Еffect of standardized omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on indicators of multiple organ pathology in an experimental aging model

Background. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs) exhibit anti-inflammatory, cardio-, hepato- and neuroprotective properties that can be beneficial in counteracting the pathophysiology of aging.

Objective: To study the effects of standardized ω3-PUFA intake on a model of accelerated “dietary” aging caused by D-galactose in combination with palm oil and L-methionine in the diet, sodium chloride in drinking water, as well as ferrous sulfate.

Material and methods. The experimental testing of three pharmaceutically standardized ω3-PUFA preparations (NFO® Omega-3 Ultima, NFO® Omega-3 Strong DHA, NFO® Omega-3 Premium) was conducted on the developed aging model. The model was reproduced up to Day 13 of the experiment; after Day 13, all animals were switched to a standard diet that was supplemented with ω3-PUFA preparations until Day 54 of the experiment. On Days 0, 13, and 54, the animals were assessed for 55 indicators, including the results of a complete blood count, blood chemistry, and neurological testing.

Results. All studied ω3-PUFA preparations had a positive effect on 23 of 55 indicators in the animals with the aging model. In particular, standardized ω3-PUFAs helped inhibit liver tissue degradation (normalization of serum vitamin B12 levels to 100±1 pg ml; control: 380.5±29.04 pg/ml; p=0.0005), restore liver function (increase in abnormally decreased direct bilirubin to 1.5±0.1 μmol/l; control: 0.79±0.4 μmol/l; p=0.00363) and folate levels (41.53±6.65 nmol/l; control: 26.82±5.99 nmol/l; p=0.00123). Moreover, ω3-PUFAs prevented a sharp drop in iron levels by Day 54 (54.52±21.03 μmol/l; control: 26.98±1.16 μmol/l; p=0.01185), inhibited the development of hypernatremia (125.47±1.16 mmol/l; control: 141.42±1.3 mmol/l; p=0.0001), and hyperkalemia (5.83±0.23 mmol/l; control: 7.29±0.05 mmol/l; p=0.00001). The study results were histologically confirmed.

Conclusion. All studied omega-3 PUFA samples normalized abnormally elevated chronic inflammation in the animals thereby contributing to the restoration of their normal neurological status. Thus, the use of standardized ω3-PUFAs in inhibiting the pathophysiology of aging is promising.

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