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Response to an Intervention With Omega-3 (RIO - Study)

Response to an Intervention With Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Lipid and Inflammatory Profiles in Overweight and Obese Individuals With Hypertriglyceridemia in Valdivia, Chile (RIO - Study)

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06538324
Acronym
RIO
Enrollment
40
Registered
2024-08-05
Start date
2024-07-30
Completion date
2025-06-30
Last updated
2025-09-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hypertriglyceridemia, Overweight

Keywords

Omega-3 fatty acids, Lipid profile, Inflammatory profile, Postprandial TG response

Brief summary

The RIO-Study project is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover trial aimed at determining the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids at nutritional doses on lipid metabolism and inflammation in overweight and obese individuals with hypertriglyceridemia in Chile.

Detailed description

The study will include 40 participants (each participant will serve as their own control) aged 18-65, with 25-34.9 kg/m2 BMI and fasting triglycerides (TG) of 100-215 mg/dL. The intervention consists of 250 mg EPA from algae oil versus high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) for 6 weeks each, after a 10-week washout period, the treatments will be switched for another 6 weeks, considering four visits during the whole study. The main outcomes to be evaluated are serum triglyceride levels, expression of target genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), low-grade inflammation biomarkers, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) atherogenic properties. The study also analyzes background diet, chrononutrition, and physical activity aspects. Results are expected to provide new insights into the effects of nutritional doses of omega-3 in the Chilean population, particularly on fasting and postprandial triglyceride metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Before and after each intervention period, fasting blood samples will be collected. On each visit day, participants will consume a standardized breakfast (three slices of white bread with butter and jam), and postprandial blood samples will be taken at 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours to measure triglycerides and other lipid parameters. The study will assess: 1. Serum triglyceride levels in fasting and postprandial states 2. Expression of target genes Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP1c) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at fasting (0h) and postprandial (4h) states 3. Levels of low-grade inflammation biomarkers Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNFα) and Interleukin 6 ( IL-6) at fasting (0h) and postprandial (4h) states 4. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) atherogenic properties in the fasting state Additionally, the investigators will collect data on chrononutrition, physical activity, and energy drink intake to understand their impact on lipid metabolism. Anthropometric measurements and bioimpedance analysis will be performed at each visit. The study will collaborate with international partners for specialized analyses, including gene expression studies and VLDL atherogenic properties assessment. This comprehensive approach aims to provide new insights into the effects of nutritional doses of omega-3 fatty acids on lipid metabolism and inflammation in the Chilean population, with a particular focus on postprandial triglyceride metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTOmega-3

Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 In the marine Omega-3 fatty acid period, the participants will receive a capsule with 250 mg of EPA per day during 6 weeks.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTHOSO

Dietary Supplement: HOSO In the HOSO period, the participants will receive a capsule with the similar weight of HOSO per day during 6 weeks.

Sponsors

Universidad San Sebastián
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

The principal investigator will have exclusive access to the randomization code, which specifies the order of administration (either starting with HOSO or omega-3). This code is generated by an external statistician. The PI will ensure that the identical boxes containing capsules (both HOSO and Omega-3) are marked only with an Identification (ID). The randomization code will remain unknown to the participant, care provider, and outcomes assessor until after the primary outcome data has been analyzed.

Intervention model description

Randomized, controlled, double - blind, crossover study.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Adults between 18 and 65 years old, male and female. * Body mass index (BMI) between 25 - 34,9 kg/m2. * Fasting triglycerides between 100-215 mg/dL (1.13-2.43 mmol/L).

Exclusion criteria

* Unable to give informed consent. * If you consume Omega-3 (you must stop consumption at least 10 weeks prior). * Normal or Obesity Nutritional Status. Large weight variation (\>10%) in the last 3 months. * Triglycerides \> 215 mg/dL. * Blood pressure \> 140/90 mmHg. * Uncontrolled metabolic and chronic diseases (reference parameters for the disease in question will be considered). * Pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. * Allergy or intolerance to gluten, milk protein and/or lactose, or any ingredient in the capsules (omega-3, oleic acid oil). * Use of medications that affect lipid metabolism: Fibrates. (Statins will be allowed only if the treatment has been ongoing for over 3 months). * Blood donation two months before or during the study period. * Excessive alcohol consumption (\>3 cans of beer per day) * Taking anticoagulants.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Fasting TG (mg/dL)up to 6 weeksBaseline serum levels of circulating triglycerides

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Postprandial TG (mg/dL)up to 6 weeksTriglyceride concentration (mg/dL) measured by enzymatic colorimetric assay at baseline (fasting) and at 2, 4, and 6 hours after consumption of a standardized 50 g fat meal.
Change in mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism genes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)up to 6 weeksFold change in mRNA expression of genes of lipid metabolism in PBMCs at 0h and 4h, measured by RT-qPCR
Change in concentrations (pg/mL) of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6up to 6 weeksSerum concentrations (pg/mL) of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at fasting (0h) and 4 hours postprandial following a standardized test meal
Fasting serum Low-Density Lipoproteins, High-Density Lipoproteins, Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (mg/dL)up to 6 weeksFasting levels before and after intake of omega-3 or HOSO
Fasting plasma glucose concentration (mg/dL)up to 6 weeksFasting levels before and after intake of omega-3 or HOSO

Countries

Chile

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026