Omega 3s EPA and DHA control cell death genes
Fish oil: protects against genes of cell death
The mechanisms behind the benefits of Omega 3 depend on the action these nutrients have on cell membranes, molecules involved in inflammation and oxidation, and genes controlling cell death. Years of research have uncovered the details of these mechanisms. Their results were summarized and discussed in an analysis published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology by researchers at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Food (IMDEA-Food) in Madrid, Spain1. It emerged that these fatty acids exert many protective actions beyond the heart-related effects linked to their ability to reduce triglyceride levels.
Direct effects on cells and platelets
Omega-3 are essential fatty acids: this means they must be obtained through food or dietary supplements. Once in the body, these fats form cell membranes. It is here that they exert their first effect: thanks to their chemical properties, they fluidify the membranes, even in very specific areas. Omega-3 also have an anti-platelet aggregation effect that reduces the formation of clots and atherosclerotic plaques. Two other mechanisms come into play here:
- the inhibition of an enzyme necessary for aggregation (COX), probably associated with reduced oxidation in the cell;
- the reduction of the molecule used by this enzyme, arachidonic acid.
The end result is a reduction in the production of certain molecules that promote thrombosis and others that stimulate inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory action of Omega-3
The anti-inflammatory action of Omega-3 is linked to the reduction in the production of lipid molecules associated with inflammation as well as the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, substances that stimulate the immune system and the expression of genes with inflammatory action. The reduction of inflammation is also associated with the ability to prevent changes in the membrane that lead to activation of the JNK gene, which in turn interferes with insulin activity.
Some research has finally revealed the presence on cell membranes of molecules that detect the presence of Omega-3 and inhibit the molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in the immune system and adipose cells. This phenomenon restores normal insulin activity and thus reduces the risk of obesity.
The antioxidant effect of Omega-3
Omega-3 molecules can easily oxidize. For this reason, many doubts have arisen about whether taking large amounts could increase oxidation levels in the body. Some studies have shown that increased lipid oxidation, for example in liver cells, can have positive effects on fat metabolism. Omega-3s also reduce urinary levels of known markers of oxidative stress, the isoprostanes, and by limiting the activity of NOX2 and NOX4, enzymes responsible for producing molecules with oxidizing activity.
Omega-3 also inhibit the activity of protein sPLA2, a known cardiovascular risk factor, and reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol in the liver by degrading the ApoB component.
MicroRNAs
Recent discoveries concern the action of Omega-3 on the production of microRNAs (miRNA), small RNAs that regulate gene expression. Omega-3 through this mechanism counteract some liver disorders, such as insulin resistance and inflammation, and influence the expression of PTEN, a gene that counters tumor formation.
The protective action against colon cancer also seems to be mediated by the action of Omega-3 on miRNAs. In other tumor forms, such as glioma, this activity would increase the expression of genes that induce cancer cell death. However, the effect of Omega-3 on miRNAs may be indirect and involve molecules produced from these fatty acids during inflammatory processes, such as resolvins.
Multiple actions for a single active ingredient
It is clear from this analysis that the abilities that earned Omega-3 the nickname "friendly" fatty acids go beyond their action against the accumulation of triglycerides in the blood. At the macroscopic level, the mechanisms triggered in the body by these nutrients improve cardiovascular and nervous system health. Further research will allow a deeper understanding of their microscopic effects.
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Source 1. Visioli F, Giordano E, Nicod NM, Dávalos A, “Molecular targets of omega 3 and conjugated linoleic Fatty acids - "micromanaging" cellular response”, Front Physiol. 2012;3:42. Epub 2012 Feb 29
