Prostaglandin E2 production and T cell function after fish-oil supplementation: response to antioxidant cosupplementation.
BACKGROUND
Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but the effect of PGE(2) on interleukin 4 (IL-4) production is unclear. Fish oil, which contains eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, inhibits production of PGE(2). The effects of fish oil on lymphocyte proliferation and production of IFN-gamma and IL-4 are unclear and may be influenced by the availability of antioxidants.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the effect of dietary fish oil with and without antioxidant cosupplementation on lymphocyte proliferation and the production of PGE(2), IFN-gamma, and IL-4 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells.


METHODS
Sixteen healthy men received dietary fish-oil supplements providing 0.3, 1, and 2 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus docosahexaenoic acid/d for 4 consecutive weeks each (total of 12 wk). All subjects were randomly assigned to daily cosupplementation with either antioxidants (200 microg Se, 3 mg Mn, 30 mg RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate, 90 mg ascorbic acid, 450 micro g vitamin A) or placebo.


RESULTS
Fish-oil supplementation decreased PGE(2) production and increased IFN-gamma production and lymphocyte proliferation from baseline values. Cosupplementation with antioxidants did not affect cytokine production or lymphocyte proliferation.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary fish oil modulates production of IFN-gamma and lymphocyte proliferation in a manner consistent with decreased production of PGE(2), but this effect is not modified by antioxidant cosupplementation.
Trebble
Timothy M
TM
Institute of Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, United Kingdom. tt2@soton.ac.uk
Wootton
Stephen A
SA
Miles
Elizabeth A
EA
Mullee
Mark
M
Arden
Nigel K
NK
Ballinger
Anne B
AB
Stroud
Mike A
MA
Burdge
Graham C
GC
Calder
Philip C
PC
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005395:Fish Oils; D015847:Interleukin-4; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D015232:Dinoprostone