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Hepatocyte polyunsaturated fatty acid enrichment increases acute phase protein synthesis
B Nolan1, J Sentementes, P Bankey
1Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts, Worcester 01655-0333, USA.
Background:
The production of acute phase proteins by the liver is critical for homeostasis and recovery after injury. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically of the n-3 family, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that promote recovery; however, the effects of these fatty acids on acute phase protein synthesis have not been fully evaluated.
Methods:
The synthesis of the acute phase proteins alpha-2 macroglobulin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein was studied in hepatocyte-Kupffer's cell cocultures from Wistar rats. Cultures were endotoxin stimulated after enrichment with albumin complexed arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) or docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Protein synthesis was analyzed by [35S]-methionine labeling or Western blotting. Culture interleukin-6 levels were determined.
Results:
Both polyunsaturated fatty acids increase hepatocyte synthesis of acute phase proteins alpha 2-macroglobulin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein compared with controls; however, the response in the docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) treated cultures was significant (P < .05 vs control). Interleukin-6 was also increased in the polyunsaturated fatty acid cultures compared with controls (P < .05) vs control). Cellular phospholipids were significantly enriched with the individual supplemented fatty acids (P < .05 vs bovine serum albumin).
Conclusions:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids have the capability to increase in vitro acute phase protein synthesis. This may contribute to the observed anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid enrichment.