Dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces superoxide production and chemiluminescence in a monocyte-enriched preparation of leukocytes.
Consuming substantial quantities of n-3 fatty acids reduces atherogenesis in experimental models of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms of this beneficial effect remain uncertain. Monocyte-derived tissue macrophages are associated with atherogenesis, and inhibition of monocyte inflammatory activity could, hypothetically, be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis. We observed that stimulated human monocyte and/or macrophage production of superoxide and the occurrence of monocyte chemiluminescence, two indices of monocyte inflammatory activity, were significantly reduced by the ingestion of 6 g n-3 fatty acids/d for 6 wk. This effect was associated with a reduction of stearic and arachidonic acids whereas eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations rose significantly. These results indicate that modest dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation can reduce stimulated human-monocyte free-radical production and may impair the capability of macrophages derived from monocytes to promote oxidation of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and associated cellular toxicity.
Fisher
M
M
Department of Neurology, Medical Center of Central Massachusetts-Memorial, Worcester 01605-2982.
Levine
P H
PH
Weiner
B H
BH
Johnson
M H
MH
Doyle
E M
EM
Ellis
P A
PA
Hoogasian
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003060:Cod Liver Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013481:Superoxides / Q000097:blood*
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005609:Free Radicals; D013481:Superoxides; D003060:Cod Liver Oil