Cox-2 expression, PGE(2) and cytokines production are inhibited by endogenously synthesized n-3 PUFAs in inflamed colon of fat-1 mice.

There is great interest in the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in promoting (n-6 class) or inhibiting (n-3 class) inflammation. Mammalian cells are devoid of desaturase that converts n-6 to n-3 PUFAs. Consequently, essential n-3 fatty acids must be supplied with the diet.