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Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity: A Systematic Review of Rodent Studies
Meryem Saban Güler1, Hilal Yıldıran1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gazi University, 06490 Ankara, Turkey.
Context:
Obesity, a global epidemic, poses severe health risks and is driven by metabolic dysfunction and adipose tissue dysregulation. Understanding the role of white and brown adipose tissue in obesity is essential for identifying effective interventions.
Objective:
In this systematic review we investigated the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 FAs) on obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and the function of white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in rodent models.
Data Sources:
In this study, which was designed as a systematic review, searches were performed on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest databases between September 15, 2024, and November 15, 2024, to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2024.
Data Extraction:
Two researchers (M.S.G. and H.Y.) conducted the screening and selection of papers, while a single researcher (M.S.G.) extracted all relevant data from the eligible studies. Of the 729 studies obtained from the screening, 20 met the criteria and were included in the systematic review.
Data Analysis:
Significant findings included the upregulation of key thermogenic and browning markers such as uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (Pgc1α), and the PR domain containing 16 (Prdm16), alongside reductions in fat mass and improved mitochondrial activity in WAT)and BAT. These effects are linked to mechanisms involving fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and anti-inflammatory pathways. While n-3 FAs exhibit considerable promise, in this review we highlight our findings that variability in study protocols, dosages, and intervention durations should be carefully considered to ensure consistent and reliable outcomes.
Conclusions:
Supplementation with n-3 FAs offers a promising approach for managing obesity by enhancing adipose tissue function and metabolic health. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosages, clarify the specific roles of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and assess the long-term efficacy and safety of these interventions across diverse populations.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024444430.
