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Fish oil dietary supplementation reduces Ia expression in rat and mouse peritoneal macrophages
J Mosquera1, B Rodríguez-Iturbe, G Parra
1Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Abstract:
Preliminary studies suggest that administration of fish oil fatty acids may be beneficial in several immunological diseases; therefore, we studied the effect of fish oil dietary supplementation on the expression of Ia in stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages. Rats (n = 19) and mice (n = 27) on standard rodent feeding were separated in experimental (E) and control (C) groups that received fish oil or saline solution, respectively, daily for 4 weeks by esophageal gavage. Cholesterol serum levels were significantly lowered by fish oil (E vs C, P less than 0.01). E and C groups were injected intraperitoneally with Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and peritoneal cells were harvested 4 and 7 days after infection. Decreased expression of Ia induced by LM was found in rats (C = 49.68 +/- 5.09%, E = 16.95 +/- 4.3%, P less than 0.01) and mice (C = 47.38 +/- 7.63%, E = 26.66 +/- 1.92%, P less than 0.01). Animals with a more pronounced depression of serum cholesterol (reduction of 44.04 +/- 1.52% of baseline levels) had more depression of Ia expression (6.47 +/- 1.22%, P less than 0.001 vs control). Reduction of Ia expression was not related to PGE2 production by peritoneal cells. Reduction of Ia expression by fish oil could induce down-regulation of antigen presentation and alloreactivity.
Insights
Fish oil supplementation reduced cholesterol and decreased Ia expression in immune cells of rats and mice. This fish oil effect may down-regulate immune responses, suggesting potential benefits for certain immunological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Preliminary research indicates potential benefits of fish oil fatty acids in immunological diseases.
- Understanding the impact of dietary fish oil on immune cell expression is crucial for managing immune disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of fish oil dietary supplementation on Ia expression in stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages.
- To assess the influence of fish oil on cholesterol levels and immune cell responses in rodents.
Main Methods:
- Rats and mice were divided into experimental (fish oil) and control (saline) groups, supplemented daily for 4 weeks.
- Animals were infected with Listeria monocytogenes (LM), and peritoneal cells were harvested for analysis.
- Serum cholesterol levels and Ia expression on peritoneal macrophages were measured.
Main Results:
- Fish oil significantly lowered serum cholesterol levels in both rats and mice.
- LM-induced Ia expression was significantly decreased in fish oil-supplemented animals compared to controls.
- A stronger reduction in serum cholesterol correlated with a more pronounced decrease in Ia expression.
Conclusions:
- Fish oil dietary supplementation can reduce serum cholesterol and decrease Ia expression in macrophages.
- The observed reduction in Ia expression by fish oil may lead to down-regulation of antigen presentation and alloreactivity.
- These findings suggest a potential immunomodulatory role for fish oil in managing certain immunological conditions.