Fish Oil Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Fish Oil, including details on omega-3, dosage, health benefits, diet. | ||||||||
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Changing ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can differentially modulate polychlorinated biphenyl toxicity in endothelial cells.Wang L, Reiterer G, Toborek M, Hennig B Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536, USA; Molecular and Cell Nutrition Laboratory, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536, USA. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can cause endothelial cell (EC) activation by inducing pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Our previous studies indicated that linoleic acid (LA, 18:2), a major omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid in the American diet, can potentiate PCB77-mediated inflammatory responses in EC. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids (such as alpha-linolenic acid, ALA and 18:3) are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. We tested the hypothesis that mechanisms of PCB-induced endothelial cell activation and inflammation can be modified by different ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. EC were pretreated with LA, ALA, or different ratios of these fatty acids, followed by exposure to PCB77. PCB77-induced oxidative stress and activation of the oxidative stress sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) were markedly increased in the presence of LA and diminished by increasing the relative amount of ALA to LA. Similar protective effects by increasing ALA were observed by measuring NF-kappaB-responsive genes, such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 catalyzes the rate limiting step of the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). PCB77 exposure also increased PGE(2) levels, which were down-regulated with relative increasing amounts of ALA to LA. The present studies suggest that NF-kappaB is a critical player in the regulation of PCB-induced inflammatory markers as modulated by omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Published 26 February 2008 in Chem Biol Interact, 172(1): 27-38.
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