Omega-3s block cyclo-oxygenase and thus counteract inflammation

Fish oil supplements: stop cyclo-oxygenase, stop inflammation!

The Omega 3 block the action of cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for the production of prostaglandins, hormones that initiate inflammation. Edward Dennis and colleagues at the University of California, San Diego (United States), for the first time, have uncovered the mechanisms of the effect exerted by these fatty acids within cells. The research suggests that the effect of Omega-3s could be enhanced to circumvent the mechanisms of inflammation before they are even triggered. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Omega-3, health-friendly fatty acids

The benefits of Omega-3s have been known since the 1970s, when a decrease in cardiovascular disease was observed in Eskimos. The Eskimo population consumed large amounts of fish rich in these fatty acids. Researchers over these decades have shown that Omega-3s are also indispensable for the proper development of the nervous system as well as for playing an anti-inflammatory role. No study had before now identified the cellular targets of their action.

Omega-3 like aspirin

Dennis and colleagues used certain cells of the mouse immune system, macrophages, in their experiments. The researchers fed these cells with 3 different types of Omega-3:

• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid);
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid);
• AA (arachidonic acid).

After inoculation, the researchers stimulated them so that they would trigger an inflammatory response. However, administration of all 3 omega-3s inhibited the action of COX, which is required for the hormones responsible for inflammation to be produced. Dennis explained that this mechanism of action is very similar to that ofaspirin, which reduces pain and inflammation by interfering with processes in which theCOX-2 enzyme is involved. The researchers studied more deeply what was happening to macrophages and found that the cells convert previously administered EPA into DPA (docosapentaenoic acid). DPA is the molecule that directly affects COX function.

The practical applications of discovery

Dennis commented on the discovery, pointing out that knowledge of the mechanisms of action of Omega-3s could enable precise regulation of inflammatory processes. In particular, Omega-3s could be used to reduce the production of proinflammatory molec ules (the prostaglandins) and increase that of anti-inflammatory molecules (the resolvins). But the discovery could also help identify possible hidden side effects of Omega-3 use. Indeed, if these fatty acids have the same effect as some drugs (such as aspirin) that have known side effects, using them at the same time 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.