Effects of Antarctic krill oil on lipid profiles and SPM levels in rats over time

Antarctic krill oil (KO) is a richsource of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Endogenous PUFA-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) have garnered attention due to their beneficial effects on body, especially the cardiovascular system. This study integrated non-targeted and targeted lipidomics to investigate KO’s time-dependent effects on the comprehensive lipid profile and SPMs in rats. After 1- and 6-week supplementation, KO significantly altered lipid profiles, reducing arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4)-containing lipids while elevating eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6)-containing lipids. Targeted analysis identified and quantified 33 PUFA-derived oxylipins, including derivatives of ARA, 8 derivatives of EPA, and 13 derivatives of DHA. Notably, KO consumption substantially decreased pro-inflammatory oxylipins like LTB 4 , PGE 2 , and TXB 2 , while increasing anti-inflammatory LXA 4 and SPMs such as RvE1, RvE2, RvD1, RvD4, and MaR1. Long-term intake amplified SPM accumulation, suggesting temporal regulation. These findings elucidate KO’s potential mechanism in inflammation management through lipidome remodeling, supporting its application in functional foods for metabolic health enhancement.