HEALTH

Innovative Study Highlights the Potential of Schizochytrium Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treating Alcoholic Liver Disease

China, 21 January 2025 | EPA and DHA help regulate lipid metabolism, preventing fat accumulation in the liver, a common precursor to more severe stages of alcoholic liver disease

Médicos diagnóstico

A groundbreaking study has underscored the significant therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA derived from the marine microalga Schizochytrium. These fatty acids have gained considerable attention due to their powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which counteract oxidative stress and inflammation—two key drivers in the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

In addition to their protective properties, EPA and DHA help regulate lipid metabolism, preventing fat accumulation in the liver, a common precursor to more severe stages of alcoholic liver disease. Their benefits extend further by enhancing gut barrier integrity and modulating gut microbiota, thereby reducing systemic inflammation and providing an additional layer of defence.

One of the standout advantages of these fatty acids is their natural, vegan, and sustainable origin, making them an excellent alternative to fish oil-derived omega-3s. Researchers emphasise that these compounds exhibit fewer side effects compared to synthetic medications, making them particularly suitable for long-term treatment.

While the effectiveness of Schizochytrium fatty acids has so far been demonstrated in preclinical models, this opens the door to new therapeutic opportunities. Researchers caution, however, that further clinical studies are essential to confirm these promising findings in humans.

Key Findings

The research team adopted a multidisciplinary approach to uncover the hepatoprotective properties of these fatty acids. Using cutting-edge techniques such as network pharmacology and molecular docking, their predictions were validated in an animal model of acute alcoholic liver injury.

The study identified seven active compounds within these microalgal fatty acids and 53 potential therapeutic targets, of which seven were critical in combating alcoholic hepatic disease. These targets were linked to essential biological pathways, with a particular focus on the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. This pathway is a vital regulator of cellular survival, proliferation, and metabolism, which is disrupted by alcohol consumption.

Remarkably, Schizochytrium-derived fatty acids were found to mitigate this disruption effectively.
Molecular docking studies revealed that DHA and DPA bind with high affinity to these key targets, partially explaining their protective effects. In vivo experiments further supported these findings, showing significant reductions in markers of liver damage, including alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, and albumin levels.

Additionally, histological analysis of liver tissues revealed a marked reduction in inflammation and structural damage in animals treated with these microalgal fatty acids.

By targeting multiple mechanisms of disease progression, including the suppression of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, these compounds represent a safe and effective therapeutic option. This breakthrough not only brings new hope to patients with ALD but also sets an important precedent for harnessing sustainable resources to address complex medical challenges.