omega-3 fatty acids (Assiut University)

Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were evaluated by Assiut University as a therapeutic intervention for asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In a Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02696577), these fatty acids were administered to pregnant women to assess their impact on fetal weight and feto-maternal blood flow. The proposed biological mechanism involves the normalization of visceral peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression and the upregulation of adiponectin and its receptors, which are often dysregulated in IUGR. These changes are thought to improve metabolic function and placental perfusion. Although results were published in 2017 suggesting positive outcomes, the article was later retracted, leaving the clinical efficacy of this specific intervention in question.

Other names

omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsomega3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsomega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acidsn-3 fatty acidsn3 fatty acidsn 3 fatty acidseicosapentaenoic aciddocosahexaenoic acidEPADHA