Omega 3 EPA and DHA control cell death genes

Fish oil: protects against cell death genes

The mechanisms underlying the benefits of Omega 3 depend on the action of these nutrients on cell membranes, on molecules involved in inflammation and oxidation, and on genes that control cell death. Years of research have uncovered the details of these mechanisms. Their findings were summarized and discussed in an analysis published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology by researchers at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Food (IMDEA-Food) in Madrid,^Spain1. It was found that these fatty acids exert many protective actions, in addition to the one on the heart associated with their ability to reduce triglyceride levels.

The direct effects on cells and platelets

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids: meaning they must be taken through food or dietary supplements. These fats once in the body form cell membranes. It is precisely here that they exert their first effect: thanks to their chemical characteristics they thin the same membranes even in very specific areas. Omega-3s also exert an antiaggregatory effect on platelets that reduces the formation of thrombi and atherosclerotic plaques. Here 2 other mechanisms come into play:

• inhibition of an enzyme required for aggregation (COX), probably associated with the reduction of oxidation in the cell;
• The reduction in the amounts of the molecule used by this enzyme, arachidonic acid.

The end result is a reduction in the production of certain molecules that promote thrombosis and others that stimulate inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory action of omega-3s

In contrast, theanti-inflammatory action of Omega-3 is associated with the reduction of the production of lipid molecules associated with inflammation as well as the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, substances that stimulate the immune system and the expression of genes with inflammatory action. Reduction of inflammation is also associated with the ability to prevent changes in the membrane that lead to activation of the JNK gene, which in turn interferes withinsulin activity. 

Some research has finally unveiled the presence on cell membranes of molecules that detect the presence of Omega-3 and inhibit the molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in the immune system and fat cells. This phenomenon brings insulin activity back to normal and thus reduces the risk of obesity.

The antioxidant effect of omega-3

Omega-3s are molecules that can be easily oxidized. Therefore, many doubts have arisen as to whether taking large amounts of them can increase oxidation levels in the body. Some studies have shown that an increase in lipid oxidation, for example in liver cells, can have positive effects on fat metabolism Omega-3s also reduce urine levels of known markers of oxidative stress, isoprostanes, and by limiting the activity of NOX2 and NOX4, enzymes responsible for producing molecules with oxidative activity. 

Omega-3s also inhibit the activity of the sPLA2 protein, a known cardiovascular risk factor, and reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol in the liver by degrading the ApoB component.

MicroRNAs

The latest findings, on the other hand, concern the action taken by Omega-3s on the production of microRNAs (miRNAs), small RNAs that regulate gene expression. Omega-3s through this mechanism counteract certain disorders in the liver, such as insulin resistance and inflammation, and influence the expression of PTEN, a gene that counteracts tumor formation. 

Protective action against colon cancer also appears to be mediated by the action of Omega-3 on miRNAs. In other forms of cancer, such as glioma, this activity would increase the expression of genes that induce cancer cell death. However, the effect of Omega-3 on miRNAs could be indirect and involve molecules that are produced from these fatty acids during inflammatory processes, such as resolvins.

Several actions for one active ingredient

It seems clear from this analysis that the capabilities that have earned Omega-3s the appellation of "health-friendly" fatty acids go beyond the action performed against the accumulation of triglycerides in the blood. At the macroscopic level, the mechanisms triggered in the body by these nutrients improve cardiovascular and nervous health. Further research will allow us to go into even more detail about their microscopic effects.    

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Source 1. Visioli F, Giordano E, Nicod NM, Dávalos A, "Molecular targets of omega 3 and conjugated linoleic fatty acids - "micromanaging" cellular response," Front Physiol. 2012;3:42. Epub 2012 Feb 29