As you probably know, one of my specialisations is also hepatology and one of my interests within this specialisation is the role of fats and eicosanoids in alcoholic and non alcoholic steatohepatitis.
The value for the dietary supplementation of PUFAs in fatty liver has been questioned by findings in a murine model of steatohepatitis, in which n-3 PUFAs failed to prevent the development of steatohepatitis because of accumulation of hepatic lipoperoxides (1). Another study in rats published recently showed similar effect (2). However, such effect, may be encountered by combination with other antioxidative strategies, such as treatment with vitamin E.
Other studies, however, showed that lipids called protectins and resolvins derived from n-3 PUFA can actually reduce hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, in obese people (3). Importantly, a pilot study showed that prolonged n-3 PUFA supplementation ameliorates hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(4). Moreover, recent randomised placebo controlled trial showed that DHA supplementation (250 and 500 mg/day) improves liver steatosis and insulin sensitivity in children with NAFLD (5).
Finally I attache recent review which provide an update on the pathogenesis of adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity and discuss potential mechanisms by which (n-3) PUFA prevent and reverse these changes and the implications in human health.
