n-3 Fatty acids and asthma

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common and prevalent problems worldwide affecting over 300 million individuals. There is some evidence from observational and intervention studies to suggest a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA in inflammatory diseases, specifically asthma. Marine-based n-3 PUFA have therefore been proposed as a possible complementary/alternative therapy for asthma. The proposed anti-inflammatory effects of n-3 fatty acids may be linked to a change in cell membrane composition. This altered membrane composition following n-3 fatty acid supplementation (primarily EPA and DHA) can modify lipid mediator generation via the production of eicosanoids with a reduced inflammatory potential/impact. A recently identified group of lipid mediators derived from EPA including E-series resolvins are proposed to be important in the resolution of inflammation. Reduced inflammation attenuates the severity of asthma including symptoms (dyspnoea) and exerts a bronchodilatory effect. There have been no major health side effects reported with the dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids or their mediators; consequently supplementing with n-3 fatty acids is an attractive non-pharmacological intervention which may benefit asthma.

Pro-Resolving Effects of Resolvin D2 in LTD4 and TNF-α Pre-Treated Human Bronchi

“…On the other hand, n-3 PUFA derivatives have been shown to display pro-resolving effects in various chronic airway diseases by stimulating the clearance of inflammatory debris and promoting mucosal antimicrobial defence [15, 16]. To date, no study has described the antiphlogistic role of D series Resolvins in leukotrienes-induced airway inflammation.…”

“…Distinct studies have reported the benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in maintaining human health due to the endogenous metabolism and production of multiple specialised pro-resolving mediators, such as resolvins (RvDs and RvEs), protectins (PDs) and maresins (MaRs) [13, 14, 15, 16, 17]. Concentrations of the D-series Resolvins within the biological range were shown to induce anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving activities in isolated human leucocytes in vitro and in a mouse model of acute inflammation in vivo [18].…”

“…Concentrations of the D-series Resolvins within the biological range were shown to induce anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving activities in isolated human leucocytes in vitro and in a mouse model of acute inflammation in vivo [18]. In chronic respiratory diseases, RvDs have been identified as important pro-resolving agents by blunting airway inflammatory markers [15, 19]. Among n-3 PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases the production of these anti-phlogistic mediators over time during the course of the inflammatory process [15].…”

“…In chronic respiratory diseases, RvDs have been identified as important pro-resolving agents by blunting airway inflammatory markers [15, 19]. Among n-3 PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases the production of these anti-phlogistic mediators over time during the course of the inflammatory process [15]. For example, RvD 1 and RvD 2 have long been associated with pro-resolving effects in chronic diseases [17, 20].…”

Incorporating Natural Products, Pharmaceutical Drugs, Self-Care and Digital/Mobile Health Technologies into Molecular-Behavioral Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases

“…Examples of clinical trials showing improved efficacy by combining selected natural products with analgesics, anti-seizure, anticancer, antidiabetic, or antidepressant drugs are shown in Table 1 . New opportunities for n-3 PUFA also include cystic fibrosis [47] and asthma [48]. Despite positive effects of the natural products on specific medical conditions (n-3 PUFA in cardiovascular disease (CVD), α-LA for diabetic neuropathy, curcumin in depression), clinical trials of the natural products tested as monotherapies sometimes report inconclusive or negative results.…”