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Published on: August 7, 2017
Fatty acids in cord blood plasma, the relation to soluble CD23 and subsequent atopy
Kristine Byberg1, Knut Øymar, Lage Aksnes
1Department of Pediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Insights
Lower levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in cord blood may increase the risk of developing atopy in children. This suggests a link between n-3 PUFA levels and the development of allergic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Atopy, a predisposition to allergic diseases, is potentially linked to the dietary balance of omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
- Soluble low affinity IgE receptor (sCD23) plays a role in IgE regulation and allergic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cord blood levels of fatty acids, IgE, and sCD23 and the subsequent development of atopy in children.
- To explore the potential role of n-3 PUFAs in the development of allergic sensitization and atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study involving 70 children (35 with subsequent atopy, 35 matched controls without atopy).
- Measurement of fatty acid profiles, IgE, and sCD23 levels in cord blood plasma.
- Statistical analysis to identify correlations between these biomarkers and the development of atopy.
Main Results:
- A trend towards lower levels of n-3 PUFAs, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), was observed in the cord blood of children who later developed atopy.
- sCD23 levels showed a negative correlation with n-3 PUFAs and n-9 eicosenoic acid.
- n-9 eicosenoic acid levels were negatively correlated with IgE levels, while no association was found between sCD23 and n-6 PUFAs.
Conclusions:
- Lower concentrations of n-3 PUFAs in cord blood may be associated with an increased risk of developing atopy in children.
- A potential mechanism involves the regulation of CD23 by n-3 PUFAs, influencing IgE synthesis and allergic development.
Abstract:
Atopy is suggested to be linked to the balance between levels of n-6 and n-3 series of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the diet. In a nested case-control study, levels of fatty acids, IgE and soluble low affinity IgE receptor (sCD23) were measured in cord blood in 35 children who subsequently developed allergic sensitisation and atopic dermatitis before the age of 3, and similarly in 35 matched children without a history of atopy. We found a tendency to lower levels of the n-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the cord blood plasma of atopics compared to non-atopics. Levels of sCD23 were negatively correlated to levels of n-3 series of PUFAs and n-9 eicosenoic acid, and levels of n-9 eicosenoic acid was negatively correlated to levels of IgE. There was no association between the levels of sCD23 and n-6 PUFAs. Lower levels of n-3 PUFAs in cord blood may be associated with the development of atopy in children. A possible mechanism may be through the regulation of CD23, thereby influencing IgE synthesis.
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