Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreases matrix metalloproteinase-9 production in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) production by immune cells in multiple sclerosis (MS). Quality of life, fatty acid levels, and safety were also evaluated.


METHODS
Ten participants with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) received omega-3 FA supplementation (9.6g/day fish oil) in an open-label study. Participants were evaluated at four time points, baseline, after 1 month of omega-3 FA supplementation, after 3 months of omega-3 FA supplementation, and after a 3-month wash out.


RESULTS
Immune cell secretion of MMP-9 decreased by 58% after 3 months of omega-3 FA supplementation when compared with baseline levels (p<0.01). This effect was coupled with a significant increase in omega-3 FA levels in red blood cell membranes.


CONCLUSIONS
Omega-3 FA significantly decreased MMP-9 levels in RRMS and may act as an immune-modulator that has potential therapeutic benefit in MS patients.
Shinto
L
L
Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CR120 Portland, OR 97239, USA. shintol@ohsu.edu
Marracci
G
G
Baldauf-Wagner
S
S
Strehlow
A
A
Yadav
V
V
Stuber
L
L
Bourdette
D
D
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9