N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Metabolic Syndrome Risk: A Meta-Analysis.

Xiao-Fei Guo,Meiqi Shi,Xin Li,Duo Li

doi:10.3390/nu9070703

Xiao-Fei Guo, Meiqi Shi + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9070703

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Abstract

The associations between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk have demonstrated inconsistent results. The present study aimed to investigate whether higher circulating n-3 PUFAs and dietary n-3 PUFAs intake have a protective effect on MetS risk. A systematic literature search in the PubMed, Scopus, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases was conducted up to March 2017. Odd ratios (ORs) from case-control and cross-sectional studies were combined using a random-effects model for the highest versus lowest category. The differences of n-3 PUFAs between healthy subjects and patients with MetS were calculated as weighted mean difference (WMD) by using a random-effects model. Seven case-control and 20 cross-sectional studies were included. A higher plasma/serum n-3 PUFAs was associated with a lower MetS risk (Pooled OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.81). The plasma/serum n-3 PUFAs in controls was significantly higher than cases (WMD: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.43), especially docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, no significant association was found between dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs or fish and MetS risk. The present study provides substantial evidence of a higher circulating n-3 PUFAs associated with a lower MetS risk. The circulating n-3 PUFAs can be regarded as biomarkers indicating MetS risk, especially DPA and DHA.

Highlights

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a combination of three or more different components of cardiometabolic risk factors, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia (elevated triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations), and impaired glucose tolerance [1]
Considering that patients with MetS have shown to be a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [2,3,4], it is important and necessary to curb the incidence of MetS at a preclinical stage
The present meta-analysis provides substantial evidence that a higher circulating n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with a significant reduction in MetS risk, whereas no significant association was found between dietary n-3 PUFAs or fish intake and MetS risk

Summary

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a combination of three or more different components of cardiometabolic risk factors, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia (elevated triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations), and impaired glucose tolerance [1]. The mechanisms responsible for the initiation of MetS are genetics and lifestyle factors, and an effective therapeutic strategy in MetS patients could be achieved by modest weight control and regular physical activity [5]. Drug therapy such as statins, fibrates, and nicotinic acid has proved to achieve recommended goals if lifestyle changes are not sufficient. Considering the side-effect of pharmacological therapy, nutritional interventions have received considerable attention, especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of marine origin. The conclusions from epidemiological studies have demonstrated inconsistent associations between n-3 PUFAs and MetS risk. A prospective cohort study has suggested a null association between dietary n-3 PUFAs intake and MetS risk [6], whereas another prospective cohort study has indicated an inverse association [7].

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