The Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation on Serum Irisin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

BackgroundDiabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases with blood glucose of higher than normal ranges. Furthermore, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are necessary for the regulation of the activity of human function. The effect of n-3 PUFA on diabetes has been investigated in animal studies, yet, the exact amount has not been set, to date. Irisin, as a new myokine, is released from skeletal muscle and Irisin levels decrease as a result of physical inactivity, overweightness, and obesity. Also, the reduction of serum irisin level is associated with development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This study was performed to assess the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on serum irisin level in patients with diabetes.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial included 43 patients with type 2 diabetes (21 patients in the placebo group and 22 patients in the n-3 PUFA supplement group). They were randomized to groups, one receiving 10 weeks of either n-3 PUFA supplement and the other the placebo (1250 mg capsule, three times per day). Samples were also matched by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) in the 2 groups. Anthropometric measurements, demographic information and dietary intakes were obtained both before and after the intervention. Serum irisin levels were measured before and after the intervention using human irisin enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean outcomes between groups.ResultsAt baseline, irisin serum levels were not significantly different between the placebo and n-3 PUFA supplementation groups (P > 0.05). However, a significant change was observed between the groups after intervention (P = 0.04). Also there was a significant difference in mean change (after versus before the intervention) (P = 0.05). Compared to the placebo, n-3 PUFA supplementation decreased serum FBS and HbA1C (P = 0.036 and 0.001; respectively). Also, there were significant differences between changes of diastolic blood pressure and HOMA-IR after the intervention between the groups. The duration of illness was not considered as a confounding factor because there was no significant association between irisin level (after versus before the intervention) and the illness duration.ConclusionsThe current study indicated that n-3 PUFA supplementation with a dosage of 1250 mg three times per day, resulted in increased serum irisin level of diabetic patients.

An Improvement of Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

“…The RCT included 43 patients with type 2 diabetes (21 patients in the placebo group and 22 patients in the omega-3 PUFA group) [ 40 ]. They were randomized to groups, one receiving 10 weeks of either omega-3 PUFA supplement and the other the placebo (1,250 mg capsule, three times per day).…”

Association between plasma irisin and glucose metabolism in pregnant women is modified by dietary n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake

“…It has been suggested that treatment with n-3 PUFA for 48 h will significantly increase irisin expression in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Furthermore, two recent randomized clinical trials discovered that n-3 PUFA supplementation, compared with placebo, can elevate the circulating irisin levels in patients with diabetic or coronary artery disease 53,54 . Combining the aforementioned two studies and the findings of the present study, we found that n-3 PUFA not only increases the level of circulating irisin, but also enhances the positive association between irisin and insulin sensitivity, which indicates that dietary n-3 PUFA intake might improve insulin sensitivity through irisin pathways.…”

Mice lacking PKC-θ in skeletal muscle have reduced intramyocellular lipid accumulation and increased insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle

“…This suggests a plausible mechanism accounting for reduced IMCL accumulation in SkM PKCKO mice. Furthermore, adipokines such as adiponectin (7,8), myokines such as irisin and myonectin (1,14,27,47), and circulating factors produced by multiples cells types (i.e., interleukin-6, TNF-␣, and brain-derived neurotropic factor) (10,11,35) have the potential to orchestrate cross talk among skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, brain, liver, and pancreas in the regulation of metabolism and energy balance. A mechanistic link between alterations in skeletal muscle skeletal muscle metabolism, energy balance, and the plethora of circulating factors that may be involved requires further investigation.…”