Fish oil N-3 fatty acids increase adiponectin and decrease leptin levels in patients with systemic lupus...

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Rheumatology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Altered levels of adiponectin (reduced) and leptin (elevated) are implicated in CVD development within the SLE population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of fish oil (FO) supplementation on adiponectin and leptin levels in patients diagnosed with SLE.
• To assess the effect of FO on disease activity in SLE patients.

Main Methods:

• A study involving SLE patients divided into two groups: one receiving fish oil (FO) for four months, and a control group not using FO.
• Biochemical analyses and disease activity assessments, including the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), were conducted.
• Serum levels of adiponectin and leptin were measured before and after the intervention period.

Main Results:

• Patients using FO demonstrated a significant reduction in SLEDAI scores compared to baseline (p < 0.023).
• Fish oil supplementation led to a significant increase in adiponectin levels (p < 0.026) and a significant decrease in leptin levels (p < 0.024) from baseline.
• No significant changes in adiponectin or leptin levels were observed in the SLE patients who did not use fish oil.

Conclusions:

• Fish oil intake for 120 days positively modulated adipokine profiles, increasing adiponectin and decreasing leptin in SLE patients.
• These findings highlight the potential role of fish oil in mitigating cardiovascular risk factors associated with SLE.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm the benefits of fish and fish oil consumption on adipokines and cardiovascular outcomes in SLE.