Oxidative stress and inflammation have been recognized as important contributors to the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may regulate the antioxidant signaling pathway and modulate inflammatory processes. They also influence hepatic lipid metabolism and physiological responses of other organs, including the heart. Longitudinal prospective cohort studies demonstrate that there is an association between moderate intake of the omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), most likely as a result of lower blood cholesterol concentration. Current evidence suggests that increasing intake of arachidonic acid (up to 1500 mg/day) has no adverse effect on platelet aggregation and blood clotting, immune function and markers of inflammation, but may benefit muscle and cognitive performance. Many studies show that higher intakes of omega-3 PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases characterized by elevated inflammation, including CVDs. This is because of the multiple molecular and cellular actions of EPA and DHA. Intervention trials using EPA + DHA indicate benefit on CVD mortality and a significant inverse linear dose–response relationship has been found between EPA + DHA intake and CVD outcomes. In addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles, omega-3 fatty acids are considered to regulate platelet homeostasis and lower risk of thrombosis, which together indicate their potential use in COVID-19 therapy.

A dietary regime with fish oil could be used in dialysis patients to slow down the development of atherosclerosis and improve nutritional parameters.

The amount of organic pomace, left behind agricultural processes, is continuously rising in accordance with industrial progress. Grape pomace, generated in the wine industry all over the world, represents a raw material for obtaining valuable products. Grape seeds are especially rich in oil containing bioactive compounds that can have various health-related effects. The aim of the study is to compare the quality of seed oils obtained from six white grapes, including two Serbian autochthonous varieties. Linoleic acid, associated with numerous health benefits, is the major fatty acid in all samples (≈66% of total); -tocopherol is the main tocopherol homologue. Total polyphenol content ranges from 73.4 to 104.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g. In order to provide comprehensive information about antioxidant capacity of grape seed oil (GSO), three tests are performed (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power; 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging). Antimicrobial activity is investigated against different strains; however, GSO inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Obtained results are used to develop a novel approach for oil quality assessment. Calculated oil quality scores (OQS) reveal no significant difference between international and autochthonous varieties, although Smederevka stands out as the most potent one.Practical applications: Considering the progressive waste increase in the wine industry and keeping in mind all health-promoting effects of grape seed oil (GSO), it is clearly observed that oil production represents a profitable and sustainable utilization of grape seeds. The results of the present study show that GSO is a rich source of compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, this work provides deeper insight into a quality of Serbian autochthonous grape varieties that are still insufficiently explored. Furthermore, the proposed oil quality score could be used as a comprehensive and unbiased method that enables quality assessment of oils. This tool can find practical application in comparing different plant oils regarding their compositional and functional properties. Finally, it would contribute to making some general oil intake recommendations.

Purpose of reviewThis review aims to discuss the potential roles of omega-3 (v-3) and omega-6 (v-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, to provide the latest evidence from epidemiological and clinical studies, and to highlight novel insights into this field. Recent findingsHigher dietary or circulating v-3 PUFA levels are related to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome. Novel findings in obesity indicate higher proportions of v-6 and v-3 PUFAs, a modulated oxylipin profile and an altered transcriptome in subcutaneous white adipose tissue, that seem resistant to the effects of v-3 PUFAs compared with what occurs in normal weight individuals. v-3 PUFAs may improve the blood lipid profile and glycemic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and reduce liver fat in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); the findings of several recent meta-analyses support these effects. Genetic background affects inter-individual variability in the insulin sensitivity response to v-3 PUFA supplementation. v-3 PUFAs have prebiotic effects, altering the gut microbiota. SummaryAlthough evidence for health benefits of v-3 PUFAs is strong, recent findings suggest a more personalized approach to v-3 PUFA intake for individuals at high risk for metabolic diseases.

The results suggest the existence of different lipoprotein abnormalities according to various patterns of cholesterol homeostasis. Desmosterol/β-sitosterol ratio could be used for estimating individual propensity toward dyslipidemia development and direct the future treatment.