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Dietary n-3 fatty acids and arthritis
E S Cathcart1, W A Gonnerman, C A Leslie
1Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, E.N. Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, Bedford, MA.
Abstract:
We have evidence that dietary fish oil (FO) decreases severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), changes the fatty acid composition of macrophage (M phi) membrane phospholipids, decreases M phi synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), changes chemotactic ability of M phi s, and affects metabolism of acute phase proteins. Gender also has pronounced effects on susceptibility to CIA and M phi prostaglandin profiles. The mechanisms by which dietary n-3 fatty acids may act to alleviate symptoms of CIA, as well as interactions of dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids and gender are discussed. We suggest that the ability of FO diets to influence favourably the course of chronic inflammatory diseases is mediated via alterations in n-6 fatty acid metabolism and that intrinsic differences in n-6 fatty acid metabolism may account not only for our reported gender differences in incidence and severity of CIA, but also the well-documented sexual dimorphism in immune/inflammatory responses in general.
Insights
Dietary fish oil (FO) reduces arthritis severity by altering macrophage function and fatty acid metabolism. Gender significantly impacts disease susceptibility and inflammatory responses, interacting with dietary fats.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a model for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Dietary fatty acids, particularly n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, play a role in inflammation.
- Gender influences immune responses and disease susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).
- To examine the impact of FO on macrophage (M phi) function and fatty acid composition.
- To explore the interaction between dietary fatty acids (n-3, n-6) and gender in CIA.
Main Methods:
- Administration of fish oil (FO) to induce dietary changes.
- Assessment of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) severity.
- Analysis of macrophage (M phi) membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition.
- Measurement of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis by macrophages.
- Evaluation of macrophage chemotaxis and acute phase protein metabolism.
Main Results:
- Dietary fish oil (FO) decreased the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).
- FO altered macrophage (M phi) membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition and decreased prostaglandin (PG) synthesis.
- Gender significantly affected CIA susceptibility and macrophage (M phi) prostaglandin profiles.
- Dietary n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, along with gender, influenced M phi function and inflammatory responses.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fish oil (FO) favorably influences chronic inflammatory diseases, likely through modulation of n-6 fatty acid metabolism.
- Intrinsic differences in n-6 fatty acid metabolism may explain gender-based variations in CIA incidence and severity.
- Sexual dimorphism in immune and inflammatory responses is influenced by dietary fatty acid interactions and metabolism.