Self-reported dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with adipose tissue markers and glucose metabolism in apparently healthy subjects.

Background: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and resistin are associated with dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT)-related metabolic complications. The role of dietary eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in this relationship is unknown.

Aim: To investigate the association of EPA and DHA with PAI-1 and resistin, as well as the role of this association on the glucose metabolism of apparently healthy subjects.

Subjects And Methods: Thirty-six healthy individuals were included. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to analyse dietary habits. Inflammatory and glucose metabolism markers were quantified. Subcutaneous AT samples were obtained, and adipocyte number, area, and macrophage content were assessed.

Results: In 36 subjects aged 56 ± 8 years and with a body mass index of 26 ± 4 kg/m, EPA, and DHA showed significant association with resistin and a marginal association with PAI-1. Adipocyte number, area, and number of macrophages per adipocyte significantly correlated with PAI-1 but not with resistin. Although EPA and DHA were independently associated with insulin, insulin resistance, and C-Peptide, the addition of resistin, but not of PAI-1, into the multivariable model, abolished the associations.

Conclusions: EPA and DHA could modulate glucose metabolism across AT functional states. Our data indicate that this association is independent of other metabolic risk factors.