Inflammatory bowel disease: can omega-3 fatty acids really help?

Adjuvants to the traditional therapy of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been studied to enhance the efficacy of the treatment and improve patients' quality of life. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3FA) have been associated with attenuation of the inflammatory responses in IBD, possibly acting as substrates for anti-inflammatory eicosanoid production, similar to prostaglandins and leukotrienes. ω3FA also act as substrates for the synthesis of resolvins, maresins and protectins, indispensable in resolving inflammation processes. These acids may influence the development or course of IBD by: reducing oxidative stress, production of tumor necrosis factor-α and proinflammatory cytokines; working as chemopreventive agents; and decreasing the expression of adhesion molecules. There are numerous controversies in the literature on the effects of ω3FA in the prevention or treatment of IBD, but their effects in reducing inflammation is incontestable. Therefore, more studies are warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and establish the recommended daily intake to prevent or induce remission in IBD patients.

Introduction

The immune system prevents against infection involving inflammatory processes resulting in a response to trauma or microbial infections and it is related to the process completion in order to extinguish the stimulus or to remove the tissue damage. Many diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are caused by inflammatory processes and the course of the pathology continues because of the inappropriate or excessive responses that accompany them chronically [1,2].

Under homeostasis the gastrointestinal system represents a perfect balance between the host and the microbiota in a complex and dynamic process, with important role in the mucosal immunity. When this balance is lost the consequences can result in the increase in intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation across the intestinal mucosa, leading to a local and systemic immune activation implicated in many different diseases including IBD. The two main forms of IBD include Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) [3-7].

When a patient develops IBD, he acquires the disability of recognition of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) as Toll-like receptors (TLR), on epithelial and immune cells in the intestine. This leads to the incapacity of differentiating between pathogenic and commensal bacteria (macrophages and dendritic cells on recognition of commensal microbiota modify their status to an activated phenotype) and consequently, extends the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), a pro-inflammatory transcription factor which triggers overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and interleukins (IL) -1β, -6, -12 and -23 (Fig. 1). Processed antigens are presented to naïve CD4 T-cells and the natural killer T cells produce IL-13, strongly associated with the epithelial cell barrier disruption. Circulating T cells bind to colonic endothelial cells through the mucosal vascular adhesion molecule 1, whose production increases in the inflamed intestine. This is accompanied by upregulation of inflammatory chemokines and consequent recruitment of circulating leukocytes that leads to the perpetuation of the inflammation. The chronic inflammatory process involves modifications on the bowel habits, pain, bleeding, and increases the risk for bowel cancer [8-11].

Figure 1

Pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease. The imbalance in mucinous layer allows higher permeability of the intestinal epithelium leading to an increase in the uptake of antigens. Dendritic cells and macrophages recognize commensal microbiota and become activated. Activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) increases the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL) -6, -12, -23, and -1β. Modified from Ordas et al [10]

TLR, toll-like receptor

UC and CD may affect adults and young population driving to a prolonged course and recurrence, affecting education, capacity for work and quality of life. The care IBD patient should have is a challenge due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and the lack of consensus in many areas of practice. IBD management is usually conducted by pharmacotherapy but patients should be approached in different ways to have a follow up to match their needs and improve their quality of life. This should be done by a multidisciplinary team and the treatment should go beyond the use of conventional therapies.

Several substances as corticosteroids, thiopurines and biologic agents are available and antibiotics, probiotics, and nutritional supplements can be used as supportive therapy. Thus, the use of alternative therapies as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (n-3 or ω3 FA) could bring important benefits to the IBD patient [8,12-15].

Methods

This review was based on a survey of articles in order to bring relevant information about the use of ω3FA. We used the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Scielo, Scopus and Lilacs. A retrospective search was carried out to identify relevant clinical trials or epidemiological studies and reviews limited to indexed scientific articles involving humans and animals.

Influence of diet on IBD patients

There is a genetic predisposition to the development of IBD but its increasing incidence in developing countries suggests that environmental factors, such as diet, are also critical components of susceptibility to the occurrence of the disease. Authors have shown that highest consumption of red meat, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and food additives as well the low amount of dietetic fibers, fruits, vegetables and antioxidants had increased risk of developing IBD. Dietary compounds as protein, linoleic acid (ω6FA) and digestible carbohydrates may contribute to the pathogenesis because they cause intestinal microbiota modifications leading to an increase in intestinal permeability, and inflammation processes augment [16-25].

Several authors have shown that, in addition to modifications in the food choices, the use of ω3FA may bring benefits because may influence the development or course of IBD [16,26-30]. Normally, the recommended intake of ω3FA is 1.6 g/day for men and 1.1 g/day for women. This intake can come from the regular food consumption or from supplementation with fish or olive oil or use of emulsions consisting of coconut oil, soy, olive oil or fish. Literature shows converging opinions about a daily recommendation but authors agree that 500 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid could bring health benefits. Di Nicolantonio et al [31] suggested 2 servings of fatty fish per week for the general population. There is no consensus on ω3FA dietary recommendations for IBD patients.

ω3FA

ω3FA belong to a lipid class called PUFA. This family includes lipids with two or more double bonds considered to be essential nutrients because the body does not have the capacity to produce them endogenously. They can be found in significant proportions in different food sources, as in linseed, nuts and fish. Examples of these acids are α linoleic acid with a chain with 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds (C18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (Fig. 2) (C22:6 n-3) [32-33].

Figure 2

Synthesis of eicosanoids from ω3 FA: 3 series prostanoids TXA3, PGE3 and PGI3 and 5 series leukotrienes LTB5, LTC5-LTE5. Modified from Barbalho et al [33] and Din et al [37]

ω3 FA, omega 3 fatty acid; TXA3, thromboxane A3; PGE3, prostaglandin E3; PGI3 and 5, prostaglandin I3 and 5; LTB5, leukotriene B5; LTC5-LTE5, leukotriene C5-leukotriene E5

While saturated fatty acids are related to insulin resistance, higher levels of triglycerides, weight gain, increase in the adipocyte size and increase in adipose tissue inflammation, ω3FA improve blood lipid levels, reduce weight and attenuate inflammation processes implicated in cardiovascular diseases and other inflammatory diseases. They can also improve neural function and sensitivity to acetylcholine, balance the membrane fluidity and decrease post-exercise inflammation leading to adaptations to exercises such as decreasing aspects of fatigue and improving peripheral neuromuscular function [32,34-36].

Pathophysiological data

The interest in the use of ω3 FA has grown tremendously in the last years. They are substrates for inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoid production, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and so they have been used to the prevention of different inflammatory diseases in animals and humans (Fig. 3). One possibility to explain the beneficial effects of ω3FA is the competition that avoids conversion of arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and lipoxins through the cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase enzymes. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid can replace arachidonic acid and inhibit pro-inflammatory mediator production. They may also inhibit inflammation acting in leukocyte chemotaxis, adhesion molecule expression and leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions, and suppressing the production of other inflammatory cytokines, and T-helper 1 lymphocyte reactivity. Furthermore, ω3FA are substrates to the synthesis of resolvins, maresins and protectins, indispensable in resolving inflammation processes [26,37-41].

Figure 3

Structure of omega 3 fatty acids: first double bond at the third carbon molecule from the methyl end of the chain. There are three possibilities for names: C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3 and C22:6n-3omega, respectively linolenic acid, eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexanoic acid

The beginning of inflammation is important for the body to make the defense against trauma or microorganism infection, and so is the finalization of the process. If this does not occur, the organism will develop a disease. In this duet, i.e. the beginning and the end of inflammation process, the same lipid substances are involved. Thus, the use of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid may be promising in minimizing or preventing inflammatory diseases such as IBD [42-44]. Both animal and clinical studies show that these acids may have a potential role in the treatment of IBD. Besides, patients see them as both safe and natural [30]. IBD patients may exhibit a deficiency in essential fatty acids, and ω3FA supplements may benefit IBD patients by inhibiting natural cytotoxicity (by changing arachidonic acid metabolites) and/or improving oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory actions of ω3FA may also be associated with their ability to change the composition of the cell membrane and the ability to activate the anti-inflammatory transcription peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ [26,30,45-48].

There is evidence that the gastrointestinal mucosa is highly responsive to long-chain PUFA such as ω3. The intake of ω3FA can be helpful in the treatment of UC and CD as it can alleviate the symptoms and help the recovery of the mucosal due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Reasons probably are related to the reduction in the intestinal production of the precursor of pro-inflammatory cytokines (leukotrienes and prostaglandins) of odd series. Furthermore, there is evidence that these acids may reduce the protein expression of intestinal NFκB p65 related to apoptotic cells [28,41,48-52].

ω3FA may influence the membrane-cytoskeletal structure and function in CD4+ T cells leading to the reduction in the inflammation processes [22]. TLR and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain proteins (NOD) have a critical role in the detection of microbial infection and induction of inflammatory and immune responses. When both TLR and NOD are activated, there is activation of NFκB which stimulates synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Studies are associating TLR4 and NOD signaling in multi-layered IBD, interfering in pathogen-associated molecular patterns leading to acute and chronic intestinal inflammation [10,49,53,54].

Results of clinical studies

Many authors have studied the role of omegas in the prevention, treatment and maintenance of remission of inflammatory diseases such as IBD. Pearl et al [55] studied colonic mucosa biopsies from 69 UC patients and found that inflamed mucosa had higher levels of arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids and lower levels of linoleic, α-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids compared with the control group. The severity of inflammation was positively associated with the levels of arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid and negatively associated with levels of linoleic, α-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids suggesting that there are modifications in fatty acid metabolism in the inflamed gut mucosa. These modifications can offer novel targets for intervention and nutritional strategies should also be considered. Table 1 summarizes the studies showing the effects of ω3FA in different types of participants; some show an important role of ω3FA in the course of CD, UC and reduction of colorectal cancer and polyp, while others provided inconclusive or negative results [56-62].

Table 1

Effects of the use of omega 3 fatty acids (ω3FA) in different type of participants

The controversial findings on the relationship between ω3FA and IBD (as seen in Table 1) may be due to a number of reasons: 1) different forms of ω3FA have different effects when compared to the native form found in fish; 2) genetic differences in ω3FA receptors may interfere with the responsiveness to fatty acid supplementation; 3) modifications in G-protein receptors and PPAR-α (considered to be a dietary lipid sensor); and 4) differences or problems in their methodology (insufficient number of patients, short period of study, heterogeneity of disease, lifestyle and other aspects of the studied population). These aspects may interfere in the efficacy of ω3FA in controlling symptoms, inflammation and remission in IBD patients [8,16,30,63,64].

ω3FA in animal models

Literature is also rich in studies using ω3FA in different types of animal models. Table 2 presents some studies showing that these acids may reduce weight loss and intestinal permeability, improve the intestinal morphology and barrier function and decrease the synthesis of inflammatory markers as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, prostaglandin E2 and expression of TLR4 and NFκB [28,49,65-67].

Table 2

Effects of the use of omega 3 fatty acids (ω3FA) in animal models

ω3FA and pain

ω3FA are shown to regulate pain, depending on the amount of intake and subsequent cellular distribution. When a large amount of ω3FA was administered, reduced thermal hyperalgesia was observed compared with a group that received a large amount of linoleic acid, suggesting that there is a dose-dependent association between these acids and pain control. Pain relief was observed in several pathologies, including IBD, possibly because ω3FA reduce proinflammatory cytokine and eicosanoid production. The use of ω3FA can also block the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase related to the modulation of central sensitization induced by inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Linolenic acid declines the production of lysophosphatidic acid that is strongly related to the development of neuropathic pain [68-73]. It has been hypothesized that the effects of docosahexaenoic acid in pain control are due to its anti-inflammatory effect via suppression of the arachidonic acid cascade; inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels; and promotion of the agonistic action toward transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (related to inflammation processes and calcium channels inhibition). They also found that docosahexaenoic acid reduces pain indirectly through the release of an endogenous opioid peptide β-endorphin and not only because it acts on the opioid receptor [74,75]. Other studies showed that increased consumption of ω3FA and decreased consumption of ω6FA can modify endocannabinoid production in humans thereby suggesting that their derivatives could have physical and/or psychological pain modulating properties [76,77].

Concluding remarks

IBD is considered a public health problem owing to the high cost it incurs for the Public Health System and the burden it has on the patients’ quality of life. Several studies show that ω3FA lead to the production of resolvins, protectins and maresins which attenuate the inflammatory processes possibly benefiting IBD patients. However, there are many controversies over the ω3FA effects on IBD, and results of the studies should be interpreted with caution due to the enormous variability in the size of the samples, the amount of ω3FA administered and the methodology employed. Studying the pharmacology of ω3FA will help establish their real effects, thus bringing new possibilities to the treatment of inflammatory diseases. More research is warranted to fully elucidate how these acids influence IBD and to define the daily amount recommended to help prevent or induce remission of IBD.