Fatty liver and n-3 fatty acids ingestion: New mechanisms and perspectives from pre-clinical animal models

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids caused by an imbalance among synthesis, ingestion, oxidation and exporting fatty acids. Animal models using diets with high levels of lipids or carbohydrates and excessive treatment with glucocorticoids have mimicked the alterations in hepatic steatosis. Nutritional interventions using n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA-eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA-docosahexaenoic acid) have shown to be able to decrease hepatic steatosis, particularly by reducing the activity of lipogenic enzymes and an increasing β-oxidation flux. In such field, new mechanisms such as oxidative enzymes activity and changes in endocannabinoid system tone have been investigated to elucidate these effects. In addition, investigation of new EPA and DHA specific molecular targets have been discussed by new studies. Correspondence to: Everson Araújo Nunes, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) 88040-900, Florianópolis, Brazil, E-mail: [email protected]