Mechanisms by which fatty acids regulate leucocyte function.
Fatty acids (FAs) have been shown to alter leucocyte function and thus to modulate inflammatory and immune responses. In this review, the effects of FAs on several aspects of lymphocyte, neutrophil and macrophage function are discussed. The mechanisms by which FAs modulate the production of lipid mediators, activity of intracellular signalling pathways, activity of lipid-raft-associated proteins, binding to TLRs (Toll-like receptors), control of gene expression, activation of transcription factors, induction of cell death and production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are described in this review. The rationale for the use of specific FAs to treat patients with impaired immune function is explained. Substantial improvement in the therapeutic usage of FAs or FA derivatives may be possible based on an improvement in the understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms of action with respect to the different leucocyte types and outcome with respect to the inflammatory responses.
Martins de Lima
Thais
T
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Gorjão
Renata
R
Hatanaka
Elaine
E
Cury-Boaventura
Maria Fernanda
MF
Portioli Silva
Erica Paula
EP
Procopio
Joaquim
J
Curi
Rui
R
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000502:physiology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D021962:Membrane Microdomains / Q000378:metabolism; D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4 / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D005227:Fatty Acids; D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C495345:TLR4 protein, human; D051197:Toll-Like Receptor 4; D014157:Transcription Factors