Effects of fish oil supplementation on prostaglandins in normal and tumor colon tissue: modulation by the lipogenic phenotype of colon tumors

Dietary fish oils have potential for prevention of colon cancer, and yet the mechanisms of action in normal and tumor colon tissues are not well defined. Here we evaluated the impact of the colonic fatty acid milieu on the formation of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids. Distal tumors in rats were chemically induced to model inflammatory colonic carcinogenesis. After 21 weeks of feeding with either a fish oil diet containing an eicosapentaenoic acid/ω-6 fatty acid ratio of 0.4 or a Western fat diet, the relationships between colon fatty acids and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) concentrations were evaluated. PGE₂ is a key proinflammatory mediator in the colon tightly linked with the initiation and progression of colon cancer. The fish oil vs. the Western fat diet resulted in reduced total fatty acid concentrations in serum but not in colon. In the colon, the effects of the fish oil on fatty acids differed in normal and tumor tissue. There were distinct lipodomic patterns consistent with a lipogenic phenotype in tumors. In tumor tissue, the eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and the mole percent of saturated fatty acids were significant predictors of inter-animal variability in colon PGE₂ after accounting for diet. In normal tissues from either control rats or carcinogen-treated rats, only diet was a significant predictor of colon PGE₂. These results show that the fatty acid milieu can modulate the efficacy of dietary fish oils for colon cancer prevention, and this could extend to other preventive agents that function by reducing inflammatory stress.     

A randomized double blind comparison of short-term duodenally administrated whale and seal blubber oils in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and joint pain

Compared with soy oil, 10 days treatment with seal oil (SO), 10 mL×3 daily, self-administrated through a nasoduodenal feeding tube, relieves joint pain in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This randomized, controlled, double blind pilot trial compares SO and whale oil (WO) administered similarly by duodenal tube, for 10 days in 18 patients with IBD-related joint pain (n=9 per group). Other long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were prohibited 7-days prior to and during study. Significant changes from baseline to study end were observed in both groups: reduced plasma arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid ratio and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels (tendency in WO group), decreased IBD-related joint pain and IBD-disease activity, and improved quality of life. These changes were not significantly different between SO and WO groups. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase is consistent with amelioration of IBD-related joint pain, but, as active control was used, effects need confirmation.     

Metabolism of linoleic and arachidonic acids in VX2 carcinoma tissue: Identification of monohydroxy octadecadienoic acids and monohydroxy eicosatetraenoic acids

The metabolism of arachidonic and linoleic acids by VX₂ carcinoma tissue was determined. Prostaglandin E₂ was the major metabolic product of arachidonic acid in the neoplastic tissue. Minor products accounting for 3– 8% of arachidonic acid metabolism were 11-hydroxy-5, 8, 12, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid (11-HETE) and 15-hydroxy-5, 8, 11, 13-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). Linoleic acid was converted to a mixture of 9-hydroxy-10, 12-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODD) and 13-hydroxy-9, 11-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODD). The conversion of linoleic acid to monohydroxy C-18 fatty acids varied from 40–80% 9-HODD and 20–60% 13-HODD in tumor tissue harvested from different animals. The quantity of monohydroxy C-18 fatty acids biosynthesized by VX₂ carcinoma tissue from endogenous linoleic acid equals or exceeds that of prostaglandin E₂ biosynthesis from endogenous arachidonic acid. The presence of a hydroxyl group adjacent to a conjugated diene suggest that the monohydroxy C-18 and monohydroxy C-20 fatty acids were formed via the action of lipoxygenase-like enzymes. These lipoxygenase-like reactions are inhibited by indomethacin in a concentration-dependent fashion similar to the inhibition of prostaglandin E₂ biosynthesis. The enzymes catalyzing the lipoxygenase-like reactions of linoleic and arachidonic acids are localized in the microsomal fraction of VX₂ carcinoma tissue. These data suggest that the lipoxygenase-like reactions are catalyzed by fatty acid cyclooxygenase and that there are two major pathways of fatty acid cyclooxygenase metabolism of polyenoic fatty acids in the neoplastic tissue. One pathway involves the formation of prostaglandin E₂ via cyclic endoperoxy intermediates. The second pathway involves the formation of monohydroxy C-18 fatty acids from linoleic acid via lipoxygenase-like reactions.     

The opposing effects of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can be classified in n-3 fatty acids and n-6 fatty acids, and in westernized diet the predominant dietary PUFAs are n-6 fatty acids. Both types of fatty acids are precursors of signaling molecules with opposing effects, that modulate membrane microdomain composition, receptor signaling and gene expression. The predominant n-6 fatty acid is arachidonic acid, which is converted to prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase products. These products are important regulators of cellular functions with inflammatory, atherogenic and prothrombotic effects. Typical n-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which are competitive substrates for the enzymes and products of arachidonic acid metabolism. Docosahexaenoic acid- and eicosapentaenoic acid-derived eicosanoids antagonize the pro-inflammatory effects of n-6 fatty acids. n-3 and n-6 fatty acids are ligands/modulators for the nuclear receptors NFkappaB, PPAR and SREBP-1c, which control various genes of inflammatory signaling and lipid metabolism. n-3 Fatty acids down-regulate inflammatory genes and lipid synthesis, and stimulate fatty acid degradation. In addition, the n-3/n-6 PUFA content of cell and organelle membranes, as well as membrane microdomains strongly influences membrane function and numerous cellular processes such as cell death and survival.     

Bioproduction of prostaglandins in a transgenic liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha

Prostaglandins are biologically active substances used in a wide range of medical treatments. Prostaglandins have been supplied mainly by chemical synthesis; nevertheless, the high cost of prostaglandin production remains a factor. To lower the cost of prostaglandin production, we attempted to produce prostaglandins using a liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha L., which accumulates arachidonic acid, which is known as a substrate of prostaglandins. Here we report the first bioproduction of prostaglandins in plant species by introducing a cyclooxygenase gene from a red alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla into the liverwort. The transgenic liverworts accumulated prostaglandin F_2α, prostaglandin E₂ and prostaglandin D₂ which were not detected in the wild-type liverwort. Moreover, we succeeded in drastically increasing the bioproduction of prostaglandins using an in vitro reaction system with the extracts of transgenic liverworts.     

Identification of an unusual cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid in rabbit renal medulla

A renal medulla 100,000g pellet metabolized arachidonic acid, C_20:4, to the previously described prostaglandins prostaglandin E₂, 6-ketoprostaglandin F_1α, thromboxane B₂, 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid, and 11-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. In addition, under conditions of low enzyme to substrate ratios, the renal medulla also produced an unusual metabolite from arachidonic acid. This metabolite was inhibited by indomethacin, and thus suggested that it was a product of the cyclooxygenase. Addition of GSH to the incubation inhibited its formation, while p-hydroxymercuri-benzoate enhanced its formation. This compound was identified by HPLC purification, uv absorption, and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The compound was 9,15 dioxo,11-hydroxyprosta-5,13-dienoic acid.     

Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by lysolecithin

Exogenous lysolecithin inhibits prostaglandin E₂ synthesis from arachidonic acid in bovine seminal vesicle microsomes at plausible physiological levels (lysolecithin-to-protein ratios ? 0.03 [w/w]) by inhibiting fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase activity. Structurally defined lysolecithins with varying fatty acid chain length exhibit varying effectiveness as inhibitors. Addition of equimolar quantities of free fatty acid lowers the lysolecithin concetration required for inhibition. Exogenous lysolecithin inhibits unstimulated and thrombin-stimulated prostaglandin E₂ synthesis from endogenous substrate in SVBalb/3T3 cells. Serum treatment of SVBalb/3T3 cells, which generates endogenous lysolecithin and free fatty acids, decreases the efficiency of conversion of free arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. These results suggest a possible role for the products of phospholipase A2 action in the regulation of prostaglandin synthesis.     

Urinary excretion of diols derived from eicosapentaenoic acid during n-3 fatty acid ingestion by man.

Epoxides and fatty acid diols derived from arachidonate by the action of cytochrome P-450 appear in human urine and have biological activities. Dietary eicosapentaenoic acid gives rise to prostaglandins in vivo, but vascular effects of n-3 supplements do not all correlate with altered types or amounts of in vivo cyclooxygenase products. We investigated whether dietary eicosapentaenoic acid could also be metabolized by cytochrome P-450, by assessing the excretion of its vicinal diols. Utilizing gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry, we have found that humans ingesting n-3 fatty acids excrete vicinal diols of eicosapentaenoic acid in substantial quantities.     

Effects of dietary linseed,evening primrose or fish oils on fatty acid and prostaglandin E2 contents in the rat livers and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced tumours

We examined the influence of diets supplemented with fish and vegetable oils on fatty acid and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) contents in livers of non-7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)- and DMBA-treated rats, and in DMBA-induced tumours. Decreased concentrations of saturated fatty acids and increased unsaturated fatty acid levels were observed in liver phospholipids of rats fed these oils. There was a marked difference in the concentrations of fatty acids found in the tumours and those present in liver lipids. Oleic acid was the main unsaturated fatty acid found in the tumour tissue. Both liver and tumour PGE₂ contents were clearly correlated to the diet. The PGE₂ concentrations were decreased in livers and tumours of rats fed fish (FO) and linseed oils (LO).     

Evidence for enhanced venous smooth muscle turnover of prostaglandin-like substance in portal veins from spontaneously hypertensive rats

The sensitivity of portal veins from 14 to 18 week-old Okamoto-Aoki spontaneously hypertensive rats to prostaglandins A₂, B₂, D₂ and F_2α were enhanced whereas the sensitivity to prostaglandin E₂ was diminished when compared with responses of veins from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with both eicosotetraynoic acid (ETYA) and indomethacin (INDO) abolished the observed differences in sensitivity to prostaglandins. Synthesis of prostaglandin-like substance (with arachidonic acid as precursor) was significantly enhanced in portal veins from spontaneously hypertensive rats. Metabolism of prostaglandins E₂ and F_2α, employing the oil-immersion technique of Kalsner and Nickerson, appeared to be similar in veins from normotensive and hypertensive rats. These findings suggest that prostaglandin synthesis is enhanced in venous smooth muscle from hypertensive rats. The increased concentration of endogenous prostaglandin at the venous smooth muscle cell may modify the responses to exogenously administered prostaglandins thus accounting, in part, for the altered sensitivity to these fatty acids.     

The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Arachidonic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Induce Mouse Dendritic Cells Maturation but Reduce T-Cell Responses In Vitro

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might regulate T-cell activation and lineage commitment. Here, we measured the effects of omega-3 (n-3), n-6 and n-9 fatty acids on the interaction between dendritic cells (DCs) and naïve T cells. Spleen DCs from BALB/c mice were cultured in vitro with ovalbumin (OVA) with 50 μM fatty acids; α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid or oleic acid and thereafter OVA-specific DO11.10 T cells were added to the cultures. Fatty acids were taken up by the DCs, as shown by gas chromatography analysis. After culture with arachidonic acid or DHA CD11c⁺ CD11b⁺ and CD11c⁺ CD11b^neg DCs expressed more CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86 and PDL-1, while IA^d remained unchanged. However, fewer T cells co-cultured with these DCs proliferated (CellTrace Violet^low) and expressed CD69 or CD25, while more were necrotic (7AAD⁺). We noted an increased proportion of T cells with a regulatory T cell (Treg) phenotype, i.e., when gating on CD4⁺ FoxP3⁺ CTLA-4⁺, CD4⁺ FoxP3⁺ Helios⁺ or CD4⁺ FoxP3⁺ PD-1⁺, in co-cultures with arachidonic acid- or DHA-primed DCs relative to control cultures. The proportion of putative Tregs was inversely correlated to T-cell proliferation, indicating a suppressive function of these cells. With arachidonic acid DCs produced higher levels of prostaglandin E₂ while T cells produced lower amounts of IL-10 and IFNγ. In conclusion arachidonic acid and DHA induced up-regulation of activation markers on DCs. However arachidonic acid- and DHA-primed DCs reduced T-cell proliferation and increased the proportion of T cells expressing FoxP3, indicating that these fatty acids can promote induction of regulatory T cells.     

Eicosapentaenoic acid utilization by bovine aortic endothelial cells: effects on prostacyclin production

We have investigated whether the presence of other fatty acids in physiologic amounts will influence the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on cellular lipid metabolism and prostaglandin production. Eicosapentaenoic acid uptake by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells was time and concentration dependent. At concentrations between 1 and 25 microM, most of the eicosapentaenoic acid was incorporated into phospholipids and of this, 60-90% was present in choline phosphoglycerides. Eicosapentaenoic acid inhibited arachidonic acid uptake and conversion to prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2) but was not itself converted to eicosanoids. Only small effects on the uptake of 10 microM eicosapentaenoic acid occurred when palmitic, stearic or oleic acids were added to the medium in concentrations up to 75 microM. In contrast, eicosapentaenoic acid uptake was reduced considerably by the presence of linoleic, n-6 eicosatrienoic, arachidonic or docosahexaenoic acids. Although a 100 microM mixture of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid (25:10:50:15) had little effect on the uptake of 10 or 20 microM eicosapentaenoic acid, less of this acid was channeled into endothelial phospholipids. However, the fatty acid mixture did not prevent the inhibitory effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on prostaglandin I2 formation in response to either arachidonic acid or ionophore A23187. An 8 h exposure to eicosapentaenoic acid was required for the inhibition to become appreciable and, after 16 h, prostaglandin I2 production was reduced by as much as 60%. These findings indicate that the capacity of aortic endothelial cells to produce prostaglandin I2 is decreased by continuous exposure to eicosapentaenoic acid. Even if the eicosapentaenoic acid is present as a small percentage of a physiologic fatty acid mixture, it is still readily incorporated into endothelial phospholipids and retains its inhibitory effect against endothelial prostaglandin I2 formation. Therefore, these actions may be representative of the in vivo effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on the endothelium.     

An alternate pathway to long-chain polyunsaturates: the FADS2 gene product ��8-desaturates 20:2n-6 and 20:3n-3

The mammalian Δ6-desaturase coded by fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2; HSA11q12-q13.1) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step for the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. FADS2 is known to act on at least five substrates, and we hypothesized that the FADS2 gene product would have Δ8-desaturase activity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed with a FADS2 construct from baboon neonate liver cDNA gained the function to desaturate 11,14-eicosadienoic acid (20:2n-6) and 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid (20:3n-3) to yield 20:3n-6 and 20:4n-3, respectively. Competition experiments indicate that Δ8-desaturation favors activity toward 20:3n-3 over 20:2n-6 by 3-fold. Similar experiments show that Δ6-desaturase activity is favored over Δ8-desaturase activity by 7-fold and 23-fold for n-6 (18:2n-6 vs 20:2n-6) and n-3 (18:3n-3 vs 20:3n-3), respectively. In mammals, 20:3n-6 is the immediate precursor of prostaglandin E1 and thromboxane B1. 20:3n-6 and 20:4n-3 are also immediate precursors of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, respectively. These findings provide unequivocal molecular evidence for a novel alternative biosynthetic route to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in mammals from substrates previously considered to be dead-end products.     

Modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities, platelet aggregation and serum prostaglandins in rats fed spray-dried milk containing n-3 fatty acid

Spray-dried milk enriched with n-3 fatty acids from linseed oil (LSO) or fish oil (FO) were fed to rats to study its influence on liver lipid peroxides, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, serum prostaglandins and platelet aggregation. Significant level of α linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were accumulated at the expense of arachidonic acid in the liver of rats fed n-3 fatty acid enriched formulation. The linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed group had 44 and 112% higher level of lipid peroxides in liver homogenate compared to control rats fed groundnut oil enriched formulation. Catalase activity in liver homogenate was increased by 37 and 183% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil formulation fed rats. The glutathione peroxidase activity decreased to an extent of 25–36% and glutathione transferase activity increased to an extent of 34–39% in rats fed n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation. Feeding n-3 fatty acid enriched formulation significantly elevated the n-3 fatty acids in platelets and increased the lipid peroxide level to an extent of 4.2 to 4.5-fold compared to control. The serum thromboxane B₂ level was decreased by 35 and 42% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed rats, whereas 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α level was decreased by 17 and 23% respectively in linseed oil and fish oil enriched formulation fed rats. The extent and rate of platelet aggregation was decreased significantly in n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation fed rats. This indicated that n-3 fatty acids enriched formulation beneficially reduces platelet aggregation and also enhances the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and glutathione transferase.     

Correlation between release of free arachidonic acid and prostaglandin formation in brain cortex and cerebellum

Levels of free arachidonic acid and of prostaglandin F_2α and E₂ have been measured in both brain cortex and cerebellum of rats killed by focussed microwave irradiation, and after decapitation followed by ischemia. The same parameters were studied during incubation assays. It was found that: a) after ischemia levels of both free arachidonic acid and of prostaglandins in cerebellum are lower than in brain cortex, b) formation of prostaglandins from endogenous precursor in incubated cortex is higher than in cerebellum, c) release of free arachidonic acid occurs mainly during the time interval between the sacrifice of the animals and the beginning of the incubation, whereas prostaglandins are formed mainly during the incubation assay. The correlation between release of free arachidonic acid and prostaglandin formation is discussed.     

The antihypertensive action of arachidonic acid in the spontaneous hypertensive rat and its antagonism by anti-inflammatory agents

Changes in arterial blood pressure and heart rate were observed in the spontaneous hypertensive (SH) rat following the intravenous administration of arachidonic acid, the precursor of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). The pronounced fall in blood pressure and the increase in heart rate induced by arachidonic acid were also observed in SH rats receiving either prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) or PGE₂. In SH rats receiving various anti-inflammatory agents the cardiovascular responses to arachidonic acid were inhibited, but the blood pressure responses to the E-type prostaglandins were not altered. The data are interpreted to suggest that cardiovascular changes induced by arachidonic acid are mediated via its conversion to PGE₂.     

Enzymic coupling of acylhydrolase and prostaglandin synthase activities in subcellular fractions from rabbit renal medulla

We have recently shown that mitochondrial and plasma-membrane fractions from kidney medulla possess Ca²⁺-stimulated acylhydrolase and prostaglandin synthase activities. The nature of the enzymic coupling between the Ca²⁺-stimulated arachidonic acid release and its subsequent conversion into prostaglandins was investigated in subcellular fractions from rabbit kidney medulla. Plasma-membrane, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions were found to have similar apparent K_m values for conversion of added exogenous arachidonate into prostaglandins. The rate of prostaglandin biosynthesis (V_max.) from added arachidonic acid in the microsomal fraction was approx. 2-fold higher than in the other subcellular fractions. In contrast, prostaglandin E₂ synthesis from endogenous arachidonate in plasma-membrane and mitochondrial fractions was 3–4-fold higher than in microsomes. Furthermore, Ca²⁺ stimulated endogenous arachidonate deacylation and prostaglandin E₂ generation in the former two fractions but not in microsomes. In mitochondrial or crude plasma-membrane fractions, in which prostaglandin biosynthesis was inhibited with aspirin, arachidonate released from these fractions was converted into prostaglandins by the microsomal prostaglandin synthase. Thus an intracellular prostaglandin generation process that involves inter-fraction transfer of arachidonic acid can operate. Prostaglandin generation by such an inter-fraction process is, however, less efficient than by an intra-fraction process, where arachidonic acid released by mitochondria or crude plasma membranes is converted into prostaglandins by prostaglandin synthase present in the same fraction. This demonstrates the presence of a tight intra-fraction enzymic coupling between Ca²⁺-stimulated acylhydrolase and prostaglandin synthase enzyme systems in both mitochondrial and plasma-membrane fractions.     

The effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites on osteoclastogenesis in vitro

Bone homeostasis is maintained by active remodeling through the balance between resorption (by osteoclasts) and synthesis (by osteoblasts). In this study, we examined the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their metabolites on sRANKL-induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) into osteoclasts in vitro. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) strongly inhibited osteoclastogenesis; however, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) enhanced it. The enhancement effect of PUFAs on osteoclastogenesis was mediated predominantly by cyclooxygenase (COX) products, because the effect was inhibited by a COX inhibitor. It was also found that COX products of PUFAs, prostaglandin E₁, E₂, and E₃, clearly increased in osteoclastogenesis. The inhibitory effect of DHA on osteoclastogenesis was reversed by treatment with a lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor. Furthermore, resolvin D1, a LOX product of DHA, significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis. Quantitative analysis of specific mRNA levels revealed that DHA-mediated attenuation of osteoclastogenesis might be due to a decrease in DC-STAMP expression. These results suggested that the effect of DHA on osteoclastogenesis is, at least in part, mediated by lipoxygenase products. This study showed a distinct mechanism of the effect of PUFAs on osteoclastogenesis and will provide evidence for therapeutic treatment with DHA in osteoporotic patients.     

A unique cardiac cytosolic acyltransferase with preferential selectivity for fatty acids that form cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase metabolites and reverse essential fatty acid deficiency

The rabbit heart contains a cytosolic enzyme which selectively incorporates polyunsaturated fatty acids into phosphatidylcholine. This unique acyltransferase is selective for fatty acids, thus far tested, that are substrates for cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase (i.e., arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, linoleic and dihomo-gamma-linoleic acids) or which reverse the symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency (columbinic acid). On the other hand, palmitic, oleic, 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic (n-9, Mead acid), and docosatetraenoic acid (n-6, adrenic acid) were not incorporated in phospholipids by the cytosolic acyltransferase. No such fatty acid selectivity was exhibited by the cytosolic acyl-CoA synthetase or by the acyltransferase activities present in cardiac microsomes and mitochondria.