prostaglandin-e3 and Inflammation

Skepticism about the health benefits of fish oil is largely the result of our incomplete understanding of the biochemistry of omega3 essential fatty acids. Recent work has confirmed the roles of omega3 fatty acids in gene transcription and signal transduction, and has given insight into the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio on prostanoid (PG) metabolism and function. One pronounced effect of fish-oil-induced increases in EPA/AA ratios is decreased PG formation from AA via cyclooxygenase-1, because EPA inhibits this isoform. In addition, cells lacking endogenous alkyl-peroxide-generating systems and thus having a low 'peroxide tone' cannot oxygenate EPA via cyclooxygenase-1. Platelets, however, which are equipped with a lipoxygenase that can produce an abundance of hydroperoxide from AA, can form small amounts of thromboxane A3 from EPA via cyclooxygenase-1. A second major consequence of elevated EPA/AA ratios is significantly increased production of 3-series PGs, including PGE3, via cyclooxygenase-2. There are four PGE receptor subtypes and at least one of these types--not yet identified--has a significantly different response to PGE3 than to PGE2; this difference may underlie the ability of omega3 fatty acids to mitigate inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Topics: Alprostadil; Animals; Cyclooxygenase 1; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Fish Oils; Humans; Inflammation; Membrane Proteins; Peroxides; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Prostaglandins; Receptors, Prostaglandin E

The use of NSAID medications is a well-established effective therapy for both acute and chronic nonspecific neck and back pain. Extreme complications, including gastric ulcers, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and even deaths, are associated with their use. An alternative treatment with fewer side effects that also reduces the inflammatory response and thereby reduces pain is believed to be omega-3 EFAs found in fish oil. We report our experience in a neurosurgical practice using fish oil supplements for pain relief.. From March to June 2004, 250 patients who had been seen by a neurosurgeon and were found to have nonsurgical neck or back pain were asked to take a total of 1200 mg per day of omega-3 EFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid and decosahexaenoic acid) found in fish oil supplements. A questionnaire was sent approximately 1 month after starting the supplement.. Of the 250 patients, 125 returned the questionnaire at an average of 75 days on fish oil. Seventy-eight percent were taking 1200 mg and 22% were taking 2400 mg of EFAs. Fifty-nine percent discontinued to take their prescription NSAID medications for pain. Sixty percent stated that their overall pain was improved, and 60% stated that their joint pain had improved. Eighty percent stated they were satisfied with their improvement, and 88% stated they would continue to take the fish oil. There were no significant side effects reported.. Our results mirror other controlled studies that compared ibuprofen and omega-3 EFAs demonstrating equivalent effect in reducing arthritic pain. omega-3 EFA fish oil supplements appear to be a safer alternative to NSAIDs for treatment of nonsurgical neck or back pain in this selective group.

Topics: Alprostadil; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthralgia; Back Pain; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Dinoprostone; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Neck Pain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome

Alternative polarization of macrophages regulates multiple biological processes. While M1-polarized macrophages generally mediate rapid immune responses, M2-polarized macrophages induce chronic and mild immune responses. In either case, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-derived lipid mediators act as both products and regulators of macrophages. Prostaglandin E

Topics: Alprostadil; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cell Differentiation; Cell Polarity; Humans; Inflammation; Macrophage Activation; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Prostatic Neoplasms; Signal Transduction

Topics: Alprostadil; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; Dinoprostone; Drug Incompatibility; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Inflammation; Neurosurgery; Pain