Efecto de la suplementación con ácidos grasos n-3 sobre el perfil de lípidos séricos de ratas

Abstract

Dietary fat influences the modulation of immune functions and inflammatory processes; most of the impact is attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, such as Linoleic Acid (AL) and α-Linolenic Acid (ALA), which must be incorporated in the diet, are precursors of other fatty acids of great importance for the body. ALA, belonging to n-3 family, gives rise to Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. They confer flexibility, fluidity and selective permeability to the membranes, which favor cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of deficiencies in vision and neural development in infants and children, and dementia in older adults; some are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Effects have also been observed in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. These effects can be explained through the specific actions of each of them. The objective was to analyze the effect of a butter-based diet, with and without n-3 fatty acid supplementation, on the lipids and serum fatty acid profile of rats in a period of active growth. Wistar rats at weaning received a normo-caloric butter-based diet for 10 days (M). The other groups received the same diet supplemented with 24 mg / day of fish oil (MP) -providing EPA and DHA- or chia oil (MCh)- containing linolenic acid (ALA). The control (C) received a diet according to AIN’93. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods and the serum fatty acid profile, by gas chromatography. Results: M, MP and MCh groups showed lower levels of linoleic and higher levels of oleic-n-9, compared to C. Only M and MP have low values of ALA. The MP and MCh groups presented high levels of EPA and DHA. Chia oil supplementation is more beneficial than fish oil, increasing serum EPA and DHA along with ALA. Conclusion: Not only the dietary lipids percentage is important but also the fatty acid profile of the source too.