Effects of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on human placental cytokine production. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Melody, S.M.; Vincent, R.; Mori, T.A.; Mas, E.; Barden, A.E.; Waddell, B.J.; Keelan, J.A.
• Is Part Of: Placenta. Volume 36:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Placenta -- Inflammation -- Cytokines -- Fatty acids -- Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Placenta -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Periodicals; Placenta -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; 612.63
• DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.10.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-4004

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Dietary supplementation with omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n -3 PUFAs) may exert benefits in pregnancy through inhibition of placental inflammation. However, studies on the anti-inflammatory effects of n -3 PUFAs in the placenta are lacking. We compared the cytokine responses of human placental explants in vitro after 4 days pre-incubation with either: a) individual n -3 or n -6 PUFAs (20 μM), or b) physiologically relevant combinations of low, medium or high n -3 or n -6 PUFA concentrations. Methods: Placental cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) mRNA expression and protein production were assessed at 4 h and 12 h, respectively. Cytokine and fatty acid concentrations were also measured in placentas delivered at term by women who ingested either low ( n = 12) or high ( n = 10) amounts of fish/fish oil in the month prior to delivery. Results: Pre-exposure to n -3 PUFAs as individual fatty acids results in reduced placental IL-6 production ( P < 0.05), whereas exposure to complex fatty acid mixtures enriched in n -3 PUFAs (high n -3: n -6 ratios) results in a significant stimulation of IL-6 production ( P < 0.05). There were no differences in placental n -3 or n -6 PUFA levels between women with either high or low dietary fish oil intake and no differences in cytokine expression. Discussion: In summary, data from our complex lipid explant model and an observational cohort study do not support a role for n3 PUFAs in the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the human placenta. Results from studies of placental tissues exposed to single n-3 and n-6 PUFAs should be interpreted with considerable caution. Highlights: Tested individually, n -3 PUFAs inhibit cytokine production by placental explants. In a physiological FFA environment, n -3 PUFAs stimulate placental cytokine production. In vivo data do not support the validity of the individual n -3 PUFA studies. n -3 PUFAs do not suppress placental cytokine production under physiological conditions. In vitro studies of single PUFA/FFA exposure lack physiological relevance.