A study on the MGH shows the importance of balance in fatty acids in chronic diseases

Using new transgenic mouse models that they have developed, researchers at Mbadachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have provided new evidence that this is the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids , rather than their total amount, which influences the risk of developing a chronic disease. . This work has important implications for well-being and dietary guidelines. Their paper just came out in Natureof Biology of communication.

"Understanding the differential effects of these two clbades of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the development of chronic diseases is important but challenging because of disconcerting dietary factors.We have developed a unique approach to address them." According to the main author of the study, Jing X. Kang, MD, PhD, director of the laboratory for lipid medicine and technology at the General Health Hospital and badociate professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School. The team led by Kang has created several new mouse models to study the health effects of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in human health has long been debated but is of great interest. They are one of many factors that can influence chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, but studies have shown inconsistent results regarding their exact impact on risk. . The new HGM researchers document brings important new evidence to this field using mouse models that help eliminate some of the many confusing dietary factors that affect studies in this area. The transgenic mice used are identical – with the exception of the n-6 and n-3 levels that they naturally produce, regardless of their diet.

The researchers used four mouse strains for their study, one wild-type or "normal" mouse, and three related mouse strains, designed to produce variable levels of n-6 and n-3 PUFA, regardless of their food. These mice can synthesize sufficient levels of specific PUFAs to adjust to dietary factors that would normally disrupt PUFA levels.

The MGH team investigated whether the rates of metabolic disorders of the four types of mice were different, including metabolic endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, obesity, hepatic steatosis, l 39; glucose intolerance and cancer. Mice that produced too much n-6 PUFA had a higher risk of metabolic disease and cancer, whereas mice able to convert n-6 to n-3, thus lowering the ratio, had a healthier phenotype. The researchers were also able to discover details of the molecular interactions between these fatty acids and biological networks. For example, the change in PUFA n-6 to n-3 resulted in changes in the intestinal microbiome and fecal and serum metabolites.

The beauty of these mouse models is that they reduce the effects of confusion. We will be able to use them to study many other things, including the impact of PUFA levels on disease risk. "

The lead author of the study, Kanakaraju Kaliannan, MD, investigator of the MGH study and medical instructor at Harvard Medical School

"Many data sources now support the notion that omega-6 / omega-3 imbalance is a critical factor contributing to the development of a chronic disease," Kang added. "Balancing the ratio of PUFA could be a safe and effective solution to some modern health problems." His team is currently working on translational research to explore the clinical utility of balancing intervention and the feasibility of using the omega-6 / omega-3 tissue ratio. as a new health biomarker.