Polyunsaturated n−3 fatty acids and the development of atopic disease

Abstract

The relationship between polyunsaturated longchain fatty acids and atopy has been discussed for decades. Higher levels of the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid and lower levels of their longer metabolites in plasma phospholipids of atopic as compared to nonatopic individuals have been reported by several, but not all, studies. Largely similar findings have been reported in studies of cell membranes from immunological cells from atopics and non-atopics despite differences in methodology, study groups, and definitions of atopy. An imbalance in the metabolism of the n-6 fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, leading to an inappropriate synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGE1 was hypothesized early on but has not been corroborated. The fatty acid composition of human milk is dependent on the time of lactation not only during a breast meal but also the time of the day and the period of lactation. This explains the discrepancies in reported findings regarding the relationship between milk fatty acids and atopic disease in the mother. Prospective studies show disturbances in both the n-6 and n-3 fatty acid composition between milk from atopic and nonatopic mothers. Only the composition of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids was related to atopic development in the children, however. A relationship between lower levels of n-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3), and early development of atopic disease is hypothesized.

Determinants of neonatal IgE level: parity, maternal age, birth season and perinatal essential fatty acid status in infants of atopic mothers

“…The increased consumption of vegetable oils rich in LA and a simultaneously reduced consumption of fatty fish (rich in n-3 EFAs) has been accompanied by an increased prevalence of atopic disease (25,26). In atopic infants these associations have been described (42,43). It has therefore been hypothesized that the increased consumption of LA and the consequent increase in the ratio between n-6 and n-3 EFAs in the diet may have led to an increase in atopic diseases (the n-6/n-3 EFA hypothesis).…”

Seafood as functional food

“…However, polyunsaturated acids amounts in the human milk depend on their ingestion by mothers, so that they may be liberated by the mammary glands (Martinez, 1991;Duchen and Bjorksten, 2001). Jensen (1978) reported that colostrum is richer than milk in unsaturated fatty acids, which are also found in higher amounts in preterm children's mother's colostrums (Bitman et al, 1983).…”

Protease-Resistant Fraction of Smoked, Dried Bonito Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice

“…When red blood cells were not stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187, the release of LTB 4 was not significantly different between the C and SDBR groups. However, upon stimulation with calcium ionophore A23187, the release of LTB 4 was found to be significantly lower in the SDBR group than in the C group (Fig.…”

“…Proinflammatory leukotrienes such as LTB 4 are derived from AA. The dietary enrichment of n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) usually leads to a decrease in AA.…”

“…Several studies have shown that n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities (3)(4)(5). The administration of n -3 PUFAs is known to be effective against allergies by suppressing the production of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (AA) ( 6,7 ).…”