The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Serum Adipocytokines, Lipid Profile and Biochemical Markers of Inflammation in Recreational Runners

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week ω-3 PUFA supplementation on serum adipocytokines (i.e., adiponectin, leptin), neuregulin-4 (NRG4) and erythrocyte omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid content, as well as the blood antioxidant defense capacity in non-elite endurance runners. Methods: Twenty-four runners were randomized into two groups: the supplemented group, who received omega free fatty acids extract containing 142 mg of EPA, 267 mg of DHA, 12 mg of vitamin E and 5 µg of vitamin D, each administrated at a dose of six capsules twice a day for three weeks, or the placebo group. Venous blood samples were withdrawn at the start and at the end of the study protocols to estimate serum biochemical variables. Results: A significantly higher ω-3 index and lower AA/EPA ratio was observed after ω-3 PUFA compared to pre-supplementation levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). An increase in baseline adiponectin and NRG4 levels, as well as a decrease of leptin concentration and lipid profile improvement, were observed in subjects after a ω-3 PUFA diet. The increased ω-3 index had a significant effect on TNFα levels and a serum marker of antioxidant defense. Conclusions: The ω-3 PUFA extract with added vitamin E and D supplementation may have a positive effect on the function of the adipocyte tissue, as well as the ability to prevent cardiovascular complications in athletes.

Beneficial Effects of Table Grape Use on Serum Levels of Omega-3 Index and Liver Function: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…The reduction in FGF21 is also in line with well-known anti-inflammatory functions of both EPA and DHA, since increased FGF21 levels have been associated with the presence of inflammatory chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome [ 20 , 34 ]. Furthermore, FGF21 has been found to promote the metabolic events leading to type 2 diabetes mellitus, NAFLD, and obesity [ 38 , 39 ].…”

“…The significant induction of the Omega-3 index detected in the grape group was associated with higher serum levels of adiponectin, a molecule known to have a key regulatory role in promoting fatty acids oxidation in the liver [ 34 , 35 ]. It has been reported that adiponectin release increases in response to EPA and DHA supplementation [ 20 ].…”

“…High circulating levels of Omega-3 PUFAs positively affect the serum content of adiponectin [ 17 ], an adipocytokine able to increase the insulin sensitivity, influencing glucose uptake, inhibiting gluconeogenesis [ 18 ]. Adiponectin has also been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Docosahexaenoic Acid Counteracts the Hypoxic-Induced Inflammatory and Metabolic Alterations in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

“…DHA reduced leptin mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes [ 65 ]. In a study by Zebrowska et al, human subjects who received two doses of 267 mg of DHA for three weeks exhibited a significant decrease in circulating leptin concentration and an increase in adiponectin level, which was accompanied by a decrease in plasma TNF and oxidative stress markers and an improvement in lipid profile [ 66 ]. Consistent with prior research, our results revealed that 3T3L-1 mature adipocytes exposed to low oxygen tension (1% O 2 ) exhibited a substantial drop in adiponectin release [ 7 , 67 ].…”

New Discovered Adipokines Associated with the Pathogenesis of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

“…[83][84][85] Serum NRG4 increased significantly in response to a 3-week ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids dietary protocol. 86 Plasma levels of NRG4 were improved in three training protocols: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit resistance training (CRT), and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) compared with the control group. What is more, the increase was greater in HIIT and CRT compared with the MICT.…”