Distinct effects of α-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on the expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism and the response to infection in THP-1 monocytes and immune cells of obese humans.

Background: Monocytes play a large role in chronic inflammatory conditions such as obesity, atherosclerosis and infection. Marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) beneficially alter immune function and attenuate chronic inflammation in part by modifying gene expression. Comparisons with plant-derived omega-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) on immune cell gene expression and function are limited.

Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial examining the effects of marine- and plant-sourced omega-3 fatty acid supplements on octadecanoid profiles and inflammation in females with obesity (OXBIO trial).

Introduction: Consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) has been reported to provide health benefits, but it remains unknown whether the fatty acids themselves or their oxygenated metabolites, oxylipins, are responsible for the beneficial effects.

Purpose: This paper describes the design and rationale of a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study comparing the effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA)-rich flax oil and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich fish oil supplementation on circulating oxylipin profiles in females with obesity, in relation to obesity-induced inflammation.

Methods And Analysis: Pre-menopausal females (n = 24) aged 20-55 with a BMI ≥30, will consume capsules containing flaxseed oil (4 g ALA/day) or fish oil (4 g DHA + 0.

Alpha-linolenic acid enhances the phagocytic and secretory functions of alternatively activated macrophages in part via changes to the oxylipin profile.

Alternatively activated macrophages are innate immune cells that contribute to resolution of inflammation and maintenance of homeostasis. Modulation of available fatty acid sources is thought to affect cellular physiology through a variety of mechanisms, including through alterations to the profile of oxygenated free fatty acid metabolites, called oxylipins, produced in a cell type specific manner. Here, we investigated how treatment with the plant-sourced omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) affects the oxylipin profile and functional capacity of a cell culture model of human alternatively activated (M2a-like) macrophages.

Anti-inflammatory effects of α-linolenic acid in M1-like macrophages are associated with enhanced production of oxylipins from α-linolenic and linoleic acid.

Chronic inflammation, mediated in large part by proinflammatory macrophage populations, contributes directly to the induction and perpetuation of metabolic diseases, including obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can have profound effects on inflammation through the formation of bioactive oxygenated metabolites called oxylipins. The objective of this study was to determine if exposure to the dietary omega-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (ALA) can dampen the inflammatory properties of classically activated (M1-like) macrophages derived from the human THP-1 cell line and to examine the accompanying alterations in oxylipin secretion.