Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Adipose Tissue Inflammation: Longitudinal Analysis in the PROMISE Cohort

Although preclinical studies have shown a beneficial impact of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on adipose tissue (AT) inflammation, the current literature from human studies is limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the longitudinal associations of circulating levels of n-3 PUFAs with biomarkers of AT inflammation.

Longitudinal data from participants in the PROMISE cohort (n = 474) were used. AT inflammation was measured using circulating biomarkers at baseline and up to 2 follow-up visits. n-3 PUFAs were measured at baseline in 4 serum lipid fractions. Generalized estimating equations analyses evaluated longitudinal associations between n-3 PUFAs and AT inflammation, adjusting for covariates.

Fully adjusted generalized estimating equation models indicated that higher baseline proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in total serum were significantly inversely associated with longitudinal change in soluble CD163 (all P < .05). A significant positive association of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid with longitudinal change in adiponectin (P < .05) was also observed. Generally consistent associations were observed between n-3 PUFAs and soluble CD163 and adiponectin in the four lipid fractions.

These findings will add to the limited evidence on the potential role n-3 PUFAs have in the prevention and management of AT inflammation in humans and may help inform future interventions targeting chronic inflammation at the level of AT.