Effects of Dietary Fatty Acids on Octadecanoid Production and Biological Actions in Obesity-induced Inflammation

This is a single site, double-blind, randomized, crossover study designed to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with flax oil rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and fish oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on oxylipin profiles over time (0 to 4 weeks) and among obese females varying in their inflammatory state. Additional assessments will include plasma fatty acid composition, adipokines, markers of adipocyte dysfunction and inflammation; immune cell/monocyte fatty acid composition, and functional properties including their metabolism and oxylipin production; and vascular function.

A single site, double-blind, randomized, cross-over study designed to compare the effects of flax oil and fish oil supplementation on the oxylipin profile in females with obesity (n=24). Eligible participants will complete two supplementation phases (flax oil and fish oil rich in DHA) and will be asked to attend 3 in-person clinic visits (0, 3, and 28 days) for blood and urine collection during each phase. In addition to oxylipin profiles, assessments will include plasma fatty acid composition, adipokines, markers of adipocyte dysfunction and inflammation; immune cell/monocyte fatty acid composition, and functional properties including their metabolism and oxylipin production; and vascular function. If participants sign an optional consent form, vaginal fluid samples will be obtained at 0 and 28 days of each Supplementation Phase and analyzed for oxylipin and immune cell profile.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Non-pregnant, non-lactating premenopausal female, \>20 and \<55 years of age (females of child bearing potential must take adequate birth control measures through the trial, and if a female becomes pregnant during the study, they must immediately stop taking the study oil capsules and be withdrawn from the study);
2. Fasting LDL-cholesterol ≤4.5 mmol/L and triglycerides ≤4.5 mmol/L (management with cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering medications is acceptable), plasma creatinine ≤265 µmol/L, AST \<5× upper limit of normal (ULN) where the normal range is 10 - 32 U/L, ALT \<5× ULN where the normal range is \<25 U/L for females and \<30 U/L for males, and glycated hemoglobin \<6.5%;
3. Blood pressure \<160/100 (management with anti-hypertensive medications is acceptable);
4. BMI ≥30, and waist circumference \>94 cm for males and \>80 cm for females of Asian ethnicity, and \>102 cm for males and \>88 cm for females of non-Asian ethnicity;
5. Stable regime if taking vitamin and mineral/dietary/herbal supplements for the past 1 month and while participating in the study;
6. Willing to maintain a stable level of activity while participating in the study;
7. Willing to maintain dietary routine and to refrain from consuming omega-3 supplements or omega-3 rich foods (\>0.3 grams ALA/serving, or \>0.1 grams EPA + DHA/serving), and to refrain from anti-inflammatory natural health products, from acceptance into the study until the final study visit;
8. Females must have normal menses and can be on birth control;
9. Agrees to not donate blood or blood products (e.g. platelets) while participating in the study and for 2 months after participation in the study;
10. Willing to comply with the protocol requirements and procedures;
11. Willing to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has experienced a cardiovascular event (e.g. heart attack, stroke) or had a surgical procedure for cardiovascular disease (e.g. bypass, stent), presence of diabetes, chronic renal disease, liver disease (with exception of fatty liver), rheumatoid arthritis, immune disorder or disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis, leukemia), cancer in the previous 5 years, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders or gastrointestinal surgery or bariatric surgery, or liposuction, or experiences migraines;
2. Taking medications for inflammation, pain or arthritis (e.g. cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, steroids such as cortisone and prednisone), medications for blood glucose management, anti-coagulants/blood thinners, low dose acetylsalicylic acid, medication for erectile dysfunction (e.g. Viagra), within the last 3 months;
3. Regular use (\> one day per week during two or more weeks) of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin), ibuprofen (e.g. Advil) or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products such as Naproxen (e.g. Aleve, Midol Extended Relief) or those containing steroids such as cortisone and prednisone, within the last 3 months or while participating in the study;
4. Regular use (\>three days per week during menstruation or \>one day per week during two or more other weeks) of acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol, Midol), within the last 3 months or while participating in the study;
5. Allergy or sensitivity to any of the study product ingredients, such as flax oil or flaxseed, fish oil or its sources such as fish or shellfish;
6. Cigarette/cigar smoking or use of tobacco products within the past 12 months or during the study;
7. Body weight has not been stable (plus or minus 3 kg) over the past 6 months;
8. Consumption of \>15 alcoholic beverages per week (according to Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, 2012) within the last 3 months or while participating in the study;
9. Current (within the past 30 days) bacterial, viral or fungal infection;
10. Unable to obtain blood sample at the screening, week 0 visit, or two consecutive study visits;
11. Donated blood or blood products (e.g. platelets) or had blood collected in the 2 months prior to participation the study.