Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy

Previous research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids - commonly found in fish oil - can prevent retinopathy, a major form of blindness that affects people with diabetes and premature

Previous research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids - commonly found in fish oil - can prevent retinopathy, a major form of blindness that affects people with diabetes and premature babies, in a mouse model of the disease.

Now a follow-up study, from the same research team at Children's Hospital Boston, has revealed how exactly omega-3 fatty acids help prevent several forms of blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy - Risk Factors - Symptoms - Treatment - Diagnosis - FAQs
The term ‘diabetic retinopathy’ refers to changes in the retina which often occur in people with diabetes.

It also provides reassurance that widely used COX-inhibiting drugs like aspirin and NSAIDs do not negate their benefit.

The results showed that omega-3 fatty acids could prevent eye blindness such as retinopathy, caused by the proliferation of tortuous, leaky blood vessels in the retina, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels.

Previous research by Children's Hospital ophthalmologist Lois Smith and senior investigator of the new study had shown that mice fed diets rich in omega-3s had 50 percent less pathologic vessel growth in their retina than mice fed diets rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

Advantages of Eating Fish Foods - Health Benefits
Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly is good for health. Regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of diseases such as asthma, prostate cancer and eyesight.

In their new study, Smith and her colleagues documented another protective mechanism - a direct effect on blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) that selectively promotes the growth of healthy blood vessels and inhibits the growth of abnormal vessels.

They isolated the specific compound from omega-3 fatty acids that has these beneficial effects in mice (a metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, known as 4-HDHA), and the enzyme that produces it (5-lipoxygenase, or 5-LOX).

Health Benefits of Fish
Fish is one of the staple food of coastal inhabitants. Nutrition in fish includes protein, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is considered to be beneficial for heart and brain.

The researchers also found that COX enzymes are not involved in omega-3 breakdown, suggesting drugs such as aspirin or NSAIDs do not affect the benefits of omega-3.

"This is important for people with diabetes, who often take aspirin to prevent heart disease, and also for elderly people with AMD who have a propensity for heart disease," said Smith.

Intake Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Could Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury
Taking the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA) might offer a new way of protecting against traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggest animal experiments.

Smith is currently working alongside the US National Eye Institute, which is conducting a trial of omega-3 supplements in patients with advanced macular degeneration, expected to conclude in 2013.

The findings are published in the current issue of Science Translational Medicine.

Source-ANI