Nutrigenomics of Omega 3 fatty acids

Dietary components can alter gene expression directly or indirectly, showing a beneficial or harmful physiological effect. ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids )LC-PUFAs( such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C22:5 ω -3) or docosahexaenoic acid )DHA, C22:6 ω -3) are synthesized de novo in the organism from the essential polyunsaturated fatty α-linolenic acid ω -3 (C18:3 ω -3) or acquired from the diet especially marine sources(fish,shrimp,oysters). Cellular function regulation by these FAs can occur at different levels such as modulation of signal transduction by the bioactive effect over the cell membranes and regulation of gene transcription, among others.It is well known that ω -3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) control some key molecular cell mechanisms, resulting in a beneficial role in inflammatory diseases. Such mechanisms are complex and reflect the diversity of their functions, mainly as modulators of the dynamic properties of membranes, regulators of gene expression ,i.e regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkB), mainly to regulate target gene transcription that encodes proteins involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, thermogenesis and inflammatory processes( EPA and DHA are potential analgesics because they attenuate the acute inflammatory response, resulting in improvement of clinical outcomes ,it means that perioperative administration of enteral DHA may reduce the use, dose, and duration of buprenorphine analgesic requirements in neonates undergoing surgery; therefore, administration of DHA reduces pain ) and precursors of active mediators.