Omega-3 fatty acids: a novel resort against gastrointestinal injury

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014 Oct;18(20):3086-90.

Abstract

The integrity of gastric barrier derives from the balance between defending and damaging factors. In particular, prostaglandins play a relevant role in the maintenance of gastric homeostasis and prevention of peptic disease, at different levels. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentanoic acid, are the precursors of the third series of prostaglandins (with anti-inflammatory properties), also reducing the formation of the second series of prostaglandins (pro-inflammatory ones). Such a pathophysiological rationale brought to the experimental application, both in animal models and, more recently, in humans, of omega-3 fatty acids against gastrointestinal damage. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown interesting results in preventing different types of gastric damage in mouse models. A large retrospective case-control study on patients taking both anti-thrombotic therapy and eicosapentanoic acid showed (although only at unadjusted analysis) an inverse correlation between consumption of eicosapentanoic acid and gastrointestinal injury. Prospective, well-designed, comparative studies are warranted to clarify if omega-3 fatty acids may represent, or not, a novel resort against gastrointestinal injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / pathology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Prostaglandins / administration & dosage
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thrombosis / metabolism
  • Thrombosis / pathology
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Prostaglandins
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid