Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Metabolic and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is accompanied by chronic low-grade inflammation, with an imbalance in the secretion of adipokines and, worsening insulin resistance. Supplementation with 3 PUFA in T2DM decreases inflammatory markers, the purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 3 PUFA supplementation on adipokines, metabolic control, and lipid profile in T2DM Mexican adults.

METHODS

In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 54 patients with T2DM received 520 mg of DHA + EPA-enriched fish-oil (FOG) or a placebo (PG) daily. Baseline and 24-week anthropometric and biochemical measurements included glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and lipid profile; 3 PUFA intake was calculated in g/day.

RESULTS

Waist circumference and blood glucose showed significant reductions in the FOG group ( = 0.001 and = 0.011, respectively). Hb1Ac ( = 0.009 and = 0.004), leptin ( < 0.000 and < 0.000), and leptin/adiponectin ratio ( < 0.000 and < 0.000) decreased significantly in both groups after 24 weeks (FOG and PG respectively). Serum resistin (FOG p < 0.000 and PG p = 0.001), insulin (FOG < 0.000 and PG < 0.000), and HOMA-IR (FOG p = 0.000 and PG p < 0.000) increased significantly in both groups. FOG had an overall improvement in the lipid profile with a significant decrease in triacylgycerols ( = 0.002) and atherogenic index ( = 0.031); in contrast, the PG group had increased total cholesterol ( < 0.000), non-HDL cholesterol ( < 0.000), and atherogenic index ( = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a beneficial effect of 3 PUFA supplementation on waist circumference, glucose, Hb1Ac, leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio, and lipid profile, without significant changes in adiponectin, and increases in resistin, insulin, and HOMA-IR in both groups.