is cheaper and more accessible than it was ten years ago. However, few of them are supported by such solid scientific evidence which would justify their use for personalized dietary advice. The future of genotype-based personalized nutrition depends on whether a sufficient amount of gene-diet-disease interactions are identified and scientifically confirmed.

Unlabelled: For a healthy status the adequate intake of microelements is vital., Aim and Method: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey - joining to the European Health Interview Survey - studied the dietary habits of the Hungarian population. The present paper demonstrates the microelement intake., Results: While the intake of iron, copper and zinc was sufficient in males, it was deficient in females according to the Hungarian recommendations. Especially women in their reproductive age ingested iron below the recommendation, thus representing a health risk. In comparison to earlier Hungarian data, zinc and chromium intake decreased unfavorable., Conclusions: Since in Hungary the consumption of the whole grain products with high trace element content is traditionally low, as also reflected in the present study, it would be desirable to increase the contribution of these foods in the diet in order to enhance the intake of microelements.

Unlabelled: The adequate intake of minerals is basically important for healthy nutrition., Aim and Method: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey - joining to the European Health Interview Survey - studied the dietary habits of the Hungarian population. The present publication describes the macroelement intake., Results: The salt intake is unusually high (17.2 g in men and 12.0 g in women), the potassium intake remains well below the recommendation. These factors substantially increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases including high blood-pressure. The calcium intake stays below the recommendation except in the youngest males, the oldest men and women are at risk from this point of view. While magnesium intake suited the recommendation, the intake of phosphorus exceeded it twice., Conclusions: Focusing on marcroelements, high sodium/salt intake represents the highest public health risk. The implementation of STOP SALT! National Salt Reducing Programme, i.e. decrease the salt content of processed food and provide proper information to the population about excessive salt consumption, should result in a beneficial change of salt intake and ameliorate the public health conditions.

Unlabelled: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey is the fourth in the row of the Hungarian national dietary surveys conducted by the Institute for Food and Nutrition Science., Aims: The present study was performed to provide valid, up-to-date data on energy and nutrient intakes and dietary habits of the Hungarian adult population., Methods: The energy and nutrient intakes were calculated on validated three-day dietary records of a representative sample by age and gender of the Hungarian population aged ≥ 18 ys., Results: The energy percentage of fat was too high (39 E% for men and 36 E% for women), that of carbohydrate was too low (45 E% for men and 48 E% for women), whereas that of protein met the recommendation (15 E% for men and 15 E% for women)., Conclusions: Reduction of the nutritional risk factors would greatly reduce the mortality and morbidity rates of nutrition-related diseases.

Murine desnutrin/human ATGL is a triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolase with a predicted catalytic dyad within an alpha-beta hydrolase fold in the N-terminal region. In humans, mutations resulting in C-terminal truncation cause neutral lipid storage disease with myopathy. To identify critical functional domains, we measured TAG breakdown in cultured cells by mutated or truncated desnutrin. In vitro, C-terminally truncated desnutrin displayed an even higher apparent V(max) than the full-length form without changes in K(m), which may be explained by our finding of an interaction between the C- and N-terminal domains. In live cells, however, C-terminally truncated adenoviral desnutrin had lower TAG hydrolase activity. We investigated a role for the phosphorylation of C-terminal S406 and S430 residues but found that these were not necessary for TAG breakdown or lipid droplet localization in cells. The predicted N-terminal active sites, S47 and D166, were both critical for TAG hydrolysis in live cells and in vitro. We also identified two overlapping N-terminal motifs that predict lipid substrate binding domains, a glycine-rich motif (underlined) and an amphipathic alpha-helix (bold) within amino acid residues 10-24 (ISFAGCGFLGVYHIG). G14, F17, L18, and V20, but not G16 and G19, were important for TAG hydrolysis, suggesting a potential role for the amphipathic alpha-helix in TAG binding. This study identifies for the first time critical sites in the N-terminal region of desnutrin and reveals the requirement of the C-terminal region for TAG hydrolysis in cultured cells.

A main function of white adipose tissue is to release fatty acids from stored triacylglycerol for other tissues to use as an energy source. Whereas endocrine regulation of lipolysis has been extensively studied, autocrine and paracrine regulation is not well understood. Here we describe the role of the newly identified major adipocyte phospholipase A(2), AdPLA (encoded by Pla2g16, also called HREV107), in the regulation of lipolysis and adiposity. AdPLA-null mice have a markedly higher rate of lipolysis owing to increased cyclic AMP levels arising from the marked reduction in the amount of adipose prostaglandin E(2) that binds the Galpha(i)-coupled receptor, EP3. AdPLA-null mice have markedly reduced adipose tissue mass and triglyceride content but normal adipogenesis. They also have higher energy expenditure with increased fatty acid oxidation within adipocytes. AdPLA-deficient ob/ob mice remain hyperphagic but lean, with increased energy expenditure, yet have ectopic triglyceride storage and insulin resistance. AdPLA is a major regulator of adipocyte lipolysis and is crucial for the development of obesity.

Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) catalyze hydrolysis of fatty acids from the sn-2 position of phospholipids. Here we report the identification and characterization of a membrane-associated intracellular calcium-dependent, adipose-specific PLA(2) that we named AdPLA (adipose-specific phospholipase A(2)). We found that AdPLA was highly expressed specifically in white adipose tissue and was induced during preadipocyte differentiation into adipocytes. Clearance of AdPLA by immunoprecipitation significantly decreased PLA activity in white adipose tissue lysates but had no effect on liver lysates, where expression was hardly detectable. In characterizing AdPLA, we employed radiochemical assays with TLC analysis of the enzyme activity of lysates from COS-7 cells overexpressing AdPLA. For kinetic studies, we produced purified recombinant AdPLA for use in a lipoxidase-coupled spectrophotometric assay. AdPLA generated free fatty acid and lysophospholipid from phosphatidylcholine with a preference for hydrolysis at the sn-2 position. Although we found low but detectable lysophospholipase activity, AdPLA showed no significant activity against a variety of other lipid substrates. Calcium was found to activate AdPLA but was not essential for activity. Studies with known phospholipase inhibitors, including bromoenolactone, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphate, AACOCF(3), 7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid, and thioetheramide, supported that AdPLA is a phospholipase. Mutational studies showed that His-23 and Cys-113 are critical for activity of AdPLA and suggested that AdPLA is likely a His/Cys PLA(2). Overall, although AdPLA is similar to other histidine phospholipases in pH and calcium dependence, AdPLA showed different characteristics in many regards, including predicted catalytic mechanism. AdPLA may therefore represent the first member of a new group of PLA(2)s, group XVI.

Triacylglycerol (TAG) stored in adipose tissue can be rapidly mobilized by the hydrolytic action of lipases, with the release of fatty acids (FA) that are used by other tissues during times of energy deprivation. Unlike synthesis of TAG, which occurs not only in adipose tissue but also in other tissues such as liver for very-low-density lipoprotein formation, hydrolysis of TAG, lipolysis, predominantly occurs in adipose tissue. Until recently, hormone-sensitive lipase was considered to be the key rate-limiting enzyme responsible for regulating TAG mobilization. However, recent studies on hormone-sensitive lipase-null mice have challenged such a concept. A novel lipase named desnutrin/ATGL has been recently discovered to play a key role in lipolysis in adipocytes. Lipolysis is under tight hormonal regulation. Although opposing regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue by insulin and catecholamines is well understood, autocrine/paracrine factors may also participate in its regulation. Intricate cooperation of these endocrine and autocrine/paracrine factors leads to a fine regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, needed for energy homeostasis. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent progress made in the regulation of adipocyte lipolysis.

Triacylglycerol (TAG) in adipose tissue serves as the major energy storage form in higher eukaryotes. Obesity, resulting from excess white adipose tissue, has increased dramatically in recent years resulting in a serious public health problem. Understanding of adipocyte-specific TAG synthesis and hydrolysis is critical to the development of strategies to treat and prevent obesity and its closely associated diseases, for example, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. In this review, we present an overview of the major enzymes in TAG synthesis and lipolysis, including the recent discovery of a novel adipocyte TAG hydrolase.

Lipolysis of white adipose tissue triacylglycerol stores results in the liberation of glycerol and nonesterified fatty acids that are released into the vasculature for use by other organs as energy substrates. In response to changes in nutritional state, lipolysis rates are precisely regulated through hormonal and biochemical signals. These signals modulate the activity of lipolytic enzymes and accessory proteins, allowing for maximal responsiveness of adipose tissue to changes in energy requirements and availability. Recently, a number of novel adipocyte triacylglyceride lipases have been identified, including desnutrin/ATGL, greatly expanding our understanding of adipocyte lipolysis. We have also begun to better appreciate the role of a number of nonenzymatic proteins that are critical to triacylglyceride breakdown. This review provides an overview of key mediators of lipolysis and the regulation of this process by changes in nutritional status and nutrient intakes.

We have used rat cDNA microarrays to identify adipocyte-specific genes that could play an important role in adipocyte differentiation or function. Here, we report the cloning and identification of a 2.0-kb mRNA coding for a putative protein that we have designated as desnutrin. The novel gene is expressed predominantly in adipose tissue, and its expression is induced early during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Desnutrin mRNA levels were regulated by the nutritional status of animals, being transiently induced during fasting. In vitro desnutrin gene expression was up-regulated by dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner but not by cAMP, suggesting that glucocorticoids could mediate the increase in desnutrin mRNA levels observed during fasting. Desnutrin mRNA codes for a 486-amino acid putative protein containing a patatin-like domain, characteristic of many plant acyl hydrolases belonging to the patatin family. Confocal microscopy of enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged desnutrin protein-transfected cells showed that the fusion protein localized in the cytoplasm. Moreover, cells overexpressing desnutrin by transfection showed an increase in triglyceride hydrolysis. Interestingly, we also found that the desnutrin gene expression level was lower in ob/ob and db/db obese mouse models. Overall, our data suggest that the newly identified desnutrin gene codes for an adipocyte protein that may function as a lipase and play a role in the adaptive response to a low energy state, such as fasting, by providing fatty acids to other tissues for oxidation. In addition, decreased expression of desnutrin in obesity models suggests its possible contribution to the pathophysiology of obesity.

Infant formulas supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are now available in the United States; however, little is known about the factors that affect biosynthesis. Baboon neonates were assigned to one of four treatments: term, breast-fed; term, formula-fed; preterm (155 of 182 days gestation), formula-fed; and preterm, formula+DHA/ARA-fed. Standard formula had no DHA/ARA; supplemented formula had 0.61%wt DHA (0.3% of calories) and 1.21%wt ARA (0.6% of calories), and baboon breast milk contained 0.68 +/- 0.22%wt DHA and 0.62 +/- 0.12%wt ARA. At 14 days adjusted age, neonates received a combined oral dose of [U-13C]alpha-linolenic acid (LNA*) and [U-13C]linoleic acid (LA*), and tissues were analyzed 14 days after dose. Brain accretion of linolenic acid-derived DHA was approximately 3-fold greater for the formula groups than for the breast-fed group, and dietary DHA partially attenuated excess DHA synthesis among preterms. A similar, significant pattern was found in other organs. Brain linoleic acid-derived ARA accretion was significantly greater in the unsupplemented term group but not in the preterm groups compared with the breast-fed group. These data show that formula potentiates the biosynthesis/accretion of DHA/ARA in term and preterm neonates compared with breast-fed neonates and that the inclusion of DHA/ARA in preterm formula partially restores DHA/ARA biosynthesis to lower, breast-fed levels. Current formula DHA concentrations are inadequate to normalize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesis to that of breast-fed levels.

Purpose: Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency and prematurity are both associated with suboptimal visual function in nonhuman primates and in humans. This study reports measurements of retinal long chain polyunsaturate (LCP) concentrations and electroretinogram (ERG) parameters for term and preterm neonatal baboons consuming clinically relevant diets., Methods: ERGs and retinal fatty acid compositions were obtained from baboon neonates in four groups: term-delivered/breast-fed (B), term/formula-fed (T-), preterm/formula-fed (P-), and preterm/formula (P+) supplemented with long chain polyunsaturates. Initial a-wave slope change (ä), a-wave amplitude (a(amp)) and implicit time (a(i)), and b-wave amplitude (b(amp)) and implicit time (b(i)) were determined and correlations to retinal fatty acid concentrations were evaluated., Results: The P+ group ä and b(amp) significantly improved between 0 and 4 weeks' adjusted age, whereas no P- group parameter improved with age. At four weeks, both a(amp) and b(amp) were significantly greater in group B than in all other groups, and ä and a(i) were greater for P+ than for P-. Concentrations of 22:6n-3, 22:5n-3, and Sigman-3 and the 22:5n-6/22:6n-3 ratio correlated positively with improved retinal response parameters, whereas 22:5n-6, 22:4n-6, 20:4n-6, 20:3n-6, 20:2n-9, 20:1n-9, and 18:1n-9 all correlated negatively (P < 0.05); saturates were uncorrelated. The parameters most linearly related to retinal 22:6n-3 were ä, a(i), and a(amp). Retinal 20:4n-6 concentrations were not influenced by prematurity or supplementation., Conclusions: Breast-feeding optimizes retinal response in 4-week-old baboons. Formula supplemented with 22:6n-3 prevents a decrease in retinal 22:6n-3 and improves preterm ERG parameters compared with unsupplemented formula. Retinal 22:6n-3 status is most closely associated with a-wave parameters.

Background: Addition of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids to infant formulas raises the possibility of increased lipid peroxidation., Aim of the Study: We determined the effects of increasing levels of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) on lipid peroxidation and peroxidative potential in piglet tissues., Methods: Four groups of piglets (n = 6) were bottle-fed a formula containing one of four treatments: no long chain fatty acid (Diet 0) and three different levels of DHA/AA at 1-fold (0.3 %/0.6% FA; Diet 1) 2-fold (0.6 %/1.2% FA; Diet 2) and 5-fold (1.5%/3% FA; Diet 5) concentration used in some human infant formulas, and all with equal amount of vitamin E (5.7 IU/ 100 kcal formula) for four weeks., Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in conjugated diene and glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) in plasma. TBARS levels of the erythrocyte membranes increased in a dose-dependent manner when in vitro oxidation was induced with 10 mM hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) for 30 minutes. The TBARS levels of the liver homogenates of the Diet 5 and Diet 2 groups were significantly different than those of the membranes of the Diet 0 group when the in vitro oxidation was induced with H(2)O(2)., Conclusion: The results show that dietary vitamin E effectively prevented lipid peroxidation at the LCP concentrations investigated and suggest that levels presently in infant formulas are sufficient.

Clinical studies show that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) supplemented formula improve visual function in preterm infants, however improved fatty acid status is known only for plasma and red blood cells (RBC) since target organs cannot be sampled from humans. Baboons were randomized to one of four groups: Term breast-fed (B); Term formula-fed (T-); Preterm formula-fed (P-); and Preterm DHA/ARA-supplemented formula-fed (P+). The P+ contained 0.61 +/- 0.03% DHA and 1.21 +/- 0.09% ARA, and breast milk had 0.68 +/- 0.22% and 0.62 +/- 0.12% as DHA and ARA, respectively. The B and P+ groups had significantly higher DHA concentration in all tissues than T- and P-. The P- group showed dramatically lower DHA content of 35%, 27%, 66%, and 75% in the brain, retina, liver, and plasma, respectively, compared with B. Supplementation prevented declines in DHA levels in the retina, and liver, and attenuated the decline in brain, plasma and RBC of preterm animals. In contrast, ARA was not significantly lower compared with B in any group in any tissue but was significantly elevated in liver and brain. RBC and plasma DHA were correlated with DHA in tissues; RBC/plasma ARA were uncorrelated with tissue ARA. We conclude that 1) DHA drops precipitously in term and preterm primates consuming formula without long chain polyunsaturates, while 22:5n-6 concentration rises; 2) tissue ARA levels are insensitive to dietary LCP supplementation or prematurity, 3) plasma and RBC levels of ARA are uncorrelated with total ARA levels; 4) DHA levels are correlated with group effects and are uncorrelated within groups.

One of the major survival challenges of premature birth is production of lung surfactant. The lipid component of surfactant, dipalmitoyl PC (DPPC), increases in concentration in the period before normal term birth via a net shift in FA composition away from unsaturates. We investigated the influence of dietary DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) on lung FA composition and DPPC concentration in term and preterm baboons. Pregnant animals/neonates were randomized to one of four groups: breast-fed (B), term formula-fed (T-, preterm formula-fed (P-, and preterm fed formula supplemented with DHA-AA (P+). Breast milk contained 0.68%wt DHA and the P+ group formula contained 0.61%wt DHA. In the preterm groups (P- and P+), pregnant females received a course of antenatal corticosteroids. At the adjusted age of 4 wk, neonate lung tissue was harvested, and FA composition and DPPC were analyzed. Palmitate was approximately 28%wt of lung total FA and no significant differences were found among the four treatment groups. In contrast, DPPC in the B group lung tissue was significantly greater than DPPC in the unsupplemented groups, but not compared with the P+ group. The B and P+ groups were not significantly different in DHA and AA, but were different compared with the unsupplemented (T, P-) groups. These results indicate that LCP supplementation increases lung DHA and AA, without compromising overall lung 16:0 or DPPC. The shift in FA composition toward greater unsaturation in the groups consuming LCP supported improved surfactant lipid concentration in preterm neonate lungs.

We aimed to elucidate the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) on the synthesis of prostaglandins in rat skeletal muscle arterioles and platelets. Male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: (1) control rats, with plasma Hcy levels of 6.5+/-0.5 micromol/L (n=50) and (2) rats with HHcy, induced by daily intake of 1 g/kg body weight methionine in the drinking water for 4 weeks (plasma Hcy levels were 20.6+/-3.0 micromol/L, P<0.01 versus controls; n=50). Arterioles (diameter approximately 130 micrometer) were isolated from the gracilis muscle, cannulated, and pressurized (at 80 mm Hg), and changes in their diameters were followed by video microscopy. Constrictions to bradykinin (BK; 10(-10) to 10(-7) mol/L) were significantly greater in HHcy than in control rat arterioles (at 10(-9) mol/L BK, changes were 11+/-3% in control and 41+/-9% in HHcy rats). The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10(-5) mol/L), the prostaglandin H(2)/thromboxane A(2) (PGH(2)/TxA(2)) receptor antagonist SQ 29,548 (10(-6) mol/L), or the TxA(2) synthase inhibitor furegrelate (5x10(-6) mol/L) significantly decreased constrictions to BK in both groups but more so in HHcy arterioles, thus eliminating the difference between responses of HHcy and control arterioles. Constrictions to U46619 (a TxA(2) analogue) were significantly greater in HHcy than in control arterioles (at 10(-8) mol/L U46619, values for controls were 33+/-2% and 54+/-3% for HHcy). Endothelium removal or indomethacin treatment attenuated constrictions to U46619 in HHcy arterioles and eliminated the difference in responses. Also, aggregation of platelets from HHcy rats to collagen and ADP was significantly enhanced compared with controls (with 5 microgram/mL collagen: controls, 23+/-5%; HHcy, 49+/-5%; with 10(-7) mol/L ADP: controls, 25+/-3%; HHcy, 35+/-3%). Indomethacin or SQ 29,548 caused greater inhibition of aggregation of HHcy platelets compared with controls, thereby eliminating the differences between the 2 groups. Thus, HHcy enhances TxA(2) synthesis both in the arteriolar endothelium and platelets. By promoting vascular constriction and platelet aggregation simultaneously, these alterations are likely to contribute to the atherothrombotic vascular diseases described in HHcy.