Metabolic alterations during inflammation and its modulation by central actions of omega-3 fatty acids.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the possible relationship between long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, cytokines, anandamides, nitric oxide, leptin, various neurotransmitters in the brain, and their role in anorexia of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer.


RESULTS
Recent studies have shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially the omega-3 series, have antiinflammatory actions, increase the concentrations of anandamides, enhance the levels of acetylcholine and nitric oxide and modulate the concentrations and actions of various neurotransmitters, including leptin, in the brain. Patients suffering from acute and chronic inflammatory conditions have low tissue concentrations of various long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines that can cause anorexia and decrease food intake.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that supplementation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a role in the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, improving anorexia associated with these conditions.
Das
Undurti N
UN
EFA Sciences LLC, Norwood, Massachusetts 02062, USA. undas@efasciences.com
Ramos
Eduardo J B
EJ
Meguid
Michael M
MM
D000818:Animals; D000855:Anorexia / Q000378:metabolism; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism*; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D020738:Leptin; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide