Eicosapentaenoic acid aids pancreatic healthN-3 PUFA Deficiency Aggravates Streptozotocin-Induced Pancreatic Injury in Mice but Dietary Supplementation with DHA/EPA Protects the Pancreas via Suppressing Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.
Most Relevant Research
We investigated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on pancreatic injury, particularly in the context of conditions that mimic pancreatitis. Our study began by creating a mouse model with a deficiency in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to evaluate how this lack impacts pancreatic function and injury.
The findings were quite striking. In the absence of n-3 PUFAs, the mice experienced significant pancreatic impairment, including reduced insulin levels and decreased health of pancreatic islets. However, when we introduced dietary EPA and DHA—both forms of n-3 PUFAs—prior to inflicting pancreatic damage, we observed remarkable protective effects. Specifically, the treatment with EPA led to notable increases in insulin production and improved overall islet function.
Additionally, our research highlighted that these protective effects of EPA may stem from its ability to modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in pancreatic tissues. This suggests that dietary adjustments, especially increasing n-3 PUFAs like EPA, could be a beneficial strategy to support pancreatic health and combat injuries associated with conditions like pancreatitis.