Insights & Discussion
Increased plasma omega-3 levels, which are associated with genetically higher intake of omega-3, contribute to a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis among people of European ancestry.
Methodology: The researchers have used an extensive set of data from the largest Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) which focuses on the correlation between omega-3 fatty acids and rheumatoid arthritis. They used information from a total of 114,999 individuals with European ancestry for the omega-3 study and 14,361 cases along with 43,923 controls of European ancestry for the rheumatoid arthritis study. By employing various methodological tests such as Mendelian randomization-egger_intercept, MR-PRESSO, and Cochran's Q test, they assessed the role of pleiotropy and heterogeneity in the relationship between omega-3 and rheumatoid arthritis.
Discussion of Results: Results reveal no significant bias, pleiotropy, or heterogeneity among the omega-3 genetic instrumental variables in rheumatoid arthritis datasets. However, as the Mendelian randomization analysis indicated a causal link, the study provides the inference that with the genetic increase of omega-3 levels, the risk of rheumatoid arthritis also increases, particularly among individuals of European descent. Therefore, it suggests that the reduction in the intake of omega-3 could potentially reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in this population.
Discover Related Insights
Omega 3 fatty acids can counter muscle lipotoxicity and prevent comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, supporting muscle health and reducing cardiometabolic disease risk.
2020 Nutrients Could Omega 3 Fatty Acids Preserve Muscle Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Lanchais K, Capel F, Tournadre A
Review Article Omega-3 Fatty Acids Rheumatoid Arthritis
The research explores the connection between Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, and a set of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disorders, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and sarcopenia, hypothesizing that these could possibly be associated with alterations in lipid metabolism. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are observed to have lower cholesterol levels paradoxically coupled with an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. The study also discusses the accumulation of toxic lipid mediators in skeletal muscles which can lead to mitochondrial dysfunctions and insulin resistance, both key factors of cardiovascular disorders and sarcopenia.
Through multiple research studies, it was observed that Omega 3 fatty acids could potentially inhibit the development of rheumatoid arthritis and improve muscle metabolism, consequently reducing muscle atrophy in patients with obesity and insulin resistance. Thus, dietary supplementation with Omega 3 fatty acids was suggested as a promising strategy to limit the lipotoxicity in muscles and prevent associated health risks in patients dealing with rheumatoid arthritis.