Previous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish, flaxseeds and walnuts lower the risk of heart disease, inflammation and other health problems. Now research reports that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may prevent the production of human fat cells. The study authors suggest that DHA supplementation may prevent obesity by stopping the production, development and growth of fat cells.
The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, investigated the effect of omega-3 DHA on human fat cells. Researchers from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, treated cultured pre-adipocyte (immature) fat cells, mature adipocyte fat cells, and control cells with varying doses of omega-3 DHA, for up to 6 days. Various methods including Oil Red O staining and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity measured the effect of DHA on the fat cells.
The researchers found that DHA prevented fat cell formation and growth. Furthermore, DHA induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) of the fat cells. Findings also revealed that DHA caused lipolysis (breakdown or 'fat burning') of mature fat cells.
"These results demonstrate that DHA may exert its antiobesity effect by inhibiting differentiation to adipocytes, inducing apoptosis in postconfluent preadipocytes and promoting lipolysis," the study authors conclude.
REFERENCES:
1. Kim HK et al. Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits adipocyte differentiation and induces apoptosis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. J Nutr 2006 Dec;136(12):2965-9.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on February 27, 2007 03:24 PM
