Omega-3s block cyclooxygenase and thus combat inflammation
Fish Oil Supplements: Stop Cyclooxygenase, Stop Inflammation!
Omega-3 block the action of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for producing prostaglandins, hormones that trigger inflammation. Edward Dennis and colleagues at the University of California San Diego (USA) were the first to discover the mechanisms of these fatty acids’ effects inside cells. The research suggests that the effect of Omega-3 could be enhanced to bypass the mechanisms of inflammation before they are triggered. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Omega-3, fatty acids friendly to health
The benefits of Omega-3 have been known since the 1970s, when a reduction in cardiovascular diseases was observed among the Eskimos. This population consumed large amounts of fish rich in these fatty acids. Over the decades, researchers have shown that Omega-3 are also essential for proper nervous system development as well as having an anti-inflammatory action. No study had previously identified the cellular targets of their action.
Omega-3 like aspirin
Dennis and colleagues used immune system cells from mice, called macrophages, in their experiments. The researchers fed these cells three different types of Omega-3:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid);
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid);
- AA (arachidonic acid).
After inoculation, the researchers stimulated the cells to provoke an inflammatory response. The administration of all three Omegas inhibited the action of COX, necessary for producing the hormones responsible for inflammation. Dennis explained that this mechanism is very similar to that of aspirin, which reduces pain and inflammation by interfering with the processes involving the COX-2 enzyme. The researchers further studied what happened inside the macrophages and discovered that the cells convert the administered EPA into DPA (docosapentaenoic acid). DPA is the molecule that directly acts on COX function.
Practical applications of the discovery
Dennis commented that understanding the mechanisms of Omega-3 action could allow for precise regulation of inflammatory processes. In particular, Omega-3 could be used to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules (prostaglandins) and increase that of anti-inflammatory molecules (resolvins). Moreover, this discovery could help identify potential hidden side effects in the use of Omega-3. Indeed, since these fatty acids have the same effect as some drugs (like aspirin) that have known side effects, their simultaneous use might be inadvisable.
Source:
1. Norris PC, Dennis EA, “Omega-3 fatty acids cause dramatic changes in TLR4 and purinergic eicosanoid signaling”, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 May 14.
