Action Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Research Articles

Omega-3 fatty acids: Current insights into mechanisms of action in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the autoimmune diseases characterized by the lack of self-tolerance and the formation of immune complexes and nuclear autoantigens resulting in inflammation in multiple organs. Nowadays, the major aim of SLE therapy is the control of disease activity. However, the biological heterogeneity between patients and the absence of safe and specific targeted treatments complicate the lupus management. Therefore, the potential prophylactic effects of natural therapy considering the potential side effects of classical pharmacology, also the role of diet therapy in decreasing co-morbidities and improving quality of life in SLE patients could be a promising approach to SLE disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are one of the agents that are considered for their preventive and therapeutic properties in disease activity of SLE and the related complications. The intake of omega-3 PUFAs likely has a direct relationship with improvements in inflammatory, cardiovascular, depressive, and neuromotor symptoms of the patients. The current review summarizes clinical and preclinical studies with comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to provide an update on the negative and positive aspects of the intake of omega-3 FAs in SLE patients.

The Impact of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Atherosclerosis and Arterial Stiffness: An Overview of their Actions

Fatty acids are common dietary nutrients particularly in economically developed countries. Research has revealed that omega-3fatty acids exert beneficial effects in the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid possess a number of biological actions which improve cardio-metabolic health. Omega-3 fatty acids display remarkable anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and anti-arrhythmogenic actions. Furthermore, they improve the levels of triglycerides, glucose metabolism and endothelial function. The aim of this review article is to present physical, biochemical and biological properties of omega-3 fatty acids and summarize the most important mechanisms of action on arterial wall properties and arterial stiffness in atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness can be regulated by the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids. The mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular health and arterial stiffening have been established. However, further research is needed in order to translate the conflicting results among the studies and improve the therapeutic options of cardiovascular disease.

Free fatty acid receptor (FFAR) agonists inhibit proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells

Many cellular actions of omega-3 fatty acids are mediated by two G protein-coupled receptors, FFA1 and FFA4, free fatty acid receptor (FFAR) family members that are activated by these dietary constituents. FFAR agonists inhibit proliferation of human prostate and breast cancer cells. Since omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth, the current study tested the potential role of FFARs in the response. OVCAR3 and SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cell lines express mRNA for FFA1; FFA4 mRNA was detected at low levels in SKOV3 but not OVCAR3. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated proliferation of both cell lines; these responses were inhibited by eicosopentaneoic acid (EPA) and by GW9508, a synthetic FFAR agonist. The LPA antagonist Ki16425 also inhibited LPA- and EGF-induced proliferation; FFAR agonists had no further effect when added with Ki16425. The results suggest that FFARs are potential targets for ovarian cancer therapy.

Clearing the fog: a review of the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids and added sugars on chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy have been an important part of extending survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. However, chemotherapy can cause potentially toxic side effects in the brain that impair memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed in up to 30% of women treated. Women report that post-chemotherapy cognitive deficits negatively impact quality of life and may last up to ten years after treatment. Mechanisms underlying these cognitive impairments are not fully understood, but emerging evidence suggests that chemotherapy induces structural changes in the brain, produces neuroinflammation, and reduces adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Dietary approaches that modify inflammation and neurogenesis are promising strategies for reducing chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits in breast cancer survivors. In this review, we describe the cognitive and neuronal side effects associated with commonly used chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer, and we focus on the often opposing actions of omega-3 fatty acids and added sugars on cognitive function, neuroinflammation, and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Omega-3 fatty acids administered concurrently with doxorubicin chemotherapy have been shown to prevent depressive-like behaviors and reduce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neural apoptosis in rodent models. In contrast, diets high in added sugars may interact with n-3 FAs to diminish their anti-inflammatory activity or act independently to increase neuroinflammation, reduce adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and promote cognitive deficits. We propose that a diet rich in long-chain, marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids and low in added sugars may be an ideal pattern for preventing or alleviating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, thereby protecting neurons from the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Research testing this hypothesis could lead to the identification of modifiable dietary choices to reduce the long-term impact of chemotherapy on the cognitive functions that are important to quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Comments on Bozzatello et al. Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Literature Data. J. Clin. Med. 2016, 5, 67.

Paola Bozzatello et al. [1] have done a comprehensive qualitative review of the potential use of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders.[...].

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Novel Neurotherapeutic Targets for Cognitive Dysfunction in Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia?

An increasing body of evidences from preclinical as well as epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a potential beneficial role of dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive functioning. In this narrative review, we will summarize and discuss recent findings from epidemiological, interventional and experimental studies linking dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids to cognitive function in healthy adults. Furthermore, affective disorders and schizophrenia (SZ) are characterized by cognitive dysfunction encompassing several domains. Cognitive dysfunction is closely related to impaired functioning and quality of life across these conditions. Therefore, the current review focues on the potential influence of omega-3 fatty acids on cognition in SZ and affective disorders. In sum, current data predominantly from mechanistic models and animal studies suggest that adjunctive omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could lead to improved cognitive functioning in SZ and affective disorders. However, besides its translational promise, evidence for clinical benefits in humans has been mixed. Notwithstanding evidences indicate that adjunctive omega-3 fatty acids may have benefit for affective symptoms in both unipolar and bipolar depression, to date no randomized controlled trial had evaluated omega-3 as cognitive enhancer for mood disorders, while a single published controlled trial suggested no therapeutic benefit for cognitive improvement in SZ. Considering the pleiotropic mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids, the design of well-designed controlled trials of omega-3 supplementation as a novel, domain-specific, target for cognitive impairment in SZ and affective disorders is warranted.

Abstract P226: Decreasing Cardiovascular Risk via Hypertriglyceridemia Treatment: The Impact of Medical Education on Physician Understanding of the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Introduction: Triglycerides, although lacking the strong atherogenic potential of LDL-C, are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), as demonstrated by the correlation between hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular (CV) death, CV events, and myocardial infarction. The impact of continuing medical education (CME) on improving the knowledge and competence of cardiologists in treating hypertriglyceridemia with omega-3 fatty acids was measured. Methods: Cardiologists in the US who treat patients with hypertriglyceridemia participated in an online CME activity on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in treating hypertriglyceridemia and the differences between available formulations. The educational impact was assessed using linked pre- and post-assessment questions, and participants were classified into one of 3 learning categories: improved learners (incorrect pre, correct post), reinforced learners (correct pre and post), and unaffected learners (incorrect pre and post). The educational effect size was calculated using Cohen's d formula. Results: A total of 169 cardiologists participated in the CME activity, completed the pre- and post-assessment, and were included in the analysis. Comparison of pre- and post-assessment responses for each individual question demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and competence among cardiologists ( P <.05). After completion of the CME activity, correct responses on post-assessment questions increased between 25% to 158% across all questions compared to pre-assessment responses, with an overall large effect size of 1.065 (Small effect ,<0.4; intermediate effect, 0.4-0.8; large effect, >0.8). Between 17% and 51% of participants showed improvement in understanding individual learning concepts; these concepts were reinforced in 18% to 28% of participants. Improvement was demonstrated in understanding recent American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline recommendations on the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. There was a need for further education in understanding the mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids, the differences between prescription and supplement forms of omega-3 fatty acids, and the pharmacodynamic differences between the different formulations of omega-3 fatty acids. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the success of a targeted educational intervention on improving the knowledge and competence of US cardiologists on the role of omega-3 fatty acids to treat hypertriglyceridemia and reduce CVD. However, the need for additional education was also demonstrated among cardiologists with regard to understanding the different omega-3 fatty acid formulations and their mechanisms of action in order to effectively use these agents.

Contribution of omega-3 fatty acids for memory and cognitive function

A decline in memory and cognitive function is considered to be a normal consequence of aging. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly proposed as dietary supplements with the ability to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). To study the effect of omega-3 on cognitive decline through the review of recent observational, interventional, and experimental studies. We conducted a Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane and Embase search for epidemiological and clinical studies in the international literature using combinations of the following keywords: "Alzheimer's disease", "mild cognitive impairment", "cognitive function", "dietary factors", "omega-3 fatty acids", "EPA and DHA". Studies have shown the protective role of omega-3 fatty acids in mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids on cognition. Doses, composition of EPA and DHA capsules and time of supplementation should be explored.

Comparative actions of omega-3 fatty acids on in-vitro lipid droplet formation

Storage of fat into lipid droplets (LDs) is the key step in adipogenesis. Previously the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) has been shown to suppress LD formation, yet the actions of other n-3PUFA is unknown. Here, we examined the impact of the three major long chain n-3PUFA; EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; C22:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) on LD formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Cells were supplemented with 100µM fatty acid during differentiation. All n-3PUFA significantly reduced LD formation and the metabolic disorder marker, SCD1, in comparison to stearic acid (STA; C18:0). This action was more potent for DHA than either EPA or DPA. Furthermore, DHA significantly increased lipolysis and ATGL gene and protein expression but reduced the gene expression of three proteins related to LD formation (Perilipin A, Caveolin-1 and Cidea), compared with other n-3PUFA. Thus, DHA, above EPA and DPA, markedly suppressed fat storage in LDs in in-vitro adipocytes.

Nerve growth factor treatment in Alzheimer's disease: Effects on EEG

to reduce the risks for occurrence or re-occurrence of cerebrovascular events as well as reducing other vascular risks, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, and others. Treatments for MD usually involve a combination of both AD and VD treatments. Similarly, research also is focused on either AD or VD and notMD.Methods:We examined themechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids in the contexts of both AD andVD in order to determine if the use of omega-3 scould be applicable in regards to MD.Results:Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial to persons withMD by potentially reducing neuroinflammation associated with both AD and VD symptoms. Conclusions: There is very little research in regards to MD. Since there are common threads between AD and VD, such as neuroinflammation, therapies that target these common threads, such as omega-3 supplementation should be explored. Since many persons with dementia exhibit both AD and VD pathology, such treatments would be extremely beneficial if demonstrated to be efficacious.

Abstract 5578: Transcriptomic changes in tamoxifen-treated mammary tumors in Sprague-Dawley rats fed with omega-3 or omega-6 rich diets

Abstract We have demonstrated that administration of an omega-3 rich diet to Tamoxifen (Tam)-treated rats reduced the incidence of mammary tumors when compared to rats fed an omega-6 rich diet in the presence and in the absence of Tam treatment (A. Manni, et al. Cancer Prev Res 3:322, 2010). To understand the mechanisms of antitumor action of omega-3 fatty acids, we evaluated the transcriptomic changes in 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced mammary tumors in Tam-treated rats fed with omega-3 (fish oil) or omega-6 (corn oil) fatty acids. Twenty one-days old Sprague Dawley rats received a single 50 mg/kg of body weight (bw) i.p. injection of MNU and were distributed into 4 groups: 1) CO group (20% corn oil diet); 2) COtam group (20% CO diet plus Tam 100 μg/Kg bw s.c., 5 days/week); 3) FO group (17% fish oil diet); 4) FOtam group (17% FO diet plus Tam). Animals were euthanized 8 weeks after MNU injection. RNA from cribiform tumors was extracted and Agilent oligonucleotide microarrays were performed in three samples per group. Tam-treated groups were compared to their respective controls (FOtam vs. FO and COtam vs. CO). Additionally, the FO-treated group was compared to the CO-treated group. Genes were considered differentially expressed when their level of expression differed by at least 3-fold with a P value <0.01. Genes of interest were validated by real time PCR. We found 32 differentially expressed genes between COtam and CO, 58 differentially expressed genes between FOtam and FO, and 19 differentially expressed genes between FO and CO. Real time PCR confirmed the differential expression of SerpinB10, Wisp2 and Apod in the FO-treated groups, which may be related to greater tumor differentiation. The down-regulation of Thrsp and Wnt5b genes in FOtam group may be related to tumor growth impairment and lower capacity of metastasis. Moreover, the up-regulation of IRF7, RT1-CE3, RT1-CE16 and RT1-Aw2 points to an improvement of the immune response against tumors in FO-treated animals. However, the up-regulation of FCER1A, HDC, MS4A2, SLP1, MCPT1 and MCTP2 suggests a shift of the immune response towards a Th2 pattern (mast cell-based immune response), which could be a mechanism of escape from the immune response caused by the combination of FO and Tam treatment. Our data suggests that an omega-3 rich diet could lead to a more differentiated tumor phenotype and an improved immune response against tumors. However, the administration of tamoxifen to FO fed rats promoted a Th2 pattern of immune response, which could represent an escape mechanism of the tumor cells from the improved immune response caused by FO per se. (Supported by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, grant KG081632). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5578. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5578

Transgenic conversion of omega-6 into omega-3 fatty acids in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

We have recently identified a neuroprotective role for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in a toxin-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Combined with epidemiological data, these observations suggest that low n-3 PUFA intake is a modifiable environmental risk factor for PD. In order to strengthen these preclinical findings as prerequisite to clinical trials, we further investigated the neuroprotective role of n-3 PUFAs in Fat-1 mice, a transgenic model expressing an n-3 fatty acid desaturase converting n-6 PUFAs into n-3 PUFAs. Here, we report that the expression of the fat-1 transgene increased cortical n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio (+28%), but to a lesser extent than dietary supplementation (92%). Such a limited endogenous production of n-3 PUFAs in the Fat-1 mouse was insufficient to confer neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxicity as assessed by dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons and fibers, as well as nigral Nurr1 and dopamine transporter (DAT) mRNA expression. Nevertheless, higher cortical docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations were positively correlated with markers of nigral dopaminergic neurons such as the number of TH-positive cells, in addition to Nurr1 and DAT mRNA levels. These associations are consistent with the protective role of DHA in a mouse model of PD. Taken together, these data suggest that dietary intake of a preformed DHA supplement is more effective in reaching the brain and achieving neuroprotection in an animal model of PD.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids Kill Thymocytes and Increase Membrane Fluidity

Background: Omega-3 but not omega-6 fatty acids are thought to promote cardiovascular health by increasing membrane fluidity.

Modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential neuroprotective mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids in a parkinsonian animal model

While we recently reported the beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n−3 PUFAs) in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD), the mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, we specifically investigated the contribution of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to the neuroprotective effect of n−3 PUFA observed in a mouse model of PD generated by a subacute exposure to MPTP using a total of 7 doses of 20 mg/kg over 5 days. The ten-month high n−3 PUFA treatment which preceded the MPTP exposure induced an increase of BDNF mRNA expression in the striatum, but not in the motor cortex of animals fed the high n−3 PUFA diet. In contrast, n−3 PUFA treatment increased BDNF protein levels in the motor cortex of MPTP-treated mice, an effect not observed in vehicle-treated mice. The mRNA expression of the high-affinity BDNF receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) was increased in the striatum of MPTP-treated mice fed the high n−3 PUFA diet compared to vehicle and MPTP-treated mice on the control diet and to vehicle mice on the high n−3 PUFA diet. These data suggest that the modulation of BDNF expression contributes, in part, to n−3 PUFA-induced neuroprotection in an animal model of PD.

Anticancer Actions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Current State and Future Perspectives

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega3-FA) were shown to attenuate growth and induce apoptosis in a variety of human cancer cell lines derived from colonic, pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer. In addition, recent findings indicate that omega3-FA act synergistically with chemotherapeutic agents and may also be used to enhance tumour radiosensitivity. The mechanisms underlying the anti-tumour effects of omega3-FA are complex. Incorporation of omega3-FA in biological membranes alters the profile of lipid mediators generated during inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, omega3-FA act as ligands of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors that attenuate transcription of NF-kappaB-dependent genes. Thereby, the cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E(2)-dependent production of pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor and levels of anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and bcl-X(L) are decreased. Eicosanoid-independent pro-apoptotic pathways include enhanced lipid peroxidation, modulation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and enhanced production of reactive oxygen species as well as activation of p53. This review article will give a comprehensive overview over the pleiotropic actions of omega3-FA and will discuss the potential of omega3-FA and derivatives like conjugated eicosapentaenoic acid as important nutritional adjuvant therapeutics in the management of various human cancer diseases and the impact of nutritional omega-3 FA on cancer prevention.

Diet and Its Relationship with Grip Strength in Community‐Dwelling Older Men and Women: The Hertfordshire Cohort Study

To examine relationships between diet and grip strength in older men and women and to determine whether prenatal growth modifies these relationships. Cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study. Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Two thousand nine hundred eighty-three men and women aged 59 to 73 who were born and still living in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Weight at birth recorded in Health Visitor ledgers; current food and nutrient intake assessed using an administered food frequency questionnaire; and grip strength measured using a handheld dynamometer. Grip strength was positively associated with height and weight at birth and inversely related to age (all P<.001). Of the dietary factors considered in relation to grip strength, the most important was fatty fish consumption. An increase in grip strength of 0.43 kg (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.13-0.74) in men (P=.005) and 0.48 kg (95% CI=0.24-0.72) in women (P<.001) was observed for each additional portion of fatty fish consumed per week. These relationships were independent of adult height, age, and birth weight, each of which had additive effects on grip strength. There was no evidence of interactive effects of weight at birth and adult diet on grip strength. These data suggest that fatty fish consumption can have an important influence on muscle function in older men and women. This raises the possibility that the antiinflammatory actions of omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in the prevention of sarcopenia.

Omega-3 fatty acids and prevention of arrhythmias

There is now a considerable factual basis from laboratory and clinical trials that omega-3 fatty acids of fish oil will prevent fatal arrhythmias in animals and humans and this is the focus of the review. Several recent trials in humans have strengthened the evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent arrhythmias although this has not been a uniform finding. Since there are at present some 400 000 deaths annually in the US alone and millions more worldwide, what has been learned about the antiarrhythmic actions of omega-3 fatty acids has considerable potential public-health benefit.

Resolvin E2: Identification and Anti-Inflammatory Actions: Pivotal Role of Human 5-Lipoxygenase in Resolvin E Series Biosynthesis

The family of resolvins consists of omega-3 fatty acid-derived mediators, including E series resolvins generated from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and carry potent anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we report the isolation, identification, and bioactions of resolvin E2 (RvE2), which is 5S,18-dihydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid. RvE2 stopped zymosan-induced polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte infiltration and displayed potent anti-inflammatory properties in murine peritonitis. We also demonstrate that human recombinant 5-lipoxygenase generates RvE2 from a common precursor of E series resolvins, namely, 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoate (18-HEPE). Furthermore, the initial 5-hydroperoxide intermediate was also converted to a 5(6)-epoxide intermediate in RvE1 formation. These results demonstrate that RvE2, together with RvE1, may contribute to the beneficial actions of omega-3 fatty acids in human diseases. Moreover, they indicate that the 5-lipoxygenase in human leukocytes is a pivotal enzyme that can produce both pro- and anti-inflammatory chemical mediators.

Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

We investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids administration on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients > or =65 years old who received treatment for chronic heart failure (CHF). Twenty patients (mean age 73 years; 15 men) with grade II and III CHF who were on maximal medical management were recruited. Patients were randomized in a double-blind, crossover fashion to 6 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid (1.8 g ecosapentaenoic acid and 1.2 g docosahexaenoic acid) or olive oil. Forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to incremental doses of intra-arterial sodium nitroprusside, acetycholine (ACH), angiotensin-II, and N(g)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were assessed by venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography. The endothelium-dependent increase in FBF was greater in response in ACH infusion after omega-3 fatty acid administration (7.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.81 to 11.08 to 11.3, 95% CI 7.31 to 15.23 arbitrary units (p <0.05) compared with baseline (7.95, 95% CI 4.8 to 11.08 arbitrary units) and olive oil administration (7.27, 95% CI 4.66 to 9.88 arbitrary units) (p = NS for both). Neither omega-3 fatty acid nor olive oil altered endothelium-independent vasodilation in response to infusion of sodium nitroprusside, nor did they influence vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin-II or N(g)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. Dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was accompanied by an increase in FBF response to ACH, which represents enhanced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in CHF. Further studies are warranted to assess the mechanism responsible for the beneficial actions of omega-3 fatty acids in CHF.

Omega-3 fatty acids and anorexia

To review the mechanisms of action of omega-3 fatty acids and their role in the brain, as well as their therapeutic implications in anorexia. Recent studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids modulate changes in the concentrations and actions of several orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides in the brain, including neuropeptide Y, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. In patients with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, low tissue concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines are found, in association with anorexia and decreased food intake. The data suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production and improves food intake by normalizing hypothalamic orexigenic peptides and neurotransmitters. Based on current data, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has a role in the treatment of anorexia by stimulating the production and release of orexigenic neurotransmitters in food intake regulatory nuclei in the hypothalamus.