Metabolic and endocrine effects of long-chain versus essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Objective To compare the effects of essential vs. long chain omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Materials/Methods In this 6-week, prospective, double-blinded, placebo (soybean oil) controlled study, 51 completers received 3.5 g n-3 PUFA/day (essential from flaxseed oil or long chain from fish oil). Anthropometric variables, cardiovascular risk factors and androgens were measured; oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous GTT (FSIVGTT) were conducted at the baseline and 6 wks. Results Between group comparisons showed significant differences in serum triglyceride response (p = 0.0368), while the changes in disposition index (DI) also tended to differ (p = 0.0621). When within group changes (after vs. before intervention) were considered, fish oil and flaxseed oil lowered serum triglyceride (p = 0.0154 and p = 0.0176, respectively). Fish oil increased glucose at 120 min of OGTT (p = 0.0355); decreased Matsuda index (p= 0.0378); and tended to decrease early insulin response during IVGTT (AIRg; p = 0.0871). Soybean oil increased glucose at 30 min (p = 0.0030) and 60 min (p = 0.0121) and AUC for glucose (p = 0.0122) during OGTT; tended to decrease AIRg during IVGTT (p= 0.0848); reduced testosterone (p = 0.0216) and tended to reduce SHBG (p = 0.0858). Fasting glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin or hs-CRP did not change with any intervention. Conclusions Long chain vs. essential n-3 PUFA rich oils have distinct metabolic and endocrine effects in PCOS, and therefore they should not be used inter-changeably.

Nutritional support and dietary interventions for women with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…16,[108][109][110][111] Mainly, most of the clinical trials of PUFA supplementation were of short duration (6-12 weeks) and the supplementation dose ranged between 2 and 4 g PUFAs per day. [108][109][110][112][113][114][115][116][117][118] A recent meta-analysis of eight clinical trials with a total of 298 females with PCOS showed a slight reduction in serum total testosterone levels following n-3 PUFA supplementation among females with PCOS, without significant impact on SHBG and DHEAS levels. 119 Results from a cross-sectional study showed that increased plasma n-6 PUFAs or increased n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was associated with greater circulating androgen concentrations, whereas increased long-chain n-3 PUFA in plasma was associated with decreased blood lipids in women with PCOS.…”

Nutrients as novel therapeutic approaches for metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome

“…4) (References in Table 4: Kasim-Karakas et al, 2004[34]; Mohammadi et al, 2012[46]; Nadjarzadeh et al, 2013[47]; Oner and Muderris, 2013[51]; Cussons et al, 2009[14]; Kuzmanov, 2009[38]; Vargas et al, 2011[77]).…”

“…Higher circulating n-6 and higher ratio of n-6 to n-3 are shown to be associated with higher plasma androgen levels in PCOS patients, and testosterone plasma levels reduced by n-3 PUFA administration (Phelan et al, 2011[59]). Omega 3 PUFA can be considered as an important PUFA involved in regulating insulin production and action, as well as improving inflammatory processes (Vargas et al, 2011[77]). Oral supplementation of n-3 PUFA plus lower carbohydrate feeding has been shown to improve PCOS in rats; with a decrease in levels of testosterone and increase in levels of FSH (Ouladsahebmadarek et al, 2014[56]).…”

“…It has been postulated that elevated insulin (hyperinsulinemia) is important in the pathogenesis of endocrine abnormality in PCOS. Lowering insulin levels may produce favorable results in these patients (Vargas et al, 2011[77]). Despite the fact that there are no specific treatments available for this population, treatments are generally aimed at decreasing insulin and androgen levels.…”

Efeito do ácido graxo ômega 3 no tratamento da esteatohepatite não alcoólica (EHNA): estudo randomizado placebo controlado

“…Outro estudo em 2011, utilizando uma dose maior de Ômega-3, derivado do óleo de peixe 3,5 g ou óleo de linhaça 3,5 g utilizados isoladamente por 6 semanas, demonstraram redução significativa dos triglicérides séricos em relação ao valor inicial para ambas fontes de suplementações (Vargas et al, 2011). De acordo com a Associação Americana para Estudos do Fígado (AASLD), uma opção de tratamento dos triglicérides elevado em pacientes com EHNA são os AGPI Ômega-3 derivado de peixe (Chalasani et al, 2012).…”