Associations of erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids with inflammation and quality of life in post-menopausalwomen with obesity completing a pilot dietary intervention

Abstract

Study objectives were to determine if erythrocyte omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) increased in women participating in a dietary intervention that reduced inflammation and body weight and examine PUFA associations with markers of inflammation and quality of life (QOL). An experimental pre-post test, single group design was used. Fifteen post-menopausal women with obesity were enrolled in a 12-week pilot intervention focusing on lowering added sugars and increasing fiber and fish rich in n-3 PUFAs. Measurements included fasting blood samples, anthropometric, lifestyle and dietary data collected at baseline, end of intervention (Week 12) and follow-up (Week 24). Primary outcomes were change in erythrocyte PUFAs and associations between erythrocyte PUFAs, QOL (Short Form 12), and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α-receptor 2, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP)). Fourteen women completed all intervention visits. Mean erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) increased at Week 12 and Week 24 (p 0.001 for both), while eicosapentaenoic acid increased at Week 24 (p 0.01). After adjustment for percent weight change, week 12 QOL related to physical function was significantly associated with erythrocyte linoleic acid (p 0.05) and trended toward significant association with EPA (p = 0.051); week 24 CRP was directly associated with erythrocyte AA (p 0.05). Erythrocyte n-3 PUFAs were not associated with inflammation.