Erucic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid consumption affect hepatic steatosis in mice fed a western diet

This study explored whether erucic acid (EA) intake at levels typical of fatty fish consumption aggravates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or affects the benefits of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). N-3 PUFAs, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), enhance beta-oxidation and suppress lipogenesis, reducing hepatic triglyceride accumulation. Sixty-six C57BL/6N mice were fed a chow diet, western diet (WD), or WDs supplemented with EA alone or combined with EPA or DHA for 13 weeks. Dietary EA, EPA, and DHA levels matched average intake from recommended fatty fish consumption. Body weight and food intake were monitored, followed by body composition scans and glucose tolerance testing (GTT). After the feeding trial, hepatic lipid accumulation was analyzed. EA supplementation did not increase hepatic fat or worsen WD-induced hepatic steatosis. Dietary intake of EPA together with EA preserved protection against elevated liver fat. EA alone reduced glucose tolerance, while fasting glucose was unchanged. However, intake of EA combined with EPA or DHA also elevated fasting and post-glucose blood glucose levels. In conclusion, EA at levels relevant to fatty fish consumption does not impact hepatic steatosis. And EPA combined with EA prevented liver fat buildup. However, EA alone and in combination with EPA or DHA reduced glucose tolerance, assessed by the area under the curve during the glucose tolerance test, highlighting potential metabolic concerns and the need for further study the role of EA in glucose metabolism.