Vascepa protects against high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and impaired β-cell function

Omega-3 fatty acid prescription drugs, Vascepa (≥96% eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] ethyl ester) and Lovaza (46.5% EPA and 37.5% docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester) are known therapeutic regimens to treat hypertriglyceridemia. However, their impact on glucose homeostasis, progression to type 2 diabetes, and pancreatic beta cell function are not well understood. In the present study, mice were treated with Vascepa or Lovaza for one week prior to six weeks of high-fat diet feeding. Vascepa but not Lovaza led to reduced insulin resistance, reduced fasting insulin and glucose, and improved glucose intolerance. Vascepa improved beta cell function, reduced liver triglycerides with enhanced expression of hepatic fatty acid oxidation genes, and altered microbiota composition. Vascepa has protective effects on diet-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in mice.