Effects of dietary camelina oil intake on skeletal muscle metabolism and sarcopenia in older mice

Abstract

The age-related decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function, mostly known as sarcopenia, increases the risk of mobility impairments, chronic disease and early mortality. Physical activity and targeted dietary approaches are the most effective intervention to prevent or limit sarcopenia. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could alleviate some aspects of age-related diseases. We investigated the effect of a chronic intake of a diet containing a high content of omega-3 PUFA in old mice exposed to a normocaloric or an obesogenic diet. Female C57BL/6J mice received a low-fat or a high-fat diet containing 5 or 6%, respectively, of camelina oil (comprising 27% omega-3 PUFA) for 18 weeks and were compared to animals receiving the similar diets containing high-oleic sunflower oil instead. Circulating parameters, calorimetry and physical performances were evaluated as well as muscle lipid content and molecular adaptations. Consumption of camelina oil increased omega-3 PUFA content in biological membranes, as well as circulating levels of anti-inflammatory oxylipin mediators. High-fat diets induced changes in body composition but these effects were not affected by the intake of camelina oil. However, camelina oil consumption increased motor coordination in the low-fat condition. Some lipidomic adaptations were observed in relation to oil intake. Variations in plasma levels of glycerol, free fatty acids and muscle gene expression suggested improved lipid homeostasis in groups receiving camelina oil. In conclusion, the consumption of an energy-balanced diet with a high content of omega-3 PUFA provided by camelina oil could provide benefits on muscle health. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Keywords: Aging; Muscle; Omega-3 fatty acids; Sarcopenia.