EFFECT OF N-3 FATTY ACIDS ON LIVER FAT CONTENT

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. This study has two specific aims: 1) to determine whether there is an association between insulin resistance and liver fat content and 2) to determine whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduce the amount of fat in the liver. Obesity is frequently accompanied by non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). However, not all obese subjects have increased hepatic fat. In the first aim, it will be determined if obese subjects with NAFL have insulin resistance of muscle and adipose tissue. Insulin resistance of muscle will be studied by quantitation of insulin-mediated uptake of glucose, insulin resistance of adipose tissue will be investigated through parameters of metabolism of nonesterified free fatty acids (NEDA). N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [eicosopentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] have multiple effects on fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism and administration of these fatty acids to humans results in a reduction of plasma triglyceride levels. In this projects we will determine the therapeutic efficacy of fish oils (a mixture of EPA and DHA) at reducing hepatic fat content in NAFL. Measurements also will be made of fat content of skeletal muscle and heart.