Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a plastic tissue capable of adapting and mal-adapting to physical activity and diet. The response of skeletal muscle to adaptive stimuli, such as exercise, can be modified by the prior nutritional status of the muscle. The influence of nutrition on skeletal muscle has the potential to substantially impact physical function and whole body metabolism. Animal and cell based models show that omega-3 fatty acids, in particular those of marine origin, can influence skeletal muscle metabolism. Furthermore, recent human studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin can influence the exercise and nutritional response of skeletal muscle. These studies show that the prior omega-3 status influences not only the metabolic response of muscle to nutrition, but also the functional response to a period of exercise training. Omega-3 fatty acids of marine origin therefore have the potential to alter the trajectory of a number of human diseases including the physical decline associated with aging. We explore the potential molecular mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids may act in skeletal muscle, considering the n-3/n-6 ratio, inflammation and lipidomic remodelling as possible mechanisms of action. Finally, we suggest some avenues for further research to clarify how omega-3 fatty acids may be exerting their biological action in skeletal muscle.
Highlights
The World Health Organisation estimates that in the last three decades global obesity has almost doubled to over 1.4 billion, meaning that as much as one third of westernised populations are classed as overweight/obese
Recent evidence suggests that manipulating the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of skeletal muscle may improve muscle function and metabolism [10,11]
The results showed that while fish oil blunted the loss of muscle mass during immobilization, muscle recovery was reduced at 3 days following remobilization, 13 days following remobilization muscle to body weight ratio and Myosin
Summary
The World Health Organisation estimates that in the last three decades global obesity has almost doubled to over 1.4 billion, meaning that as much as one third of westernised populations are classed as overweight/obese. Recent evidence suggests that manipulating the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of skeletal muscle may improve muscle function and metabolism [10,11]. A human trial investigating a Mediterranean type diet which led to a reduction in the n-6/n-3 ratio observed that this reduction alongside other variables may confer some protection against metabolic dysfunction, providing some evidence that alterations in fatty acid content may have an effect on human health [15]. The typical western diet, is deficient in omega-3 PUFAs and abundant in omega-6 fatty acids [54] This n-6/n-3 ratio is linked to an increased state of chronic inflammation, which has been linked to diseases such as T2D and obesity [55]. We will discuss some of the studies demonstrating the mechanisms of omega-3 PUFAs and where applicable the potential differential effects of EPA and DHA
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