ARS | Publication request: EFFECT OF INDIVIDUAL FATTY ACIDS OF N-6 AND N-3 TYPE ON HUMAN IMMUNE STATUSAND ROLE OF EICOSANOIDS

Submitted to: Lipids Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2000
Publication Date: May 1, 2000

Technical Abstract: We have reviewed the literature regarding the effects of individual fatty acids on human immune status. When total fat intake was held constant, an increase in consumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic or arachidonic acid) did not adversely affect a number of indices tested. Arachidonic acid supplementation actually significantly enhanced in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and the number of circulating granulocytes. An increase in the intake of n-3 fatty acids (linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, or docosahexaenoic acid) inhibited several indices of immune response, even if total fat intake was held constant. Literature also indicates that docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids differ in their anti- proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. Changes in the production of PGE2 and LTB4 do not seem to be the mechanisms by which these fatty acids alter immune response, even if n-6 fatty acids increase and n-3 fatty acids decrease their production.