Download Evaluation of using Eicosapentaenoic acid in Plant Tissue Culture

Applied Mechanics and Materials
ISSN: 1662-7482, Vol. 310, pp 162-165
doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.310.162
© 2013 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland
Online: 2013-02-27
Evaluation of using Eicosapentaenoic acid in Plant Tissue Culture Media
Kamran Safavi
Technology Incubator Center, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Email: [email protected]
Keywords: Omega-3, Essential fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid, Plant tissue culture
Abstract. Biotechnology is name given to the methods and techniques that involve the use of living
organisms like bacteria, yeast, plant cells or their parts or products as tools. Plant tissue culture
techniques are essential to many types of academic inquiry, as well as to many applied aspects of plant
science. Plant tissue culture techniques are also central to innovative areas of applied plant science,
including plant biotechnology and agriculture. The omega-3 fatty acids are "essential" fatty acids
because they are vital for normal metabolism and cannot be synthesized by the human body.
Eicosapentaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. With this research we obtain the strong plants with
benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Introduction
Plant tissue culture techniques are essential to many types of academic inquiry, as well as to many
applied aspects of plant science. In the past, plant tissue culture techniques have been used in
academic investigations of totipotency and the roles of hormones in cytodifferentiation and
organogenesis. Currently, tissue-cultured plants that have been genetically engineered provide insight
into plant molecular biology and gene regulation. Plant tissue culture techniques are also central to
innovative areas of applied plant science, including plant biotechnology and agriculture [4]. In
addition, the management of genetically engineered cells to form transgenic whole plants requires
tissue culture procedures; tissue culture methods are also required in the formation of somatic haploid
embryos from which homozygous plants can be generated. Thus, tissue culture techniques have been,
and still are, prominent in academic and applied plant science [5]. The omega-3 fatty acids
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are orthomolecular, conditionally
essential nutrients that enhance quality of life and lower the risk of premature death. They function
exclusively via cell membranes, in which they are anchored by phospholipid molecules. DHA is
proven essential to pre- and postnatal brain development, whereas EPA seems more influential on
behavior and mood. Both DHA and EPA generate neuroprotective metabolites. In doubleblind,
randomized, controlled trials, DHA and EPA combinations have been shown to benefit attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and aggression [7]. For the
affective disorders, meta-analyses confirm benefits in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar
disorder, with promising results in schizophrenia and initial benefit for borderline personality
disorder. Accelerated cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) correlate with lowered
tissue levels of DHA/EPA, and supplementation has improved cognitive function. Huntington disease
has responded to EPA. Omega-3 phospholipid supplements that combine DHA/EPA and
phospholipids into the same molecule have shown marked promise in early clinical trials [2].
Utilizing DHA and EPA together with phospholipids and membrane Mantioxidants to achieve a
“triple cell membrane synergy” mayfurther diversify their currently wide range of clinical
applications.
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Result and Discussion
Metabolism and Biological Effects of Essential Fatty Acids
Dietary fat is an important source of energy for biological activities in human beings. It encompasses
saturated fatty acids (SFAs), which are usually solid at room temperature, and unsaturated fatty acids
(UFAs), which are liquid at room temperature. UFAs can be further divided into monounsaturated
(MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs can be classified, on the basis of their
chemical structure, into two groups: omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids. The
omega-3 or n-3 notation means that the first double bond in this family of PUFAs is 3 carbons from
the methyl end of the molecule. The same principle applies to the omega-6 or n-6 notation [6]. Of all
fats found in food, two alpha-linolenic acid (chemical abbreviation: ALA; 18:3 n-3) and linoleic acid
(LA; 18:2 n-6)—cannot be synthesized in the human body, yet these are necessary for proper
physiological functioning. These two fats are thus called “essential fatty acids” (EFAs). The EFAs can
be converted in the liver to long-chain PUFAs (LC PUFAs), which have a higher number of carbon
atoms and double bonds. ALA and LA comprise the bulk of the total PUFAs consumed in a typical
North American diet. Typically, LA comprises 89 percent of the total PUFAs consumed, while ALA
comprises percent. Smaller amounts of other PUFAs make up the remainder.1 Both ALA and LA are
present in a variety of foods. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA; 22:6 n-3) can act as competitors for the same metabolic pathways as arachidonic acid (AA;
20:4 n-6). General scientific agreement supports increased consumption ofomega-3 fatty acids and
reduced intake of omega-6 fatty acids to promote good health. However, for omega-3 fatty acid
intake, the specific quantitative recommendations vary widely among countries not only in terms of
different unit’s ratio, grams and total energy intake but also in quantity.
Metabolic Pathways of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids share the same pools of enzymes and go through the same oxidation
pathways while being metabolized. Once ingested, the parent of the omega- 3 fatty acids, ALA, and
the parent of the omega-6 fatty acids, LA, can be elongated and desaturated into LC PUFAs. The
long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, AA, is the precursor of a group of eicosanoids including series-2
prostaglandins (PG2) and series-4 leukotrienes (LT4). The omega- 3 fatty acid, EPA, is the precursor
to a group of eicosanoids including series-3 prostaglandins (PG3) and series-5 leukotrienes (LT5).
The series-2 prostaglandins and series-4 leukotrienes Nderived from AA are involved in intense
actions (such as accelerating platelet aggregation, and enhancing vasoconstriction and the synthesis of
mediators of inflammation) in response to physiological stressors. The series-3 prostaglandins and
series-5 leukotrienes derived from EPA are less physiologically potent than those derived from AA.
More specifically, the series-3 prostaglandins are formed at a slower rate and work to attenuate
excessive series-2 prostaglandins [6]. Thus, adequate production of the series-3 prostaglandins, which
are derived from the omega-3 fatty acid, EPA, may protect against heart attack and stroke as well as
certain inflammatory diseases like arthritis, lupus and asthma [6]. EPA can also be converted into the
longer chain omega-3 form of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3), and then further elongated and
oxygenated into DHA. EPA and DHA are frequently referred to as VLN-3FA—very long chain n-3
fatty acids. DHA, which is thought to be important for brain development and functioning, is present
in significant amounts in a variety of food products, including fish, fish liver oils, fish eggs, and organ
meats. Similarly, AA can convert into an omega-6 form of DPA. Studies have reported that omega-3
fatty acids decrease triglycerides (Tg) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in
hypertriglyceridemic subjects, concomitant with an increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL).
However, they appear to increase or have no effect on low density lipoprotein (LDL). Omega-3 fatty
acids apparently lower Tg by inhibiting VLDL and apolipoprotein B-100 synthesis, and decreasing
post-prandial lipemia. Omega-3 fatty acids, in conjunction with transcription factors (small proteins
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that bind to the regulatory domains of genes), target the genes governing cellular Tg production and
those activating oxidation of excess fatty acids in the liver. Inhibition of fatty acid synthesis and
increased fatty acid catabolism reduce the amount of substrate available for Tg production. As noted
earlier, omega-6 fatty acids are consumed in larger quantities (> 10 times) than omega-3 fatty acids.
Maintaining a sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids is particularly important since many of the
body’s physiologic properties depend upon their availability and metabolism [6].
Omega-3s in Childhood Brain Development
During the last trimester of fetal life and the first two years of childhood, the brain undergoes a period
of rapid growth the “brain growth spurt.”1 Nutrient insufficiency during this period can compromise
brain function. DHA is one nutrient absolutely required for the development of the sensory,
perceptual, cognitive, and motor neural systems during the brain growth spurt. EPA’s importance for
the brain’s development in utero is unclear, but colostrum and breast milk contain EPA, albeit in
lesser amounts than DHA [7].
Established Benefits in Affective Disorders
Numerous studies have examined the effects of DHA/EPA for affective disorders and have found
them to be beneficial for mood management. Mood disorders that apparently respond to DHA/EPA
include major depressive disorder, manic depression (bipolar disorder), and possibly also
schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and anorexia nervosa [7].
DHA/EPA Support Cell Membranes, the Pacemakers of Metabolism
DHA and EPA literally feed cell membranes, the dynamic structures that manage the vast majority of
life processes. Within the membrane bilayer, DHA and EPA are attached to the larger phospholipid
molecules via ester bonds. Phospholipids with their attached fatty acids are the molecular building
blocks of the membrane. DHA and EPA interact with the other fatty acids in the membrane bilayer –
saturates, monounsaturates (omega-9s), and polyunsaturates (omega-6s, minor omega-3s) – and
membrane fluidity is a net outcome of all the electron densities. This property renders DHA (six
double bonds) and EPA (five double bonds) the most highly fluidizing of the major membrane fatty
acids. In general, experts agree the advanced human cell is only as efficient as its membrane system
[7].
Orthomolecular Synergy of Cell Membrane Nutrients
DHA and EPA have an obvious and predictable synergy with other cell membrane nutrients,
specifically phospholipids and antioxidants. Depending on the requirements of the tissue in question,
the phospholipids phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and PC can carry
substantial amounts of DHA in their “tail” positions, especially tail position [7]. These phospholipid
“parent molecules” also anchor EPA within the membrane. Healthy cells have a complement of
antioxidants within their membranes that help protect them from destruction by intrinsic oxidants
(obligatorily generated during routine metabolism) or extrinsic oxidants imposed by lifestyle or the
environment.90 Membrane, antioxidants are structurally intermingled with fatty acids and function as
a protective “first line of defense.” In the presence of antioxidants, fatty acids with the most
unsaturated bonds, namely DHA and EPA, are protected against oxidative (“free radical”) destruction
[7]. Thus, within the dynamic membrane milieu, DHA and EPA exist in homeostatic synergy with
both their parent phospholipids and the antioxidants dispersed in the membrane lipid bilayer,
providing “triple cell membrane synergy.” Thus, in addition to protective antioxidants, supplements
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that deliver DHA and EPA bound to phospholipids – such as omega-3s bound to phosphatidylserine
and krill oil that contains omega-3 FAs bound to phospholipids – provide the building blocks for
healthy cell membranes [7].
The Correct Intake of DHA/EPA for Brain Benefits
Technically, humans can synthesize EPA and DHA from the shorter-chain ALA, but the conversion
efficiency is low, even in healthy individuals. Thus flaxseed oil as a source of ALA cannot be
assumed to substitute for dietary sources of DHA/EPA. Foods high in omega-3 FAs or supplements
with preformed DHA and EPA are required. In regard to food sources of DHA/EPA, the standard
American diet is unlikely to contribute more than 50-100 mg/day. Various “functional foods” have
appeared with DHA/EPA added. Omega-3 eggs, for example, can be a significant source by providing
greater than 200 mg of “omega-3” per egg [7]. However, it may be necessary to confirm which
omega-3 FAs are in the food (e.g., DHA/EPA or ALA). Further caution is advised to ensure that other
ingredients in the food are healthful. For example, one heavily promoted omega-3 spread carries
trans-fatty acids a potential toxic counterbalance to the omega-3 benefits. The current knowledge base
on DHA/EPA for brain function does not generate a rational daily intake recommendation. From his
studies on national seafood intakes and affective disorder incidence, suggested pregnant women may
want to consume a minimum 650 mg/day of DHA and EPA (with a minimum 300 mg/day of DHA) to
prevent postpartum depression [7].
Using Eicosapentaenoic acid in Plant Tissue Culture Media
In this research we understand that the omega-3 such as Eicosapentaenoic has very good benefits and
when we add it to plant tissue culture media the plant can absorb the omega-3. Potato is one of the
plants that we candidate for this research [1,4]. Therefore the plants have an omega-3 and when
people eat them they obtain the benefit of omega-3.
References
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Evaluation of Using Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Plant Tissue Culture Media
10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.310.162