Comparison of antiatherogenic properties of lipids obtained from wild and cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

The aggregatory properties of lipid fractions, obtained from wild and cultured specimens of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) were studied. The total lipids were extracted and separated into polar and neutral lipids. The polar lipids and neutral lipids were further separated by thin layer chromatography and the fractions obtained were tested for their ability to aggregate platelets or inhibit the platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation. The aggregatory properties of the lipid fractions were dependent on the fish species and whether the fish samples were wild or cultured. The lipid fractions extracted from wild gilthead sea bream showed strong aggregatory properties, while the lipid fractions extracted from farmed fish showed strong inhibitory activities. The aggregatory properties of total lipids were mainly attributed to polar lipids while the PAF antagonistic activity was attributed to neutral lipids. The biological activities of such fractions with respect to their aggregatory properties may explain, in part, the protective role of fish consumption against cardiovascular diseases.