The increase in the prevalence of
atopic diseases has recently been linked to altered consumption of polyunsaturated fatty
acids (PUFAs).
As typical Western diets contain
almost 10 times more linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) than alpha-linolenic acid (18:3
omega-3), it is the metabolism of the former that predominates. Subsequently produced
arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids alter the balance of T-helper cells type 1 and type 2
thus favoring the production of immunoglobulin (Ig)E.
In atopic subjects, the impact of
this excessive eicosanoid production may be further strengthened as a result of changes in
cyclic nucleotide metabolism exacerbated by substrate availability.
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids can
have marked influence on both specific and nonspecific immune responses in modifying
eicosanoid production and replacing omega-6 fatty acids in cell membranes.
Therefore, it is suggested that careful
manipulation of dietary PUFAs may play a key role in the successful management of
inflammation associated with atopic diseases. 34 |
