Investigation of the functions of n-3 very-long-chain PUFAs in skin using in vivo Atlantic salmon and in vitro human and fish skin models

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary n-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 VLC-PUFAs) on the maturation and development of skin tissue in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in vivo, as well as their effects on skin keratocyte and human skin fibroblast cell migration in vitro. Atlantic salmon were fed different dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFAs from an initial weight of 6 g to a final weight of 11 g. Changes in skin morphology were analysed at two timepoints during the experiment and the effects on skin tissue fatty acid composition were determined. Additionally, in vitro experiments using human dermal fibroblasts and primary Atlantic salmon keratocytes were conducted to investigate the effect of VLC-PUFAs on the migration capacity of the cells. The results demonstrated that increased dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFAs led to an increased epidermis thickness and more rapid scale maturation in Atlantic salmon skin in vivo, leading to a more mature skin morphology, and possibly more robust skin, at an earlier life stage. Additionally, human skin fibroblasts and salmon skin keratocytes supplemented with n-3 VLC-PUFAs in vitro showed more rapid migration, indicating potentially beneficial effects of VLC-PUFAs in wound healing. In conclusion, VLC-PUFAs may have beneficial effects on skin tissue development, function, and integrity.

Embracing prospects for reducing the numbers of animals used in aquaculture research

“…These in vitro models are excellent systems for understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of a specific stimulus, which can be challenging in an in vivo trial where several factors are interacting, thus posing compound effects that are difficult to isolate (Cabillon & Lazado, 2022;Torrissen et al, 2023). In vivo exposure trials involving aquaculture-relevant stimuli often require a significant number of fish and are costly.…”

Review of Eukaryote Cellular Membrane Lipid Composition, with Special Attention to the Fatty Acids

“…In mammals, ELOVL4 is the sole enzyme capable of catalyzing the formation of fatty acids with more than 26 carbons [290]. These polyunsaturated fatty acids with more than 28 carbon atoms are primarily found in the retina, brain [291][292][293][294], testis [295,296], spermatozoa [297], epidermis [298], meibomian gland [299,300], and Vernix caseosa [301].…”