An adaptogenic role for omega-3 fatty acids in stress; a randomised placebo controlled double blind intervention study (pilot) [ISRCTN22569553]

Background There is evidence for an adaptive role of the omega -3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during stress. Mechanisms of action may involve regulation of stress mediators, such as the catecholamines and proinflammatory cytokines. Prevention of stress-induced aggression and hostility were demonstrated in a series of clinical trials. This study investigates whether perceived stress is ameliorated by DHA in stressed university staff. Methods Subjects that scored ≥ 17 on the Perceived Stress Scale were randomised into a 6-week pilot intervention study. The diet reactive group was supplemented with 6 g of fish oil containing 1.5 g per day DHA, while the placebo group was supplemented with 6 g a day of olive oil. The groups were compared with each other and a wider cross sectional study population that did not receive either active or placebo intervention. Results There was a significant reduction in perceived stress in both the fish oil and the placebo group from baseline. There was also a significant between-group difference between the fish oil group and the no-treatment controls in the rate of stress reduction (p < 0.05). However, there was not a significant between-group difference between the fish oil and the placebo group, nor the placebo group and the control group. These results are discussed in the context of several methodological limitations. The significant stress reductions in both the fish oil and the placebo group are considered in view of statistical regression, an effect likely to have been exaggerated by the time course of the study, a large placebo effect and the possibility of an active effect from the placebo. Conclusion There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the fish oil group compared with no-treatment controls. This effect was not demonstrated in the placebo group. As a pilot study, it was not sufficiently powered to find the difference between the fish oil group and the placebo group significant. Further work needs to be undertaken to conclusively demonstrate these data trends. However, the findings from this research support the literature in finding a protective or 'adaptogenic' role for omega-3 fatty acids in stress.

Sperm membrane fatty acid composition in the Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), and common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) and its relationship to cold shock injury and cryopreservation success

Marsupial spermatozoa tolerate cold shock well, but differ in cryopreservation tolerance. In an attempt to explain these phenomena, the fatty acid composition of the sperm membrane from caput and cauda epididymides of the Eastern grey kangaroo, koala, and common wombat was measured and membrane sterol levels were measured in cauda epididymidal spermatozoa. While species-related differences in the levels of linolenic acid (18:3, n-6) and arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6) were observed in caput epididymal spermatozoa, these differences failed to significantly alter the ratio of unsaturated/saturated membrane fatty acids. However in cauda epididymidal spermatozoa, the ratio of unsaturated/saturated membrane fatty acids in koala and kangaroo spermatozoa was approximately 7.6 and 5.2, respectively; substantially higher than any other mammalian species so far described. Koala spermatozoal membranes had a higher ratio of unsaturated/saturated membrane fatty acids than that of wombat spermatozoa (t = 3.81; df = 4; p less than or equal to 0.02); however, there was no significant difference between wombat and kangaroo spermatozoa. The highest proportions of DHA (22:6, n-3), the predominant membrane fatty acid in cauda epididymidal spermatozoa, were found in wombat and koala spermatozoa. While species-related differences in membrane sterol levels (cholesterol and desmosterol) were observed in cauda epididymidal spermatozoa, marsupial membrane sterol levels are very low. Marsupial spermatozoal membrane analyses do not support the hypothesis that a high ratio of saturated/unsaturated membrane fatty acids and low membrane sterol levels predisposes spermatozoa to cold shock damage. Instead, cryogenic tolerance appears related to DHA levels. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of fatty acids, glucose, and insulin on hepatic glucose uptake and glycolysis

Objective:. There is evidence from in vitro studies that fatty acids can inhibit glucose uptake in liver. However, it is uncertain whether this happens in vivo when the liver is exposed to high levels of glucose and insulin, in combination with fatty acids, after a mixed meal. This study determined the effects of a combination of fatty acids and insulin on glucokinase (GK) activity and glycolysis in primary rat hepatocytes. Methods: Hepatocytes were cultured with 15 mM glucose and 2 or 10 nM insulin in combination with the fatty acids palmitate, oleate, linoleate, eicosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid. Total GK activity and the proportion of GK in the,active, unbound state were measured to determine the effect of fatty acid on the activity and cellular localization of GK. Glucose phosphorylation and glycolysis were measured in intact cells. Lactate and pyruvate synthesis and the accumulation of ketone bodies were also estimated. Results: Palmitate and eicosapentaenoic acid lowered total GK activity in the presence of 2 nM insulin, but not with 10 nM insulin. In contrast, oleate, linoleate, and docosahexaenoic acid did not alter GK activity. None of the fatty acids tested inhibited glucose phosphorylation or glycolysis in intact rat hepatocytes. In addition, GK activity was unaffected by insulin concentration. Conclusion: Some fatty acids can act to inhibit GK activity in primary hepatocytes. However, there was no,evidence that this decrease in GK activity impaired glucose phosphorylation or glycolysis. Glucose and high concentrations of insulin, which promote glucose uptake, appear to counteract any inhibitory action of fatty acids. Therefore, the presence of fatty acids in a normal mixed meal is likely to have little effect on the capacity of the liver to take up, phosphorylate, and oxidize glucose. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.