[Omega-3 fatty acids as an option in the treatment of NAFLD].

Authors :: Singer P
Source :: MMW Fortschritte der Medizin [MMW Fortschr Med] 2011 Oct 06; Vol. 153 Suppl 3, pp. 90-4.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Background: Human tissues or organs vary in the content of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, in case of diseases the content may even change. These findings cannot be extrapolated from blood lipids.<br />Methods: Overview<br />Results: By means of liver biopsies it has been shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly decreases with raising triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes. This is associated with increased histological signs of inflammation in liver parenchyma. In a study the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/d) resulted in a rising percentage of EPA in liver triglycerides associated with a reduction of liver fat and inflammation markers.<br />Conclusion: From the results a hitherto widely ignored indication for NAFLD with or without metabolic syndrome can be derived.