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Altered NF-kappaB gene expression and collagen formation induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Jia Y, Turek JJ

Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2026, USA.

Inability to control collagen formation in vital organs (e.g., fibrosis) or stimulate healthy collagen production (CP) in connective tissues (e.g., ligaments) is a major cause of death and disability. This study tested the hypothesis that arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) influenced CP in 3T3-Swiss fibroblasts by altering gene expression in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway. 3T3-Swiss fibroblasts were grown in medium containing either AA or EPA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to activate NF-kappaB, and parthenolide was used to block it. Cells treated with EPA had increased expression of genes in the NF-kappaB pathway when exposed to LPS and also produced more collagen. Parthenolide blocked NF-kappaB activation to a greater extent in EPA-treated cells and also decreased CP induced by NF-kappaB activation. Genes in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway that had increased expression in EPA-treated cells included the toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), adaptor proteins [TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (Traf6), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88], signal transduction kinases (NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, inhibitors of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer isoforms), inhibitor protein (I-kappaB alpha chain), transcription factors (nuclear factor of kappa light chain gene enhancer, (p)105 and NF-kappaB subunit p100), DNA binding proteins (cAMP response element binding protein) and response genes known to affect CP [interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), monocyte chemotactic protein-1]. This study raises the possibility that fatty acids may be used as adjuvants in combination with other therapies (e.g., selective targeting of the NF-kappaB pathway) to control collagen formation.

Published 26 July 2005 in J Nutr Biochem, 16(8): 500-6.
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