EPA plus DHA improves survival related to a decrease of injury after extended liver ischemia in Sprague-Dawley rats.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The omega-3 fatty acids (ω3), EPA and DHA, have been described for their beneficial effects on metabolism and inflammation. In addition, they are interesting tools in the treatment of acute liver disease. This investigation was conducted to assess the effect of EPA+DHA administration before partial ischemia (IR) on survival and liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were supplemented for 7 days with ω3 [EPA (270mg/kg) and DHA (180mg/kg)]; controls received saline solution. After EPA+DHA supplementation, liver IR was induced by temporarily occluding the blood supply for 1h, followed up by 48h of reperfusion. Control animals were subjected to sham laparotomy. RESULTS: Previous to IR, the EPA+DHA administration improved the rate and prolonged the survival time by decreasing the AST and ALT levels and improving liver degenerative changes generated by the IR, which decreased TNF-α and IL-1ß. In addition, IL-10 increased at 20h with a tendency to normalize at 48h. The IR group had no differences in the IL-10 levels compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The ω3 supplementation could prevent and promote the restoration of the liver tissue and significantly improve the survival rate in rats at 48h.