The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on expression levels of PPARγ and UCP2 genes, serum UCP2 protein level, metabolic status and appetite in elite male athletes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

mposition, Nutrient intake

Abstract Introduction: According to the WHO emphasis on the prevention of chronic diseases, it is important to evaluate the mechanisms regulating food consumption and controlling body fat percentage in healthy individuals and athletes. Many previous studies have shown the important role of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing fat mass in animal models. Also, increasing omega-3s reduces the percentage of body fat in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, it is not clear whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has similar effects in healthy people with low fat. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids, as ligands of energy-related genes, are involved in metabolism and energy consumption. These effects are due to changes in the expression of peroxisome-activated gamma receptor (PPARγ) and mitochondrial isolating protein (UCP2). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid intervention on genes related to PPARγ and UCP2 energy metabolism, resting energy consumption (RMR), body composition, lipid profile, nutrient intake and appetite in athletes. Materials and Methods: In a three-week double-blind clinical trial, 36 male athletes with a mean age of 21.86 ± 3.15 years were randomly assigned to intervention groups (receiving 2000 mg / day of omega-3 fatty acid supplement, 360 EPA: , 240 DHA) and the control group (receiving 2000 mg per day of oral paraffin) were divided. Measurements were performed at the beginning and end of the study. At the end of the study, the expression levels of PPARγ and UCP2 genes, serum UCP2 protein level, lipid profile, RMR, nutrient intake and appetite were assessed by standard methods. This study was conducted in Tabriz in 2019. After entering in the STATA, the data were analyzed by relevant statistical methods. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results showed that the expression levels of PPARγ and UCP2 genes increased in the intervention group (p <0.05). Also, the amount of UCP2 protein in peripheral blood cells, RMR and maximum oxygen consumption increased after the intervention (p <0.05). Among the components of the lipid profile, only HDL cholesterol increased (p <0.05). Feelings of hunger also