Evaluation of the preventive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on post-tracheotomy laryngotracheal stenosis: An experimental study

Authors : Abdullah Belada, Süleyman Yılmaz, Hüseyin Yaman, Murat Oktay
Pages : 153-162
Doi:10.21673/anadoluklin.1832524
View : 56 | Download : 214
Publication Date : 2026-01-24
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: Tracheal injury may result in excessive inflammation and fibrosis; ultimately causing airway narrowing and stenosis. Although omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in various tissues; their effects on tracheal wound healing remain unclear. This study investigated whether omega-3 supplementation influences early histopathological and morphometric healing after a standardized tracheal defect. Methods: Twenty male Wistar albino rats were assigned to an Omega-3 group (400 mg/kg/day oral omega-3 for 14 days) or a saline-treated control group. A 3-mm circular tracheal defect was surgically created in all animals. Nineteen rats completed the study. On postoperative day 14; tracheal samples were analyzed for inflammation and fibrosis grades; maximal and minimal wall thickness; luminal diameters; and stenosis index. Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical comparisons. Results: Inflammation severity did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.350). Fibrosis grades showed similar distributions; with no significant pairwise differences (all p > 0.559). Morphometric parameters; including wall thickness; luminal diameter; and stenosis index; also showed no statistically significant differences (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation did not produce measurable early improvements in inflammation; fibrosis; or airway remodeling following tracheal injury. While short-term benefits were not observed; potential delayed or dose-dependent effects warrant further investigation.
Keywords : Havayolu yapılandırma, fibrozis, omega-3 yağ asitleri, trakea, yara iyileşmesi

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