title: Differences in metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles between responders and non-responders to an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation.
abstract: Studies have demonstrated large within-population heterogeneity in plasma triacylglycerol (TG) response to n-3 PUFA supplementation. The objective of the study was to compare metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles of responders and non-responders of an n-3 PUFA supplementation. Thirty subjects completed a 2-week run-in period followed by a 6-week supplementation with n-3 PUFA (3 g/d). Six subjects did not lower their plasma TG (+9 %) levels (non-responders) and were matched to 6 subjects who lowered TG (-41 %) concentrations (responders) after the n-3 PUFA supplementation. Pre-n-3 PUFA supplementation characteristics did not differ between the non-responders and responders except for plasma glucose concentrations. In responders, changes were observed for plasma hexose concentrations, docosahexaenoic acid, stearoyl-CoA-desaturase-18 ratio, and the extent of saturation of glycerophosphatidylcholine after n-3 PUFA supplementation; however, no change in these parameters was observed in non-responders. Transcriptomic profiles after n-3 PUFA supplementation indicate changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism in both subgroups and sphingolipid metabolism in non-responders. Six key genes in lipid metabolism: fatty acid desaturase 2, phospholipase A2 group IVA, arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, monoglyceride lipase, and glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase, were expressed in opposing direction between subgroups. In sum, results highlight key differences in lipid metabolism of non-responders compared to responders after an n-3 PUFA supplementation, which may explain the inter-individual variability in plasma TG response.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF), Laval University, Pavillon des Services, 2440, Boulevard Hochelaga, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
authors.forename: Iwona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rudkowska
authors.forename: Ann-Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Paradis
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thifault
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Julien
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Barbier
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Couture
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lemieux
authors.forename: Marie-Claude
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Vohl