Scientists find omega-3 lysolipids may prevent fatty liver disease (DHA)

Long-running research into the omega-3 transporter protein Mfsd2a has shown that it plays a key role in a specific mechanism that prevents the liver from storing too much fat from food. This latest study signals the possibility that a dietary supplement could be developed to help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Eating too much fatty food increases the risk of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and NAFLD. The excess fat that accumulates in the liver during the onset of NAFLD leads to inflammation and progressive deterioration and scarring, called cirrhosis of the liver. The rate of NAFLD is remarkably high in Singapore, affecting around 40% of adults compared to 27% globally.

One type of fat called phospholipids are essential for making cell membranes and actually protect the liver against the harmful effects of dietary fat.

"For over a decade, the researchers have been studying Mfsd2a, which transports the phospholipid lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) into cells," said Dr. Chin Cheen Fei. "In this latest work, we set out to determine if LPC transport into the liver by Mfsd2a is an important source for liver phospholipids and a means of protecting the liver against NAFLD."

The team embarked on studies using preclinical and isolated samples of human liver. They focused on the effect of a variety of measures that altered the activity of Mfsd2a and its uptake of specific lipids.

"Our findings show that LPC lipids, particularly those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 fatty acid DHA, could become a means of long-term prevention for NAFLD," said Dr. George Goh. "Our study is the first to suggest the potential of dietary LPC supplementation in protecting the liver against damage caused by a high-fat diet."

DHA is available from salmon, fish oil, and special vegan supplements.

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2 posted on 07/26/2023 6:56:05 PM PDT by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)

So which variety of fish should one eat the most of to benefit from fish oil as well as eating salmon?

3 posted on 07/26/2023 7:02:15 PM PDT by frogjerk (More people have died trusting the government than not trusting the government.)

On the cheap end of the spectrum are mackerel and herring but Mahi Mahi is da bomb.

4 posted on 07/26/2023 9:38:39 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler (THE ISSUE IS NEVER THE ISSUE. THE REVOLUTION IS THE ISSUE.)

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