The role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the pancreatic β-cells and insulin action

• Published in: Adipocyte 2018-01, Vol.7 (2), p.81-87
• Main Authors: Baynes, Habtamu Wondifraw, Mideksa, Seifu, Ambachew, Sintayehu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Death - drug effects; Cytokines - antagonists & inhibitors; Cytokines - metabolism; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - metabolism; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - pharmacology; Humans; Insulin - metabolism; insulin resistance; insulin secretion; Insulin-Secreting Cells - drug effects; Insulin-Secreting Cells - metabolism; n-3 PUFAs; pancreatic β-cells; Review
• ISSN: 2162-3945; 2162-397X
• DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2018.1443662

Polyunsaturated Fatty acids have multiple effects in peripheral tissues and pancreatic beta cell function. The n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty acids prevent and reverse high-fat-diet induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. Insulin secretion is stimulated by glucose, amino acids, and glucagon- like peptide-1 in tissue containing high levels of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty acids than lower level of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty acids. Also, n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty acids led to decreased production of prostaglandin, which in turn contributed to the elevation of insulin secretion. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent cytokine-induced cell death in pancreatic islets. Supplementation of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty acids for human subjects prevent beta cell destruction and insulin resistance. It also enhances insulin secretion, reduction in lipid profiles and glucose concentration particularly in type II diabetes patients. Therefore there should be a focus on the treatment mechanism of insulin related obesity and diabetes by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.