Omega-3 Supplementation for LIver VolumE Reduction Study (OLIVER) Study

Overview

Omega-3 has been postulated to reduce hepatic steatosis by reducing lipogenic gene expression, exerting anti- inflammation action, reducing oxidative stress and improving glycemic control. A recent meta-analysis by Parker et al.\[1\] found that omega-3 supplementation is associated with improvement in liver fat content as well as on Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) levels. Omega-3 supplementation has also found to be useful in reducing blood triglyceride levels \[2\]. Recent studies by Iannelli et al. (2013) and Abidin et al.(2017) have also found that a 1 month supplementation of 1.5g/day and 2g/day of omega-3 supplementation resulted in reduced hepatic volume of 20% and 34.88 cm3 respectively. The investigator's hypothesis is that a 4 weeks course of Omega-3 (2 capsules of Blackmores Omega Daily Concentrated Fish Oil per day; Each capsule Concentrated omega-3 triglycerides- fish 1000mg containing Omega-3 Marine Triglycerides 600mg as: 360mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 240mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) taken as supplement, without any other dietary intervention pre Bariatric Surgery decreases significantly liver volume and facilitate access during surgery. And that shrinkage of liver volume also translates to improve biochemical parameters of fatty liver disease

A total of 50 subjects booked for Bariatric Surgery with BMI up 45 will be recruited. Patients with pre-existing liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption and significant central obesity will be excluded. Ultrasound examination of the liver with liver volume measurement, and blood tests, including Liver Function Tests (LFT) and platelet counts,is performed as part of the pre surgery work up. The subjects are then given 4 weeks of Omega-3 supplements (2 capsules of Blackmores Omega Daily Concentrated Fish Oil per day: Concentrated omega-3 triglycerides- fish 1000mg (600mg Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 1400mg Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)). Just before Surgery, a repeat of ultrasound examination and measurement of liver volume is carried out, as well as a repeat liver panel and platelet count.The subjects will have their weight and body composition recorded as well at this time. At the time of the surgery, the surgeon makes a subjective assessment of the left lobe liver volume on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the largest. Additionally,ease of access to area under the left lobe of the liver is also subjectively assessed, on a scale of 1 to5, 5 being the most difficult.