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Dietary fish oil n−3 fatty acids increase regulatory cytokine production and exert anti-inflammatory effects in two murine models of inflammation

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Lipids

Abstract

The higher incidence of inflammatory diseases in Western countries might be related, in part, to a high consumption of saturated fatty acids and n−6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and an insufficient intake of n−3 fatty acids. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary n−3 fatty acids on innate and specific immune response and their anti-inflammatory action in models of contact and atopic dermatitis. Balb/C mice were fed for 3 wk either n−6 or n−3 PUFA-fortified diets. After inducing a contact or an atopic dermatitis, immunological parameters were analyzed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of these n−3 PUFA. n−3 PUFA reduced innate and specific immune responses through inhibition of TH1 and TH2 responses, increase of immunomodulatory cytokines such as IL-10, and regulation of gene expression. The inhibition of both kinds of responses was confirmed by the anti-inflammatory effect observed in contact and atopic dermatitis. Reduction in weight, edema, thickness, leukocyte infiltration, and enhancement of antioxidant defenses in the inflamed ears of mice from both models along with the prevention of delayed-type hypersensitivity induced in atopic dermatitis proved n−3 PUFA efficacy. Our data suggest that dietary fish oil-derived n−3 fatty acids have immunomodulatory effects and could be useful in inflammatory disorders.

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Abbreviations

ARA:

arachidonic acid

Con A:

concanavalin A

COX:

cyclooxygenase

DNFB:

2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene

DTH:

delayed-type hypersensitivity

FO:

fish oil

GSH:

glutathione

LOX:

lipooxygenase

LPS:

lipopolysacharide

LXB:

liver X receptor

M-CSF:

macrophage-colony stimulating factor

MDA:

malondialdehyde

MPO:

mieloperoxidase

PGE2 :

prostaglandin E2

PPAR:

peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor

SO:

sunflower oil

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Immunology and Animal Science Department, Puleva Biotech SA, Camino de Purchil 66, 18004, Granada, Spain

    Saleta Sierra, Federico Lara-Villoslada, Mónica Olivares & Jordi Xaus

  2. Pharmacology Department, Pharmacy School, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain

    Mònica Comalada

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  1. Saleta Sierra
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  2. Federico Lara-Villoslada
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  3. Mònica Comalada
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  4. Mónica Olivares
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  5. Jordi Xaus
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Sierra, S., Lara-Villoslada, F., Comalada, M. et al. Dietary fish oil n−3 fatty acids increase regulatory cytokine production and exert anti-inflammatory effects in two murine models of inflammation. Lipids 41, 1115–1125 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-006-5061-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-006-5061-2

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