Beneficial effect of cod liver oil in murine endotoxemia

Cod liver oil (CLO), a marine fish oil, contains approximately 20% omega-3 fatty acids (OFA). When CLO is administered to humans, inhibition of platelet aggregation, decreased platelet arachidonic acid levels, and reduced levels of endotoxin-induced thromboplastin synthesis by monocytes are observed. Since endotoxin causes both increased platelet aggregation and monocyte generation of thromboplastin with resultant microvascular compromise, the purpose of this study was to determine whether CLO is protective in murine endotoxemia. Swiss Webster mice were given CLO (1.0mg, 10.0mg, or 100mg), or 100mg triolein (an unsaturated fat containing no OFA) or saline (control) intraperitoneally (IP) three hours prior to IP administration of 0.3mg E.coli endotoxin. Survivals at 48 hours post-endotoxin administration were as follows: (A) 1.0mg CLO (4/20, 20%); (B) 10mg CLO (5/20, 25%); (C) 100.0mg CLO (11/20, 55%); (D) 100mg triolein (1/20, 5%); (E) 0.13cc saline (1/20, 5%). The significance of groups A,B,C,D verses the control group E is as follows: A vs E, p = 0.15; B vs E, p = 0.08; C vs E, p = 0.0006; D vs E, p = 0.76. This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of 100mg parenteral CLO in murine endotoxemia. This effect is probably mediated through antiplatelet and/or antimonocyte activating mechanisms.