The effects of omega-3 on inflammation and its relationship with CVD risk and insulin sensitivity in overweight women

This study investigated whether an individual's habitual inflammatory status influenced the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid supplement on cardiovascular disease risk. In a double-blind trial (i.e. neither the researchers nor participants were aware of what they were receiving) women randomly received either an omega-3 supplement or placebo; after 4 weeks of no intervention the two groups were swapped over. The omega-3 treatment significantly reduced triacylglycerols (storage fats found in blood) and inflammatory markers; the improvement seen in insulin activity was substantially greater among participants with higher initial inflammatory status. The authors conclude “habitual inflammatory status influences the impact of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation, but it is not clear whether the effect of LC n-3 PUFA on AUC  insulin [a measure of insulin activity] is mediated through inflammatory mechanisms”.

 

Click here to read the study abstract

 

Meta-analysis finds that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in helping relieve inflammatory joint pain

A meta-analysis of 17 randomised, controlled trials assessing the pain relieving effects of omega-3 PUFAs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or joint pain secondary to inflammatory bowel disease and dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps) found that supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs for 3-4 months reduces:  joint pain intensity as reported by patients, the duration of morning stiffness, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug use and reported number of painful/tender joints. The results did not show any statistically significant difference in physician assessed pain or in the assessment tool Ritchie articular index. The authors concluded that “omega-3 PUFAs are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea”.

 

Click here to read the abstract.

 

Resolvin E1, an EPA derivative, regulates inflammation

In this study rabbits with established periodontitis (an inflammatory disease caused by oral bacteria) were administered Resolvin E1 (a EPA derivative), which resulted in complete restoration of the local lesion, and reduction in the systemic inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and IL-1beta. The effects of the RvE1 were compared to those of PGE(2) and leukotriene B(4) (both derived from omega-6 arachidonic acid acid), which were found to increase the severity of the disease. The authors observe that their “report is the first to show that resolution of inflammation by a naturally occurring endogenous lipid mediator results in complete regeneration of pathologically lost tissues, including bone.”

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids found to have favourable effects on patients with advanced lung cancer with systemic inflammation

This study investigated the effects of omega-3 administration on a group of symptoms the authors classed as Systemic Immune-Metabolic Syndrome (SIMS), symptoms which appear to result from immune dysfunction and systemic inflammation.  Compliance was examined and found to be very poor for any dose higher than 6g. A group of 22 patients with advanced lung cancer and SIMS were randomly assigned to receive either fish oil, 2 g plus placebo capsules daily or fish oil, 2 g, plus celecoxib (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) 200 mg daily. After 6 weeks of treatment both groups showed significantly increased appetite, reduced fatigue, and lower levels of C-reactive protein (C-RP) than their respective baselines values. Patients receiving the NSAID with their fish oil made additional improvements: their body weight and muscular strength improved while C-RP levels dropped further than those receiving fish oil alone. The authors add that the “consistent nutritional support used in our patients could have helped to maximize the pharmacological effects of fish oil and/or celecoxib”.  This study is a clear example of the significant improvement in patient outcomes that can be achieved through a comprehensive programme incorporating nutritional supplements, conventional medication and dietary support.    

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Omega-3 found to have favourable effects on inflammatory markers in haemodialysis patients.

Premature atherosclerosis (inflammation in the arteries as lipoprotein plaques build up) is common in haemodialysis (HD) patients. In this study 42 HD patients were administered supplements with 2.4 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day for 2 months and compared to a group of 16 healthy, equivalent controls. Initial measurements revealed essential fatty acids deficiency among the patients, accompanied by a significant link between higher levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 and lower levels of EPA. Supplementation resulted in a significant increase in blood EPA with a parallel decrease in inflammatory markers. The authors conclude: “fish oil could be used in dialysis patients to slow down the development of atherosclerosis and improve nutritional parameters”.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

EPA and DHA found to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects

Oxidative stress is causally associated with inflammation. To investigate the effects of EPA and DHA on oxidative load and inflammation rat renal epithelial cells (these specialised cells line all internal and external body surfaces) and macrophages (white blood cells that phagocytose, or engulf and digest, pathogens) were treated. Results showed that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS, free radicals or pro-oxidants) from arachidonic acid through the COX-2 pathway was suppressed by DHA and EPA, while reduced glutathione (GSH, the body’s own antioxidant) levels and antioxidative enzyme activities were significantly enhanced by DHA and EPA.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Mice with increased omega-3 fatty acid status is associated with reduced inflammation and tissue damage from colitis.

This study found that increased n-3 PUFA tissue status in mice that synthesize n-3 PUFA from n-6 PUFA results in significant formation of anti-inflammatory resolvins and a consequent substantial reduction in inflammation and tissue injury in colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), interestingly no corresponding decrease in n-6 PUFA-derived, pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 was observed. The authors hypothesise that the “observed inflammation protection might result from decreased NF-kappaB activity and expression of TNFalpha, inducible NO synthase [which synthesises nitric oxide, used to kill pathogens], and IL-1beta, with enhanced mucoprotection [protection of intestinal mucosal cells) probably because of the higher expression of trefoil factor 3, Toll-interacting protein, and zonula occludens-1 [these are all tissue protectors]”.  This study provides insight into the mechanisms of action of omega-3 in reducing the inflammatory response, suggesting a far more complex process than simple competitive inhibition of omega-6 derived pro-inflammatory mediators.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Omega-3 found to reduce the pro-inflammatory state in obese individuals

Inflamed white adipose (fat) tissue is associated with common complications of obesity such as diabetes. In this study a group of obese diabetic mice and another group of healthy, lean mice were fed either a low-fat standard diet or high-fat diets rich in either saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids or n-6 PUFA/purified marine n-3 PUFA. Genes involved in the expression of inflammatory mediators were upregulated in those obese diabetic mice receiving the diet high in saturated fat, as compared to those receiving the low fat diet, with a parallel increase in macrophages (white blood cells designed to engulf pathogens) in adipose tissue. The diet rich in omega-6, when compared to the effect of the high saturated fat diet, had only a minimal impact on inflammation while the addition of omega-3 prevented the infiltration of macrophages into adipose tissue and the upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression without any effect on body weight. The authors conclude that these “data suggest that beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on diabetes development could be mediated by their effect on adipose tissue inflammation”.  The study also indicates that the pro-inflammatory effect of omega-6 is influenced by overall dietary composition.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Higher omega-3 levels associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers

This study examined the relationship between relative concentration of fatty acids in fasting (blood) plasma and level of inflammatory markers. Data were collected from 1123 adults; total n-3 fatty acids were found to be independently associated with lower levels of proinflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1ra, TNFalpha, C-reactive protein) and higher levels of antiinflammatory markers (soluble IL-6r, IL-10, TGFbeta) independent of confounders. Specifically lower EPA was associated with higher IL-6 and lower TGFbeta while lower docosahexaenoic acid was strongly associated with lower IL-10. Interestingly lower n-6 fatty acid levels were significantly associated with higher IL-1ra and lower TGFbeta.  A more favourable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 was associated with higher levels of IL-10.

 

Click here to view the study abstract.

The effects of omega-3 on inflammation and its relationship with CVD risk and insulin sensitivity in overweight women

This study investigated whether an individual's habitual inflammatory status influenced the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid supplement on cardiovascular disease risk. In a double-blind trial (i.e. neither the researchers nor participants were aware of what they were receiving) women randomly received either an omega-3 supplement or placebo; after 4 weeks of no intervention the two groups were swapped over. The omega-3 treatment significantly reduced triacylglycerols (storage fats found in blood) and inflammatory markers; the improvement seen in insulin activity was substantially greater among participants with higher initial inflammatory status. The authors conclude “habitual inflammatory status influences the impact of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation, but it is not clear whether the effect of LC n-3 PUFA on AUC  insulin [a measure of insulin activity] is mediated through inflammatory mechanisms”.

 

Click here to read the study abstract

 

Meta-analysis finds that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in helping relieve inflammatory joint pain

A meta-analysis of 17 randomised, controlled trials assessing the pain relieving effects of omega-3 PUFAs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or joint pain secondary to inflammatory bowel disease and dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps) found that supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs for 3-4 months reduces:  joint pain intensity as reported by patients, the duration of morning stiffness, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug use and reported number of painful/tender joints. The results did not show any statistically significant difference in physician assessed pain or in the assessment tool Ritchie articular index. The authors concluded that “omega-3 PUFAs are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea”.

 

Click here to read the abstract.

 

Resolvin E1, an EPA derivative, regulates inflammation

In this study rabbits with established periodontitis (an inflammatory disease caused by oral bacteria) were administered Resolvin E1 (a EPA derivative), which resulted in complete restoration of the local lesion, and reduction in the systemic inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and IL-1beta. The effects of the RvE1 were compared to those of PGE(2) and leukotriene B(4) (both derived from omega-6 arachidonic acid acid), which were found to increase the severity of the disease. The authors observe that their “report is the first to show that resolution of inflammation by a naturally occurring endogenous lipid mediator results in complete regeneration of pathologically lost tissues, including bone.”

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids found to have favourable effects on patients with advanced lung cancer with systemic inflammation

This study investigated the effects of omega-3 administration on a group of symptoms the authors classed as Systemic Immune-Metabolic Syndrome (SIMS), symptoms which appear to result from immune dysfunction and systemic inflammation.  Compliance was examined and found to be very poor for any dose higher than 6g. A group of 22 patients with advanced lung cancer and SIMS were randomly assigned to receive either fish oil, 2 g plus placebo capsules daily or fish oil, 2 g, plus celecoxib (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) 200 mg daily. After 6 weeks of treatment both groups showed significantly increased appetite, reduced fatigue, and lower levels of C-reactive protein (C-RP) than their respective baselines values. Patients receiving the NSAID with their fish oil made additional improvements: their body weight and muscular strength improved while C-RP levels dropped further than those receiving fish oil alone. The authors add that the “consistent nutritional support used in our patients could have helped to maximize the pharmacological effects of fish oil and/or celecoxib”.  This study is a clear example of the significant improvement in patient outcomes that can be achieved through a comprehensive programme incorporating nutritional supplements, conventional medication and dietary support.    

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Omega-3 found to have favourable effects on inflammatory markers in haemodialysis patients.

Premature atherosclerosis (inflammation in the arteries as lipoprotein plaques build up) is common in haemodialysis (HD) patients. In this study 42 HD patients were administered supplements with 2.4 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day for 2 months and compared to a group of 16 healthy, equivalent controls. Initial measurements revealed essential fatty acids deficiency among the patients, accompanied by a significant link between higher levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 and lower levels of EPA. Supplementation resulted in a significant increase in blood EPA with a parallel decrease in inflammatory markers. The authors conclude: “fish oil could be used in dialysis patients to slow down the development of atherosclerosis and improve nutritional parameters”.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

EPA and DHA found to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects

Oxidative stress is causally associated with inflammation. To investigate the effects of EPA and DHA on oxidative load and inflammation rat renal epithelial cells (these specialised cells line all internal and external body surfaces) and macrophages (white blood cells that phagocytose, or engulf and digest, pathogens) were treated. Results showed that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS, free radicals or pro-oxidants) from arachidonic acid through the COX-2 pathway was suppressed by DHA and EPA, while reduced glutathione (GSH, the body’s own antioxidant) levels and antioxidative enzyme activities were significantly enhanced by DHA and EPA.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Mice with increased omega-3 fatty acid status is associated with reduced inflammation and tissue damage from colitis.

This study found that increased n-3 PUFA tissue status in mice that synthesize n-3 PUFA from n-6 PUFA results in significant formation of anti-inflammatory resolvins and a consequent substantial reduction in inflammation and tissue injury in colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), interestingly no corresponding decrease in n-6 PUFA-derived, pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 was observed. The authors hypothesise that the “observed inflammation protection might result from decreased NF-kappaB activity and expression of TNFalpha, inducible NO synthase [which synthesises nitric oxide, used to kill pathogens], and IL-1beta, with enhanced mucoprotection [protection of intestinal mucosal cells) probably because of the higher expression of trefoil factor 3, Toll-interacting protein, and zonula occludens-1 [these are all tissue protectors]”.  This study provides insight into the mechanisms of action of omega-3 in reducing the inflammatory response, suggesting a far more complex process than simple competitive inhibition of omega-6 derived pro-inflammatory mediators.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Omega-3 found to reduce the pro-inflammatory state in obese individuals

Inflamed white adipose (fat) tissue is associated with common complications of obesity such as diabetes. In this study a group of obese diabetic mice and another group of healthy, lean mice were fed either a low-fat standard diet or high-fat diets rich in either saturated/monounsaturated fatty acids or n-6 PUFA/purified marine n-3 PUFA. Genes involved in the expression of inflammatory mediators were upregulated in those obese diabetic mice receiving the diet high in saturated fat, as compared to those receiving the low fat diet, with a parallel increase in macrophages (white blood cells designed to engulf pathogens) in adipose tissue. The diet rich in omega-6, when compared to the effect of the high saturated fat diet, had only a minimal impact on inflammation while the addition of omega-3 prevented the infiltration of macrophages into adipose tissue and the upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression without any effect on body weight. The authors conclude that these “data suggest that beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on diabetes development could be mediated by their effect on adipose tissue inflammation”.  The study also indicates that the pro-inflammatory effect of omega-6 is influenced by overall dietary composition.

 

Click here to view the abstract.

 

Higher omega-3 levels associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers

This study examined the relationship between relative concentration of fatty acids in fasting (blood) plasma and level of inflammatory markers. Data were collected from 1123 adults; total n-3 fatty acids were found to be independently associated with lower levels of proinflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1ra, TNFalpha, C-reactive protein) and higher levels of antiinflammatory markers (soluble IL-6r, IL-10, TGFbeta) independent of confounders. Specifically lower EPA was associated with higher IL-6 and lower TGFbeta while lower docosahexaenoic acid was strongly associated with lower IL-10. Interestingly lower n-6 fatty acid levels were significantly associated with higher IL-1ra and lower TGFbeta.  A more favourable ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 was associated with higher levels of IL-10.

 

Click here to view the study abstract.