The effect of omega3 fatty acid supplementation on PPAR\u03b3 and UCP2 expressions, resting energy expenditure, and appetite in athletes

Sara Moradi,Mohamad AsghariJafarabadi,Mohamadreza Alivand,Maedeh Alipour,Beitullah Alipour,Philip D. Chilibeck,Yaser KhajeBishak

doi:10.1186/s13102-021-00266-4

Abstract

BackgroundOmega3 fatty acids as a ligand of energy-related genes, have a role in metabolism, and energy expenditure. These effects are due to changes in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and uncoupling protein2 (UCP2). This study evaluated the effect of omega3 supplements on PPARγ mRNA expression and UCP2 mRNA expression and protein levels, as regulators of energy metabolism, resting energy expenditure (REE), and appetite in athletes.MethodsIn a 3-week double-blind RCT in Tabriz, Iran, in 2019, 36 male athletes, age 21.86 (±3.15) y with 16.17 (±5.96)% body fat were randomized to either an intervention (2000 mg/day omega3; EPA: 360, DHA: 240) or placebo (2000 mg/day edible paraffin) groups. Appetite and REE were assessed before and after the intervention. PPARγ and UCP2 mRNA expression and UCP2 protein levels in blood were evaluated by standard methods.ResultsResults showed PPARγ mRNA levels, and UCP2 mRNA and protein levels increased in omega3 group (p < 0.05), as did REE (p < 0.05). Also, differences in the sensation of hunger or satiety were significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings showed that omega3 supplementation leads to the up-regulation of PPARγ and UCP2 expressions as the indicators of metabolism in healthy athletes.

Highlights

Omega3 fatty acids as a ligand of energy-related genes, have a role in metabolism, and energy expenditure
Body composition is important for athletes in various types of sports because performance is affected by the ratio of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) [1,2,3]
Considering that maintenance of optimal body composition is important for many athletes, this study aimed to determine the effect of omega3 supplementation on the expression of the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), uncoupling protein2 (UCP2), and the concentration of UCP2 protein in the blood, resting energy expenditure, and appetite in healthy athletes

Summary

Introduction

Omega fatty acids as a ligand of energy-related genes, have a role in metabolism, and energy expenditure. These effects are due to changes in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma (PPARγ) and uncoupling protein (UCP2). This study evaluated the effect of omega supplements on PPARγ mRNA expression and UCP2 mRNA expression and protein levels, as regulators of energy metabolism, resting energy expenditure (REE), and appetite in athletes. The American Heart Association recommends if the adults do not consume enough fish, they should consume omega supplements [13]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion