Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is intimately involved in symptoms of arthritis while dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are thought to be beneficial. In these experiments, using both bovine and human in vitro systems that mimic features of arthritis, we show that the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is able to reduce mRNA and protein levels of COX-2. Activity, as assessed through prostaglandin E(2) formation, was also reduced in a dose-dependent manner. These effects of EPA contrasted noticeably with the n-6 PUFA, arachidonic acid. The data provide direct evidence for a molecular mechanism by which dietary n-3 PUFA, such as EPA, can reduce inflammation and, hence, associated symptoms in arthritis.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arthritis / diet therapy*
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Arthritis / enzymology*
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Arthritis / pathology
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Cartilage, Articular / drug effects
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Cartilage, Articular / enzymology
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Cartilage, Articular / pathology
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Cattle
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Cells, Cultured
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Cyclooxygenase 2 / biosynthesis
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Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism*
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Dietary Fats / pharmacology
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Dietary Fats / therapeutic use
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
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Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / pharmacology*
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Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / therapeutic use
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Humans
Substances
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Dietary Fats
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3
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Fatty Acids, Omega-6
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Cyclooxygenase 2