ReviewOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and mitochondria, back to the future

•Omega-3 fatty acids improve mitochondria-related redox status.•Omega-3 fatty acids trigger mitochondria-related cell death.•Omega-3 fatty acids modulate mitochondrial biogenesis.•Omega-3 fatty acids restore mitochondria-related bioenergetics.

BackgroundMitochondrion, a double-membrane bound organelle, plays a critical role in eukaryotic cells energy production. Further to its role as ATP-producing factory, mitochondrion has distinct role in a number of cellular functions including calcium and redox signaling, apoptosis, and autophagy. Extensive studies showed the crucial role of mitochondrial dysfunction in pathophysiology of different diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Recently extensive evidences report the promising effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on mitochondrial structure and functions as well as mitochondrial diseases.Scope and approachIn this paper, we critically review the available evidences on beneficial role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on mitochondrial dynamic and biogenesis. We also discuss about chemistry, source, and bioavailability of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.Key findings and conclusionsThese findings lead to an upsurge of interest in finding a new effective therapeutic strategy based on targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for above-mentioned diseases. Recently, a great body of evidences obtained from experimental studies shows the promising role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on mitochondrial function and dynamics. Different clinical trials have also addressed the promising role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on different disease and these facts may be related to its favorable effects on mitochondria.