A recent study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland has found that consuming fatty fish can lower the lipophilic index in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism or coronary heart disease. The lipophilic index is an indicator of cell membrane fluidity, with lower values indicating better fluidity. The study, published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, also linked a reduced lipophilic index with an increased mean size of HDL particles and a higher concentration of larger HDL particles, suggesting cardiovascular benefits.
The length and saturation of fatty acids in cell membranes play a role in membrane fluidity. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish have been previously associated with cardiovascular risk reduction. However, the mechanisms behind this effect are not yet fully understood. In contrast, camelina oil, which is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (an essential omega-3 fatty acid), has unknown associations with membrane fluidity.
The researchers analyzed data from two randomized clinical trials involving individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and cardiovascular disease. Participants were divided into different intervention groups, including those consuming fatty fish, lean fish, camelina oil, or acting as controls. The lipophilic index was calculated based on erythrocyte membrane fatty acids or serum phospholipid fatty acids.
The results showed that consuming four meals of fatty fish per week for 12 weeks reduced the lipophilic index, indicating improved membrane fluidity and potentially lower cardiovascular risk. The study also found that better membrane fluidity, as measured by the lipophilic index, was associated with larger HDL particles, which are also linked to reduced cardiovascular risk. However, consuming lean fish or camelina sativa oil did not affect the lipophilic index.
These findings suggest that incorporating fatty fish into the diet may have beneficial effects on membrane fluidity and cardiovascular health in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism or coronary heart disease. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and the impact of different types of omega-3 fatty acids on membrane fluidity.