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Cytokine levels affected by gamma-linolenic acid
J Dirks1, C H van Aswegen, D J du Plessis
1Department of Urology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in evening primrose oil (EPO), may modulate key serum cytokines. GLA supplementation showed potential in altering levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cytokines play crucial roles in immune responses.
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a common source of GLA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of GLA from EPO on specific rat serum cytokines.
- To assess changes in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered diets including control, glucan, Freund's adjuvant, and combinations thereof, with and without GLA.
- Serum cytokine levels (IFN-gamma, MCP-1, TNF-alpha) were measured.
Main Results:
- GLA significantly decreased IFN-gamma and MCP-1 levels compared to the control group.
- TNF-alpha was significantly stimulated in the control group but modulated (inhibited or unaffected) in other diet groups when GLA was present.
- Interactions between diets and GLA influenced TNF-alpha levels.
Conclusions:
- GLA, particularly from EPO, demonstrates a capacity to modulate serum levels of IFN-gamma, MCP-1, and TNF-alpha in rats.
- These findings suggest GLA could be a potential therapeutic agent for human diseases involving these cytokines.
