Summary
This mechanistic study in mice demonstrates that enteral feeding with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) following massive small bowel resection reduces hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, improves weight recovery and energy metabolism, and promotes intestinal functional adaptation compared to omega-6 PUFA or control diets. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of lipid metabolism and nutrient absorption pathways in the omega-3 group, with evidence that omega-3 effects are partially independent of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) signalling. These findings suggest dietary omega-3 PUFA may be therapeutically relevant for intestinal failure-associated liver disease.
Regional applicability
This is a mechanistic rodent study conducted in the United States, providing preclinical evidence that could inform future clinical nutrition protocols for patients requiring massive bowel resection. Transferability to humans requires clinical validation, though the findings align with established benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in liver and metabolic health. UK clinicians managing short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure may find these data relevant to enteral feeding formulation strategies.
Key measures
Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatic steatosis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatic free fatty acids, body weight recovery, energy metabolism, hepatic and ileal gene expression, Pparα activity
Outcomes reported
The study measured liver injury markers (transaminases, steatosis, fibrosis), intestinal adaptation, weight recovery, energy metabolism, and hepatic gene expression in mice following massive small bowel resection on different dietary PUFA regimens. Lipidomic profiling and RNA sequencing were used to characterise molecular mechanisms.
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