Triglyceride lowering by omega-3 fatty acids: a mechanism mediated by N-acyl taurines

Interest in omega-3 fatty acids (colloquially known as fish oils) to lower residual cardiovascular risk in statin-treated patients has increased markedly in the wake of recent cardiovascular outcome trials. The triglyceride-lowering effects of omega-3 fatty acids are generally thought to occur by reduced hepatic VLDL production. In this issue of the JCI , Grevengoed et al. used mouse models and human plasma samples to reveal an additional mechanism whereby these polyunsaturated fatty acids can lower plasma triglycerides. Their findings indicate that omega-3 fatty acid? derived N-acyl taurines (NATs) greatly accumulate in bile and also in plasma following omega-3 supplementation. The authors further show that one of these NATs (C22:6 NAT) inhibited intestinal triglyceride hydrolysis and lipid absorption, which resulted in lower plasma triglycerides and protection against hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The findings open a potential avenue for triglyceride lowering by omega-3 fatty acids conjugated to taurine.

Automated summary

Recent research shows that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce plasma triglyceride levels through a mechanism involving N-acyl taurines, inhibiting intestinal triglyceride hydrolysis, and reducing lipid absorption, providing protection against high-fat diet-induced plasma triglyceride levels and hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation.