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Omega-3 PUFAs Mitigate Polytrauma-Induced Gut-Liver-Lung Inflammation and Organ Dysfunction via GPR120/PPAR-γ

Wang L, Zhang L, Liu X, Li S, Shen J, Zhao X, Zhao J, Zhu FX

Journal of inflammation research, 2026

6 participants

Abstract

Background: Severe polytrauma frequently triggers a systemic inflammatory response, culminating in fatal Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). Although Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, their role in modulating the gut-liver-lung inflammatory axis following polytrauma remains to be fully elucidated. This study investigated whether targeted Omega-3 PUFA administration could mitigate post-traumatic MODS, alongside concurrent changes in intestinal homeostasis and the GPR120/PPAR-γ signaling axis linked to TLR4/NLRP3-associated hyper-inflammation.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (computer-generated randomization, n = 6 per group) to Sham, Polytrauma (blunt abdominal trauma + tibial-fibular fracture), and Omega-3 group (300 mg/kg/day via oral gavage). The therapeutic intervention commenced 24 h post-injury and continued daily for 7 consecutive days, with endpoint measurements performed at Day 7. Histological assessments were conducted by investigators blinded to group allocation. We assessed organ injury markers, histological integrity, pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles, colonic GPR120-associated signaling pathways, and the fecal microbiome via 16S rRNA sequencing (n = 6 fecal samples per group).

Results: Omega-3 PUFA administration attenuated polytrauma-induced organ dysfunction (n = 6 per group). Specifically, treatment reduced serum ALT by 51.4% (51.3 ± 8.2 vs 105.6 ± 12.4 U/L in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 6 participants or records.

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