The Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Lipid Mediators on Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: A Narrative Review

Skeletal muscle is the largest tissue in the human body, comprising approximately 40% of body mass. After damage or injury, a healthy skeletal muscle is often fully regenerated; however, with aging and chronic diseases, the regeneration process is usually incomplete, resulting in the formation of fibrotic tissue, infiltration of intermuscular adipose tissue, and loss of muscle mass and strength, leading to a reduction in functional performance and quality of life. Accumulating evidence has shown that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their lipid mediators (i.e., oxylipins and endocannabinoids) have the potential to enhance muscle regeneration by positively modulating the local and systemic inflammatory response to muscle injury. This review explores the process of muscle regeneration and how it is affected by acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, focusing on the potential role of n-3 PUFAs and their derivatives as positive modulators of skeletal muscle healing and regeneration.

Automated summary

Skeletal muscle, accounting for about 40% of body mass, has the potential to fully regenerate after damage or injury. However, aging and chronic diseases hinder the regeneration process, leading to fibrotic tissue formation, infiltration of intermuscular adipose tissue, and loss of muscle mass and strength. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their derivatives have been found to enhance muscle regeneration by modulating the inflammatory response. This review focuses on the potential role of n-3 PUFAs in positively influencing skeletal muscle healing and regeneration.