Evaluation of Marine Microalga Diacronema vlkianum Biomass Fatty Acid Assimilation in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Diacronema vlkianum is a marine microalgae for which supposed health promoting effects have been claimed based on its phytochemical composition. The potential use of its biomass as health ingredient, including detox-shakes, and the lack of bioavailability studies were the main concerns. In order to evaluate the microalgae-biomass assimilation and its health-benefits, single-dose (CD1-mice) studies were followed by 66-days repeated-dose study in Wistar rats with the highest tested single-dose of microalgae equivalent to 101 mg/kg eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA). Microalgae-supplementation modulated EPA and docosapentaenoic acid enrichment at arachidonic acid content expenditure in erythrocytes and liver, while increasing EPA content of heart and adipose tissues of rats. Those fatty acid (FA) changes confirmed the D. vlkianum-biomass FA assimilation. The principal component analyses discriminated brain from other tissues, which formed two other groups (erythrocytes, liver, and heart separated from kidney and adipose tissues), pointing to a distinct signature of FA deposition for the brain and for the other organs. The improved serum lipid profile, omega-3 index and erythrocyte plasticity support the cardiovascular benefits of D. vlkianum. These results bolster the potential of D. vlkianum-biomass to become a “heart-healthy” food supplement providing a safe and renewable source of bioavailable omega-3 FA.

The Potential of the Marine Microalga Diacronema lutheri in the Prevention of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in High-Fat-Fed Wistar Rats

“…In vivo, a strong decrease in the liver TAG level was observed in our work in rats from the HF-Dia group, suggesting a preventive effect of D. lutheri as a dietary supplement in the prevention of NAFLD. A similar effect was observed in Wistar rats supplemented with the marine microalga Diacronema vlkianum for 66 days (equivalent to 101 mg/kg EPA and DHA in the diet), suggesting the preventive effect of n-3 LC-PUFAs in the development of NAFLD [78].…”

The Marine Microalga, Tisochrysis lutea, Protects against Metabolic Disorders Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

“…In parallel, T. lutea supplementation improved liver total cholesterol levels and significantly decreased TAG levels, suggesting NAFLD preventive effects of T. lutea . Similar effects were observed in Wistar rats supplemented for 66 days with freeze-dried Diacronema vlkianum , a marine microalga (equivalent to 101 mg/kg EPA and DHA in the diet), suggesting the preventive effect of n-3 LC-PUFA in the development of NAFLD [ 86 ]. DHA has been shown to inhibit lipid accumulation, particularly triglycerides, through the activation of free fatty acid 4 (FFA4) membrane receptor.…”

Preventive Effects of the Marine Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Used as a Food Supplement, on Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Wistar Rats

“…A marked reduction of TAG and cholesterol levels was previously reported in Wistar rats fed marine microalga Diacronema vlkianum biomass for 66 days, equivalent to 101 mg/kg of diet in EPA + DHA, suggesting that n-3 LC-PUFA from MA modulate the FA composition of liver and prevent hepatic steatosis installation [65]. This may be mediated by the decrease of gene expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1-c (SREBP1-c), which are involved in lipid synthesis [65,66]. The liver is not a lipid storage organ and an excess of TAG and cholesterol can be hepatotoxic [67].…”