Regular readers of our newsletter know that there are constantly new studies being released that show various health benefits to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. There is so much research on these compounds that we could literally have a newsletter entirely devoted to them. But that might get tiresome, so we try to only write about what we consider to be the most interesting studies, including one just recently published.
Omega-3s have been linked to a seemingly endless number of health benefits. While omega-3s are most commonly known for their potential benefits to cardiac and cognitive functions, research has linked these fatty acids to improvements in everything from vision to mood to skin health. However, there seem to be many methods of action and the exact pathway(s) of that these mechanisms follow have elude scientists for years. While researchers have long noted its anti-inflammatory properties and its benefit to arthritis; new research published in the November 2009 volume of the prestigious journal Nature has identify one of the previously unknown biochemical pathways.
In the study, the University of London and Harvard Medical School based researchers point to a compound called Resolvin D2. Resolvins are a recently discovered class of compounds that are produced in the body by enzymes from lipids that "possess unique and specific functions to orchestrate catabasis, the phase in which disease declines." The researchers found that the body converts the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into Resolvin D2. Resolvin D2 reduces inflammation directly, by discouraging leukocytes (white blood cells) from attacking healthy tissue, the cause of inflammation. It does this by direct modulation of leukocyte adhesion receptor expression. Resolvin D2 causes the tissue cells to produce small amounts of nitric oxide, a chemical signal that prevents the leukocytes from adhering to the tissue cells. Thus DHA directs the immune cells to not fight the tissue. In short, Resolvin D2 reduces inflammation in the body, but unlike anti-inflammatory drugs, it does not suppress the immune system.
The researchers stated that:
We have known for some time that fish oils can help with conditions like arthritis which are linked to inflammation. What we’ve shown here is how the body processes a particular ingredient of fish oils into Resolvin D2. We’ve also looked in detail at this chemical, determining at least some of the ways it relieves inflammation. It seems to be a very powerful chemical and a small amount can have a large effect. This research is important because it explains at least one way in which fish oils can help in different types of arthritis.
The researchers also stated that they believe that these compounds could be useful in the treatment of other diseases associated with inflammation.
Learn more about the potential benefits of fish oil and its constituents here, and read about our Omega-3 Fish Oil and Extra-Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil.
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