Publications scientifiques de l'EnvA
Not a member yet
10807 research outputs found
Sort by
Allowing dairy cows to diversify their diet: effects on feed intake and welfare
No full textInternational audienceContrary to natural conditions, dairy cows are frequently fed indoor with total mixed rations (TMR). This monotonous diet does not allow them to express their natural feeding behaviour, i.e. to select different food items. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of allowing each dairy cow to diversify her own diet on feeding behavior and welfare. Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows were fed ad libitum with a nutritionally balanced TMR during a 4-weeks pre-experimental period, and then, were divided into 2 groups (mean milk production of 41 ± 0.8 kg/d for 111 ± 2.7 DIM). In Period 1 (P1, 29d), the Control group was fed with the TMR only, whereas the Choice group had an ad libitum access to a good hay (regrowth of fescue) and a coarse hay (1st cut of permanent pasture) in addition to the TMR. Then, in Period 2 (P2, 27d), all cows were fed ad libitum with the TMR only. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Cortisol concentration was measured as a physiological indicator of welfare in plasma samples at the end of the pre-experimental period and three times each period, and in hair samples at the end of each period. During P1, the total dry matter intake was similar in both groups but cows in the Choice group reduced their intake of TMR by 2.1 kg DM/d (P<0.05) and chose to diversify their diet by eating 2.5 kg DM/d of good hay. They did not eat the coarse hay. Milk yield of cows in Choice group slightly decreased (-0.9 kg/d, P<0.05). During P2, cows in both groups had similar TMR intake and milk yield. Hair and plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ between groups and periods. When given the opportunity, dairy cows chose to diversify their diet even if they had an ad libitum access to a nutritionally balanced diet and preferred the high quality hay. This feeding strategy had no effect on the welfare of the dairy cows as assessed by hair and plasma cortisol concentrations
Harnessing RUMIGEN EpiChip data to predict dairy cow performance
No full textInternational audienceThe DNA methylation BeadChip (EpiChip), developed in the H2020 RUMIGEN project, offers a powerful ap¬proach to understanding the epigenetic factors influencing dairy cow performance. This study used the RUMI¬GEN EpiChip on blood samples from 3,087 Holstein cows to evaluate the extent to which epigenetic biomarkers may help predict cow phenotypes. Key performance indicators such as milk production, fertility, and udder health were analyzed using a mixed model that included the random effects of genetic and/or epigenetic values. Genetic covariance structure was computed from SNP genotypes obtained from the EuroGMD chip, while epigenome covariance structure was derived from methylation similarity between individuals estimated from EpiChip data, after adjusting data from leucocyte composition. Three distinct models were applied to estimate genetic and/ or epigenetic variances, all including environmental effects along with i) a genetic component, ii) an epigenetic component, or iii) both genetic and epigenetic components. The population of cows was divided into a training and validation set to estimate prediction accuracy across the three models. Results presented in detail include the proportion of epigenetic variance relative to the total variance for all traits considered in this study. Specifically, we compare the performance of the three models in terms of accuracy and bias in predicting cow performance. These findings pave the way for EpiChip data to improve predictive capacity beyond conventional genetic and environmental factors. This provides a more comprehensive framework for animal performance management, supporting more informed breeding and management decisions to advance efficiency and sustainability in the dairy industry. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme for Re-search & Innovation under grant agreement n°101000226 (RUMIGEN) and from APIS-GENE (PolyPheme)
Effect of a ceruminolytic ear cleaner on clinical, microbiological and ear canal microbiome evolution in canine erythemato‐ceruminous otitis externa associated with proliferation of Malassezia yeasts
No full textInternational audienceZusammenfassung Hintergrund Eine erythematös‐ceruminöse Otitis externa (ECOE) wird häufig mit Malassezia spp. und einer mikrobiellen Imbalance in Zusammenhang gesehen. Hypothese/Ziele Eine Untersuchung der klinischen Leistung eines Ohrreinigers bei Hunden, die eine ECOE mit einem Malassezia spp. Überwachstum haben und eine Messung dieses Einflusses auf die Mikrobiota. Tiere Dreißig Hunde in Privatbesitz mit einer mild‐bis‐moderaten ECOE im Zusammenhang mit einem Malassezia spp. Überwachstum. Materialien und Methoden Pruritus Wert (PS), klinischer Wert (0‐3 Otitis Index Score [OTIS3]: basierend auf Sekretion, Erythem, Hyperplasie und Ulzeration) und zytologischer Wert (CS) wurden am Tag (D)0, D7 und D14 erfasst. Es wurden am D0 und D14 sterile Ohrtupfer verwendet, um eine Pilzkultur durchzuführen. DNA‐Extraktion und PCR‐Amplifizierung des 18 ITS und 16S rRNA‐Gens wurden durchgeführt, um die Zusammensetzung und die Veränderungen im otischen Mikrobiom zu evaluieren. Die Ohren wurden je nach Sekretionswert täglich, jeden zweiten Tag oder zweimal wöchentlich mit einem ceruminolytischen Ohrreiniger gereinigt. Ergebnisse Siebenundfünfzig Ohren (30 Hunde) beendeten die Studie. PS, OTIS‐3 und CS waren am D7 bzw D14 (‐45%, ‐43%, ‐60% bzw ‐77%, ‐66%, ‐76%; p < 0,0001 Wilcoxon Test) signifikant vermindert. Die Pilzkulturen waren am D0 nur bei 34 Ohren positiv ( Malassezia spp.) und bei allen Ohren am D14 negativ. Die Mykobiota Zusammensetzung war vor und nach der Behandlung signifikant verschieden, wobei die Diversität der Pilze am D14 im Vergleich zu D0 zunahm (Shannon Index; p < 0,003 Wilcoxon Test). Bei der bakteriellen Zusammensetzung gab es keine Veränderung. Schlussfolgerungen und klinische Bedeutung Im Falle einer ECOE mit Malassezia spp. Überwachstum zeigte der getestete Ohrreiniger einen positiven Einfluss auf die Dysbiose der Pilze und das Überwachstum der Malassezia spp.Abstract Background Erythemato‐ceruminous otitis externa (ECOE) is commonly associated with Malassezia spp. and microbial imbalance. Hypothesis/Objective To assess the clinical performance of an ear cleaner in dogs suffering from ECOE associated with Malassezia spp. overgrowth and to measure its impact on the microbiota. Animals Thirty privately owned dogs suffering from mild‐to‐moderate ECOE associated with Malassezia spp. overgrowth. Materials and Methods Pruritus score (PS), clinical score (0–3 Otitis Index Score [OTIS3]: based on secretions, erythema, hyperplasia and ulceration) and cytological score (CS) were assessed on Day (D)0, D7, and D14. Sterile ear swabs were used on D0 and D14 to perform fungal culture DNA extraction, and PCR amplification of the 18 ITS and 16S rRNA gene was carried out to evaluate the composition and changes of the otic microbiome. Ears were cleaned with a cerumenolytic ear cleanser daily, every other day, or twice a week depending on the secretion score. Results Fifty‐seven ears (30 dogs) completed the study. PS, OTIS‐3, and CS were significantly decreased at D7 and D14 (−45%, −43%, −60% and −77%, −66%, −76%, respectively; p < 0.0001 Wilcoxon test). Fungal culture was positive ( Malassezia spp. ) in only 34 ears at D0 and was negative in all ears at D14. Mycobiota composition was significantly different before and after treatment with an increase of fungal diversity (Shannon index; p < 0.003 Wilcoxon test) at D14 compared to D0. There was no change in bacterial composition. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance In case of ECOE associated with Malassezia spp. overgrowth, the use of the tested ear cleaner showed a positive impact on the fungal dysbiosis and Malassezia spp. overgrowth.RESUMEN Introducción La otitis externa eritematoceruminosa (ECOE) se asocia comúnmente con Malassezia spp . y desequilibrio microbiano. Hipótesis/Objetivo Evaluar el rendimiento clínico de un limpiador de oídos en perros con ECOE asociada a un sobrecrecimiento de Malassezia spp . y medir su impacto en la microbiota. Animales Treinta perros de propiedad privada con ECOE leve a moderada asociada a un sobrecrecimiento de Malassezia spp . Materiales y métodos Se evaluaron la puntuación de prurito (PS), la puntuación clínica (puntuación del índice de otitis [OTIS3] de 0 a 3 : basada en secreciones, eritema, hiperplasia y ulceración) y la puntuación citológica (CS) los días 0, 7 y 14. Se utilizaron hisopos óticos estériles los días D0 y D14 para extraer DNA del cultivo fúngico, y se realizó la amplificación por PCR de los genes 18 ITS y 16S rRNA para evaluar la composición y los cambios en el microbioma ótico. Los oídos se limpiaron con un limpiador cerumenolítico diariamente, cada dos días o dos veces por semana, según el nivel de secreción. Resultados Cincuenta y siete oídos (30 perros) completaron el estudio. PS, OTIS‐3 y CS disminuyeron significativamente los días D7 y D14 (–45 %, –43 %, –60 % y –77 %, –66 %, –76 %, respectivamente ; p < 0,0001 prueba de Wilcoxon). El cultivo fúngico fue positivo ( Malassezia spp .) solo en 34 oídos el día D0 y negativo en todos los oídos el día D14. La composición de la micobiota fue significativamente diferente antes y después del tratamiento, con un aumento de la diversidad fúngica (índice de Shannon ; p < 0,003 prueba de Wilcoxon) en el día 14 en comparación con el día 0. No se observaron cambios en la composición bacteriana. Conclusiones y relevancia clínica En el caso de ECOE asociada con sobrecrecimiento de Malassezia spp ., el uso del limpiador ótico evaluado mostró un impacto positivo en la disbiosis fúngica y el sobrecrecimiento de Malassezia spp .Résumé Contexte L'otite externe érythémato‐cérumineuse ( OEEC) est souvent associée à Malassezia spp. et à un déséquilibre microbien. Hypothèse/Objectif Evaluer la performance clinique d'un nettoyant auriculaire chez des chiens souffrant d'une OEEC associée à une prolifération de Malassezia spp. et mesurer son impact sur le microbiote. Animaux Trente chiens privés souffrant d'une OEEC légère à modérée associée à une prolifération de Malassezia spp. Matériels et méthodes Le score de prurit (PS), le score clinique (0‐3 Otitis Index Score [OTIS3] : basé sur les sécrétions, l'érythème, l'hyperplasie et l'ulcération) et le score cytologique (CS) ont été évalués à J0, J7 et J14. Des écouvillons stériles ont été utilisés à J0 et J14 pour extraire l'ADN des cultures fongiques, et l'amplification par PCR du gène 18 ITS et du gène de l'ARNr 16S a été réalisée pour évaluer la composition et les changements du microbiome otique. Les oreilles ont été nettoyées avec un nettoyant auriculaire céruminolytique tous les jours, tous les deux jours ou deux fois par semaine en fonction du score de sécrétion. Résultats Cinquante‐sept oreilles (30 chiens) ont participé à l'étude. Le PS, l'OTIS‐3 et le CS étaient significativement diminués à J7 et J14 (‐45%, ‐43%, ‐60% et ‐77%, ‐66%, ‐76%, respectivement ; p < 0,0001 test de Wilcoxon). La culture fongique était positive (Malassezia spp.) dans seulement 34 oreilles à J0 et était négative dans toutes les oreilles à J14. La composition du mycobiote était significativement différente avant et après le traitement, avec une augmentation de la diversité fongique (indice de Shannon ; p < 0,003 test de Wilcoxon) à J14 par rapport à J0. Il n'y a pas eu de changement dans la composition bactérienne. Conclusions et pertinence clinique En cas d'OEEC associé à une prolifération de Malassezia spp., l'utilisation du nettoyant auriculaire testé a eu un impact positif sur la dysbiose fongique et la prolifération de Malassezia spp.要約 背景 紅斑性耳垢性外耳道炎(ECOE)は一般的にマラセチア属と微生物の不均衡と関連している。 仮説/目的 本研究の目的は、マラセチア属真菌の過剰増殖に関連するECOEに罹患している犬におけるイヤークリーナーの臨床的性能を評価し、微生物叢への影響を測定することであった。 対象動物 マラセチア属真菌の過剰増殖を伴う軽度から中等度のECOEに罹患している30頭のオーナー所有犬。 材料と方法 掻痒スコア(PS)、臨床スコア(0‐3 Otitis Index Score [OTIS3]:分泌物、紅斑、過形成および潰瘍形成に基づく)および細胞学的スコア(CS)をDay(D)0、D7およびD14に評価した。D0およびD14に滅菌耳スワブを用いて真菌培養DNA抽出し、18ITSおよび16S rRNA遺伝子のPCR増幅を実施して、耳微生物叢の構成と変化を評価した。耳は分泌物スコアに応じて、毎日、隔日または週2回、耳垢溶解性イヤークリーナーで洗浄した。 結果 57の耳(30頭)が研究を完了した。PS、OTIS‐3およびCSは、D7およびD14で有意に減少した(それぞれ‐45%、‐43%、‐60%および‐77%、‐66%、‐76%；p<0.0001 Wilcoxon検定)。真菌培養はD0ではわずか34耳で陽性( Malassezia spp.)であったが、D14ではすべての耳で陰性であった。真菌叢の組成は治療前後で有意に異なり、D0と比較してD14では真菌の多様性(Shannon index; p < 0.003ウィルコクソン検定)が増加した。細菌組成に変化はなかった。 結論および臨床的妥当性 マラセチア属真菌の過剰増殖を伴うECOEの場合、試験したイヤークリーナーの使用は、真菌のディスバイオーシスおよびマラセチア属の過剰増殖に好影響を示した。Resumo Contexto A otite externa eritemato‐ceruminosa (OECE) é comumente associada à infecção por Malassezia spp. e ao desequilíbrio microbiano. Hipótese/Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho clínico de uma solução de limpeza auricular em cães com OECE associada ao supercrescimento de Malassezia spp. e mensurar seu impacto na microbiota. Animais Trinta cães de propriedade particular com OECE leve a moderada associada ao crescimento excessivo de Malassezia spp. Materiais e Métodos O escore de prurido (EP), o escore clínico (0‐3, Escore do Índice de Otite [OTIS3]: baseado em secreções, eritema, hiperplasia e ulceração) e o escore citológico (EC) foram avaliados no Dia (D)0, D7 e D14. Swabs auriculares estéreis foram utilizados no D0 e D14 para extração de DNA da cultura fúngica, e amplificação por PCR dos genes 18 ITS e 16S rRNA foi realizada para avaliar a composição e as alterações do microbioma ótico. As orelhas foram limpas com um limpador auricular ceruminolítico diariamente, em dias alternados ou duas vezes por semana, dependendo da do escore de secreção. Resultados Cinquenta e sete orelhas (30 cães) completaram o estudo. EP, OTIS‐3 e EC diminuíram significativamente nos dias 7 e 14 (–45%, –43%, –60% e –77%, –66%, –76%, respectivamente; p < 0,0001 no teste de Wilcoxon). A cultura fúngica foi positiva ( Malassezia spp.) em apenas 34 orelhas no dia 0 e negativa em todas as orelhas no dia 14. A composição da micobiota foi significativamente diferente antes e depois do tratamento, com aumento da diversidade fúngica (índice de Shannon; p < 0,003 no teste de Wilcoxon) no D14 em comparação ao D0. Não houve alteração na composição bacteriana. Conclusões e Relevância Clínica Em caso de OECE associada ao supercrescimento de Malassezia spp., o uso do limpador auricular testado demonstrou um impacto positivo na disbiose fúngica e no supercrescimento de Malassezia spp
Development of in-house ELISA for Scedosporium/Lomentospora serodiagnosis
No full textInternational audienceScedosporium/Lomentospora species are ubiquitous molds that can cause deep-seated infections and allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses (ABPM). Serodiagnosis is currently performed by immunoprecipitation techniques (IP), which are time-consuming and lack reproducibility. In addition, as antigenic extracts for these fungi are not commercially available, many centers stopped performing this analysis. Therefore, there is a need for automated quantitative alternatives, such as ELISA. The aim of this study was to develop an ELISA for serodiagnosis of Scedosporium/Lomentospora infections. All sera received for Scedosporium/Lomentospora serodiagnosis expertise from April 2022 to February 2024 were tested in parallel using IP and an in-house ELISA with antigenic extracts from both S. apiospermum and L. prolificans. Clinical and biological data such as positive culture, total IgE level and final diagnosis retained were also collected prospectively. The concordance between techniques was calculated, with chi² tests performed to investigate the correlation between ELISA and culture results or final diagnosis. We tested 58 serum samples from 41 different patients. The concordance between IP and ELISA was 64% for S. apiospermum and 62% for L. prolificans. ELISA results obtained with S. apiospermum antigen extract were significantly correlated with culture results (p < 0.001, chi² test). ELISA was also more effective than IP to diagnose ABPM. The Scedosporium/Lomentospora ELISA gave satisfactory results, particularly for S. apiospermum. Further validation on a larger cohort is required implementing this ELISA for routine practice instead of IP. In addition, studies should be conducted on purified native proteins or combination with recombinant antigens to improve standardization
Haploinsuffisance de DMRT1 et altérations de la spermatogenèse chez le lapin mâle
No full textDMRT1 is a key factor in testicular development, involved in both sex determination and the maintenance of fertility. Mutations in DMRT1 gene have been reported in humans, particularly in patients with 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (46,XY DSD) or infertility such as azoospermia. In a previous study, we demonstrated that DMRT1 is a testis-determining factor in rabbits, where DMRT1-/- individuals undergo a male to female XY sex reversal. In the present study, we show that DMRT1 haploinsufficiency induces secondary infertility, with XY rabbits developing oligospermia or even azoospermia by the age of two years. We observed a decline in sperm concentration and an increase in abnormal sperm parameters, as well as morphological alterations such as seminiferous tubules containing germ cells arrested in meiosis or showing a “Sertoli cell only” pattern. Furthermore, spermatogenesis is affected as early as 4 months of age (the earliest stage at which spermatozoa are detectable in seminiferous tubules), with deregulation of genes involved in spermatid maturation and sperm-egg fusion. In parallel, genes implicated in the mitosis-to-meiosis transition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), such as STRA8 or MEIOSIN, are over-expressed. Finally, DMRT1 haploinsufficiency also affects the earliest stages of germ cell differentiation, with persistent proliferation and pluripotency in some germ cells during the postnatal period. In conclusion, all these developmental defects in male gonad caused by DMRT1 haploinsufficiency lead to secondary infertility in XY rabbits. Our findings highlight the essential role of DMRT1 at various stages of testicular development and reinforce its relevance to certain phenotypes observed in humans.DMRT1 est un facteur clé du développement testiculaire, impliqué dans la détermination du sexe et le maintien de la fertilité. Des mutations du gène DMRT1 ont été décrites chez l’homme, notamment chez des patients atteints de variations du développement sexuel 46,XY (46,XY VDS) ou d'infertilité de type azoospermie. Dans une précédente étude, nous avons montré que DMRT1 est un facteur déterminant du testicule chez le lapin, où les individus DMRT1-/- présentent une inversion sexuelle de type femelle XY. Dans cette étude, nous montrons que l’haploinsuffisance de DMRT1 induit une infertilité secondaire, les mâles XY développant une oligospermie, voire une azoospermie, vers l’âge de deux ans. Ainsi, nous avons observé une diminution de la concentration en spermatozoïdes accompagnée d’une augmentation d’anomalies morphologiques les concernant. De plus, des anomalies des tubes séminifères contenant des cellules germinales en arrêt méiotique ou ne contenant que des cellules de Sertoli, sont observés. Par ailleurs, la spermatogenèse est affectée dès l’âge de 4 mois correspondant au stade le plus précoce où sont détectés quelques spermatozoïdes dans les tubes séminifères. Ceci s’accompagne d’une dérégulation de l'expression de gènes impliqués dans la maturation des spermatides et dans la fusion ovocyte/spermatozoïde. En parallèle, des gènes impliqués dans la transition mitose/méiose des cellules souches spermatogoniales (CSS), comme STRA8 et MEIOSIN, sont surexprimés. Enfin, l’haploinsuffisance de DMRT1 impacte aussi les stades les plus précoces de la différenciation des cellules germinales, avec une persistance de la prolifération et de la pluripotence dans certaines d’entre elles , au cours de la période postnatale. En conclusion, toutes ces altérations de developpement gonadique mâle induites par l’haploinsuffisance de DMRT1 conduisent à une infertilité secondaire chez les lapins XY. Nos résultats soulignent ainsi le rôle essentiel de DMRT1 à différents stades du développement testiculaire, et renforcent les études démontrant son implication dans certaines pathologies observées chez l’humain
National survey on aspiration pneumonia in elderly hospitalized or institutionalized patients in France in 2023
No full textInternational audienceBackground: Aspiration pneumonia is not specifically addressed in French guidelines on pneumonia, despite it being a frequent infection affecting specific populations. The French Infectious Diseases Society's (French acronym SPILF) Recommendations Group and the Infectio-Geriatrics Group (GinGER-SPILF SFGG) have published the first recommendations on this topic in 2025. The objective of this study was to describe practices of French physicians to manage aspiration pneumonia in hospitalized or institutionalized people aged over 75 years.Methods: A nationwide survey conducted from June to November 2023 was distributed to physicians working in hospitals or medico-social facilities to assess their habits from diagnosis to prevention.Results: A total of 452 physicians responded (mainly geriatricians, infectious disease specialists, and family physicians). Diagnostic criteria were consensual: presence of vomiting, swallowing disorders, or a history of inhalation pneumonia. Seventy-eight per cent of physicians reported prescribing complementary examinations. Imaging examinations (74%) were prioritized over bacteriology (19%). Oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the first-line antibiotic (82%). Significant differences were found in the use of metronidazole and of the subcutaneous route, which were more frequently used by geriatricians. Geriatricians referred significantly more patients to speech therapists. The most commonly used swallowing test was the water test (92%). Screening and management of swallowing disorders, secondary prevention, and nutritional management varied according to specialties and practice settings.Conclusion: This survey shows consensus regarding diagnostic criteria and antibiotic therapy. However, the significant variation in prevention and nutritional management across specialties and practice settings highlights the need for specific recommendations
Caractérisation des populations de Parascaris spp. en France chez les poulains : Prévalence, résistance et phylogénie
No full textInternational audienc
Improving the Early Immune Parameters of Lung Transplantation in the Pig Model by Treating Both Donors and Recipients with Corticosteroids
No full textPurpose: The innate allogeneic immune response in lung transplantation contributes to both the development of primary graft dysfunction and the activation of the adaptive immune response, which can lead to rejection. Therefore, effectively targeting this innate immune response is crucial for better outcomes.The current perioperative immunomodulatory treatment includes a corticosteroid injection administered to the recipient during surgery. However, the immunological benefit of extending this treatment to the donor, a practice that is not widely adopted, remains unknown.Methods: To analyze the immune parameters affected by donor preconditioning, we used a porcine cross-circulation platform, consisting of an ex vivo donor lung (D) connected to the circulation of a recipient pig (R) whose leukocytes were fluorescently labeled. We compared 3 groups of pig pairs: i) untreated D and R, ii) treated R only, iii) treated D and R. Tissue samples from the ex vivo graft were collected during the first ten hours of reperfusion. The immune cell composition was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR.Results: Recipient treatment, whether or not combined with donor treatment, similarly reduced the activation profile of recruited CD14pos and CD16pos monocyte subsets. Interestingly, we found that donor’s preconditioning reduced the representation of both donor- and recipient-derived CD3pos T cells in the graft and improved the anti-inflammatory profile of alveolar macrophages, at least during the first 10 hours of donor/recipient interaction. Donor preconditioning was associated with decreased expression of genes encoding T cell-attracting chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) by alveolar macrophages.Conclusion: These results indicate that preconditioning the donor lung with corticosteroids improves the early immunological status of lung grafts during LT and could have a positive impact on clinical outcomes
Eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits cholesterol efflux pathways from cholesterol-loaded human THP-1 macrophages by reducing the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters mediated by carboxylesterase 1
No full textInternational audienceA diet high in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C20:5 n-3), is cardioprotective. PUFAs integrate into membrane phospholipids, altering membrane protein function. We investigated the effects of various PUFAs on the anti-atherogenic cholesterol efflux pathways from cholesterol-loaded human THP-1 macrophages. Cells were supplemented (or not: standard cells) with 70 μM EPA, 50 μM arachidonic acid (AA) (C20:4 n-6) or 15 μM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6 n-3) for an extended duration to simulate a dietary strategy. EPA led to a 13 % decrease in ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux and to a 17 % decrease in SR-BI/ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux without affecting the expression of efflux proteins, while AA and DHA showed no impact. Compared to standard cells, EPA cells exhibited higher EPA levels along with reduced AA levels. EPA cells showed increased amounts of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters (CE) without a change in the acetylated LDL uptake. EPA did not influence the phenotype of macrophages according to surface markers and released cytokines. The incorporation of EPA did not disrupt efflux in macrophages loaded with free cholesterol. Conversely, EPA decreased CE hydrolysis from lipid droplets by 22 %. The diminished cholesterol efflux was not related to triglyceride accumulation or to variations in apo E secretion. EPA reduced the expression of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) protein by 17 % without affecting the expression of neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1). In conclusion, the membrane incorporation of EPA hinders the cholesterol efflux pathways in THP-1 foam cells likely by impairing the CE hydrolysis mediated by carboxylesterase 1
