Prolonged n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation ameliorates hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies suggest a role of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha ligands in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rodents. However, data in humans are still lacking.

AIM:

To evaluate the efficacy of prolonged PUFA supplementation in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS:

Fifty-six patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Among the overall eligible patients, 42 assumed n-3 PUFA 1-g capsule daily for 12 months, whereas 14 refused the treatment and were analysed as controls. All patients underwent haematochemical and ultrasound follow-up.

RESULTS:

Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation significantly decreased serum aspartate transaminase (P = 0.003), alanine transaminase (P = 0.002), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P = 0.03), triglycerides (P = 0.02) and fasting glucose (P = 0.02) in comparison with controls. Circulating arachidonate and n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio was reduced (P = 0.0002, and P = 0.0001 respectively) in treated patients. Moreover, ultrasonography demonstrated improvement of liver echotexture after PUFA (P = 0.0001), and increase of Doppler perfusion index (P = 0.001), whereas no significant changes occurred in controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

Supplementation with n-3 PUFA improves biochemical, ultrasonographic and haemodynamic features of liver steatosis. Our study supports the efficacy of n-3 PUFA as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of NAFLD.

• Authors: M Capanni, F Calella, M R Biagini, S Genise, L Raimondi, G Bedogni, G Svegliati-Baroni, F Sofi, S Milani, R Abbate, C Surrenti, A Casini
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 23 Issue 8 Pg. 1143-51 (Apr 15 2006) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 16611275 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3
• Triglycerides
• gamma-Glutamyltransferase
• Aspartate Aminotransferases
• Alanine Transaminase

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Alanine Transaminase (blood)
• Aspartate Aminotransferases (blood)
• Blood Glucose (analysis)
• Case-Control Studies
• Dietary Supplements
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 (administration & dosage)
• Fatty Liver (blood, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Liver (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Triglycerides (blood)
• Ultrasonography, Doppler
• gamma-Glutamyltransferase (blood)