OMEGA-3´S MAY HELP REDUCE THE INTENSITY OF AN INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

OMEGA-3´S MAY HELP REDUCE THE INTENSITY OF AN INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE (“CYTOKINE STORM”)

 

Omega-3s (EPA, DPA, DHA) help to control in at least four principal pathways the intensity of inflammatory response:

1. Omega-3 together with Vitamin D3 upregulates IKK-beta-complex, which down-regulates the NFK-beta activity, leading to less expression of pro-inflammatory IL-6, TNF, and VGEF from the nucleus, hence reducing the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.

2. Accumulation of Omega-3 in cell membranes results in the displacement of pro-inflammatory arachidonic omega-6 fatty acids in the COX-2/LOX systems. This accumulation reduces the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (PGE-2, LOX-5), and increases the anti-inflammatory eicosanoids concentration originating from the EPA.

3. EPA & DHA help down-regulating NOS gene expression, resulting in decreased NO (nitric oxide) production. NO plays a vital role in many inflammation processes and leads to severe inflammation-related tissue damage. NO stimulates NFkß and, in this way, increases, even more, the inflammatory response (see point 1) by closing a vicious circle and, if not controlled, leading to a fatal “cytokine storm."

4. DHA & EPA are partially transformed into hormone-like substances called “Pro Resolving Mediators” (PRM´s) such as Protectins, Resolvins, and Maresins. They are essential signaling compounds initiating the end of an inflammatory process and to repair damaged cell tissues.

The pro-inflammatory omega-6 and the anti-inflammatory omega-3 concentration in your body depend only on your diet. To achieve a quality diet, reduce the amount of omega-6 rich foods such as red meat, eggs, and milk products and increase your omega-3 intake by eating more fatty fish like sardine, anchovies, salmon, and tuna.

 Additionally, choosing a high-quality omega-3 fish oil supplement (preferably with vitamin D3) can reduce the intensity of an excessive inflammatory response. High-quality/purity omega-3 supplements can be effective against every chronic inflammation disorder, including arthritis, dermatitis, irritable bowel disease, atherosclerosis, dermatitis (psoriasis), and dementia.