Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dry eye - Are they effective or ineffective?

Purpose: To evaluate effectiveness of omega?3 fatty acid supplements in relieving dry eye symptoms and signs in symptomatic visual display terminal users (VDT). Methods: A randomized controlled study was done; eyes of 470 VDT users were randomized to receive four capsules twice daily for 6 months (O3FAgroup), each containing 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid. The O3FA group was compared with another group (n = 480) who received four capsules of a placebo (olive oil) twice daily. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The primary outcome was improvement in omega?3 index (a measure of EPA and DHA ratio in RBC membrane). Secondary outcomes were improvement dry eye symptoms, Nelson grade on conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer test values, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and tear film osmolarity. Means of groups (pre?treatment, 1, 3, and 6?months) were compared with repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, 81% patients had low omega?3 index. In the O3FA group, a significant increase in omega?3 index, improvement in symptoms, reduction in tear film osmolarity, and increase in Schirmer, TBUT, and goblet cell density was observed. These changes were not significant in the placebo group. Improvement in test parameters was significantly (P < 0.001) better in patients with low omega3 index (<4%) subgroup. Conclusion: Dietary omega?3 fatty acids are effective for dry eye in VDT users; omega?3 index appears to be the predictor to identify potential dry eye patients who are likely to benefit from oral omega?3 dietary intervention

Efeitos do ômega 3 na prevenção e tratamento da doença de Alzheimer / Effects of omega 3 in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A doença de Alzheimer constitui o principal tipo de demência existente, sendo uma doença crônica neurodegenerativa decorrente de danos nas células do sistema nervoso, constituindo um distúrbio por deficiência progressiva de memória, linguagem, raciocínio e outras funções cognitivas. Na nutrição, diversos nutrientes específicos e seus efeitos vêm sendo estudados na Doença de Alzheimer, incluindo os ácidos graxos ômega 3. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar sistematicamente a literatura, sobre os efeitos do ômega 3 na prevenção e tratamento do Alzheimer. Para a busca dos artigos da presente revisão, foi utilizado a base de dados Medline, por meio do PubMed. A princípio, foram encontrados 669 artigos, dos quais foram selecionados 11 após o processo de seleção. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação de ômega 3 parece ter mais efeitos positivos (como melhora na memória e em sintomas depressivos e de agitação, menor declínio cognitivo, retardo na atrofia do hipocampo e diminuição da proteína beta amiloide no cérebro) em indivíduos com chances de desenvolver a doença de Alzheimer ou nos estágios iniciais da doença, do que em pacientes em estágios mais avançados.

Alzheimer's disease is the main type of existing dementia, it is a chronic neurodegenerative disease resulting from damage to the cells of the nervous system, constituting a disorder due to progressive impairment of memory, language, reasoning and other cognitive functions. In nutrition, several specific nutrients and their effects fueled in Alzheimer's Disease, including omega 3 fatty acids. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effects of omega 3 in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Medline database was used through PubMed search engine to search for articles to make up this review. At first, 669 articles were found and 11 were selected after the selection process and the results showed that omega 3 supplementation appears to have more positive effects (improvement in memory and in depressive and agitation symptoms, less cognitive decline, delayed hippocampal atrophy and decreased beta amyloid protein in the brain) in individuals with a chance of developing Alzheimer's disease or in the early stages of the disease than in patients in advanced stages.

Análisis del contenido de ácidos grasos y estimación de índices de calidad nutricional en conservas de atún

RESUMEN Los alimentos de origen marino se caracterizan en general por su alto contenido en ácidos eicosapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA), dos ácidos grasos poliinsaturados de la familia n-3 con funciones esenciales en el organismo humano. En Chile, las conservas de pescado, entre ellas el atún enlatado, son una de las formas principales de consumo de alimentos del mar. En este trabajo se analizaron los perfiles de ácidos grasos y se estimaron varios índices de calidad nutricional de distintas conservas de lomos de atún en agua y en aceite vegetal disponibles en supermercados de Santiago de Chile. Las cantidades de EPA+DHA encontradas oscilaron entre 184 y 310 mg/100 g y entre 110 y 336 mg/100 g en las conservas de atún en agua y en aceite, respectivamente. El ácido graso más abundante en las conservas de atún en agua fue el DHA, mientras que en las conservas en aceite fue el ácido linoleico, perteneciente a la familia n-6. Los índices de calidad lipídica del pescado (FLQ) y aterogénico (IA) fueron más altos en las conservas de atún en agua que en las de atún en aceite, mientras que la relación ácidos grasos hipocolesterolémicos/hipercolesterolémicos (HH) presentó valores mayores en el atún enlatado en aceite. El índice trombogénico (IT) fue en general más alto en las conservas de atún en aceite.

ABSTRACT Foods from marine origin are known to have a high content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two polyunsaturated fatty acids from the n-3 family with essential roles in the human organism. Canned fish, including tuna, is one of the main formats to consume marine foods in Chile. In this work, samples of canned tuna in water and in oil available in supermarkets of Santiago de Chile were analysed to elucidate their fatty acid composition and to estimate several indexes of nutritional quality related to the lipid fraction of such foods. The amounts of EPA+DHA ranged between 184 and 310 mg/100 g and between 110 and 336 mg/100 g for canned tuna in water and oil, respectively. DHA was the most abundant fatty acid in canned tuna in water, whereas linolenic acid (an n-6 fatty acid) was found to be the most abundant in canned tuna in oil. The Fish Lipid Quality (FLQ) and atherogenic index (AI) reached higher values in canned tuna in water than in canned tuna in oil, whereas the ratio hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (HH) was higher in canned tuna in oil. The thrombogenic index (TI) was generally higher for canned tuna in oil.

Omega 3 fatty acids - Potential modulators for oxidative stress and inflammation in the management of sickle cell disease

Abstract Objective Sickle cell disease is characterized by clinical complications resulting in vaso-occlusive crisis with prominent attributes of oxidative stress, inflammation, and pain. Inflammation is an integral part of this disease which further exacerbates the pain during a crisis. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregatory properties and assist in diminishing the slow physiological inactivation. Methods A pilot nutritional interventional study was conducted wherein forty-three children with sickle cell disease aged 5-16 years were supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months. Analysis of oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory parameters, was done pre and post-supplementation. Results Increased free oxygen radical transference values depicting free radical generation is enhanced in these patients along with a reduced antioxidant defense, as seen by decreased free oxygen radical defense values. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months significantly reduced the inflammatory marker homocysteine in all patients, whereas high sensitive C reactive protein was significantly reduced only in females of the age group 11-16years. Simultaneously a significant reduction in oxidative stress parameters with a concomitant increase of antioxidant defense was observed in all patients. Conclusion The authors' findings suggest the regulatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids as cellular activators in alleviating the complications due to sickle cell disease. Omega-3 fatty acids hold promise as future therapeutic candidates in patients with sickle cell disease.

Ácidos grasos omega-3 y función endotelial en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo / Omega-3 fatty acids and endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, manifestándose principalmente como enfermedad isquémica coronaria. El pronóstico y desenlace del Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA) depende en gran proporción de la disfunción endotelial asociado a este cuadro. Objetivo:Evaluar el efecto de los ácidos grasos omega­3, sobre la función endotelial en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA). Métodos: Se realizó estudio con 16 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) tratados con Omega-3 a dosis de 3 gramos/día+Terapia Convencional (O3+Tc) durante 30 días. Se les realizó a las 12 horas del ingreso y los a 30 días, perfil lipídico, proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus), Endotelina 1 (ET-1), y Péptido Natriurético cerebral (NTproBNP). Resultados: Durante 4 semanas de seguimiento, el uso de 3 gramos/día de ácidos grasos omega-3, añadido a la terapia convencional en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo, mostró una reducción significativa de la concentración plasmática de NTproBNP (p = 0,000), PCRus (p =0,000) y triglicéridos (p = 0,004). Conclusión: Tres gramos al día de ácidos grasos omega-3 contribuye a la reducción de la concentración plasmática de Triglicéridos y NTproBNP en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo(AU)

Mainly as coronary ischemic disease. the prognosis and outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) depend largely on the endothelial dysfunction associated with this condition. Objective: To evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on endothelial function in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Method: A study was conducted with 16 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with Omega-3 at a dose of 3 grams/day+Conventional erapy (O3+Tc) for 30 days. Lipid profile, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), Endothelin 1 (ET-1), and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) were performed 12 hours aer admission and 30 days later. Results: During 4 weeks of follow-up, the use of 3 grams/day of omega-3 fatty acids, added to conventional therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome, showed a significant reduction in the plasma concentration of NTproBNP (p = 0.000), hsCRP (p =0.000) and Triglycerides (p = 0.004). Conclusion: three grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to the reduction of the plasmatic concentration of Triglycerides and NTproBNP in patients with acute coronary syndrome(AU)

Ad libitum consumption of milk supplemented with omega 3, 6, and 9 oils from infancy to middle age alters behavioral and oxidative outcomes in male mice

We tested the hypothesis that administration of omega (ω)-9, ω-3, and ω-6 to mice can prevent oxidative alterations responsible for behavioral and cognitive alterations related with aging. Twenty-eight-day-old mice received skim milk (SM group), SM enriched with omega oil mixture (EM group), or water (control group) for 10 and 14 months, equivalent to middle age. Mice were evaluated for behavioral alterations related to depression and memory and oxidative status [brain levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and myeloperoxidase (MPO)]. The 10-month EM group increased immobility time during the forced swimming test compared with control, indicating increased stress response. The 14-month SM- and EM-treated groups increased sucrose consumption compared with control, showing an expanded motivational state. The 14-month SM group decreased the number of rearings compared with the 14-month control and EM groups. The number of entries and time spent in the central square of the open field was higher in the 10-month EM group than in the control, revealing an anxiolytic-like behavior. TBARS decreased in the hippocampus and striatum of the 10-month EM group compared with the control. A similar decrease was observed in the striatum of the 10-month SM group. GSH levels were higher in all 14-month treated groups compared with 10-month groups. MPO activity was higher in the 14-month EM group compared with the 14-month control and SM groups, revealing a possible pro-inflammatory status. In conclusion, omega oils induced conflicting alterations in middle-aged mice, contributing to enhanced behavior and anxiolytic and expanded motivational state, but also to increased stress response and pro-inflammatory alterations.

Nutritional genomics, inflammation and obesity

ABSTRACT The Human Genome Project has significantly broadened our understanding of the molecular aspects regulating the homeostasis and the pathophysiology of different clinical conditions. Consequently, the field of nutrition has been strongly influenced by such improvements in knowledge - especially for determining how nutrients act at the molecular level in different conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In this manner, characterizing how the genome influences the diet and vice-versa provides insights about the molecular mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation-related diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to discuss the potential application of Nutritional Genomics to modulate obesity-related inflammatory responses. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):205-22

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Omega-3 Fish Oil Accelerates MyoD and Myogenin Expressions Following Rat Exercise-Induced Muscle Injury Model in a Dose-Dependent Manner

@#Introduction: Exercise-induced muscle injury stimulates production of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., TNF-α, resulting in impaired satellite-cell-dependent muscle regeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids emerge to possess anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to analyze the effect of omega-3 fish oil administration on the levels of TNF-α, MyoD and myogenin expressions of satellite cells after injury. Methods: Twenty-nine adult male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups. Except for control groups, the rats underwent single bout of downhill running exercise and three groups were given low-to-high doses of omega-3 fish oil administration 2 hours after exercise. Blood samples were collected after 24 hours to measure the concentration of TNF-α using ELISA and then the soleus muscles were surgically removed after 72 hours to measure mRNA expressions of MyoD and myogenin using RT-PCR. Results: The results showed lower serum levels of TNF-α (166.83 ± 16.15 vs. 132.83 ± 25.44, 125.00 ± 17.26, 99.66 ± 32.00 pg/mL) and higher expressions of MyoD (0.47 ± 0.19 vs. 0.64 ± 0.20, 1.17 ± 0.16, 1.07 ± 0.14) and myogenin (0.45 ± 0.10 vs. 1.82 ± 0.35, 1.50 ± 0.34, 0.76 ± 0.20) in groups given low-to-high doses of omega-3 fish oil supplementation, respectively, compared to exercise group with no supplement at 72 hours after exercise. Conclusion: Our study suggests that omega-3 fish oil supplementation following muscle injury may accelerate myogenin expression and a low dose of supplementation achieves optimal effect in promoting muscle regeneration. .

Evaluation of Effect and Safety Profile of Systemic Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treatment of Dry Eye Over a Period of 3 Months: An Institutional Based Study

Background: Dry eye is a symptom complex resulting fromalteration in composition, stability and tonicity of the tear film.Dry eye affects millions and substantially altering theproductivity and quality of life. The aim of the present studywas to evaluate the effect and safety profile of systemicomega-3 fatty acids in treatment of dry eye over a period of 3months.Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomisedcontrol study, 40 patients of Dry eye disease were recruitedfrom outpatient Department of Ophthalmology, SubhartiMedical College, Meerut. Group A: Patients were given tearsubstitutes (carboxy methyl cellulose 0.5%) q.i.d. as well asomega-3 fatty acids in recommended doses. Group B: Patientswere given tear substitutes only q.i.d. (carboxy methyl cellulose0.5%). Follow up examination was done after two weeks, sixweeks and twelve weeks. OSDI were done at every visit.Comparison between randomized groups was done usingindependent T Test. P value was calculated and p value lessthan 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: In the present study total no. of patients was 40 inwhich 4 patients drop out. Patients were followed up for 12weeks. The maximum cases were in the age group 40-50 yrs(52.77%) Mean age of patients were 49.16 yrs. Disease wasbilateral in all patients. Out of 36 patients included in studymajority were female i.e.21 (58.33%). In the present study weobserved that in group A (omega-3 fatty acids + lubricant eyedrops) the mean and standard deviation of OSDI score showedimprovement on the successive follow-ups i.e. from 70.5±15.5to 20.2 ± 13.8. In group B (lubricant eye drops) the mean andstandard deviation showed slight improvement on the firstfollow up i.e. from 70.2±15.2 to 53.31±14.9, then no significantimprovement on further follow-ups i.e. 68.73±15.0 on thesecond follow up and 69.77±15.1 on the third follow up. Oncomparing OSDI test scores between two groups usingindependent “t” test the p value was found to be significant onsecond, third and fourth follow-ups i.e. (p<.05).Conclusion: Our study concluded that OSDI score improvedamong participants of Group A at 12 weeks and thisimprovement was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001).No significant improvement was seen in Group B. Dietaryintervention with Omega-3 fatty acid not only causessymptomatic improvement but also improves clinical markersof dry eye as evidenced by a positive drift in OSDI score.

Reduction in Omega-6 to Omega 3 ratio and improvement in blood lipid profiles in flaxseed fed Hanwoo steer and human

Aim: To determine the effect of feeding flaxseed on Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio (n-6/n-3) in Korean native steers (Hanwoo) and effect of flaxseed-fed beef consumption on reducing blood lipid profile and glucose in normal human. Methodology: A total of 60 Hanwoo steers (750 kg b.wt.) were assigned three treatments (20 per treatment). Each treatment group was divided into C (control, feeding basal diets without flaxseed for 40 days before slaughter), FS5 (feeding 5% flaxseed for 60 days before slaughter), and FS7.4 (feeding 7.4% flaxseed for 40 days before slaughter). Fatty acid composition from Hanwoow jugular vein and beef loin were analyzed. Clinical trials were carried out to investigate the effect of consumption of flaxseed-fed beef loin on blood lipid profile and glucose in twenty human subjects. Results: n-6/n-3 ratio in the blood and beef loin of Hanwoo steers were lowered to 2.26-2.27 and 3.67-3.71 in the FS group, respectively, compared with the other groups. Oleic acid level in the blood and beef loin of Hanwoo steers increased to 40.12-42.01 and 52.27-52.79%, respectively, compared with other groups. Blood triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in normal human fed with FS beef loin reduced by 25.35, 5.22, and 17.59%, compared to those before intake of beef loin. Blood high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level in normal human fed with FS beef loin was increased by 6.07%. In human subjects fed with FS and C beef loin, blood glucose level was decreased by 6.42 and 11.82%, respectively. Interpretation: The results demonstrated that feeding 5 and 7.4% flaxseed to Hanwoo steers for 40 to 60 days before slaughter could lower n-6 to n-3 ratio and inhance oleic acid in the blood and beef loin. Further, consumption of flaxseed-fed beef loin by human subjects could improve blood lipid profile.

Comparative study of efficacy and safety of omega 3 fatty acids and fenofibrate with background atorvastatin therapy in patients of atherogenic dyslipidaemia

Background: Trials of atorvastatin combined either with fenofibrate or with omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) have shown promising results in atherogenic dyslipidemia but there are very few studies where both these TGs lowering agents have been compared with each other. This study was conducted to compare efficacy and safety of these two agents on lipid profile of patients of atherogenic dyslipidaemia on background statin therapy and also to monitor effects of these interventions on serum uric acid (SUA) levels.Methods: About 90 patients of dyslipidemia were randomised to 3 groups and received O3FA (2000 mg), fenofibrate (80 mg) or dietary restrictions, each with atorvastatin (20 mg) in background for a period of 90 days. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C,TGs, LDL-C, SGOT and SGPT levels were done at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Other parameters (SUA and BMI) were done at baseline and 12 weeks.Results: Both group 1 (O3FA) and group 2 (fenofibrate) showed highly significant fall in TG levels (p <0.001) in comparison to group 3 (dietary restrictions) whereas comparative TG reduction between groups 1 and group 2 was not significant. Group 2 also showed significant fall in LDL-C levels (p <0.01) in comparison to group 3. LDL-C reduction, TG reduction and SUA reduction was more in group 2 compared to group 1 followed by group 3. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse effects in three study groups.Conclusions: Combination of fenofibrate and atorvastatin was more effective than that of omega-3 fatty acid and atorvastatin, in lowering serum TG and LDL-C levels. There was a significant reduction in SUA levels in all three groups, but combination of fenofibrate and atorvastatin again showed better outcomes. With respect to the safety, all the 3 groups were comparable. O3FA, however, may be a good alternative to fibrates in patients not tolerating latter.

Anxiolytic properties of compounds that counteract oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic dysfunction: a review

Objective: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and the efficacy of the available anxiolytic drugs is less than desired. Adverse effects also compromise patient quality of life and adherence to treatment. Accumulating evidence shows that the pathophysiology of anxiety and related disorders is multifactorial, involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic dysfunction. The aim of this review was to evaluate data from animal studies and clinical trials showing the anxiolytic effects of agents whose mechanisms of action target these multiple domains. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for multitarget agents that had been evaluated in animal models of anxiety, as well as randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials of anxiety and/or anxiety related disorders. Results: The main multitarget agents that have shown consistent anxiolytic effects in various animal models of anxiety, as well in clinical trials, are agomelatine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and omega-3 fatty acids. Data from clinical trials are preliminary at best, but reveal good safety profiles and tolerance to adverse effects. Conclusion: Agomelatine, NAC and omega-3 fatty acids show beneficial effects in clinical conditions where mainstream treatments are ineffective. These three multitarget agents are considered promising candidates for innovative, effective, and better-tolerated anxiolytics.

Anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in prevention of diseases in geriatric people

As our age advances, many changes are seen in our body, such as cellular changes, cardiovascular problems, cerebrovascular diseases, including cancer mediated by inflammation and their mediators such as free radicals (ROS, RNS), cytokines, transcription factors (NF-KB, STAT3) due to altered dietary patterns and digestive disorders. The disease pattern can be suppressed by including anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in our diet to prevent various diseases in geriatric peoples associated with inflammation. Chronic activation of the inflammatory response, defined as inflammation, is the key physio-pathological substrate for anabolic resistance, sarcopenia and frailty in older individuals. Nutrients can theoretically modulate this phenomenon. This article briefs about anti-inflammatory dietary supplements in prevention of diseases associated with inflammation in geriatric people.

Total lipid and omega-3 content in Pangasius catfish (Pangasius pangasius) and milkfish (Chanos chanos) from Indonesia

@# Introduction: Supplementation of the diet with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been associated with multiple health benefits. This study aimed to determine total lipid and omega-3 content in two fishes from Indonesia, which were Pangasius pangasius (P. pangasius) and Chanos chanos (C. chanos). Methods: Total lipid was extracted from P. pangasius and C. chanos and the lipid content was then analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Lipid content of C. chanos (4.63±3.84%) was higher than P. pangasius (3.94±1.43%) but less than that found in Salmo salar (S. salar) which was found to contain 6.98±2.56% lipid. Furthermore, polyunsaturated fatty acid omega-3 (EPA and DHA) analysis showed that C. chanos oil contained 0.36% EPA and 1.17% DHA. These levels are lower than that found in S. salar, often referred to as the “gold standard” for omega-3 fatty acids. Conclusion: C. chanos contains considerable amounts of EPA and DHA. As it is widely available in Indonesia, it may be used as source of omega-3 fatty acids instead of salmon.

Advances in regulation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fat metabolism / 第二军医大学学报

Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers. The prevention and treatment of obesity have become the focus of public health. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids extracted from deep-sea fish. The anti-inflammatory and triglyceride-lowering properties of n-3 PUFA are well known, but its role in the treatment of obesity is still controversial. In animal models, n-3 PUFA can effectively reduce fat. However, in humans, existing studies have shown that n-3 PUFA may not contribute to weight loss, but may slow down weight gain. N-3 PUFA can improve the metabolic changes associated with obesity by regulating intestinal flora, regulating lipid metabolism, suppressing appetite, alleviating adipose tissue inflammation and altering epigenetic mechanisms, thus playing an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and the related metabolic diseases.

Avaliação econômica do uso de ômega-3 na redução dos fatores de risco cardiovascular: análise de custo-efetividade / Economic evaluation of omega-3 use in cardiovascular risk reduction factors: cost-effectiveness analysis

INTRODUÇÃO: As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) aparecem em primeiro lugar entre as principais causas de mortalidade no mundo, representando 46,2% do total de mortes, número muito próximo aos encontrados no Brasil, impactando os gastos com saúde. A prevenção baseia-se em estilo de vida saudável, contudo, uma vez instaladas, é consenso o tratamento medicamentoso com estatinas. Alguns tratamentos alternativos vêm sendo estudados como o ômega-3 (w-3) na prevenção das DCV. Apesar das evidências clínicas favoráveis, não existem muitos estudos acerca da viabilidade econômica de tais tratamentos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o custo-efetividade das intervenções com w-3 isolado ou associado às estatinas na redução dos fatores de risco cardiovascular sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Para avaliar a efetividade do w-3 isolado e combinado com estatina foram utilizados os dados secundários do ensaio clínico CARDIONUTRI no momento basal e após 8 semanas. A amostra foi composta por 186 indivíduos com idade entre 30 e 74 anos divididos entre aqueles que não tomavam medicação e os que tomavam estatinas. Aleatoriamente, uma parcela deles recebeu cápsulas de 1 g de w-3 (37% de ácido eicosapentaenoico e 23% de docosaexaenoico) ou cápsulas de placebo. A recomendação era de que todos deveriam tomar 3 cápsulas ao dia, totalizando 3g/dia (de w-3 ou placebo) durante 8 semanas. Ao final, obteve-se quatro grupos: a) w-3; b) placebo; c) w-3 + estatina; e d) estatina. Para a avaliação do impacto foi usado o método Diferenças em Diferenças com a adição de variáveis de controle: densidade calórica do consumo alimentar, Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), prática de atividade física, idade, sexo, raça, hábito tabagista, escolaridade e grau de adesão. Os custos dos tratamentos foram estimados com base no custo médio ponderado pelas probabilidades das eventuais intercorrências relacionadas a efeitos adversos e de sucesso e fracasso por meio do método da árvore de decisão. Foi considerado para fins do cômputo dos custos o período de 2 meses de tratamento. RESULTADOS: Nos quatro grupos, a maioria eram mulheres, obesas e com escore de risco muito alto para DCV. Os grupos w-3 e placebo possuíam maior escolaridade e renda comparadas a aqueles que tomavam estatinas. Todas as variáveis de controle foram estatisticamente significantes em pelo menos um dos modelos, exceto raça. A suplementação com w-3 associada às estatinas mostrou efetividade sobre HDLPEQUENA, com diminuição de 2,211 mg/dL e custo-efetividade de R$ 109,31 por redução em mg/dl da lipoproteína em 2 meses de tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com 1,8g de óleo de peixe isolado ou associado às estatinas em intervenção primária não evidenciou efeitos significativos nas mudanças dos parâmetros lipídicos, exceto no caso da HDLPEQUENA com o tratamento associado, mostrando não ser custo-efetivo na redução dos fatores de risco cardiovascular em geral. Em virtude da existência de controvérsias acerca de seus potenciais efeitos, sugere-se que os ensaios clínicos utilizem métodos estatísticos mais robustos para avaliar o impacto líquido da suplementação

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for 46.2% of all cases, very close to those found in Brazil, impacting health expenses. Current prevention is based on a healthy lifestyle, and once a CVD diagnosis is made, the current consensus is drug treatments with statins. Some alternative treatments such as omega-3 (w-3) have been studied in the prevention of these diseases. However, despite favorable clinical evidence, there are not many studies of economic viability of this treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions with w-3 alone or associated with statins in reducing cardiovascular risk factors from the perspective of the Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: To assess the effectiveness of w-3 alone and its combination with statin, the secondary data of the classic lipid profile and lipoprotein size of the CARDIONUTRI clinical trial were used at baseline and after 8 weeks. The sample consisted of 186 subjects aged 30 to 74 years randomly received capsules containing 3g of w-3 per day (37% of eicosapentaenoic acid and 23% of docosahexaenoic acid) or 3g of mineral oil (placebo). Capsules were randomly assigned to individuals who were not taking medication or were already taking statins, separated into four groups: a) w-3; b) placebo; c) w-3 associated with statins; d) statins. Data analysis was conducted using the Difference in Differences statistical method with the addition of control variables: caloric density of food consumption, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity practice, age, sex, race, smoking, educational level and adherence to the treatment. The treatment costs were estimated based on the weighted average cost by the probabilities of the eventual intercurrences related to adverse effects and of success and failure by means of the decision tree method elapsed in 2 months of treatment. RESULTS: In all four groups, the majority were women, obese and with a very high-risk score for CVD. W-3 and placebo groups had higher educational level and income compared to those who were already taking statins. All control variables were statistically significant in at least one of the models except race. W-3 supplementation showed efficacy on HDLSMALL among those who consumed w-3 + statins with a reduction of 2,211 mg /dL and cost-effectiveness R$ 109.31 per mg/dL for 2 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: The treatment with 1.8g of fish oil isolated or associated with statins in primary intervention did not show significant effects on changes in lipid parameters except HDLSMALL of interventions associated with statins. Therefore it was not cost-effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Due to the existence of controversies about its potential effects, it is suggested that clinical trials use more robust statistical methods to assess the net impact of supplementation

Associação dos ácidos graxos poli-insaturados da série ômega 3 com parâmetros inflamatórios e estresse oxidativo em mulheres com câncer de mama: impacto do estadiamento clínico / Association of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress in women with breast cancer: impact of tumor staging

Introdução: O câncer de mama (CM) correspondeu a 29,5% das neoplasias femininas em 2018, sendo que fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida, tais como alimentação podem explicar até 35% dessa neoplasia. Embora multicausal, é provável que desequilíbrio entre a ingestão de ácidos graxos ômega-3 e ômega-6 promova aumento na inflamação e estresse oxidativo nas diferentes etapas do processo de carcinogênese. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do estadiamento tumoral clínico na associação dos ácidos graxos ômega 3 biodisponíveis no plasma e nas membranas eritrocitárias com o estresse oxidativo e a inflamação em mulheres com câncer de mama. Material e métodos: Estudo caso-controle, observacional e analítico, com 87 mulheres com CM e 100 mulheres controles selecionadas do Hospital Geral de Fortaleza (HGF) no período de 2011/12. As pacientes Caso foram distribuídas, segundo estadiamento clínico (0-IIIc): EC = estadiamento IIa-IIIc. De ambos os grupos, foram obtidos dados demográficos e clínicos, avaliação antropométrica e composição corporal. Os marcadores de inflamação foram compostos pelas citocinas IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α e MCP-1. Ao nível plasmático avaliou-se adipocinas (leptina e adiponectina), marcadores de estresse oxidativo (TBARS, LDL (-) e 8-OHdG), assim como o conteúdo de ácidos graxos no plasma e nas membranas dos eritrócitos por cromatografia a gás. Realizou-se teste de qui-quadrado, t-student, correlação de Pearson, Mann-Whitney e regressão linear e logística e adotou-se p<0,05 para todos os testes. Resultados: Não houve diferença entre a idade nos grupos Caso e Controle, nem nos parâmetros antropométricos, com exceção da circunferência da cintura que foi maior no grupo Caso (96,2 cm versus 91,2 cm). O tempo de tabagismo nos Casos foi maior que nos Controles (20,4 anos versus 13,5 anos). Nas mulheres com CM houve predominância do subtipo tumoral ductal (79,3%) e não houve diferenças entre receptores de estrógeno, progesterona, marcador HER2 e de proliferação celular Ki67, segundo estadiamento clínico. Os Casos apresentaram maiores valores de TBARS (6,0 versus 4,7 µmol) e anticorpos anti-LDL (-) (4,6 versus 2,5 U/L) e de citocinas inflamatórias MCP-1 (357,8 versus 295,8 ng/mL) e IL-1ß (2,8 versus 1,3 ng/mL). Os controles apresentaram maior concentração de IL-6 (0,9 versus 1,6 ng/mL) e IL-10 (2,8 versus 5,5 ng/mL), porém as razões entre citocinas (MCP-1, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 com a IL10) dos Casos apresentaram valores maiores que os Controles. Não houve diferença entre concentrações de citocinas nos grupos segundo estadiamento. O Grupo >EC apresentou maior razão n-6/n-3 e menor concentração de DHA e maior razão linoleico/DHA incorporado nas membranas eritrocitárias. O anticorpo anti-LDL (-) se associou negativamente com tamanho tumoral, enquanto a IL-10 positivamente. Elevado conteúdo de DHA (>= 4,3%) se associou com altas concentrações de IL-10, enquanto que o EPA, DHA e a soma desses se associaram com baixa concentração de citocinas inflamatórias. Os ácidos linoleico e araquidônico apresentaram associação com altas concentrações de marcadores inflamatórios plasmáticos. Conclusão: Mulheres com diagnóstico de CM apresentaram concentrações superiores de biomarcadores inflamatórios e de estresse oxidativo quando comparadas às mulheres saudáveis. Pacientes com maior estadiamento clínico apresentaram menores concentrações de ômega-3 e maiores de ômega-6. De modo contrário, esses ácidos graxos poli-insaturados modularam parâmetros inflamatórios e oxidativos

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) accounted for 29.5% of female neoplasms in 2018, and lifestyle factors such as diet may explain up to 35% of this cancer. Although multicausal, imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid intake is likely to promote increased inflammation and oxidative stress at different stages of the carcinogenesis process. Objective: To evaluate the impact of clinical tumor staging on the association of bioavailable omega 3 fatty acids in plasma and erythrocyte membranes with oxidative stress and inflammation in women with breast cancer. Material and methods: Case-control, observational and analytical study, with 87 women with BC and 100 control women selected from the General Hospital of Fortaleza (HGF) in 2011/12. Case patients were distributed according to clinical staging (0-IIIc): EC = staging IIa-IIIc. From both groups, demographic and clinical data, anthropometric assessment and body composition were obtained. The inflammation markers were composed of cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1. At the plasma level, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), oxidative stress markers (TBARS, LDL (-) and 8-OHdG), as well as fatty acid content in plasma and erythrocyte membranes were evaluated by gas chromatography. Chi-square, t-student, Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney and linear regression and logistic tests were performed and p <0.05 was adopted for all tests. Results: There was no difference between age in the Case and Control groups, nor in the anthropometric parameters, except for waist circumference which was higher in the Case group (96.2 cm versus 91.2 cm). Smoking time in Cases was longer than in Controls (20.4 years versus 13.5 years). In women with BC there was a predominance of ductal tumor subtype (79.3%) and no differences between estrogen receptors, progesterone, HER2 marker and Ki67 cell proliferation, according to clinical staging. Cases had higher values of TBARS (6.0 versus 4.7 µmol) and anti-LDL (-) antibodies (4.6 versus 2.5 U / L) and inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 (357.8 versus 295 ng / mL) and IL-1ß (2.8 versus 1.3 ng / mL). Controls had a higher concentration of IL-6 (0.9 versus 1.6 ng / mL) and IL-10 (2.8 versus 5.5 ng / mL), but ratios between cytokines (MCP-1, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 with IL10) shows higher values than Controls. There was no difference between cytokine concentrations in the groups according to staging. Group >EC presented higher n-6 / n-3 ratio and lower DHA concentration and higher linoleic / DHA ratio incorporated in erythrocyte membranes. Anti-LDL antibody (-) was negatively associated with tumor size, while IL-10 was positively associated. High DHA content (≥ 4.3%) was associated with high IL-10 concentrations, while EPA, DHA and their sum were associated with low concentration of inflammatory cytokines. Linoleic and arachidonic acids were associated with high concentrations of plasma inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Women diagnosed with BC had higher concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress when compared to healthy women. Patients with higher clinical staging had lower omega-3 and higher omega-6 concentrations. Conversely, these polyunsaturated fatty acids modulated inflammatory and oxidative parameters

Fertility Enhancing Potency of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Male Rats

Abstract Cases of some grave side effects of some allopathic medicines used in treatment of infertility has caused a global need for alternatives with minimal or no side effect, hence the demand to evaluate the fertility enhancing potential of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) in male rats. This study evaluated the fertility enhancing potential of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) in male rats. Seventy-two sexually mature male albino rats 11-13 weeks of age, weighing between 171 - 180 g were assigned into six groups (I - VI) fed graded doses of O3FA. Administration of O3FA lasted twenty-eight days at 48 hour intervals. At the end of the treatment, organosomatic index of testes, testicular and epididymis sperm cells counts and testicular histology were assessed following standard methods. The actual and relative testicular weights, testicular and epididymis sperm counts of all O3FA treated rats were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group rats. The photomicrographs of testes in O3FA treated rats showed normal spermatogonial cell layers and active spermatogenesis with appearance of spermatids in the lumen of some tubules. The findings of this study depicts that O3FA possesses the potency of enhancing various fertility indices in male rats with regards to absolute and relative testicular weights as well as sperm counts.

Dietary Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and Endocrine-related Gynecological Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Previous observational epidemiological studies have reported inconsistent findings on the association between dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and endocrine-related gynecological cancer such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. This study aimed to investigate this association using a meta-analysis of observational studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library by using key words related with the topic in April 2017. The pooled odd ratios (pORs), relative risks (pRRs), or hazard ratios (pHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated based on the random-effects model. Also, we performed subgroup meta-analysis by methodological quality, types of cancer, study design, and omega-3 fatty acids. RESULTS: A total of ten observational studies with six case-control and four cohort studies were included in the final meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis of all the studies, dietary intake of total omega-3 fatty acids was not significantly associated with the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers (pOR/HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.73-1.04; I²=67.2%) (highest versus lowest intake). In the subgroup meta-analysis by type of study, there was no significant association between them in cohort studies (pHR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.63-1.67, I²=81.9%), whereas its reduced risk was observed in case-control studies (pOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.98, I²=55.7%). CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis of observational studies suggests that there is no higher level of evidence to support the protective effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on endocrine-related gynecological cancer. Further prospective studies should be conducted to confirm the association.

Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the triglyceride levels in rats with apical periodontitis

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the prophylactic and therapeutic supplementation with omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (w-3 PUFAs) on the lipid profile and periapical bone resorption in rats with apical periodontitis. Forty male rats were divided into groups: control rats (C), rats treated with w-3 PUFAs (C+O), rats with pulp exposure-induced apical periodontitis (AP), and rats with AP treated with w-3 PUFAs (AP+O). The administration of w-3 PUFAs was carried out orally once a day for 15 days before pulp exposure and, subsequently, for an additional 30 days after pulp exposure. AP was induced by exposing pulpal tissues to the oral environment. The samples were collected after 30 days. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels were enzymatically measured using the Trinder method. The jaws were collected and submitted for histological analysis. Two-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis, and the significance was set at p<0.05. The triglyceride levels of the AP group were significantly higher than those of the C, C+O and AP+O groups (p<0.05). However, the difference in the cholesterol levels among the groups was not significant (p>0.05). Rats with AP showed larger areas of bone resorption as well as higher inflammatory intensity compared with rats with AP supplemented with w-3 PUFAs. It may be concluded that the presence of multiple AP foci increased the triglyceride levels. In addition, omega 3 supplementation might reduce these levels in rats with AP, as well as the bone resorption areas of periapical tissues.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da suplementação profilática e terapêutica com os ácidos graxos ômega-3 no perfil lipídico e na reabsorção óssea, em ratos com periodontite apical. Quarenta ratos machos foram divididos em grupos: ratos controle (C), ratos tratados com ácidos graxos ômega-3 (C+O), ratos com periodontite apical induzida por meio de exposição pulpar (PA), ratos com PA tratados com ácidos graxos ômega-3 (PA+O). A administração do ômega-3 foi realizada oralmente, uma vez ao dia durante 15 antes da exposição pulpar e, subsequentemente, por mais 30 dias depois da exposição pulpar. A PA foi induzida por meio da exposição do tecido pulpar ao ambiente oral. Após 30 dias, os ratos foram mortos e os níveis de triglicérides e colesterol foram mensurados pelo método enzimático de Trinder. As mandíbulas foram coletadas e submetidas à análise histológica. Análise de variância de dois fatores e teste de Kruskal-Wallis foram utilizados para análise estatística, e o nível de significância foi de p < 0,05. Os níveis de triglicérides do grupo PA foram significativamente maiores que dos grupos C, C+O e PA+O (p<0,05). Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa nos níveis de colesterol entre os grupos (p>0,05). Ratos com PA apresentaram maior área de reabsorção óssea bem como maior intensidade no infiltrado inflamatório comparados aos ratos com PA suplementados com ômega-3. Pode-se concluir que a presença de múltiplos focos de PA aumentou os níveis de triglicérides. Além disso, a suplementação com ômega-3 pode reduzir estes níveis em ratos com PA, bem como a área de reabsorção óssea dos tecidos periapicais.