ESR 5: Fish ω-3 phospholipids to improve NAFLD phenotype

Project Summary

A key objective of the FOIE GRAS network is to better understand the metabolic mechanisms and treatment behind Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This project aims to perform a liver mitochondrial and metabolic analysis in mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented or not with ω-3-containing phospholipids (Krill oil), as compared with their traditionally used forms (triglycerides and ethyl esters). Evaluation of mitochondrial function in the different treatment groups will be combined with metabolic analyses, hepatic gene expression and lipidome profiling.

Research will include methodologies for evaluating the liver mitochondria and metabolic activities in mice. It is expected that the metabolic profile in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-fed animals will show improved metabolic profile, including a more robust mitochondrial profile, which may be manifested by increased biogenesis, respiration, and ATP production. ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid feeding is also expected to reduce endocannabinoid levels and inflammatory markers in both intestine and liver tissues.