Research Article Details
Article ID: | A50412 |
PMID: | 35400251 |
Source: | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr |
Title: | Can omega-3 fatty acids be beneficial in pediatric NAFLD? A systematic review and meta-analysis. |
Abstract: | Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in children and no medications or supplements are currently recommended. The role of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids has been investigated in clinical trials with promising results. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed summary of the evidence about the efficacy of n-3 in the treatment of pediatric NAFLD. A systematic literature search was performed through major electronic databases up to September 20, 2021 for randomized placebo-controlled trials, investigating the efficacy of n-3 fatty acids in children with NAFLD. The primary outcomes were changes in serum transaminases concentration, Body Mass Index (BMI) and improvement of ultrasonographic liver steatosis. The secondary outcomes were changes in the patients' serum lipid profile, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (ΗΟΜΑ-ΙR) and waist circumference (WC). Results were expressed as mean differences for continuous outcomes and odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Six RCTs (n = 378 patients) were included. Treatment with n-3, compared to placebo, resulted in a statistically significant reduction in transaminases concentration. In addition, a significant improvement in liver steatosis assessed by ultrasonography and a decrease in BMI were observed. N-3 fatty acids supplementation seems to be an effective alternative treatment in pediatric NAFLD by improving liver biochemistry, ultrasonographic steatosis and BMI. Further research is required concerning the effect of n-3 fatty acids in liver histology. |
DOI: | 10.1080/10408398.2022.2062589 |

Strategy ID | Therapy Strategy | Synonyms | Therapy Targets | Therapy Drugs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S01 | Improve insulin resistance | insulin sensitizer; insulin resistance; glucose tolerance | Biguanide: increases 5-AMP activated protein kinase signaling; SGLT-2 inhibitor; Thiazalidinedione: selective PPAR-γ agonists; GLP-1 agonist | Metformin; Empagliflozin; Canagliflozin; Rosiglitazone; Pioglitazone; Liraglutide | Details |
Diseases ID | DO ID | Disease Name | Definition | Class | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I05 | 9352 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus | A diabetes that is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. A diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_2 | disease of metabolism/inherited metabolic disorder/ carbohydrate metabolic disorder/glucose metabolism disease/diabetes/ diabetes mellitus | Details |
Drug ID | Drug Name | Type | DrugBank ID | Targets | Category | Latest Progress | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D258 | Omega 3 PUFA | Chemical drug | DB11133 | PPARG ligand; PPARA activator | Hypolipidemic drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D328 | Serine | Chemical drug | DB00133 | SRR | Improve insulin resistance | Under clinical trials | Details |
D105 | DHA | Chemical drug | DB03756 | PPARA ligand; PPARG ligand | Anti-inflammatory | Under clinical trials | Details |
D527 | EPA/DHA | Supplement | DB11133 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D182 | Insulin | Biological drug | DB00030 | INSR agonist; CPE modulator&product of | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D504 | Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids | Supplement | -- | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D316 | S-adenosyl-L-methionine | Chemical drug | DB00118 | GNMT cofactor | Antiviral | Under clinical trials | Details |
D125 | Epanova | Chemical drug | DB11133 | PPARG ligand; PPARA activator | Enhance lipid metabolism | Under clinical trials | Details |
D094 | Cysteamine | Chemical drug | DB00847 | GSS stimulant | Renal drug | Under clinical trials | Details |
D095 | Cysteamine bitartrate | Chemical drug | DB00847 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |