Odontella aurita-enriched diet prevents high fat diet-induced liver insulin resistance

Abstract

The beneficial effect of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (w-3 FA) consumption regarding cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance and inflammation has been widely reported. Fish oil is considered as the main source of commercialized w-3 FAs, and other alternative sources have been reported such as linseed or microalgae. However, despite numerous reports, the underlying mechanisms of action of w-3 FAs on insulin resistance are still not clearly established, especially those from microalgae. Here, we report that Odontella aurita, a microalga rich in w-3 FAs eicosapentaenoic acid, prevents high fat diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in the liver of Wistar rats. Indeed, a high fat diet (HFD) increased plasma insulin levels associated with the impairment of insulin receptor signaling and the up-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expressions. Importantly, Odontella auritaenriched HFD (HFOA) reduces body weight and plasma insulin levels and maintains normal insulin receptor expression and responsiveness. Furthermore, HFOA decreased TLR4 expression, JNK/p38 phosphorylation and pro-inflammatory factors. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that diet supplementation with whole Ondontella aurita overcomes HFD-induced insulin resistance through the inhibition of TLR4/JNK/p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways.

Preventive Effects of the Marine Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Used as a Food Supplement, on Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Wistar Rats

“…In addition, IL-4 and IL-10 levels were increased in the plasma and adipose tissue of the HF-Phaeo group, reflecting the partial restoration of the basal inflammatory status in rats supplemented with P. tricornutum . Thus, P. tricornutum could play a preventive role against inflammation and insulinoresistance, as observed in a previous study that used the EPA-rich microalga O. aurita as a food supplement in the HF diet [68]. The restoration of inflammatory status and insulinemia could be due to various molecules contained in P. tricornutum such as the carotenoid pigments, which are known anti-inflammatory agents [69].…”

Flaxseed Oil Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance in Mice by Rescuing the Adaption to ER Stress

“…Flaxseed oil effectively normalized the activity of JNK signaling, which was accompanied by the restored ER homeostasis and improved insulin signaling in mice liver. However, Amine et al had found that EPA/DHA alleviated HFD-induced insulin resistance through inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK . Therefore, we speculated that n-3PUFA-mediated modulation of JNK signaling might depend on the metabolic context.…”

“…However, Amine et al had found that EPA/DHA alleviated HFD-induced insulin resistance through inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK. 51 Therefore, we speculated that n-3PUFA-mediated modulation of JNK signaling might depend on the metabolic context.…”

Oral Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids from the Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum in Healthy Young Adults

“…Our study provides evidence that PT is a valuable source for EPA, as described before for another diatom, Odontella aurita, which has been already authorized as whole algae, although no nutritional human trials are available so far, in which Odontella aurita has been tested for safety or bioavailability of its ingredients. The nutritional composition of Odontella aurita is quite similar to that of PT [37] and the microalgae have been shown in pre-clinical studies to reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome [38,39] similar to PT [23]. Although Odontella aurita has been approved as whole microalgae, only 0.5-1.5% of it is allowed in food, mainly for flavoring [22].…”