n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Obesity

Impact of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Morbidly Obese Patients

Inflammation in the adipose (fat) tissue is an important condition leading to metabolic derangements and cardiovascular disease in obese patients. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory effects and prevent adipose tissue inflammation in rodent obesity. This study tests the hypothesis that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ameliorate adipose tissue inflammation in morbidly obese patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-diabetic morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) supposed to undergo bariatric surgery
• Age 20-65 yrs

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute illness within the last two week
• Known diabetes mellitus or current anti-diabetic medication
• Acquired immunodeficiency (HIV infection)
• Hepatitis or other significant liver disease
• Severe or untreated cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary disease
• Untreated or inadequately treated clinically significant thyroid disease
• Anemia
• Active malignant disease
• Inborn or acquired bleeding disorder including warfarin treatment
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Drug intolerability that prohibits the use of the study drug