Impairment of NFkappaB activity by unsaturated fatty acids

Using a luciferase reporter gene assay, we identified polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to impair NF kappaB signaling. Furthermore, we could demonstrate the PUFA ability to derogate NF kappaB activity to be independent from the family the fatty acid belongs to. Instead, we found a relation between the number of bis-allyl-methylene positions of the PUFA added and the NF kappaB activity of stimulated, long-term supplemented cells. The data presented provide new insights into the biological mechanisms PUFA exert their anti-inflammatory effects. Since suppression of NF kappaB activity could be of benefit in a number of inflammatory diseases as well as cancer, our findings are of clinical implication. According to our data dietary supplementation with PUFA-containing oils is likely to provide an at least palliative therapy for disorders linked to inappropriate NF kappaB signaling.