Key Findigs:
Metabolic syndrome includes inflammation and non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Omega 3 fatty acids may rpoevnet fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) and reduce the onset of NAFLD. The effects of canola/flaxseed oil blend rich in ALA and monounsaturates (MUFA) on hepatic steatosis and hepatic fatty acid composition as well as metabolic syndrome parameters in a diet induced obesity (DIO) rat model was assessed. The C/F diet attenuated hepatic steatosis, and altered the hepatic phospholipid (PL) fatty acid profile by increasing EPA and DHA. The levels of EPA or DHA in liver were not related to the mRNA levels of desaturation (Fads1, Fads2, Scd1) and elongation (Elovl2, Elovl5) enzymes. The hepatic fatty acid composition of hepatic TAG mimicked the diet fatty acid composition. ALA was effective for elevating EPA and maintaining one of the highest DHA concentrations in hepatic PL.
ABSTRACT:
This study investigated the efficacy of the plant-based n-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA), a dietary precursor of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for modulating hepatic steatosis. Rats were fed high fat (55% energy) diets containing high oleic canola oil, canola oil, a canola/flax oil blend (C/F, 3:1), safflower oil, soybean oil, or lard. After 12 weeks, C/F and weight-matched (WM) groups had 20% less liver lipid. Body mass, liver weight, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and molecular markers of fatty acid oxidation, synthesis, desaturation and elongation did not account for this effect. The C/F group had the highest total n-3 and EPA in hepatic phospholipids (PL), as well as one of the highest DHA and lowest arachidonic acid (n-6) concentrations. In conclusion, the C/F diet with the highest content of the plant-based n-3 ALA attenuated hepatic steatosis and altered the hepatic PL fatty acid profile. (Authors abstract)
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