n-3 PUFA prevent metabolic disturbances associated with obesity and improve endothelial function in golden Syrian hamsters fed with a high-fat diet. Br J Nutr. 2012;107:1305-1315. [PMID: 21920060 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114511004387]

Biosynthetic deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid causes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and ferroptosis-mediated hepatocyte injury

Exogenous omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have shown to exert beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by the excessive accumulation of lipids and chronic injury in the liver. However, the effect of endogenous DHA biosynthesis on the lipid homeostasis of liver is poorly understood. In this study, we used a DHA biosynthesis-deficient zebrafish model, elovl2 mutant, to explore the effect of endogenously biosynthesized DHA on hepatic lipid homeostasis. We found the pathways of lipogenesis and lipid uptake were strongly activated, while the pathways of lipid oxidation and lipid transport were inhibited in the liver of elovl2 mutants, leading to lipid droplet accumulation in the mutant hepatocytes and NAFLD. Furthermore, the elovl2 mutant hepatocytes exhibited disrupted mitochondrial structure and function, activated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and hepatic injury. We further unveiled that the hepatic cell death and injury was mainly mediated by ferroptosis, rather than apoptosis, in elovl2 mutants. Elevating DHA content in elovl2 mutants, either by the introduction of an omega-3 desaturase (fat1) transgene or by feeding with a DHA-rich diet, could strongly alleviate NAFLD features and ferroptosis-mediated hepatic injury. Together, our study elucidates the essential role of endogenous DHA biosynthesis in maintaining hepatic lipid homeostasis and liver health, highlighting that DHA deficiency can lead to NAFLD and ferroptosis-mediated hepatic injury.

Effect of Supplementation with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Metabolic Modulators in Skeletal Muscle of Rats with an Obesogenic High-Fat Diet

Previous studies provided evidence of the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) on the cardiovascular system and inflammation. However, its possible effect on skeletal muscle is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether ω-3 PUFA reverses the dysregulation of metabolic modulators in the skeletal muscle of rats on a high-fat obesogenic diet. For this purpose, an animal model was developed using male Wistar rats with a high-fat diet (HFD) and subsequently supplemented with ω-3 PUFA. Insulin resistance was assessed, and gene and protein expression of metabolism modulators in skeletal muscle was also calculated using PCR-RT and Western blot. Our results confirmed that in HFD rats, zoometric parameters and insulin resistance were increased compared to SD rats. Furthermore, we demonstrate reduced gene and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and insulin signaling molecules. After ω-3 PUFA supplementation, we observed that glucose (24.34%), triglycerides (35.78%), and HOMA-IR (40.10%) were reduced, and QUICKI (12.16%) increased compared to HFD rats. Furthermore, in skeletal muscle, we detected increased gene and protein expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, insulin receptor (INSR), insulin receptor substrate 1 (ISR-1), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4). These findings suggest that ω-3 PUFAs decrease insulin resistance of obese skeletal muscle.

Refined mackerel oil increases hepatic lipid accumulation and reduces choline and choline-containing metabolites in the liver tissue in mice fed a Western diet

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of consuming refined mackerel oil (MO) from rest raw material on hepatic fat accumulation, glucose tolerance, and metabolomic changes in the liver from male C57BL/6N mice. The mice were fed either a Western diet (WD) or a chow diet, with 30 g or 60 g MO per kg of diet (3% or 6%) for 13 weeks. Body weight, energy intake, and feed efficiency were monitored throughout the experiment. A glucose tolerance test was conducted after 11 weeks, and metabolomic analyses of the liver were performed at termination. Inclusion of MO in the WD, but not in the chow diet, led to increased liver weight, hepatic lipid accumulation, elevated fasting blood glucose, reduced glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Hepatic levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid increased, but no changes in levels of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were observed. The liver metabolomic profile was different between mice fed a WD with or without MO, with a reduction in choline ether lipids, phosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins in mice fed MO. This study demonstrates that supplementing the WD, but not the chow diet, with refined MO accelerates accumulation of hepatic fat droplets and negatively affects blood glucose regulation. The detrimental effects of supplementing a WD with MO were accompanied by increased fat digestibility and overall energy intake, and lower levels of choline and choline-containing metabolites in liver tissue.

Omega-3 Lipid Mediators: Modulation of the M1/M2 Macrophage Phenotype and Its Protective Role in Chronic Liver Diseases

The complex interplay between dietary factors, inflammation, and macrophage polarization is pivotal in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) have brought in attention due to their potential to modulate inflammation and exert protective effects in various pathological conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have shown promise in mitigating inflammation and enhancing the resolution of inflammatory responses. They influence the M1/M2 macrophage phenotype balance, promoting a shift towards the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), such as resolvins (Rvs), protectins (PDs), and maresins (MaRs), have emerged as potent regulators of inflammation and macrophage polarization. They show anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, by modulating the expression of cytokines, facilitate the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, and promote tissue repair. MaR1, in particular, has demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects by promoting M2 macrophage polarization, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting key inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB. In the context of CLDs, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis, omega-3s and their SPMs have shown promise in attenuating liver injury, promoting tissue regeneration, and modulating macrophage phenotypes. The aim of this article was to analyze the emerging role of omega-3 FAs and their SPMs in the context of macrophage polarization, with special interest in the mechanisms underlying their effects and their interactions with other cell types within the liver microenvironment, focused on CLDs and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Effects of Indonesian Shortfin Eel (Anguilla bicolor) By-Product Oil Supplementation on HOMA-IR and Lipid Profile in Obese Male Wistar Rats

The prevalence of people being overweight and obese has increased globally over the past decades. The use of omega-3 fatty acids-a compound usually primarily found in fish oil-has been known to improve the metabolic profile of obese patients. As the demand for eels increases, the number of waste products from the eels increases and creates environmental problems. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a newly discovered Indonesian Shortfin eel by-product oil supplementation on the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Estimated Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and lipid profiles of obese male (Lee index ≥ 0.3) Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The oil was extracted from waste products (heads). Fifteen obese rats were divided into three groups and were administered NaCl (C), commercial fish oil (CO), and Indonesian shortfin eel by-product oil (EO). All groups had statistically significant differences in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). The CO and EO group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride after treatment. However, no significant difference was found in HDL levels and HOMA-IR. The supplementation of Indonesian shortfin eel by-product oil significantly improved lipid profile while effectively mitigating environmental challenges.

Normal-Fat vs. High-Fat Diets and Olive Oil vs. CLA-Rich Dairy Fat: A Comparative Study of Their Effects on Atherosclerosis in Male Golden Syrian Hamsters

The relationship between milk fat intake (because of its high saturated fatty acid content) and the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. Thus, Golden Syrian hamsters were fed two types of fat-sheep milk fat that was rich in rumenic (cis9,trans11-18:2) and vaccenic (trans11-18:1) acids and olive oil-and two doses (a high- or normal-fat diet) for 14 weeks, and markers of lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis evolution were analyzed. The results revealed that the type and percentage of fat affected most plasma biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism, while only the expression of five (CD36, SR-B1, ACAT, LDLR, and HMG-CoAR) of the studied lipid-metabolism-related genes was affected by these factors. According to aortic histology, when ingested in excess, both fats caused a similar increase in the thickness of fatty streaks, but the high-milk-fat-based diet caused a more atherogenic plasma profile. The compositions of the fats that were used, the results that were obtained, and the scientific literature indicated that the rumenic acid present in milk fat would regulate the expression of genes involved in ROS generation and, thus, protect against LDL oxidation, causing an effect similar to that of olive oil.

The Marine Microalga, Tisochrysis lutea, Protects against Metabolic Disorders Associated with Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 series and especially docosahexaenoic acid are known to exert preventive effects on metabolic disturbances associated with obesity and decrease cardiovascular disease risk. n-3 LC-PUFAs are mainly consumed in the form of fish oil, while other sources, such as certain microalgae, may contain a high content of these fatty acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tisochrysis lutea (Tiso), a microalga rich in DHA, on metabolic disorders associated with obesity. Three male Wistar rat groups were submitted for eight weeks to a standard diet or high-fat and high fructose diet (HF), supplemented or not with 12% of T. lutea (HF-Tiso). The supplementation did not affect plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALAT). Bodyweight, glycemia and insulinemia decreased in HF-Tiso rats (ANOVA, p < 0.001), while total plasma cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (ANOVA, p < 0.001) without change of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels. Tiso supplementation decreased fat mass and leptinemia as well as liver TAG, cholesterol and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels (ANOVA, p < 0.001) while it did not affect interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-4 and lipopolysaccharides levels. HF-Tiso rats showed an increase of IL-10 level in abdominal adipose tissue (ANOVA, p < 0.001). In conclusion, these results indicated that DHA-rich T. lutea might be beneficial for the prevention of obesity and improvement of lipid and glucose metabolism.

Fish oil supplementation alleviates metabolic and anxiodepressive effects of diet-induced obesity and associated changes in brain lipid composition in mice

OBJECTIVE

Obesity significantly elevates the odds of developing mood disorders. Chronic consumption of a saturated high-fat diet (HFD) elicits anxiodepressive behavior in a manner linked to metabolic dysfunction and neuroinflammation in mice. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) can improve both metabolic and mood impairments by relieving inflammation. Despite these findings, the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on energy homeostasis, anxiodepressive behavior, brain lipid composition, and gliosis in the diet-induced obese state are unclear.

METHODS

Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed a saturated high-fat diet (HFD) or chow for 20 weeks. During the last 5 weeks mice received daily gavage ("supplementation") of fish oil (FO) enriched with equal amounts of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or control corn oil. Food intake and body weight were measured throughout while additional metabolic parameters and anxiety- and despair-like behavior (elevated-plus maze, light-dark box, and forced swim tasks) were evaluated during the final week of supplementation. Forebrain lipid composition and markers of microglia activation and astrogliosis were assessed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and real-time PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Five weeks of FO supplementation corrected glucose intolerance and attenuated hyperphagia in HFD-induced obese mice without affecting adipose mass. FO supplementation also defended against the anxiogenic and depressive-like effects of HFD. Brain lipids, particularly anti-inflammatory PUFA, were diminished by HFD, whereas FO restored levels beyond control values. Gene expression markers of brain reactive gliosis were supressed by FO.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementing a saturated HFD with FO rich in EPA and DHA corrects glucose intolerance, inhibits food intake, suppresses anxiodepressive behaviors, enhances anti-inflammatory brain lipids, and dampens indices of brain gliosis in obese mice. Together, these findings support increasing dietary n-3 PUFA for the treatment of metabolic and mood disturbances associated with excess fat intake and obesity.

Effect of Aqueous Extract and Polyphenol Fraction Derived from Thymus atlanticus Leaves on Acute Hyperlipidemia in the Syrian Golden Hamsters

Thymus atlanticus, an endemic plant of Morocco, is traditionally used as a liniment or a drink to treat various diseases. However, there are few available scientific data regarding its biological effects. In this connection, the present study aimed to investigate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extract and polyphenol fraction of Thymus atlanticus in Syrian golden hamsters treated with Triton WR-1339 (triton, 20 mg/100 g body weight). The hamsters orally received the extracts (400 mg/kg), and blood samples were collected after 24 h of treatment to determine plasma lipid, insulin, and fasting blood glucose levels. Plasma malondialdehyde level and plasma total antioxidant (TAS) were also evaluated. The T. atlanticus extracts significantly decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, VLDL-C, and LDL-C and increased HDL-C when compared with the hyperlipidemic group. Both extracts suppressed the effect of the triton injection on TAS and reduced the level of plasma malondialdehyde. The extracts produced no significant change in the blood glucose level but effectively prevented the mild hyperinsulinemia induced by triton. These findings suggest that T. atlanticus may be a useful alternative treatment for the control of hyperlipidemia and its related diseases.

n-3 PUFA Sources (Precursor/Products): A Review of Current Knowledge on Rabbit

This review compares the effects of different n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) sources on biological activity, physiological/reproductive endpoints, and health implications with a special emphasis on a rabbit case study. Linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) are members of two classes of PUFAs, namely the n-6 and n-3 series, which are required for normal human health. Both are considered precursors of a cascade of molecules (eicosanoids), which take part in many biological processes (inflammation, vasoconstriction/vasodilation, thromboregulation, etc.). However, their biological functions are opposite and are mainly related to the form (precursor or long-chain products) in which they were administered and to the enzyme-substrate preference. ALA is widely present in common vegetable oils and foods, marine algae, and natural herbs, whereas its long-chain PUFA derivatives are available mainly in fish and animal product origins. Recent studies have shown that the accumulation of n-3 PUFAs seems mostly to be tissue-dependent and acts in a tissue-selective manner. Furthermore, dietary n-3 PUFAs widely affect the lipid oxidation susceptibility of all tissues. In conclusion, sustainable sources of n-3 PUFAs are limited and exert a different effect about (1) the form in which they are administered, precursor or derivatives; (2) their antioxidant protections; and (3) the purpose to be achieved (health improvement, physiological and reproductive traits, metabolic pathways, etc.).

Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Prevent Altered-Muc2 Secretion Induced by Palmitic Acid by Alleviating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in LS174T Goblet Cells

Diets high in saturated fatty acids (FA) represent a risk factor for the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, partly through their impact on the epithelial cell barrier integrity. We hypothesized that unsaturated FA could alleviate saturated FA-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurring in intestinal secretory goblet cells, and consequently the reduced synthesis and secretion of mucins that form the protective mucus barrier. To investigate this hypothesis, we treated well-differentiated human colonic LS174T goblet cells with palmitic acid (PAL)—the most commonly used inducer of lipotoxicity in in vitro systems—or n-9, n-6, or n-3 unsaturated fatty acids alone or in co-treatment with PAL, and measured the impact of such treatments on ER stress and Muc2 production. Our results showed that only eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids protect goblet cells against ER stress-mediated altered Muc2 secretion induced by PAL, whereas neither linolenic acid nor n-9 and n-6 FA are able to provide such protection. We conclude that EPA and DHA could represent potential therapeutic nutrients against the detrimental lipotoxicity of saturated fatty acids, associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity or inflammatory bowel disease. These in vitro data remain to be explored in vivo in a context of dietary obesity.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Improves Hepatic Metabolism and Reduces Inflammation Independent of Obesity in High-Fat-Fed Mice and in HepG2 Cells

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide, concurrent with increased obesity. Thus, there is urgent need for research that can lead to effective NAFLD prevention/treatment strategies. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), improve inflammation- and dyslipidemia-related metabolic disorders; however, mechanisms mediating the benefits of n-3 PUFAs in NAFLD treatment are less understood. We previously reported that EPA reversed obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in high-fat (HF)-fed B6 mice. Utilizing a combination of biochemical analyses of liver tissues from HF and HF-EPA-fed mice and a series of in vitro studies in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-stimulated HepG2 cells, we dissect the mechanistic effects of EPA in reducing hepatic steatosis, including the role of EPA-targeted microRNAs (miRNA). With EPA, hepatic lipid metabolism was improved in HF-EPA mice, as indicated by decreased protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acaca) gene, and increased mRNA levels for the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (Pparα), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (Cpt) 1a and 2 genes in the HF-EPA mice. Additionally, inflammation was reduced, as shown by decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnfα) gene expression. Accordingly, EPA also significantly reduced FASN and ACACA mRNAs in human HepG2 cells. Glycolysis, estimated by extracellular acidification rate, was significantly reduced in HepG2 cells treated with EPA vs. vehicle. Furthermore, we identified several miRNAs that are regulated by EPA in mouse liver, including miR-19b-3p, miR-21a-5p, and others, which target lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, our findings provide novel mechanistic evidence for beneficial effects of EPA in NAFLD, through the identification of specific genes and miRNAs, which may be further exploited as future NAFLD therapies.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: An innovative strategy against obesity and related metabolic disorders, intestinal alteration and gut microbiota dysbiosis

Obesity is now widely recognized to be associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. It has been shown that high-fat feeding modulates gut microbiota which strongly increased intestinal permeability leading to lipopolysaccharide absorption causing metabolic endotoxemia that triggers inflammation and metabolic disorders. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown associated with anti-obesity properties, but results still remain heterogeneous and very few studies underlined the metabolic pathways involved. Thus, the use of Fat-1 transgenic mice allows to better understanding whether endogenous n-3 PUFAs enrichment contributes to obesity and associated metabolic disorders prevention. It specially evidence that such effects occur through modulations of gut microbiota and intestinal permeability. Then, by remodeling gut microbiota, endogenous n-3 PUFAs improve HF/HS-diet induced features of the metabolic syndrome which in turn affects host metabolism. Thus, increasing anti-obesogenic microbial species in the gut microbiota population (i.e Akkermansia) by appropriate n-3 PUFAs may represent a promising strategy to control or prevent metabolic diseases.

Omega-3 fatty acids in obesity and metabolic syndrome: a mechanistic update

Strategies to reduce obesity have become public health priorities as the prevalence of obesity has risen in the United States and around the world. While the anti-inflammatory and hypotriglyceridemic properties of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are well known, their antiobesity effects and efficacy against metabolic syndrome, especially in humans, are still under debate. In animal models, evidence consistently suggests a role for n-3 PUFAs in reducing fat mass, particularly in the retroperitoneal and epididymal regions. In humans, however, published research suggests that though n-3 PUFAs may not aid weight loss, they may attenuate further weight gain and could be useful in the diet or as a supplement to help maintain weight loss. Proposed mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs may work to improve body composition and counteract obesity-related metabolic changes include modulating lipid metabolism; regulating adipokines, such as adiponectin and leptin; alleviating adipose tissue inflammation; promoting adipogenesis and altering epigenetic mechanisms.

Nutrition, insulin resistance and dysfunctional adipose tissue determine the different components of metabolic syndrome

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat that may be harmful to health. Today, obesity is a major public health problem, affecting in greater or lesser proportion all demographic groups. Obesity is estimated by body mass index (BMI) in a clinical setting, but BMI reports neither body composition nor the location of excess body fat. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes accounted for approximately 65% of all deaths, and adiposity and mainly abdominal adiposity are associated with all these disorders. Adipose tissue could expand to inflexibility levels. Then, adiposity is associated with a state of low-grade chronic inflammation, with increased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 release, which interfere with adipose cell differentiation, and the action pattern of adiponectin and leptin until the adipose tissue begins to be dysfunctional. In this state the subject presents insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, probably the first step of a dysfunctional metabolic system. Subsequent to central obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, hypertension and fatty liver are grouped in the so-called metabolic syndrome (MetS). In subjects with MetS an energy balance is critical to maintain a healthy body weight, mainly limiting the intake of high energy density foods (fat). However, high-carbohydrate rich (CHO) diets increase postprandial peaks of insulin and glucose. Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are also increased, which interferes with reverse cholesterol transport lowering high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition, CHO-rich diets could move fat from peripheral to central deposits and reduce adiponectin activity in peripheral adipose tissue. All these are improved with monounsaturated fatty acid-rich diets. Lastly, increased portions of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids also decrease triglyceride levels, and complement the healthy diet that is recommended in patients with MetS.

Omega-3 fatty acids and adipose tissue function in obesity and metabolic syndrome

The n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) have been reported to improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders including chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Growing evidence exits about adipose tissue as a target in mediating the beneficial effects of these marine n-3 PUFAs in adverse metabolic syndrome manifestations. Therefore, in this manuscript we focus in reviewing the current knowledge about effects of marine n-3 PUFAs on adipose tissue metabolism and secretory functions. This scope includes n-3 PUFAs actions on adipogenesis, lipogenesis and lipolysis as well as on fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis. The effects of n-3 PUFAs on adipose tissue glucose uptake and insulin signaling are also summarized. Moreover, the roles of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and AMPK activation in mediating n-3 PUFAs actions on adipose tissue functions are discussed. Finally, the mechanisms underlying the ability of n-3 PUFAs to prevent and/or ameliorate adipose tissue inflammation are also revised, focusing on the role of n-3 PUFAs-derived specialized proresolving lipid mediators such as resolvins, protectins and maresins.

Impact of DHA on metabolic diseases from womb to tomb

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are important mediators in improving and maintaining human health over the total lifespan. One topic we especially focus on in this review is omega-3 LC-PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Adequate DHA levels are essential during neurodevelopment and, in addition, beneficial in cognitive processes throughout life. We review the impact of DHA on societal relevant metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). All of these are risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia in later life. DHA supplementation is associated with a reduced incidence of both stroke and atherosclerosis, lower bodyweight and decreased T2DM prevalence. These findings are discussed in the light of different stages in the human life cycle: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and in later life. From this review, it can be concluded that DHA supplementation is able to inhibit pathologies like obesity and cardiovascular disease. DHA could be a dietary protector against these metabolic diseases during a person’s entire lifespan. However, supplementation of DHA in combination with other dietary factors is also effective. The efficacy of DHA depends on its dose as well as on the duration of supplementation, sex, and age.

Effects of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation in high-fat fed mice on lipid metabolism and apelin/APJ system in skeletal muscle

Various studies have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has beneficial effects on obesity and associated disorders. Apelin, the ligand of APJ receptor also exerts insulin-sensitizing effects especially by improving muscle metabolism. EPA has been shown to increase apelin production in adipose tissue but its effects in muscle have not been addressed. Thus, the effects of EPA supplementation (36 g/kg EPA) in high-fat diet (HFD) (45% fat, 20% protein, 35% carbohydrate) were studied in mice with focus on muscle lipid metabolism and apelin/APJ expression. Compared with HFD mice, HFD+EPA mice had significantly less weight gain, fat mass, lower blood glucose, insulinemia and hepatic steatosis after 10 weeks of diet. In addition, EPA prevented muscle metabolism alterations since intramuscular triglycerides were decreased and β-oxidation increased. In soleus muscles of HFD+EPA mice, apelin and APJ expression were significantly increased compared to HFD mice. However, plasma apelin concentrations in HFD and HFD+EPA mice were similar. EPA-induced apelin expression was confirmed in differentiated C2C12 myocytes but in this model, apelin secretion was also increased in response to EPA treatment. In conclusion, EPA supplementation in HFD prevents obesity and metabolic alterations in mice, especially in skeletal muscle. Since EPA increases apelin/APJ expression in muscle, apelin may act in a paracrine/autocrine manner to contribute to these benefical effects.

Omega 3 fatty acids promote macrophage reverse cholesterol transport in hamster fed high fat diet

The aim of this study was to investigate macrophage reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in hamster, a CETP-expressing species, fed omega 3 fatty acids (ω3PUFA) supplemented high fat diet (HFD). Three groups of hamsters (n = 6/group) were studied for 20 weeks: 1) control diet: Control, 2) HFD group: HF and 3) HFD group supplemented with ω3PUFA (EPA and DHA): HFω3. In vivo macrophage-to-feces RCT was assessed after an intraperitoneal injection of (3)H-cholesterol-labelled hamster primary macrophages. Compared to Control, HF presented significant (p<0.05) increase in body weight, plasma TG (p<0.01) and cholesterol (p<0.001) with an increase in VLDL TG and in VLDL and LDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Compared to HF, HFω3 presented significant decrease in body weight. HFω3 showed less plasma TG (p<0.001) and cholesterol (p<0.001) related to a decrease in VLDL TG and HDL cholesterol respectively and higher LCAT activity (p<0.05) compared to HF. HFω3 showed a higher fecal bile acid excretion (p<0.05) compared to Control and HF groups and higher fecal cholesterol excretion (p<0.05) compared to HF. This increase was related to higher gene expression of ABCG5, ABCA1 and SR-B1 in HFω3 compared to Control and HF groups (<0.05) and in ABCG1 and CYP7A1 compared to HF group (p<0.05). A higher plasma efflux capacity was also measured in HFω3 using (3)H- cholesterol labeled Fu5AH cells. In conclusion, EPA and DHA supplementation improved macrophage to feces reverse cholesterol transport in hamster fed HFD. This change was related to the higher cholesterol and fecal bile acids excretion and to the activation of major genes involved in RCT.