Leukocyte numbers and function in subjects eating n-3 enriched foods: selective depression of natural killer cell levels

Abstract

Introduction While consumption of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) has been recommended for those at risk of inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, the mechanism of their anti-inflammatory effect remains to be clearly defined, particularly in relation to the dose and type of n-3 LCPUFA. The objective of this study was to determine whether varying the levels of n-3 LCPUFA in erythrocyte membrane lipids, following dietary supplementation, is associated with altered numbers and function of circulating leukocytes conducive to protection against inflammation.

Omega 3 (n−3) fatty acids down-regulate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) gene and blood cell adhesion molecule expression in patients with homozygous sickle cell disease

“…The observed decrease in TWBC owing to n −3 fatty acids supplementation is constituent with findings obtained from conditions other than SCD [29][30][31] and patients with SCD [16]. It is tenable; this 524.3 ± 141.4 487.6 ± 141.4 509.6 ± 232.9 484.5 ± 217.5 reduction in blood cell count was a manifestation of an improved inflammatory state [32,33] or diminished haemopoietic activity of the bone marrow [34].…”

Fatty acids as modulators of neutrophil recruitment, function and survival

“…A double-blind and placebo-controlled study with 44 healthy subjects showed no effects of n-3 FAs ingestion (1g/day) during 6 months, on neutrophil chemotaxis, adherence and bactericidal activity (Mukaro et al, 2008). Rees et al (2006) Although the theme "n-3 fatty acids and cytokine" is extensively discussed, with a well defined scenario, few studies focused their efforts to determine the effects of these fatty acids on neutrophil cytokine production.…”

Systematic review of omega-3 enriched foods and health

“…LC3PUFA enriched foods offering doses between 1g and 3.8g/d LC3PUFA were found to give health benefits in the form of reduced cholesterol levels and decreased inflammatory markers and tissue damage in three of the trials (Bloedon et al, 2008 ;Mukaro et al, 2008 ;Dawczynski et al, 2010) although the use of healthy participants in some trials may have limited findings in relation to health benefits. The dosages used in studies with health benefits are consistent with findings made in a LC3PUFA supplementation meta-analysis by Hartweg et al (2007), who concluded that LC3PUFA offer cholesterol lowering effects and that high doses (>2g/d) may offer greater benefits in this area.…”

“…Mukaro et al (2008) offered a variety of different cod liver oil fortified foods including baked and dairy products, chocolate, dips, milk, muesli, salad dressings and soup. Healthy participants were able to choose eight foods per day, with the objective of receiving a LC3PUFA dose of 1000mg/d and 44 volunteers took part in the six month intervention.…”

“…Ten of the trials reported significant increases in blood LC3PUFA levels in participating adults and five demonstrated potential health benefits (Harrison et al, 2004b ;Murphy et al, 2007 ;Bloedon et al, 2008 ;Mukaro et al, 2008 ;Dawczynski et al, 2010). Clinical health outcomes including measurement of blood cholesterol markers, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and tissue damage were measured in seven of the studies.…”