Self-reported dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with adipose tissue markers and glucose metabolism in apparently healthy subjects.

Background: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and resistin are associated with dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT)-related metabolic complications. The role of dietary eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in this relationship is unknown. Aim: To investigate the association of EPA and DHA with PAI-1 and resistin, as well as the role of this association on the glucose metabolism of apparently healthy subjects. Methods: Thirty-six healthy individuals were included. Validated food frequency questionnaires were used to analyse dietary habits. Inflammatory and glucose metabolism markers were quantified. Subcutaneous AT samples were obtained, and adipocyte number, area, and macrophage content were assessed. Results: In 36 subjects aged 56 ± 8 years and with a body mass index of 26 ± 4 kg/m2, log EPA, and log DHA showed significant association with log resistin and a marginal association with PAI-1. Adipocyte number, area, and log number of macrophages per adipocyte significantly correlated with PAI-1 but not with log resistin. Although log EPA and log DHA were independently associated with log insulin, log insulin resistance, and C-Peptide, the addition of log resistin, but not of PAI-1, into the multivariable modelabolished the associations. Conclusions: EPA and DHA could modulate glucose metabolism across AT functional states. Our data indicate that this association is independent of other metabolic risk factors.