Monounsaturated fats and immune function

Abstract

Animal studies suggest that olive oil is capable of modulating functions of cells of the immune system in a manner similar to, albeit weaker than, fish oils. There is some evidence that the effects of olive oil on immune function in animal studies are due to oleic acid rather than to trace elements or antioxidants. Importantly, several studies have demonstrated effects of oleic acid-containing diets on in vivo immune responses. In contrast, consumption of a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet by humans does not appear to bring about a general suppression of immune cell functions. The effects of this diet in humans are limited to decreasing aspects of adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, although there are trends towards decreases in natural killer cell activity and proliferation. The lack of a clear effect of MUFA in humans may be attributable to the higher level of monounsaturated fat used in the animal studies, although it is ultimately of importance to examine the effects of intakes which are in no way extreme. The effects of MUFA on adhesion molecules are potentially important, since these molecules appear to have a role in the pathology of a number of diseases involving the immune system. This area clearly deserves further exploration.

Effect of fatty acids on leukocyte function

“…These changes can affect the activity of transmembrane proteins, such as cell receptors and ionic channels (3,4).…”

“…Calcium release -Fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated acids, increase intracellular calcium concentrations, allowing a series of proteins to be modulated (3,4).…”

“…Many eicosanoids such as LTB 4 and TX have a chemotactic effect. On the other hand, PGE 2 can inhibit leukocyte migration and activity.…”

“…Yaqoob (4) has shown that monounsaturated fatty acid-rich diets lower peripheral monocyte adhesion, whereas Calders group (3) found that saturated fatty acids enhance cultured macrophage adhesion when compared to PUFA. It has been found that monocytes treated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have lower expression of ICAM-1, an effect that is opposite to that of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (5).…”

Effect of bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) oil administered by gavage on the fatty acid composition and oxidative stress of mouse liver

“…Several studies have shown the influence of dietary fat on fatty acid (FA) composition and oxidative stress in various tissues (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”