Supplementing with DHA and EPA alters metabolomic parameters in post‐menopausal women

Abstract

Post‐menopausal women (PMW) are at a high risk of bone loss, exhibit hypertension and are likely marginal in n‐3 PUFA intakes. The purpose of our investigation was to characterize the oxylipins (OL), endocannabinoids (EC) and global metabolites (GM) in white PMW (75 ± 7 y, 26.5 ± 5 BMI and 40% hypertensive) from baseline to 6 mo. after receiving a supplement of LC (long chain) n‐3 PUFA (EPA and DHA). Plasma was extracted and subsequently analyzed for OL and EC using UPLC‐MS/MS and for GM by GC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS. Plasma fatty acids were determined by GC‐FID. The magnitudes of PUFA changes were influenced by baseline n‐3 PUFA status of the PMW. After supplementation, arachidonate‐derived diols were decreased and EPA and DHA diols, epoxides and alcohols were increased in PMW plasma. In addition, within the ECs measured, the LC n‐6 acyl‐ethanolamides were decreased and n‐3 PUFA increased, while only 2‐oleoly‐glycerol decreased after supplementation. The LC n‐3 PUFA supplementation increased steroid hormone levels, lysophospholipids, EPA and DHA but lowered AA after 6 mo. in PMW. We report findings on the OL, EC and GM in PMW that demonstrate responses to LC n‐3 PUFA intake from baseline. This research will likely help improve clinical evaluation of PMW and assessment of aging where the roles of dietary n‐3 PUFA are beneficial. (Supported by the Diet and Health Initiative, UConn)