虾夷扇贝遗传结构及微卫星标记与经济性状相关分析

选用30个多态性微卫星分子标记对大连大长山(96个)、大连獐子岛(96个)及日本青森县陆奥湾(96个)3个地区虾夷扇贝养殖群体(Patinopecten yessoensis)进行遗传多样性分析。结果显示,30个基因座共检测到198个等位基因(Na),平均等位基因数为6.63个,每个座位检测到的等位基因数为3-12,有效等位基因数(Ne)每个位点平均为4.70个,观测杂合度(Ho)平均值0.58,期望杂合度(He)的平均值为0.75,30个位点的平均多态信息含量为0.703,说明3个地区虾夷扇贝群体遗传多样性水平较高。运用统计软件SPSS11.5对30个微卫星标记与大长山群体生长性状相关性进行了分析。结果表明,位点DQ221714和FJ262378与壳长、壳高、壳宽和鲜重显著相关(P0.05)位点;位点FJ262372与壳宽、软体部重和闭壳肌重显著相关;位点FJ262369与软体部重及闭壳肌重显著相关。对差异显著的位点进行不同基因型间的多重比较,找到了与虾夷扇贝生长性状相关的基因型,进一步将所得显著性标记对大长山虾夷扇贝个体最大的17个和个体最小的13个基因组DNA进行检测,验证其准确性。结果表明,位点DQ221714在两组虾夷扇贝中存在特异性条带,可作为QTL定位候选标记。     

长江口安氏白虾与日本沼虾营养成分比较

本文对长江口安氏白虾和日本沼虾的营养成分和营养品质进行了比较.结果表明:安氏白虾的水分和粗灰分含量显著低于日本沼虾 (P<0.05),而粗脂肪和粗蛋白含量显著高于日本沼虾(P<0.05);安氏白虾和日本沼虾的氨基酸组成基本一致,均含有17种氨基酸,必需氨基酸指数(EAAI)分别为52.77和52.67,其构成比例符合联合国粮农组织/世界卫生组织(FAO/WHO)的标准;安氏白虾脂肪酸中二十碳五烯酸(EPA)与二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)的总量明显高于日本沼虾,分别为28.32%±0.49%和14.89%±0.63%;矿物元素中常量和微量元素含量均较丰富,微量元素之间的比例较合理,其中,安氏白虾的常量元素含量较高,而日本沼虾的微量元素含量较高，而日本沼虾的微量元素含量较高,从以上结果可见,安氏白虾和日本沼虾均含有较丰富的各种营养成分,但从EPA和DHA的含量来看,脂肪酸的营养价值安氏白虾高于日本沼虾;从Fe、Cu、Zn和Se的含量来看,微量元素营养价值日本沼虾高于安氏白虾.     

西南大西洋春夏季阿根廷无须鳕脂肪酸组分的时空特性

阿根廷无须鳕(Merluccius hubbsi)是西南大西洋较为重要的鱼种,具较高的商业价值,为底拖网渔业的主要捕捞对象。本研究利用气相色谱质谱联用仪测定了阿根廷无须鳕肌肉组织脂肪酸组成,探究各脂肪酸含量,包括饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)和多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)随体长、月份和纬度的变化。结果表明:各类脂肪酸含量高低次序依次为∑PUFA∑SFA∑MUFA;主要脂肪酸包括C22:6n3(DHA)、C16:0、C18:1n9c、C20:5n3(EPA)和C18:0,其中DHA的含量最高,占总脂肪酸含量的35.27%;高PUFA/SFA表明阿根廷无须鳕肌肉可作为PUFA的补充原料;∑SFA和∑PUFA在小体长组个体中(20.1~30.0 cm)的含量较高,特别是DHA和EPA,使得n-3/n-6增加,说明相对较大个体而言,小个体阿根廷无须鳕的营养价值更高;除n-3/n-6外,其余脂肪酸含量均无显著的月份差异;1月最高的n-3/n-6说明肌肉组织在该月份具有较高的营养价值。鱼体各脂肪酸含量随纬度和表温变化不明显。     

刀鲚胚胎及胚后发育早期脂肪酸组成变化

为掌握刀鲚(Coilia nasus)胚胎及胚后发育早期的脂肪酸变化规律,采用生化分析手段对刀鲚的胚胎(原肠期,受精后7～9 h)、0日龄仔鱼(初孵仔鱼)、3日龄仔鱼和5日龄仔鱼(开口前)的脂肪酸组成和含量进行了检测分析。结果显示,刀鲚发育早期的总脂占干物质的相对含量均较高(53.10%～60.97%),干物质的总脂相对含量随个体发育显著降低,单个个体的总脂含量随个体发育呈现剧烈下降趋势,数值从胚胎的43.62μg/ind剧烈下降到5日龄仔鱼的16.27μg/ind;水分含量随个体发育而升高。刀鲚发育早期上述4个时期的干样中检出6种饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、4种单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)和8种多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)。4个发育时期脂肪酸相对含量,C18:1n9c占绝对优势(50.39%～57.00%),C16:1丰富且稳定(13.77%～14.24%),C16:0也较丰富(7.45%～9.15%)。单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)比例占绝对优势(65.14%～72.26%),n-3与n-6系列多不饱和脂肪酸含量的比值(∑n3PUFA/∑n6PUFA)较小(1.78～2.38)。刀鲚胚胎孵化出膜期间,单个个体单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)实际减少程度较高,尤其是C18:1n9c(减少量为13.21μg/ind,减少比例达到55.49%)和C16:1(减少量和比例分别为3.30μg/ind和53.12%),而二十碳五烯酸(EPA)加二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)的减少程度较低(1.44μg/ind和38.41%),尤其是DHA(0.95μg/ind和36.52%)。然而,出膜后,仔鱼对单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)的利用相对较低(1.94μg/ind和14.17%),尤其是C18:1n9c(13.21μg/ind和12.41%)和C16:1(0.63μg/ind和21.81%);而对EPA+DHA利用相对较高(1.04μg/ind和45.10%),尤其是DHA(0.71μg/ind和42.61%)。研究表明,刀鲚胚胎优先蓄留EPA和DHA,仔鱼在摄食前大量利用EPA+DHA(特别是DHA),呈现出海水鱼类脂肪酸的利用特点。因此,建议在刀鲚亲本强化培育及产后培育中,增加投喂富含单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)(特别是C18:1和C16:1)的饵料,以加强刀鲚亲本的营养积累和产卵后亲本生理机能的恢复;在刀鲚育苗前期,要及时补充富含DHA和EPA的饵料,如,单胞藻、蛋黄等,以提高刀鲚仔鱼开口期间的成活率。     

江苏日本沼虾4个野生种群肌肉营养成分比较

对太湖、高邮湖、洪泽湖和骆马湖日本沼虾(Macrobrachium nipponense)的生长性状和肌肉营养进行评价与比较, 以期为良种选育提供参考依据。结果发现: 日本沼虾4个野生种群间虾体全长、体长、体重和肌肉重差异明显, 但含肉率(33.99%—35.40%)无显著差异; 日本沼虾粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分和水分含量分别为17.73%—18.81%、1.40%—1.83%、1.07%—1.24%和78.44%—79.49%; 共检出氨基酸17种, 其中必需氨基酸7种, 必需氨基酸指数为70.51—74.09, 不同种群间His、Arg、Asp、Glu、氨基酸总量和非必需氨基酸总量差异显著; 共检出脂肪酸16种, 其中不饱和脂肪酸10种, 不同种群间脂肪酸种类组成(C20﹕0和C14﹕1)和含量(C18﹕0、C18﹕2和C20﹕1)差异明显。在检测的4种常量元素(Na、K、Ca和Mg)和5种微量元素(Fe、Cu、Zn、Mn和Cr)中, 仅Fe和Mn在不同种群间差异显著。研究表明, 日本沼虾虾体规格的显著增加不会引起含肉率的明显变化; 肌肉中部分氨基酸、脂肪酸和矿物质受生活环境和食物资源的影响显著, 生产中需注意调节这些营养成分的添加。鉴于太湖种群的生长潜力及骆马湖种群氨基酸、脂肪酸和矿物质的营养价值较高, 可选择二者作为亲本来改善江苏日本沼虾种质。     

人工繁殖虾夷马粪海胆生长模型

以虾夷马粪海胆(Strongylocentrotus intermedius)家系为实验材料,对比分析了每个母系从孵化后到17月龄(性成熟)的体重、壳径、壳高的生长情况,并进行了生长性状间的相关分析及预测模型的构建。结果表明:5~15月龄,各家系虾夷马粪海胆在壳径、壳高与体重方面的差异均不显著(P0.05),17月龄时,各家系的生长指标出现差异(P0.05);虾夷马粪海胆壳径、壳高生长呈线性模型,而体重生长呈指数模型;利用虾夷马粪海胆各月龄生长性状数据,进行了虾夷马粪海胆壳径、壳高与体重相关关系分析,R2值为0.68~0.86,而虾夷马粪海胆父母本的生长性状与子代的生长性状相关性较低(0~0.25)。虾夷马粪海胆体重、壳径和壳高的生长预测模型表明,通过11月龄体重预测17月龄体重的准确率可达73.6%;本研究有助于深入了解虾夷马粪海胆的生长发育特征,并为其健康养殖模式构建提供理论依据。     

北黄海獐子岛养殖海域营养水平与虾夷扇贝增殖渔获量评估

营养盐作为浮游植物生长的物质基础,对海洋生态系统的物质循环起着决定性作用。调查研究了獐子岛附近海域营养盐含量水平、空间分布及营养盐结构,并据此估算了现有营养水平可支持的潜在生物量,评估了该海域虾夷扇贝增殖渔获量。结果表明,獐子岛附近海域海水总体营养水平较低,底层水中的营养盐浓度是表层水的2—3倍,海水中的营养盐浓度基本高于浮游植物生长的最低阈值,且溶解无机氮与磷酸盐的比值(DIN/PO4-P)和硅酸盐与磷酸盐的比值(Si O3-Si/PO4-P)均22,全海域为磷营养限制。根据磷限制因子及食物链能流转移理论估算,该海域1000 km2现有的营养水平可支持一个生长周期内虾夷扇贝增殖的动态理论生产量为3.8—6.1万t,如人为增加5%—20%的水体磷,则虾夷扇贝增殖产量可增加0.25—1.00万t。     

3种鲳属鱼不同组织脂肪酸组成的比较研究

3种野生鲳属鱼银鲳(Pampus argenteus)、灰鲳(Pampus cinereus)和中国鲳(Pampus sinensis)样本于2010年3—4月采集于浙江东海海域,用GC/MS法分别对其肝脏和肌肉的总脂和脂肪酸组成进行了分析和评价,同时比较了野生和养殖银鲳的脂肪酸组成。结果表明:3种鲳鱼肝脏总脂平均值(19.95%)显著高于肌肉总脂平均值(11.69%)(P<0.05),灰鲳肝脏和肌肉中的总脂含量显著高于银鲳和中国鲳(P中国鲳>灰鲳;肝脏的脂肪酸种类组成较丰富,MUFA含量中国鲳>银鲳>灰鲳(P<0.05),多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)含量灰鲳>银鲳>中国鲳(P<0.05);肌肉中MUFA含量银鲳>灰鲳>中国鲳(P<0.05),PUFA含量3种鲳鱼无显著差异(P>0.05)。EPA+DHA含量在3种鲳鱼肌肉中无显著差异(P>0.05),但在中国鲳肝脏未检测到EPA,在灰鲳肝脏和中国鲳肝脏和肌肉中未检测到DHA,而在银鲳肝脏和肌肉组织中EPA和DHA均有分布,DHA含量分别达到13.99%和15.95%;野生银鲳的油酸、EPA和DHA含量显著高于养殖银鲳,PUFA含量是养殖银鲳的1.53倍。由实验结果及与其它经济鱼类相比可知,3种鲳属鱼主要是以不饱和脂肪酸为主,在2种组织中平均占53.89%,EPA+DHA含量平均占PUFA的82.54%,这3种鲳鱼具有很高的营养价值并且银鲳更胜一筹,同时野生银鲳品质优于养殖银鲳,但不失为一种优良的养殖品种。     

稀有鮈鲫的脂肪酸组成

稀有鲫汉源种群和彭州种群全鱼中共检测到 3种饱和脂肪酸 (SFA) ,它们是C1 4∶0、C1 6∶0、C1 8∶0。 4种单不饱和脂肪酸 (MUFA) ,它们是C1 4∶1、C1 6∶1、C1 8∶1、C2 0∶1。 4种多不饱和脂肪酸 (PUFA) ,它们是C1 8∶2、C2 0∶4、C2 0∶5 (EPA)、C2 2∶6 (DHA)。SFA占总脂肪酸的2 3 6 3— 2 8 97% ,MUFA占 40 73— 5 4 3 2 % ,PUFA占 9 96— 2 3 1 7% ,EPA占 0 41— 1 74% ,DHA占 0 1 1— 5 3 7%。EPA含量一般低于DHA。UFA(MUFA +PUFA) % >SFA % ,且MUFA % >PUFA % ,n 3FA/n 6FA为 0 3 3— 0 99。此外还测定了鱼肌、内脏脂肪、肝脏、性腺等的脂肪酸组成和含量     

稀有(鱼句)鲫的脂肪酸组成

稀有(鱼句)鲫汉源种群和彭州种群全鱼中共检测到3种饱和脂肪酸(SFA),它们是C14∶0、C16∶0、C18∶0.4种单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA),它们是C14∶1、C16∶1、C18∶1、C20∶1.4种多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA),它们是C18∶2、C20∶4、C20∶5(EPA)、C22∶6(DHA).SFA 占总脂肪酸的23.63-28.97%,MUFA 占40.73-54.32%,PUFA 占9.96-23.17%,EPA占0.41-1.74%,DHA占0.11-5.37%.EPA 含量一般低于 DHA.UFA(MUFA+PUFA)%＞SFA%,且 MUFA%＞PUFA%,n-3FA/n-6FA为0.33-0.99.此外还测定了鱼肌、内脏脂肪、肝脏、性腺等的脂肪酸组成和含量.     

长江刀鲚生殖洄游期间脂肪酸组成及含量变化分析

为探究长江刀鲚生殖洄游过程中脂肪酸组成及其含量变化规律,研究选择洄游距离、卵巢发育和规格大小3个影响因子设置梯度,对长江刀鲚肝胰腺、肌肉和卵巢的脂肪酸组成及含量进行实验分析。实验结果显示, 62尾雌性刀鲚3个组织均检测出28种脂肪酸,以单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)含量最高,大于各组织总脂肪酸含量的56.23%,各类脂肪酸中的C18:1、C16:0、C16:1、DHA和EPA含量较高,为主要脂肪酸。在生殖洄游过程中,刀鲚肝胰腺总脂肪含量随洄游距离的延长呈上升趋势,从崇明江段的(526.61±38.50) mg/g增加至安庆江段的(587.21±124.72) mg/g,而肌肉和卵巢总脂肪酸含量呈显著下降趋势,分别下降了33.03%和57.09%(P<0.05)。在各体长组中,肌肉总脂肪酸、SFA、MUFA和PUFA含量与体长呈正相关(P<0.05),而肝胰腺和卵巢总脂肪酸及各类脂肪酸含量与体长无显著相关性(P>0.05)。在卵巢发育过程中,刀鲚肝胰腺和肌肉总脂肪酸、MUFA和PUFA含量随卵巢由Ⅱ期发育至Ⅳ期均呈下降趋势,总脂肪酸含量分别减少了47.56%和22.40%,...     

两种水华藻——球形棕囊藻和铜绿微囊藻的脂肪酸组成特征与水华形成机制

 浮游植物所含的不饱和脂肪酸是测定其作为食物质量的指标,并在浮游植物向浮游动物及其它动物能量转化过程中起着关键的作用,必需不饱和脂肪酸的缺乏有利于水华的形成。球形棕囊藻(Phaeocystis globosa)和铜绿微囊藻(Microcystis aeruginosa)分别是常见的海洋和淡水水华藻类,该文分析了它们在不同生长期的脂肪酸组成,探讨了这两种藻类的脂肪酸组成特征。球形棕囊藻和铜绿微囊藻的脂肪酸碳链长为14～20个碳原子,脂肪酸种类组成都比较简单,以饱和脂肪酸为主,未检测到二十碳五烯酸(Eicosapentaenoic acid,EPA)和二十二碳六烯酸 (Docosahexaenoic acid,DHA)等动物的必需脂肪酸。球形棕囊藻的总脂肪酸含量在247.294～735.44 μg·g－1干重之间,在对数期和延滞期含量最高的脂肪酸分别是C14∶0和C16∶0;而两株铜绿微囊藻的总脂肪酸在1 405.095～6 087.617μg·g－1干重之间,以C16∶0含量最高。两株铜绿微囊藻的脂肪酸含量在对数期和延滞期差异明显（p<0.05）,但球形棕囊藻的脂肪酸含量在不同生长期差别不大。由于缺乏必需脂肪酸EPA和DHA,球形棕囊藻和铜绿微囊藻不能为高营养级的生物提供必需的不饱和脂肪酸,不是浮游动物等生物的良好食物。因此球形棕囊藻和铜绿微囊藻作为浮游动物的食物质量较低,浮游动物对它们的捕食压力也较小,可能是这两种藻容易暴发水华的重要原因。     

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid is more optimal than eicosapentaenoic acid affecting the level of cellular defence responses of the juvenile grouper Epinephelus malabaricus

The combined effects of dietary docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids on phagocytic, respiratory burst, and leucocyte proliferative activities of the juvenile grouper, Epinephelus malabaricus, were investigated. The test fish were fed for 12wk on test diets containing 1g 100g(-1) diet of DHA and EPA in combinations (DHA/EPA: 3/1, 2/1, 1/1, 0.7/1, 0.3/1). In addition to promoting fish growth, high dietary DHA/EPA ratio significantly enhanced phagocytic and respiratory burst activities of grouper head-kidney leucocytes compared with low ratio. Significant correlations were found between leucocyte phagocytic or respiratory burst activities and concentrations of 20:3(n-3), DHA and EPA in fish liver and muscle tissues. Leucocyte proliferation was significantly higher (P< 0.05) when the diets were high in DHA/EPA ratio than low in DHA/EPA ratio, when stimulated by Con A and PHA-P, but not by LPS. Tissue DHA concentrations and leucocyte proliferation were significantly and positively correlated. Fortification of dietary DHA, thus increased T-cell proliferation and phagocytic function of grouper leucocytes. DHA is the only member in the (n-3) highly unsaturated fatty acid family that stimulated phagocytic functions of leucocytes and T-cell proliferation, and is more optimal than EPA affecting the cellular defence responses of the E. malabaricus juveniles.     

Preferential accumulation of fatty acids in the testis and ovary of cultured and wild sweet smelt Plecoglossus altivelis

The effect of dietary lipid on the fatty acid composition of muscle, testis and ovary of cultured sweet smelt, Plecoglossus altivelis, was investigated and compared with that of wild sweet smelt. Cultured fish were fed three different diets for 12 weeks: a control diet rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) (CO group); a diet deficient in DHA and EPA (DP group); and a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), but deficient in DHA and EPA (LP group). The fatty acid composition of muscle and gonad lipids was related with dietary fatty acids. Despite the difference in DHA and EPA content in the diets, muscles and gonads, respectively, contained almost equal levels of DHA and EPA in each CO and DP group. However, the muscle and gonad of the LP group showed a lower level of DHA than other groups, due to having the highest level of ALA. In the wild fish muscle, the DHA content was similar to that of CO and DP groups, but the EPA content showed the highest level in all groups. There was no difference in the muscle fatty acid proportions between male and female. On the other hand, the testes of cultured and wild fish were rich in DHA, EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, while ovaries were rich in oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic acids and ALA. Moreover, of all the groups, the fish fatty acid composition of the LP group was closest to that of wild fish. These results indicate that in the sweet smelt, tissue n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) greater than C20 can be synthesized from dietary precursors and special fatty acids are preferentially accumulated to the testis or ovary, respectively, to play different physiological functions.     

Microalgal biofactories: a promising approach towards sustainable omega-3 fatty acid production

ABSTRACT: Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) provide significant health benefits and this has led to an increased consumption as dietary supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are found in animals, transgenic plants, fungi and many microorganisms but are typically extracted from fatty fish, putting additional pressures on global fish stocks. As primary producers, many marine microalgae are rich in EPA (C20:5) and DHA (C22:6) and present a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids. Several heterotrophic microalgae have been used as biofactories for omega-3 fatty acids commercially, but a strong interest in autotrophic microalgae has emerged in recent years as microalgae are being developed as biofuel crops. This paper provides an overview of microalgal biotechnology and production platforms for the development of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It refers to implications in current biotechnological uses of microalgae as aquaculture feed and future biofuel crops and explores potential applications of metabolic engineering and selective breeding to accumulate large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in autotrophic microalgae.     

Lipid and fatty acid composition of muscle and liver from wild and captive mature female broodstocks of white seabream, Diplodus sargus

Total lipids (TL), lipid classes, and their associated fatty acids from muscle and liver of captive and wild mature female broodstocks were investigated in order to estimate the fatty acid requirements of white seabream (Diplodus sargus). The results showed that the percentage of triacylglycerol was higher in liver and muscle of captive fish than in wild fish. The distribution of phospholipid classes in liver and muscle of both fish groups was similar, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol being the predominant lipid classes. The general pattern of fatty acid distribution in total lipid of liver and muscle from captive and wild fish was similar. However, the relative percentage of specific fatty acids differed in captive and wild fish. The most noteworthy difference was the lower proportion of arachidonic acid (20:4n-6, AA) and the higher proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA) in liver and muscle of captive fish with respect to those of wild fish. The proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) did not differ between the two fish groups. The differences in EPA and AA proportions between captive and wild fish implied that captive fish presented a higher EPA/AA ratio and a lower DHA/EPA ratio than wild fish. In general terms, in both liver and muscle, the differences in fatty acid composition observed for TL were extended to all lipid classes. The results suggest that the different AA, EPA and DHA proportions in liver and muscle between captive and wild broodstocks are attributed to different levels of these fatty acids in broodstock diets.     

Is the fatty acid composition of Daphnia galeata determined by the fatty acid composition of the ingested diet?

1. The fatty acid (FA) composition of Daphnia galeata and their algal food was analysed and showed many similarities, however, some significant differences were also found in the relative abundance of the FA C16 : 4ω3 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Their relative abundances were much lower in daphnids than in their algal diet.
2. When daphnids were fed three distinct emulsion particles with DHA : eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios of c. 0.7, 2 and 4, the final DHA : EPA ratio in the daphnids always favoured EPA. The increase of the food DHA : EPA ratio resulted in a minor increase of DHA (to c. 2%). Feeding the animals on emulsion particles with increasing ratios of DHA : EPA, caused a minor ( c. 2%) increase of DHA level but EPA levels remained high ( c. 10%).
3. When labelled with [¹⁴C]linoleic acid and [¹⁴C]linolenic acid daphnids showed low conversion of both essential FA into C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This low conversion activity might explain the importance of C20 PUFAs as dietary compounds in the food of Daphnia.
4. The results indicate the insignificance of DHA and C16 : 4ω3 for daphnids. As EPA can be derived from C18 : 3ω3 it is not strictly essential, although it might be a significant factor in food quality for Daphnia.     

Effect of maternal fat reserves on the fatty acid composition of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) oocytes

We compared the fatty acid (FA) composition of the muscle and gonads of female Iberian sardines with hydrated oocytes collected during the 2002/03 spawning season off southern Portugal (November and February) and off western Portugal (February). Sardine condition and total FA concentration in the muscle decreased between the two sampling dates, while the gonadosomatic index was similar between samples. Total monounsaturated FA concentrations in sardine gonads were different for the three samples while saturated and polyunsaturated FA concentrations were similar. Significant linear relations were found between FA concentrations in female muscle and oocytes, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n − 3) and arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n − 6), both being essential for normal larval development. The concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n − 3) in oocytes was independent on muscle concentration, probably resulting from its selective transfer to the oocytes. The EPA/DHA ratio was highly conserved in sardine tissues, while DHA/AA and EPA/AA ratios varied significantly between samples. These results indicate that the FA content of eggs produced by sardines varies throughout the spawning season, egg FA concentrations decreasing as females lose condition, and FA composition also shows spatial variability. Both types of variability may have a significant impact on egg quality, particularly on the amount of reserves available to larvae affecting their resistance to starvation, and the appropriate FA composition required for normal growth.     

Effects of essential fatty acids and N and P-limited algae on the growth rate of tropical cladocerans

SUMMARY 1. In this study, the effects of nutrient (N and P) deficiency and the importance of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] to tropical cladocerans, growth and reproduction were determined in a growth bioassay.
2. The animals were fed N/P-sufficient, N-deficient and P-deficient algae, and also N and P-deficient algae supplemented with fish oil emulsions rich in EPA and DHA.
3. Cladocerans showed different responses to nutrient-deficient algae and also to supplements of fish oil emulsions. Moina micrura was most sensitive to P-deficient alga and, surprisingly, grew better and produced more eggs in N-deficient alga than in N/P sufficient alga. Ceriodaphnia cornuta was less sensitive, growing well in both N and P-deficient algae. This species, however, had a lower clutch size in N-deficient alga. On the other hand, Daphnia gessneri was the most sensitive to mineral limitation, showing decreased growth and clutch size in both nutrient-deficient algae.
4. The PUFA supplements to nutrient-deficient algae increased growth rates only for M. micrura and C. cornuta , suggesting that these fatty acids are important food requirements for these species.     

Proliferation of mitochondria and gene expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase in rat skeletal muscle, heart and liver by hypolipidemic fatty acids

Morphological and biochemical effects were induced at the subcellular level in the skeletal muscle, heart and liver of male rats as a result of feeding with EPA, DHA, and 3-thia fatty acids. The 3-thia fatty acid, tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) and EPA induced mitochondrial growth in type I muscle fibers in both the diaphragm and soleus muscle, and the size distribution of mitochondrial areas followed a similar pattern. Only the 3-thia fatty acid induced mitochondrial growth in type II muscle fibers. The mean area occupied by the mitochondria and the size distribution of mitochondrial areas in both fiber types were highly similar in DHA-treated and control animals. Only the 3-thia fatty acid increased the gene-expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)-II in the diaphragm. In the heart, however, the gene expression decreased. In hepatocytes an increase in the mean size of mitochondria was observed after EPA treatment, concomitant with an increase in mitochondrial CPT-II gene expression. Administration of 2-methyl-substituted EPA (methyl-EPA) induced a higher rate of growth of mitochondria than EPA. At the peroxisomal level in the hepatocytes a 3-thia fatty acid, EPA, and DHA increased the areal fraction concomitant with the induction of gene expression of peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (FAO). In the diaphragm, mRNA levels of FAO were not affected by EPA or DHA treatment, whereas gene expression was significantly increased after 3-thia fatty acid treatment. In the heart, both 3-thia fatty acid, EPA and DHA tended to decrease the levels of FAO mRNA. The areal fraction of fat droplets in all three tissue types was significantly lower in the groups treated with 3-thia fatty acid. In the group treated with EPA a lower areal fraction of fat droplets was observed, while the DHA group was similar to the control. This indicates that EPA and DHA have different effects on mitochondrial biogenesis.