Multi-Omics Interpretation of Anti-Aging Mechanisms for ω-3 Fatty Acids

Abstract

Aging is one of the hottest topics in biomedicine. Previous research suggested that ω-3 fatty acids have preventive effects on aging. However, most of previous studies on the anti-aging effects of ω-3 fatty acids are focused on clinical observations, and the anti-aging mechanisms of ω-3 fatty acids have not been fully elucidated. This stimulated our interest to use multi-omics data related to ω-3 fatty acids in order to interpret the anti-aging mechanisms of ω-3 fatty acids. First, we found that ω-3 fatty acids can affect methylation levels and expression levels of genes associated with age-related diseases or pathways in humans. Then, a Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the effect of ω-3 fatty acids on blood lipid levels and variation in the gut microbiome. Our results indicate that the impact of ω-3 fatty acids on aging is partially mediated by the gut microbiome (including Actinobacteria, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus). In conclusion, this study provides deeper insights into the anti-aging mechanisms of ω-3 fatty acids and supports the dietary supplementation of ω-3 fatty acids in aging prevention.

Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective

“…Omega-3 PUFA can modulate platelet aggregation and hypertension [ 53 ] and protect against senile dementia [ 58 ]. Xie et al revealed that the human gut microbiome partially mediates the anti-aging mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids [ 59 ].…”

Age-associated changes in circulatory fatty acids: new insights on adults and long-lived individuals

“…The intake of n-3 PUFA is also inversely related to the rate of telomere shortening, an important marker of cell aging [28][29][30]. In addition, lower levels of EPA and DHA are linked with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, making them a potential marker of brain aging [19,21,31,32]. It has also been suggested that circulating n-6 PUFA levels benefit cardiometabolic outcomes, although controversial findings remained [33][34][35][36].…”