Rett Syndrome: Omega-3 Improve Heart Functions

Omega-3 supplements may have positive effects on heart health in children affected by Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The action of Omega-3 seems to be due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress.

This is reported by an Italian study conducted at the University Hospital of Siena and published in the journal Mediators of Inflammation.

Oxidative status in Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome is a rare disorder that primarily affects females and represents one of the most severe forms of cognitive impairment. Patients with this disease show a risk of sudden cardiac death approximately 300 times higher than healthy individuals. Previous studies have identified cardiac dysfunction in these patients associated with oxidative stress, that is, an increase in free radicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage various cellular components. These same studies have demonstrated that Omega-3 supplements can decrease oxidative molecule levels in the blood of patients with Rett syndrome.

Positive effects of fish oil

The study involved 66 girls affected by the condition, with an average age of 12 years. Half of the participants received fish oil supplements containing the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) twice daily for one year, while the other half received no supplementation. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography before and after the treatment period. Blood samples collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were analyzed for oxidative stress markers, such as isoprostanes produced by the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results showed a reduction in these molecules after 12 months in patients who received Omega-3. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Myocardial dysfunction and clinical severity were significantly improved in those receiving the supplements, remaining unchanged in the others. Researchers also observed improvements in attention, breathing, muscle tone, movement, and growth in the girls who took Omega-3.

The action of Omega-3 on oxidative status

According to the scientists, the increased isoprostane levels evident in Rett syndrome are not only due to fatty acid oxidation by ROS but also to a dysregulation of Omega-3 targets. Omega-3s regulate membrane composition and gene expression, interact with ion channels, and alter eicosanoid synthesis. The results showed that EPA and DHA taken as supplements are not further oxidized and that isoprostane production is reduced, lessening the severity of the disease. Taken together, these data suggest that oxidative stress may play a key role in cardiac efficiency in Rett syndrome and that the heart can be at least partially protected by Omega-3 supplementation.

Source: Silvia Maffei, Claudio De Felice, Pierpaolo Cannarile, Silvia Leoncini, Cinzia Signorini, Alessandra Pecorelli, Barbara Montomoli, Stefano Lunghetti, Lucia Ciccoli, Thierry Durand, Roberto Favilli, and Joussef Hayek. “Effects of ω-3 PUFAs Supplementation on Myocardial Function and Oxidative Stress Markers in Typical Rett Syndrome” Mediators of Inflammation Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 983178, 8 pages