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‘Designer oils’ low in n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio beneficially modifies cardiovascular risks in mice

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Abstract

Cardiovascular benefits of dietary n-3 fatty acids have been shown. However, benefits of n-3 fatty acids as part of a high fat, low n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio diet has not been fully characterized. Aim of this study is to investigate cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of ‘designer oils’ containing a low ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids in C57BL/6 mice. Three groups of C57BL/6 mice were fed an atherogenic diet supplemented with either a fish oil- or flaxseed oil-based ‘designer oil’ with an approximate n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of 2:1 (treated groups, n = 6 each) or with a safflower oil-based formulation with a high ratio (25:1) of n-6:n-3 fatty acids (control group, n = 6) for 6 weeks. Food intake, body weight, and blood lipid levels were monitored regularly. Fatty acid profile of the heart tissues was assessed. Histological assessment of liver samples was conducted. At the end of the study body weight and food intake was significantly higher in the flax group compared to control. The levels of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 was significantly increased in the heart phospholipids in both flax and fish groups compared to control; tissue 20:4n-6 was significantly reduced in the fish group compared to control. Significant liver pathology was observed in the control group only. Lowering dietary ratio of n-6:n-3 fatty acids may significantly reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks in mice regardless of the source of n-3 fatty acids.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported in part by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation and ARDI. NR is a recipient of an NSERC Graduate Scholarship. NA is a recipient of the Manitoba Graduate Studentship. We would also like to thank Krystal Merrells, Amy Kroeker, Melissa Ree, Rgia Othman and Aimee Cadieux for their technical and editorial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, H505 Duff Roblin Building, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2, Canada

    Natalie D. Riediger, Nazila Azordegan, Sydney Harris-Janz, Miyoung Suh & Mohammed H. Moghadasian

  2. Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, 351 Tache Ave, Winnipeg, R2H 2A6, Canada

    Natalie D. Riediger, Nazila Azordegan, Sydney Harris-Janz & Mohammed H. Moghadasian

  3. College of Biological Sciences, Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada

    David W. L. Ma

Authors
  1. Natalie D. Riediger
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  2. Nazila Azordegan
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  3. Sydney Harris-Janz
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  4. David W. L. Ma
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  5. Miyoung Suh
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  6. Mohammed H. Moghadasian
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Correspondence to Mohammed H. Moghadasian.

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Riediger, N.D., Azordegan, N., Harris-Janz, S. et al. ‘Designer oils’ low in n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio beneficially modifies cardiovascular risks in mice. Eur J Nutr 48, 307–314 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-009-0015-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-009-0015-0

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