Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on visceral fat in diet-induced obesity model.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on oxidative stress and energy metabolism parameters in the visceral fat of a high-fat-diet induced obesity model. Energy intake, body mass, and visceral fat mass were also evaluated. Male Swiss mice received either a control diet (control group) or a high-fat diet (obese group) for 6 weeks. After this period, the groups were divided into control + saline, control + omega-3, obese + saline, and obese + omega-3, and to these groups 400 mg·(kg body mass)-1·day-1 of fish oil (or saline) was administered orally, for 4 weeks. Energy intake and body mass were monitored throughout the experiment. In the 10th week, the animals were euthanized and the visceral fat (mesenteric) was removed. Treatment with omega-3 PUFAs did not affect energy intake or body mass, but it did reduced visceral fat mass. In visceral fat, omega-3 PUFAs reduced oxidative damage and alleviated changes to the antioxidant defense system and the Krebs cycle. The mitochondrial respiratory chain was neither altered by obesity nor by omega-3 PUFAs. In conclusion, omega-3 PUFAs have beneficial effects on the visceral fat of obese mice because they mitigate changes caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet.