The Association between Adipose Tissue N‐3 Fatty Acids and Blood Lipids

Abstract

Research supports the beneficial effects of n‐3 fatty acids (n‐3 FA) in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, consensus on the effect of n‐3 FA on CVD risk factors, like dyslipidemia, is lacking. There are no recent studies that examine the relationship between adipose tissue n‐3 FA (which may reflect long term fatty acid intake), and blood lipids in adults, especially in the context of inflammation and abdominal obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adipose tissue n‐3 FA and blood lipids.In this cross‐sectional study, secondary data analysis was done utilizing data collected from subjects (n=1011; 66% female, 42% Black; Mean age: 58 years) randomly selected from the Adventist Health Study‐2 (AHS‐2) cohort (n=96,000) to participate in a calibration sub‐study. Multivariable linear regression analysis was done to examine the association between adipose tissue n‐3 FA (continuous and/or categorical variables) and fasting triglycerides (TAG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). Stratified analyses by waist circumference and c‐reactive protein (CRP) were also done for the association between adipose tissue n‐3 FA, and TAG and LDL‐C.Adipose tissue α‐linolenic acid (ALA) was inversely associated with TAG (β= −0.10; p<0.05). After stratified analysis, the inverse association between ALA, and TAG remained for subjects with a normal waist circumference (β= −0.13; p<0.05). ALA was inversely associated with LDL‐C in subjects with a normal waist circumference (2nd and 3rd tertiles of ALA β= −9.27 and −9.22; p<0.05), and in subjects with elevated CRP (2nd and 3rd tertiles of ALA β= −12.63 and −14.77; p<0.05). There was a positive association between ALA and HDL‐C (3.18; p<0.05). In terms of adipose tissue eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an inverse association with TAG in subjects with abdominal obesity (β= −0.11; p<0.05), and in subjects with CRP >3 mg/L (β= −0.25; p<0.05) was observed. Adipose tissue EPA+DHA and LDL‐C was inversely associated in subjects with a CRP>3 mg/L (3rd tertile of EPA+DHA β= −10.95; p<0.05). There no significant association between adipose tissue EPA+DHA and HDL‐C.In conclusion, adipose tissue n‐3 fatty acids overall has favorable effects on blood lipids, but they seem to be influenced by abdominal obesity and state of inflammation which needs to be further explored.Support or Funding InformationNational Institute of Health/National Cancer Institute grans (RO1CA094594, U01CA152939)