Omega-3: differenzierter als die Schlagzeilen

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (<i>n</i>-3 PUFAs) are known to help resolve inflammation through generation of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and specialized pro-resolving mediators, including resolvins, protectins, and maresins. Through binding to the GPR120/FFAR4 receptor, their beneficial effects result from phospholipid membrane remodeling, impairment of inflammatory signaling molecules clustering, subsequent inhibition of NF-κB and inflammasome activation, and a reduction in oxidative stress. Obesity, a chronic inflammatory disease that contributes to metabolic disorders, is alleviated by <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs. In the adipose tissue (AT) of individuals with obesity, <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs counteract hypoxia, inhibit immune cell infiltration and AT inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce fat mass. Beyond AT, <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs also alleviate other metabolic disorders such as metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), gut dysbiosis, and/or renal dysfunction. In cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are mainly recommended as a secondary prevention for patients with coronary heart disease risks. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the benefits of <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs in obesity and related metabolic diseases, examining both the mechanistic and clinical aspects. Additionally, it also explores the effects of <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs in obesity-related chronic inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthriti

Emerging evidence suggests that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential structural and functional nutrients that significantly influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota, a key mediator of host health. Although evidence suggests that increasing tissue Omega-3 levels through dietary intervention may optimize gut microbiota-host interaction through modulation of composition, metabolite production, and the intestinal mucus barrier, some studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding these protective effects. Studies indicate that a high Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio appears to attenuate the beneficial effects of Omega-3 supplementation on microbial diversity and abundance, while a balanced ratio fosters a more favorable microbiome profile. This review comprehensively highlights the potential effects of differential endogenous Omega-6/Omega-3 ratios on the gut microbiota-modulating capacity of Omega-3 PUFAs, which should be incorporated as a mandatory monitoring indicator in future clinical investigations. These insights provide a new direction for further optimizing the clinical application of Omega-3 PUFAs in chronic disease prevention and treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that impacts women of reproductive age. In addition to reproductive and psychological complications, women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While weight reduction can help manage these complications in overweight or obese women, many weight loss interventions have been ineffective due to weight stigma and its psychological impact on women with PCOS. Therefore, exploring alternative dietary strategies which do not focus on weight loss per se is of importance. In this regard, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of marine origin (<i>n</i>-3 PUFAs), which are known for their hypotriglyceridemic, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, have emerged as a potential therapy for prevention and reversal of metabolic complications in PCOS. Several clinical trials showed that <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs can improve components of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. In this review, we first summarize the available clinical evidence for different dietary patterns in improving PCOS complications. Next, we summarize the clinical evidence for <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs for alleviating metabolic complications in PCOS. Finally, we explore the mechanisms by which <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs improve the metabolic disorders in PCOS in depth.