Health status and lipidomic alteration of Caenorhabditis elegans under 1(3)-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3(1)-linoleoylglycerol and 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol exposure

1(3)-Oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3(1)-linoleoylglycerol (OPL) and 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO) are the most abundant sn-2 palmitoyl lipids in human milk, whose intake in early life might influence the short- and long-term health of human. However, only OPO is widely approved for use in infant formula, scientific evidence regarding OPL’s suitability and optimal dosage remains limited. Reliable model organisms are therefore needed to explore the effects of these structured lipids intervention in early life on the lipid metabolism and associated health outcomes. Using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), we investigated how dietary supplementation with OPL and/or OPO during L1 to L4 affected lipid composition, content, metabolism, and morphology at L4, and how these changes influenced growth, lifespan, movement, and stress resistance. Specifically, mixed OPL and OPO supplementation (10 mg/L) significantly increased (P < 0.001) the body length of C. elegans, with no effect on body width. While appropriate concentrations of OPO significantly extended lifespan, high concentrations of OPL reduced it, indicating that variations in structured lipid composition may differentially impact lipid metabolism and longevity. Locomotion was more enhanced in the OPO and OPLOPO, suggesting that OPO more effectively improved mobility. Furthermore, mixed supplementation with OPO and OPL (10 mg/L) enhanced survival under heat, ultraviolet (UV), and oxidative stress, likely due to increased levels of PE, MUFA, PUFA, EPA, and DAG, along with alterations in lipid droplets. This study provides novel insights into the composition, function, and potential applications of structured lipids relevant to infant nutrition, and highlights the possible role of OPL in supporting infant nutrition.