Metabolic and endocrine effects of long-chain versus essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in polycystic ovary syndrome
Metabolic and endocrine effects of long-chain versus essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in polycystic ovary syndrome
Year: 2011
Authors: Vargas, M.L.. Almario, R.U. Buchan, W. Kim, K. Karakas, S.E
Publication Name: Metabolism Clinical and Experimental
Publication Details: doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2011.04.007
Abstract:
The objective of the study was to compare the effects of essential versus long-chain omega n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome. In this 6 week, prospective, double blinded, placebo (soybean oil) controlled study, 51 completers received 3.5 g n3 PUFA per day (essential PUFA from flaxseed oil or long chain PUFA from fish oil). Anthropometric variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and androgens were measured; oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous GTT (IVGTT) were conducted at baseline and 6 weeks. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in serum triglyceride response (P = .0368), whereas the changes in disposition index also tended to differ (P = .0621). When within-group changes (after versus before intervention) were considered, fish oil and flaxseed oil lowered serum triglyceride (P = .0154 and P = .0176, respectively). Fish oil increased glucose at 120 minutes of OGTT (P = .0355), decreased the Matsuda index (P = .0378), and tended to decrease acute insulin response during IVGTT (P = .0871). Soybean oil increased glucose at 30 (P = .0030) and 60 minutes (P = .0121) and AUC for glucose (P = .0122) during OGTT, tended to decrease acute insulin response during IVGTT (P = .0848), reduced testosterone (P = .0216), and tended to reduce sex hormone binding globulin (P = .0858). Fasting glucose, insulin, adiponectin, leptin, or high-sensitivity C reactive protein did not change with any intervention. Long chain versus essential n3 PUFA rich oils have distinct metabolic and endocrine effects in polycystic ovary syndrome; and therefore, they should not be used interchangeably. (Authors abstract)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease of women in reproductive age. n-3 PUFAs improve several disorders associated with PCOS. Experimental and clinical research have indicated that n-3 PUFAs increase insulin sensitivity, reduce hyperinsulinemia, lower plasma triglyceride and liver fat, and decrease inflammation and possibly obesity. This study compared the effects of equal amounts of the essential n-3 PUFA (ALA) from flaxseed oil versus the long-chain n- 3 PUFAs (EPA plus DHA) from the fish oil on anthropometric measures, glucose homeostasis, cardiovascular risk factors, and androgen levels in women with PCOS. Soybean oil that is rich in the n-6 PUFA LA was used as the control oil. Fish and soybean tended to have similar effects on glucose homeostasis, which differed from the effects of flaxseed oil. Fish and flaxseed oils tended to have similar effects on the lipid metabolism, which differed from the effects of soybean oil. Flaxseed oil did not change glucose homeostasis significantly, except for the increase in 30-minute OGTT glucose. When the changes in lipid metabolism were considered, both fish and flaxseed oils decreased triglyceride and tended to increase LDL-C. It is well established that long-chain n-3 PUFAs in fish oil decrease triglyceride and increase LDL-C. Effects of flaxseed oil on triglyceride and LDL-C are variable. An important finding was that none of the supplements affected the hs-CRP levels. In PCOS, obesity and central obesity both have been associated with elevated hs-CRP levels. In conclusion, the findings indicate that long-chain versus essential n3 PUFA�rich oils from marine versus plant sources exert specific effects on glucose homeostasis in PCOS patients. (Editors comments)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease of women in reproductive age. n-3 PUFAs improve several disorders associated with PCOS. Experimental and clinical research have indicated that n-3 PUFAs increase insulin sensitivity, reduce hyperinsulinemia, lower plasma triglyceride and liver fat, and decrease inflammation and possibly obesity. This study compared the effects of equal amounts of the essential n-3 PUFA (ALA) from flaxseed oil versus the long-chain n- 3 PUFAs (EPA plus DHA) from the fish oil on anthropometric measures, glucose homeostasis, cardiovascular risk factors, and androgen levels in women with PCOS. Soybean oil that is rich in the n-6 PUFA LA was used as the control oil. Fish and soybean tended to have similar effects on glucose homeostasis, which differed from the effects of flaxseed oil. Fish and flaxseed oils tended to have similar effects on the lipid metabolism, which differed from the effects of soybean oil. Flaxseed oil did not change glucose homeostasis significantly, except for the increase in 30-minute OGTT glucose. When the changes in lipid metabolism were considered, both fish and flaxseed oils decreased triglyceride and tended to increase LDL-C. It is well established that long-chain n-3 PUFAs in fish oil decrease triglyceride and increase LDL-C. Effects of flaxseed oil on triglyceride and LDL-C are variable. An important finding was that none of the supplements affected the hs-CRP levels. In PCOS, obesity and central obesity both have been associated with elevated hs-CRP levels. In conclusion, the findings indicate that long-chain versus essential n3 PUFA�rich oils from marine versus plant sources exert specific effects on glucose homeostasis in PCOS patients. (Editors comments)
