Omega-3 EPA DHA: great heart-protective antioxidants

Intake of Omega-3-rich fish oil increases the expression of antioxidant genes and reduces that of genes that increase oxidation. Omega-3s could play an antioxidant role based on regulating the expression of genes responsible for oxidation. 

Unveiling the new potential action of these fatty acids is a group of researchers from Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany. In a study published in Nutrition and Metabolism, the scientists found that fish oil, which is rich in Omega-3, increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes, while at the same time reducing that of enzymes that promote oxidation. The effect is particularly significant in patients with abnormal blood fat levels, but was observed for the first time even in those who do not suffer from such problems.

Omega-3, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant?

The health benefits associated with high consumption of Omega-3 rich foods or supplements containing these fatty acids have been known for a long time and affect both the cardiovascular and nervous systems and other human organs and tissues. One of the main actions performed by these nutrients is anti-inflammatory. While other fats (the Omega-6s) promote the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, Omega-3s are precursors of substances that reduce levels of inflammation. 

However, the effect of increasing Omega-3 consumption on cell oxidation levels has long been debated. In fact, unsaturated fatty acids, a class of molecules to which these nutrients also belong, once in the body can be oxidized, thereby increasing, the overall level of oxidation. Already in the past, a study has revealed that Omega-3 intake is not associated with increased oxidation status. The results obtained in this new research further support the hypothesis that increasing intake of these fatty acids does not increase oxidation; in fact, it may reduce it.

A disease-independent action

The researchers administered 2.7 grams of fish oil daily for 12 weeks to 10 men with normal blood lipid levels and another 10 men who, in contrast, had problems with blood fat concentrations. Gene expression analysis revealed that in both healthy participants and those with abnormal blood lipid levels, the fish oil induced the activity of genes coding for antioxidant enzymes and reduced that of genes coding for enzymes that increase oxidation. 

The researchers explained that the ultimate effect is the generation of an optimal oxidative state balance based on the regulation of gene expression. In addition to this phenomenon, the authors also observed improved Omega-3 levels in the blood, more similar to those that minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that taking Omega-3 supplements could also protect the heart through an antioxidant effect. Further studies will provide a deeper understanding of the ultimate effect of the action carried out by these fatty acids on genes involved in cell oxidation processes.    

Fote:

1. Schmidt S, Stahl F, Mutz KO, Scheper T, Hahn A, Schuchardt JP, "Transcriptome-based identification of antioxidative gene expression after fish oil supplementation in normo- and dyslipidemic men," Nutr Metab (Lond). 2012 May 23;9(1):45