Dietary Omega-3 PUFAs in Metabolic Disease Research: A Decade of Omics-Enabled Insights (2014-2024)

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #fatty-acids-omega-3 #metabolic-diseases #gastrointestinal-microbiome #metabolomics

Dietary Omega-3 PUFAs in Metabolic Disease Research: A Decade of Omics-Enabled Insights (2014-2024)

Li et al., 2025 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Li Jing, Lin Yang-Chi-Dung, ... Huang Hsien-Da. Dietary Omega-3 PUFAs in Metabolic Disease Research: A Decade of Omics-Enabled Insights (2014-2024). Nutrients. 2025-May-28;17(11). doi:10.3390/nu17111836

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The rising global prevalence of metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus) underscores the need for effective interventions. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exhibit therapeutic potential, yet their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This systematic review synthesizes a decade (2014-2024) of omics research to elucidate Omega-3 PUFA mechanisms in metabolic diseases and identify future directions. Methods: A PRISMA-guided search of the Web of Science identified studies on Omega-3 PUFAs, metabolic diseases, and omics. After excluding reviews, non-English articles, and irrelevant studies, 72 articles were analyzed (16 multi-omics, 17 lipidomics, 10 transcriptomics/metabolomics/microbiomics each, and 6 proteomics). Results: Omics studies demonstrated that Omega-3 PUFAs, particularly EPA and DHA, improve metabolic health through interconnected mechanisms. They regulate epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, influencing genes linked to inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Omega-3 PUFAs reduce oxidative stress by mitigating protein carbonylation and enhancing antioxidant defenses. Gut microbiota modulation is evident through increased beneficial taxa (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia) and reduced pro-inflammatory species, correlating with improved metabolic parameters. Mitochondrial function is enhanced via upregulated fatty acid oxidation and TCA cycle activity, while anti-inflammatory effects arise from NF-κB pathway suppression and macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype. Challenges include interindividual variability in responses and a limited understanding of dynamic metabolic interactions. Conclusions: Omega-3 PUFAs target multiple pathways to improve metabolic health. Future research should prioritize chemoproteomics for direct target identification, multi-omics integration, and personalized strategies combining Omega-3 with therapies like calorie restriction.

Key Findings

Omics studies demonstrated that Omega-3 PUFAs, particularly EPA and DHA, improve metabolic health through interconnected mechanisms. They regulate epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, influencing genes linked to inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Omega-3 PUFAs reduce oxidative stress by mitigating protein carbonylation and enhancing antioxidant defenses. Gut microbiota modulation is evident through increased beneficial taxa (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Akkermansia) a

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Metabolomics
  • Proteomics
  • Animals
  • Diet
  • Oxidative Stress

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09