Rapid enrichment of cell phospholipids in long-chain polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids after a bolus intravenous injection of a medium-chain triacylglycerol: fish oil emulsion in humans.

The present review aims at highlighting the use of a recently developed medium-chain triacylglycerol:fish oil (MCT:FO) emulsion for the rapid and sustained enrichment of long-chain polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids in cell phospholipids. Preclinical in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments are briefly considered with emphasis on the changes in the fatty acid pattern of cell phospholipids in several organs, the partial correction of liver steatosis, and the cardiovascular modification of cationic and functional variables observed in ω-3-depleted rats examined 60-120 minutes after a bolus intravenous (IV) injection (1.0 mL) of the MCT:FO emulsion. The clinical findings collected in healthy male volunteers before or after the bolus IV injection (50.0 mL) of either the MCT:FO emulsion or a control medium-chain triacylglycerol:long-chain triacylglycerol emulsion are also reviewed, with emphasis on the rapid (within 60 minutes) and sustained (up to 2-3 days) enrichment of platelet and white blood cell phospholipids in long-chain polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acids and hemostatic safety of the present procedure proposed as a tool for the rapid prevention or correction of metabolic and functional disturbances in humans with a relative deficiency in such ω-3 fatty acids.