The effect of n‑3 long chain fatty acids supplementation on plasma peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and thyroid hormones in obesity

Peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) is a transcription factor, which is abundantly expressed in adipose tissue and has a direct link to adiposity. It seems that long‑chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‑PUFAs) can regulate PPAR γ expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of n‑3LC PUFA supplementation on plasma levels of PPAR γ and thyroid hormones in obesity. Materials and Methods: In a randomized double‑blind controlled trial, 66 subjects with obesity were assigned to 2 groups. Participants in intervention group consumed omega3 capsules contained 1000 mg n‑3 fatty acids (180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 120 mg of docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and placebo group consumed placebo capsules contained paraffin twice a day for 4 wk. Fasting blood samples and weight measurements were collected at the baseline and at the end of the trial. Plasma PPAR γ and thyroid hormones were measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed using a repeated measure model‑two factor for comparing two groups in two times. Results: No significant changes were observed in PPAR γ levels between and within the groups after supplementation (P>0.05). N‑3LC PUFA supplementation significantly increased T4 levels after 4 wk (P<0.05) but T3 and TSH did not change significantly. Conclusion: Our study showed that n‑3LC PUFAs supplementation increased T4 levels. However, no significant changes in T3, TSH and PPAR γ plasma levels were observed in obese adults.