Alpha linolenic acid improves insulin sensitivity in obese patients

To explore the effects of alpha linolenic acid on insulin sensitivity in obese patients. From October 2011 to April 2012, 16 patients received an oral dose of alpha linolenic acid for 8 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin releasing test were performed before and after treatment. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMAIR) index and area under curve of insulin (AUCI) were calculated to evaluate the insulin sensitivity. The levels of serum triglyceride, free fatty acids (FFA), interleukin6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were measured after an overnight fast. Obese patients had significantly elevated serum insulin, triglyceride, FFA, IL6 and TNFalpha versus the subjects in normal control group (all P less 0.05). Obese patients were also more insulinresistant than normal subjects based on a higher HOMAIR (P less 0.05). Decreased serum insulin, triglyceride, FFA, IL6 and TNFalpha  were observed after treatment. With the administration of alpha linolenic acid, HOMAIR and AUCI significantly decreased in obese patients (HOMAIR: 1.8 plus minus 0.2 vs 1.2 plus minus 0.3, P less 0.05; AUCI: 1151 plus minus 505 vs 768 plus minus 347, P less 0.05). alpha linolenic acid increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in obese patients and it may aid the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic vascular diseases. (Authors abstract. Article in Chinese)