Evaluation of a High Concentrate Omega-3 for Correcting the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Nutritional Deficiency in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (CONDIN)

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial investigated the safety and efficacy of MF4637, a high concentrate omega-3 fatty acid preparation, in correcting the omega-3 fatty acid nutritional deficiency in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The primary end point of the study was set as the change of red blood cell (RBC) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by MF4637. Whether the omega-3 concentrate could lower liver fat was evaluated in a subset of patients. Furthermore, 176 subjects with NAFLD were randomized to receive the omega-3 concentrate (n = 87) or placebo (n = 89) for 24 weeks, in addition to following standard-of-care dietary guidelines. The omega-3 index, omega-6: omega-3 fatty acid ratio and quantitative measurements of RBC EPA and DHA were determined at baseline and study completion. Magnetic resonance imaging of liver fat was conducted in a subset of patients. Administration of high concentrate omega-3 for 24 weeks significantly increased the omega-3 index and absolute values of RBC EPA and DHA, and decreased the RBC omega-6: omega-3 fatty acid ratio (p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in liver fat content was reported in both groups.

Impact of Long-Term Supplementation with Fish Oil in Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Unlike other studies reporting a reduction in the hepatic enzymes ALT, AST, or GGT [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20], after the supplementation of n-3 PUFA, we found a reduction in the levels of ALP, which is…”

“…Corroborating these results, the omega-3 index, used as a marker of n-3 PUFA intake in the medium and long term [38], increased only in the treated group, after six months. Similar results were found previously by Tobin et al [15], who demonstrated a significant increase in the omega index in the intervention group compared to the placebo group after 24 weeks of follow-up.…”

“…Similar results were found previously by Tobin et al [15], who demonstrated a significant increase in the omega index in the intervention group compared to the placebo group after 24 weeks of follow-up.…”

“…In this sense, additional therapies have been investigated, and among the various compounds used [7,8], long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic, EPA and docosahexaenoic, DHA) have shown promising results. In this sense, different formulations of EPA and DHA contribute to an improvement in metabolic, inflammatory, and histological profiles as well as in other relevant biochemical parameters [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. In fact, even though the benefits are conferred to both fatty acids (FAs), DHA appears to be more effective in inhibiting the transcription of lipogenic enzymes via the suppression of the SREBP transcription factor, increasing FA oxidation via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines by peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor alfa/gamma (PPARα/γ)-mediated suppression of CD36 [17].…”

Plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and tocopherol statuses and their relationships with aging-related diseases

“…Except injury of hepatitis transfer protein, anemia due to red blood cell damage or immune dysfunction, a deficiency of omega-3 PUFAs [49][50][51] or vitamin E [52][53] is rare. A relatively low dose, long-term intervention with the nutrient supplements may be beneficial to atherosclerosis and several age-related diseases [11,20].…”