Impact of postoperative omega-3 fatty acid-supplemented parenteral nutrition on clinical outcomes and immunomodulations in colorectal cancer patients

AIM: To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid parenteral supplementation postoperatively on clinical outcomes and immunomodulation in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing radical colorectal cancer resection with an indication for total parenteral nutrition postoperatively were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Patients received total parenteral nutrition supplemented with either soybean oil (LCT; Intralipid, Fresenius-Kabi, SO group, n = 21) or a combination of omega-3 fish oil and soybean oil (LCT:fish oil = 5:1, fish oil; Omegaven, Fresenius-Kabi, FO group, n = 21), up to a total of 1.2 g lipid/kg per day for 7 d postoperatively. A same volume calorie and nitrogen was administrated. Routine blood test, biochemistry, systemic levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes were evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative d 1 and 8. Patient outcome was evaluated considering mortality during the hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, and occurrence of infectious complications. RESULTS: Both lipid regimens were well tolerated. No differences between the two groups were noticed in demographics, baseline blood test, biochemistry, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, percentage of CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, and ratios of CD4+/CD8+. Compared with those on postoperative d 1, serum IL-6 levels onpostoperative d 8 were significantly depressed in the FO group than in the reference group (-44.43 ± 30.53 vs -8.39 ± 69.08, P = 0.039). Simultaneously, the ratios of CD4+/CD8+ were significantly increased in the FO group (0.92 ± 0.62 vs 0.25 ± 1.22, P = 0.035). In addition, depression of serum TNF-α levels (-0.82 ± 2.71 vs 0.27 ± 1.67, P = 0.125) and elevation of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocyte percentage (12.85 ± 11.61 vs 3.84 ± 19.62, P = 0.081, 17.80 ± 10.86 vs 9.66 ± 17.55, P = 0.084, respectively) were higher in the FO group than in the reference group. Patients in the FO group trended to need a shorter postoperative hospital stay (17.45 ± 4.80 d vs 19.62 ± 5.59 d, P = 0.19). No statistically significant difference was found when stratified to mortality and occurrence of infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Postoperative supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may have a favorable effect on the outcomes in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radical resection by lowering the magnitude of inflammatory responses and modulating the immune response.

A randomized controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome

AIM:To evaluate the role of dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome.METHODS:A prospective,interventional,placebo controlled,double blind randomized trial was done at two referral eye centers.Two hundred and sixty-four eyes of patients with dry eye were randomized to receive one capsule(500mg)two times a day containing 325mg EPA and 175mg DHA for 3 months(omega-3 group).The omega-3 group was compared to a group of patients(n=254)who received a placebo(placebo group).There were 4 patient visits(at baseline,1 month,2 months and3 months).On each visit,recording of corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),slit lamp examination and questionnaire based symptom evaluation and scoring was done.A symptomatic score of 0-6 was mild,6.1-12moderate and 12.1-18 severe dry eye.Response to intervention was monitored by routine tear function tests like Schirmer I test,tear film break-up time(TBUT),Rose Bengal staining and most notably,conjunctival impression cytology.RESULTS:Sixty-five percent of patients in the omega-3group and 33%of patients in placebo group had significant improvement in symptoms at 3 months(P=0.005).There was a significant change in both Schirmer’s test value and TBUT values in the omega-3group(P【0.001),both comparisons.However,there was a larger drift in TBUT values in omega-3 than the placebo group,in comparison to Schirmer’s test values.The mean TBUT score was 2.54±2.34 in the omega-3group and 0.13±0.16 in placebo group,respectively.The mean reduction in symptom score in omega-3 group was 2.02±0.96 as compared to 0.48±0.22 in placebogroup(P【0.001).Despite a slight increase mean score,the Schirmer scores did not correlate well with symptomatic improvement.CONCLUSION:Omega-3 fatty acids have a definite role for dry eye syndrome.The benefit seems to be more marked in conditions such as blepharitis and meibomian gland disease.The role of omega fatty acids in tear production and secretion needs further evaluation.

The omega-3 and retinopathy of prematurity relationship

The aim of this article is to examine the effect of omega-3（ω-3） long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids（LCPUFAs） intake on retinopathy of prematurity（ROP） by reviewing the experimental and clinical trials conducted on animal models and infants.LCPUFAs demonstrate cytoprotective and cytotherapeutic actions contributing to a number of anti-angiogenic and neuroprotective mechanisms within the retina.Their intake appears to have a beneficial effect on ischemia,oxidative stress,inflammation and cellular signaling mechanisms,influencing retinal cell gene expression and cellular differentiation.ω-3 LCPUFAs may modulate metabolic processes that activate molecules implicated in the pathogenesis of vasoproliferative and neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as ROP.

Role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,citrus pectin,and milk-derived exosomes on intestinal barrier integrity and immunity in animals

The gastrointestinal tract of livestock and poultry is prone to challenge by feedborne antigens,pathogens,and other stress factors in the farm environment.Excessive physiological inflammation and oxidative stress that arises firstly disrupts the intestinal epithelial barrier followed by other components of the gastrointestinal tract.In the present review,the interrelationship between intestinal barrier inflammation and oxidative stress that contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease was described.Further,the role of naturally existing immunomodulatory nutrients such as the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,citrus pectin,and milk-derived exosomes in preventing intestinal barrier inflammation was discussed.Based on the existing evidence,the possible molecular mechanism of these bioactive nutrients in the intestinal barrier was outlined for application in animal diets.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation on components of the endocannabinoid system and metabolic and inflammatory responses in adipose and liver of peripartum dairy cows

Background:Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the activation of the endocannabinoid system(ECS)by decreasing the availability of arachidonic acid,thus lowering endocannabinoids(e CBs)levels.The ECS is a modulator of energy metabolism,stress response and inflammation in mammals,yet there is little information on the roles of the ECS in transition dairy cows.During the periparturient period,the adipose tissue and liver are the main metabolic organs that participate in the adaptations of dairy cows to onset of lactation;however,exceeded adipose tissue lipolysis and accumulation of lipids in the liver have adverse effects on cows'physiology.Here we aimed to examine whether omega-3 supplementation during the transition period will modulate ECS activation and affect metabolic and inflammatory indices in postpartum dairy cows,by supplementing twenty-eight transition Holstein dairy cows with either saturated fat(CTL)or encapsulated flaxseed oil(FLX).Components of the ECS,metabolic and inflammatory markers were measured in blood,liver,and subcutaneous adipose tissue.Results:FLX supplementation reduced feed intake by 8.1%(P<0.01)and reduced plasma levels of arachidonic acid(by 44.2%;P=0.02)and anandamide(by 49.7%;P=0.03)postpartum compared to CTL.The m RNA transcription levels of the cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1/CB1)tended to be lower(2.5 folds)in white blood cells of FLX than in CTL(P=0.10),and protein abundance of ECS enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase was higher in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of FLX than in CTL(P=0.04).In adipose tissue,palmitoylethanolamide levels were lower in FLX than in CTL(by 61.5%;P=0.02),relative m RNA transcription of lipogenic genes were higher,and the protein abundance of cannabinoid receptor 2(P=0.08)and monoacylglycerol lipase(P=0.10)tended to be higher in FLX compared to CTL.Hepatic 2-arachidonoylglycerol tended to be higher(by 73.1%;P=0.07),and interlukin-6 m RNA transcription level was 1.5 folds lower in liver of FLX than in CTL(P=0.03).Conclusions:Nutritional supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids seems to partly modulate ECS activation,which could be related to lower feed intake.The altered ECS components in blood,adipose tissue and liver are associated with moderate modulations in lipid metabolism in the adipose and inflammation in liver of peripartum dairy cows.

EFFECTS OF SIMVASTAIN COMBINED WITH OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ON HIGH SENSITIVE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN, LIPIDEMIA, ANDFIBRINOLYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH MIXED DYSLIPIDEMIA

Objective To evaluate the effects of simvastatin combined with omega-3 fatty acids on high sensitive C-reactive protein(HsCRP), lipidemia, and fibrinolysis in coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD risk equivalent patients with mixed dyslipi-demia. Methods A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled and parallel group trial was conducted. Patients with CHD and CHD risk equivalents with mixed dyslipidemia were treated with 10 or 20 mg simvastatin for 6-12 weeks. Following with the treatment of patients whose low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-ch) reaching goal level (< 100 mg/dL) or close to the goal (< 130 mg/dL), while triglyceride (TG) ≥200 mg/dL and < 500 mg/dL, was combined with omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d) or a placebo for 2 months. The effects of the treatment on HsCRP, total cholesterol (TC), LDL-ch, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-ch), TG, lipoprotein (a) [LP (a)], apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apolipoprotein B (apoB), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) were investigated. Forty patients finished the study with each group consisting of twenty patients. Results (1) There were significant reductions of HsCRP, TG, TC, and TC/HDL-ch, which decreased by 2.16 ±2.77 mg/L (38.5%), 94.0 ±65.4 mg/dL (31.1%), 13.3 ±22.3 mg/dL (6.3%), 0.78 ±1.60 respectively in the omega-3 fatty acids group (P< 0.01, < 0.001, < 0.05, < 0.05) compared to the baseline. HsCRP and triglyceride reduction were more significant in omega-3 fatty acids group compared to the placebo group (P=0.021 and 0.011 respectively). (2) In the omega-3 fatty acids group, the values and percentage of TG reduction had a significantly positive relation with HsCRP reduction (r=0.51 and 0.45, P=0.021 and 0.047 respectively). Conclusion In CHD and CHD risk equivalent patients with mixed dyslipidemia, dyslipidemia’s therapeutic effect using simvastatin and omega-3 fatty acids may result from not only the combination of lipid adjustment, but also enhancement of their own nonlipid influences.

Role of perinatal long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in cortical circuit maturation:Mechanisms and implications for psychopathology

Accumulating translational evidence suggests that the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) plays a role in the maturation and stability of cortical circuits that are impaired in different recurrent psychiatric disorders. Specifically, rodent and cell culture studies find that DHA preferentially accumulates in synaptic and growth cone membranes and promotes neurite outgrowth, dendritic spine stability, and synaptogenesis. Additional evidence suggests that DHA may play a role in microglia-mediated synaptic pruning, as well as myelin development and resilience. In nonhuman primates n-3 fatty acid insufficiency during perinatal development leads to widespread deficits in functional connectivity in adult frontal cortical networks compared to primates raised on DHA-fortified diet. Preterm delivery in non-human primates and humans is associated with early deficits in cortical DHA accrual. Human preterm birth is associated with longstanding deficits in myelin integrity and cortical circuit connectivity and increased risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), mood, and psychotic disorders. In general, ADHD and mood and psychotic disorders initially emerge during rapid periods of cortical circuit maturation and are characterized by DHA deficits, myelin pathology, and impaired cortical circuit connectivity. Together these associations suggest that early and uncorrected deficits in fetal brain DHA accrual may represent a modifiable risk factor for cortical circuit maturation deficits in psychiatric disorders, and could therefore have significant implications for informing early intervention and prevention strategies.

Alterations of attention and impulsivity in the rat following a transgenerational decrease in dietary omega-3 fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs),particularly the omega-3 PUFAs,are thought to be involved in neuronal processes,to play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders and to be important for the integrity of central nervous system functioning.The present study investigated the effects of nutritional omega-3 PUFAs on attentional functions and impulsive behavior in Wistar rats.For this purpose,female Wistar rats were fed an omega-3 deficient diet over several generations,and the dams of the seventh generation were randomly assigned to two diet groups and fed an omega-3 deficient or an omega-3 sufficient diet.In addition,a group of previously untreated dams was fed an omega-3 sufficient diet.The male offspring of these three diet groups were tested using an established paradigm for the assessment of attention and impulsive behavior,i.e.a modified version of the five-choice-serial-reaction-time task(5CSRTT).The present data show that the deficiency of omega-3 PUFAs over generations led to substantial changes in attentional processes and impulsive behaviors.The impairments associated with an omega-3 deficiency were partly corrected by treatment with the omega-3 sufficient diet in the last generation of the omega-3 deficient group which showed substantial improvements in attention parameters.While there were no significant effects of dietary modifications on psychomotor activity levels,there was some evidence for changes in impulsive behavior.In conclusion,transgenerational dietary changes in the availability of omega-3 PUFAs led to changes in attentional processes and impulsive behavior in rats,supporting the hypothesis that omega-3 PUFAs play a role in cognitive and behavioral processes.The present findings offer a promising approach in the investigation of the role of omega-3 PUFAs in a variety of cognitive and behavioral domains.

Functional characteristic and application of omega-3

Omega-3 is a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids,which are important substances in human cells and cannot be synthesized in the human body which must be taken from the outside.The definition and physiological functions of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids(UFAs)were simply introduced in this paper.Application and significant development of omega-3 UFAs in domestic and foreign functional food were reviewed.The application prospect of omega-3 UFAs will be helpful to the development and utilization of omega-3.

Comparison of the effects of 3 kinds of oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on glycolipid metabolism and lipoprotein subfractions

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(ω-3 PUFAs)can be classifi ed into animal-and plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs.Patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM)are frequently accompanied by dyslipidemia,which is closely related to the high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C)subfractions change.This study aimed to determine the effects of different sourcesω-3 PUFAs on glucolipid metabolism and lipoprotein subfractions in T2DM with dyslipidemia.Ninety T2DM patients with dyslipidemia were randomly assigned to take 3 g/day fi sh oil(FO,containing eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)),3 g/day perilla oil(PO,containingα-linolenic acid(ALA)),or 3 g/day blend oil(BO,containing EPA,DHA and ALA)for 3 months.90 patients completed the intervention.There was a significant reduction of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)in all the groups.The triglycerides(TG)in the FO group were signifi cantly different with a group×time interaction(P=0.043),which was higher compared with the other two groups.The serum small HDL-C subfractions in the PO group was higher and the serum large HDL-C subfractions in the PO group was lower than those in the BO and FO groups.Plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs are more effective at controlling blood glucose than animal-derivedω-3 PUFAs.However,animal-derivedω-3 PUFAs have a signifi cant lowering effect on TG compared with plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs.Particularly,large HDL-C subfractions after animal-derivedω-3 PUFAs intake were higher than plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs intake;while small HDL-C subfractions were lower.Both the animal-and plant-derivedω-3 PUFAs have practical value in improving glucose and lipids metabolism in T2DM patients with dyslipidemia.

Creating Benefits from Omega-3 Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

Foods currently eaten by Americans have abundant amounts of essential omega-6 (n-6) nutrients and relatively few omega-3 (n-3) nutrients. The average omega 3 - 6 balance score of typical US foods is about –6. This imbalance causes the average American to accumulate tissue proportions of n-3 and n-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) with about 77% n-6 in HUFA. This HUFA balance links to many chronic health conditions that are made worse by overabundant actions of food-based omega-6 HUFA. Americans currently spend more on treating food-based health conditions than they spend on food. Less medication is needed to treat signs and symptoms when a key dietary cause of the signs and symptoms is prevented. Informed food producers can readily prepare and market new food products with more n-3 and less n-6 nutrients to reverse the current national nutrient imbalance and help people attain and maintain a healthy HUFA balance. New functional foods and nutraceuticals will help consumers shift their financial resources from treating signs and symptoms caused by HUFA imbalance to preventing the nutrient imbalance that causes the need to treat.

Combined Add-on Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Copper, and Selenium in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: The present study evaluated the effects of a combined nutritional supplement, containing omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) and different antioxidative micronutrients on nutrient status and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The study was conducted as a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial. A hundred patients with defined RA were allocated to the verum or placebo group. During a period of twelve weeks they were given three capsules of their specific study supplementation every day. The daily dosage of ω-3 FA was 1.35 g (thereof 900 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA), 90 mg vitamin E, 600 μg vitamin A, 3 mg copper, and 75 μg selenium, or soy oil (placebo), respectively. Outcome variables were the changes in DAS 28, the number of tender and swollen joints, morning stiffness, and supply with different nutrients (e.g. serum concentration of EPA, AA and vitamin E), as well as blood lipid levels. Results: Sixty-four participants were included in this analysis: 30 receiving verum and 34 placebo. After twelve weeks of intervention, little but not significant improvements were observed in the DAS 28 and other clinical factors. Subgroup analysis revealed that the effect was much more pronounced in patients who were at least at a moderate activity of illness. Regarding the nutritional status, the serum concentration of EPA (P < 0.001), vitamin E (P < 0.01), SOD (P < 0.05), and GPx (P < 0.001) increased significantly, while AA (P < 0.001) decreased after supplementation. The concentration of triglycerides decreased significantly in the verum group (P < 0.05) but not in the placebo group. Conclusions: A twelve week add-on supplementation of a combined food supplement (ω-3 FA + antioxidants) effected modest but not significant changes in the clinical parameters in RA. Though vitamin E, SOD and GPx improved significantly, equivalent to an increased antioxidant defence. This supplementation was dedicated to enhance the nutritional status of critical nutrients in RA, especially with regard to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in these patients.

Development and Production of Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Enriched Foods is an Important Dietary Strategy to Improve People's Nutritional and Health Status

Both Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients important for cellular structure and function but cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from food.These two classes of fatty acids are metabolically and functionally different and antagonistically regulate many physiological and pathological processes.Thus,the relative balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for good health.However,today’s diet contains too much Omega-6 but too little Omega-3,leading to a severe imbalance with a very high Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio(>10)in most people.Many lines of evidence suggest that this imbalance is a key factor contributing to the development of modern chronic diseases.A growing number of studies ranging from laboratory research to clinical trials have shown that balancing the tissue ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 fatty acids by increasing tissue levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and/or decreasing the content of Omega-6 fatty acids are very beneficial for the prevention and treatment of many life-threating chronic diseases as well as for health promotion of the general public.Therefore,development and production of foods rich in Omega-3-fatty acids should be considered as a key health program to balance essential fat intake and thereby improve the nutritional and health status of all people.

Effects of marine omega-3 PUFA on adiponectin and leptin in overweight and obese patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective:To systematically evaluate the effect of marine Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(Omega-3 PUFA)on adiponectin and leptin levels in overweight and obese patients.Methods:The computer searched PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library and CNKI electronic databases for randomized controlled experiments on the levels of marine Omega-3 PUFA and adiponectin and leptin in overweight and obese patients.The two researchers independently screened,evaluated and included the literatures and extracted the data.Meta analysis was carried out with Revman 5.3 software.Results:A total of 8 articles and 607 subjects were included.The results showed that Omega-3 PUFA from marine sources did not increase in adiponectin levels[SMD=0.32,95%CI=(-0.13,0.76)],while there was no significant did not reduce the leptin level of patients[SMD=-0.22,95%CI=(-0.53,0.09)].Conclusion:Marinederived Omega-3 PUFA can improve circulating leptin and adiponectin levels in overweight and obese patients,increase serum adiponectin levels and reduce leptin levels,but the difference is not obvious.Further research is still needed to determine the effect of Omega-3 PUFA on Adipokine in overweight and obese people.

F1 Offspring of (F0) Female Rats Fed a High-Saturated Fat, Prenatal/Lactation Diet Remain Insulin Resistant Despite Postnatal Diet Rich in Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Prior research has shown adult diets rich in omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) can improve adult metabolic health. Previous studies have also shown maternal overnutrition during pregnancy/lactation adversely affects metabolic functioning in adult offspring. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the interaction of these two metabolism regulating factors by assessing the effectiveness of a postweaning diet rich in omega-3 long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 LC-PUFAs) to improve metabolic function in adult offspring whose mothers were fed a high-saturated fat “Western” diet during pregnancy/lactation. We compared metabolic function between offspring of three prenatal-lactation/postweaning diet lines of Sprague-Dawley rats: 1) offspring of mothers fed a high-saturated fat “Western” diet during pregnancy-lactation, then weaned to a high omega-3 LC-PUFA diet (Western/PUFA);2) offspring of mothers fed a control diet during pregnancy-lactation, then weaned to a high omega-3 LC-PUFA diet (Control/PUFA);and 3) offspring of mothers fed a Western diet during pregnancylactation, and postweaning (Western/Western). Fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of Western/PUFA animals were intermediate to those of Western/Western and Control/PUFA offspring, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. This suggests the metabolic benefits of an omega-3 LC-PUFA-rich diet are insufficient to overcome the deleterious effects of a high-saturated fat prenatal-lactation diet.

The Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Use on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FA) are widely prescribed in the management of dyslipidemia. An asso-ciation between OM3FA and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed. We examined the impact of OM3FA exposure on the risk of developing AF in patients with cardiovascular disease. Data was obtained from elec-tronic medical records of patients seen by our cardiology service between 2005 and 2007. Patients were excluded if AF developed prior to, or on the day of, OM3FA exposure. A total of 11,360 subjects were eligible for analyses. Subjects exposed to OM3FA were at higher risk for AF. Nearly all AF risk factors were significantly more prevalent in the OM3FA exposed group. As expected, those prescribed OM3FA were also more likely to be prescribed statins, ACE in-hibitors, aspirin, and beta blockers. AF occurred in 8.5% (221/2600) of OM3FA exposed subjects and 23.5% (2054/8760) of those not exposed. After controlling for AF risk factors, OM3FA exposed subjects were 74% less likely to develop AF than those not exposed to OM3FA (odds ratio 0.26, 95%CI 0.22-0.30, p < 0.0001). After controlling for risk factors for AF, OM3FA use is significantly associated with a reduced risk for AF in patients with cardiovascular disease. Potential mechanisms which may explain the ability of OM3FAs to reduce AF include its anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic properties. The optimal dose of OM3FA to prevent AF is unknown and warrants prospective as-sessment in a randomized controlled trial of OM3FAs powered to detect significant differences in AF.

Can Purified Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Act Blood Pressure Levels in Untreated Normal-High Blood Pressure Subjects with Hypertriglyceridemia?

Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from fish and fish oils appear to protect against coronary heart disease: their dietary intake is in fact inversely associated with cardiovascular disease morbidity/mortality in population studies. Recent evidence suggests that at least a part of this protective effect is mediated by a relatively small but significant decrease in blood pressure (BP) level. In fact, omega-3 PUFAs exhibit wide-ranging biological actions that include regulating both vasomotor tone and renal sodium excretion, partly competing with omega-6 PUFAs for common metabolic enzymes and thereby decreasing the production of vasoconstrictor rather than vasodilator and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. PUFAs also reduce angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, angiotensin II formation. We retrospectively evaluated the long-term effect of a omega-3 PUFAs supplementation on the blood pressure level of 91 hypertriglyceridemic subjects with untreated normal-high blood pressure that were prescribed a 3 grams omega-3 PUFAs supplementation in order to improve their plasma lipid pattern. After 24 months of treatment, systolic blood pressure (SBP) meanly decreased by 2.6 +/- 2.5 mmHg (p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 1.4 +/- 3.1 mmHg (p < 0.001), while basal heart rate decreased by 4.1 +/- 4.6 bpm (p < 0.001). Both SBP and DBP reduction were significantly related to the baseline SBP (p < 0.001) and DBP (p < 0.001), respectively. Diastolic blood pressure change was also inversely related to the patient’s age (p = 0.004). No significant difference was perceived in the metabolic syndrome subgroup. In our retrospective study, highly purified omega-3 PUFAs long-term supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, and basal heart rate in hypertriglyceridemic patients with normal-high blood pressure. The main determinants of the omega-3 PUFAs anti-hypertensive effect appear to be the basal blood pressure level and age. Future research will clarify if omega-3 PUFAs supplementation could improve the antihypertensive action of specific blood pressure lowering drug classes and of statins.

Plasma Phospholipid Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Freshwater Fish Consumption in the Brazilian Amazon

Background: Amazonian riverside communities consume large quantities of freshwater fish, comparable to marine fish consumption of Inuit, Scandinavian and Japanese populations. Few studies have considered the relation of high freshwater fish consumption and intake of omega-3 fatty acids (FA). Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the profile of the concentrations of plasma phospholipid FAs and its relation with freshwater fish intake in 12 riverside communities in the Tapajós River basin (State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon). Design: This cross-sectional study included 333 adults (15 - 86 years old). Fish meal frequency was determined using a 7-day interview-administered dietary recall questionnaire. Fish were categorized as piscivorous and non-piscivorous fish on trophic level. Plasma phospholipid FAs were measured by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Results: Participants consumed 5 to 6 fish meals a week, with twice as many non-piscivorous fish than piscivorous fish (4.4 fish/week vs 2.2 fish/week, respectively). The omega-3 FA levels in plasma phospholipids were low (EPA + DHA = 31.21 mg/L;%EPA + DHA = 2.59%). Omega-3 FAs increased with frequency of fish intake, and particularly with piscivorous fish, controlling for sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics. DHA levels were greater in women than in men. Conclusions: Omega-3 FA in this Amazonian population increased with fish consumption, but although they consumed freshwater fish almost daily, the concentrations of omega-3 FA were relatively low and comparable to fish-eater communities for which fish is not a dietary mainstay. It is possible that nutrients present in marine, but not in certain freshwater fish species, may facilitate absorption of omega-3 FA. Sex and/or gender differences must be taken into account when assessing the relationship between fish consumption and plasma phospholipid omega-3 FA levels.

The Effects of Varieties Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Diabetes in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of varieties sources of omega-3 on diabetic rats. Fifty six male albi-no rats were divided into 7 group: first group was fed on normal basal diet (maintained at negative control group), group 2 diabetic group fed on 60% fructose, group 3 fed on 60% fructose + 8% fish oil, group 4 fed on 60% fructose + 8% flaxseed oil, group 5 fed on 60% fructose + 4% corn oil + 4% fish oil, group 6 fed on 60% fructose + 4% corn oil + 4% flaxseed oil and group 7 fed on 60% fructose + 4% fish oil + 4% flaxseed oil. Fatty acid composition of investigated oils show that the corn oil contained high levels of omega-6 fatty acid (LA: 56.95%), flaxseed oil contained high level of short chain omega-3 fatty acid (ALA: 56.31%), meanwhile fish oil only has high concentration of long chain omega-3 fatty acid 39.20% (23.98% of EPA and 15.22% of DHA). After 8 week feeding of fish oil, flaxseed oil, corn oil + fish oil, corn oil + flaxseed oil and fish oil + flaxseed oil show reduces levels of glucose by 49.09%, 44.0%, 43.4%. 43.6% and 44.9% respectively. Data revealed significant decrease (P < 0.05%) was observed of TC, TG, LDL and VLDL of all treatment. Urea and creatinine in diabetic rats was increase, in contrast the glutathione reduced was decrease compared to the control group. Fish oil show the highest decrease in urea and creatinene and the highest increase in glutathione levels and insulin compared to other sources of omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids have potential effect to protect pancreas from up normality changes which induced in diabetic disease. The data suggest that omega-3 fatty acid and fish oil especially may be effective in the prevention of diabetic disease.

Antidiabetic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: From Mechanism to Therapeutic Possibilities

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance caused by dysfunction of pancreatic β cells. Over the past few decades, epidemiological studies have suggested that dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid decrease the risk of metabolic diseases including DM. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating DM have been partly revealed. In this review, the authors describe the antidiabetic effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and also discuss their possibilities as therapeutics for DM in the light of recent findings.