HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Conversion of α-linolenic acid to long-chain omega-3 fatty acid derivatives and alterations of HDL density subfractions and plasma lipids with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus).

Abstract
The effect of α-linolenic acid from a flaxseed (FLX)-enriched diet on plasma lipid and fatty acid metabolism and possible atherosclerosis risk factors was studied in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Twenty-four Monk parrots were randomly assigned to diets containing either 10% ground SUNs or 10% ground FLXs. Feed intake was calculated daily. Blood samples, body condition scores and body weights were obtained at -5 weeks, day 0, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 70. Plasma samples were analysed for total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins. Phospholipid subfraction fatty acid profiles were determined. By day 70, the FLX group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid fatty acids including 18:3n-3 (α-linolenic acid), 20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The sunflower group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid levels of 20:4n-6 (arachidonic acid). By day 70, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) peak shifted resulting in significantly different HDL peak densities between the two experimental groups (1.097 g/ml FLX group and 1.095 g/ml SUN group, p = 0.028). The plasma fatty acid results indicate that Monk parrots can readily convert α-linolenic acid to the long-chain omega-3 derivatives including docosahexaenoic acid and reduce 20:4n-6 accumulation in plasma phospholipids. The reason for a shift in the HDL peak density is unknown at this time.
AuthorsC Petzinger, C Larner, J J Heatley, C A Bailey, R D MacFarlane, J E Bauer
JournalJournal of animal physiology and animal nutrition (J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl)) Vol. 98 Issue 2 Pg. 262-70 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 1439-0396 [Electronic] Germany
PMID23600588 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
CopyrightJournal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Chemical References
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Lipids
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid
Topics
  • Animal Feed (analysis)
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Cholesterol, HDL (chemistry, metabolism)
  • Diet (veterinary)
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 (chemistry, metabolism)
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated (chemistry, metabolism)
  • Lipids (blood)
  • Parrots (physiology)
  • alpha-Linolenic Acid (chemistry, metabolism)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: