Omega-3 fatty acids: a review of the effects on adiponectin and leptin and potential implications for obesity management

Abstract

An increase in adiposity is associated with altered levels of biologically active proteins. These include the hormones adiponectin and leptin. The marked change in circulating concentrations of these hormones in obesity has been associated with the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Variations in dietary lipid consumption have also been shown to impact obesity. Specifically, omega-3 fatty acids have been correlated with the prevention of obesity and subsequent development of chronic disease sequalae. This review explores animal and human data relating to the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (marine lipids) on adiponectin and leptin, considering plausible mechanisms and potential implications for obesity management. Current evidence suggests a positive, dose-dependent relationship between omega-3 fatty acid intake and circulating levels of adiponectin. In obese subjects, this may translate into a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In non-obese subjects, omega-3 is observed to decrease circulating levels of leptin; however, omega-3-associated increases in leptin levels have been observed in obese subjects. This may pose benefits in the prevention of weight regain in these subjects following calorie restriction.

Omega-3 fatty acids’ effect on leptin and adiponectin concentrations in patients with spinal cord injury: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

“…Previously, it has been suggested that omega-3 may be effective in the prevention of obesity and reducing weight, 41 and by considering the positive association between weight and leptin, we expected that we would observe a reduction of leptin level as well. However, this effect has only been observed in non-obese individuals.…”

The Pharmacology of the Cytochrome P450 Epoxygenase/Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Axis in the Vasculature and Cardiovascular Disease

“…In contrast with the v-6 PUFAs, the v-3 PUFAs are usually attributed anti-inflammatory effects, particularly when considering the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Calviello et al, 2013;Gray et al, 2013;Liu et al, 2013;Robinson and Mazurak, 2013;Pinel et al, 2014;Yates et al, 2014). Despite early positive reports of the benefits of supplementing diets with fish oils on cardiovascular outcomes, larger and better controlled clinical trials have failed to reveal any clear clinical benefit.…”

Shrimp oil extracted from the shrimp processing waste reduces the development of insulin resistance and metabolic phenotypes in diet-induced obese rats

“…Rats on the HFC diet and fructose drinking water had blood insulin and leptin levels twice as much as those on the LFC improves insulin sensitivity. Dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFA, in particular EPA and DHA, increases the serum concentration of adiponectin in humans and animals (Gray et al, 2013;Sabour et al, 2015). Recent reports demonstrated that replacing saturated fatty acids with n-3…”