Metabolic effects of \omega-3 fatty acids

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Harald Osmundsen, | Pierre Clouet,

Affiliations: Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute for Oral Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway | UPRES Lipides et Nutrition, Universit\'e de Bourgogne, Dijon, France

Note: [] Institute for Oral biology, University of Oslo, Box 1052 Blindern, 0136 Oslo, Norway. Tel.: +47 22840351; Fax: +47 22840302; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Some metabolic effects of dietary marine oils, or of dietary eicosapentaenoic or docosahexaenoic acid are reviewed. It is pointed out that docosahexaenoic acid appears more effective as regards induction of peroxisomal \beta-oxidation. Similarly, docosahexaenoic appears more powerful in terms of suppression of hepatic \Delta ^9-desaturase activity and mRNA-levels. The potential inhibitory effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid, on mitochondrial \beta-oxidation is discussed. Experiments with rats suggesting that the hypolipidaemic response of eicosapentaenoic acid is more marked when the fatty acid was given to fed rats, as compared to fasted rats, are discussed.

Journal: BioFactors, vol. 13, no. 1-4, pp. 5-8, 2000