 |
|
Net closes in on fish oil paradox: why it helps some people but not others
July 31, 2002Not everyone can benefit from fish oil. Although it has been known for many years to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, its beneficial effects are not universal. Indeed, in some people it has no anti-inflammatory effect at all.
Now researchers at the University of Southampton`s Institute of Human Nutrition investigating the reasons for this variability in the effectiveness of fish oil, are looking at a genetic cause.
The team, led by Professor Bob Grimble, is looking in particular at the genes that influence the ability of the body to make a molecule called tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF).
`This molecule acts as a trigger for inflammation and has been linked with the severity of inflammatory disease,` explains Professor Grimble. `Fish oil may act as an anti-inflammatory substance by suppressing the body`s ability to make TNF.`
The team studied the effects of a daily dose of fish oil on TNF production in a group of 250 healthy young men. They compared the genetic make-up of men in whom fish oil decreased the ability to make TNF with that of men in whom it did not.
`We were surprised to find that although variations in the gene carrying the code for making TNF had no influence on the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil on TNF
production, variations in a gene lying next to the TNF gene did indicate which men showed decreased TNF production after taking fish oil,` said Professor Grimble.
Intriguingly the same gene that indicates a possible `anti-inflammatory` response to fish oil also carries the code for making a molecule called lymphotoxin-a which influences immune function. Raised TNF production is associated with variations in this gene.
The Southampton team`s initial research findings are published in the August edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), which funded the research, is funding further studies by the team to examine how the genetic characteristics of people with inflammatory diseases can influence the ability of fish oil and vitamin E to act as `anti-inflammatory` nutrients.
They will look at the effects of fish oil in people with severe cardiovascular disease and the effects of vitamin E in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
`We hope eventually that we will be able to predict those who will most benefit from an increased intake of foods rich in nutrients with "anti-inflammatory" properties,` adds Professor Grimble.
Southampton, University of
`This molecule acts as a trigger for inflammation and has been linked with the severity of inflammatory disease,` explains Professor Grimble. `Fish oil may act as an anti-inflammatory substance by suppressing the body`s ability to make TNF.`
The team studied the effects of a daily dose of fish oil on TNF production in a group of 250 healthy young men. They compared the genetic make-up of men in whom fish oil decreased the ability to make TNF with that of men in whom it did not.
`We were surprised to find that although variations in the gene carrying the code for making TNF had no influence on the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil on TNF
production, variations in a gene lying next to the TNF gene did indicate which men showed decreased TNF production after taking fish oil,` said Professor Grimble.
Intriguingly the same gene that indicates a possible `anti-inflammatory` response to fish oil also carries the code for making a molecule called lymphotoxin-a which influences immune function. Raised TNF production is associated with variations in this gene.
The Southampton team`s initial research findings are published in the August edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), which funded the research, is funding further studies by the team to examine how the genetic characteristics of people with inflammatory diseases can influence the ability of fish oil and vitamin E to act as `anti-inflammatory` nutrients.
They will look at the effects of fish oil in people with severe cardiovascular disease and the effects of vitamin E in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
`We hope eventually that we will be able to predict those who will most benefit from an increased intake of foods rich in nutrients with "anti-inflammatory" properties,` adds Professor Grimble.
Southampton, University of
Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News RSSMultiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."
Can EP4 agonist alleviate gastric lesions?
Over 300 million patients use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the world to treat pain, arthritis, fever and other diseases. Nearly 30% of the users suffer from gastric lesions and bleeding.
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
Penn Study Provides First Clear Idea of How Rare Bone Disease Progresses
An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is taking the first step in developing a treatment for a rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue turns to bone, immobilizing patients over a lifetime with a second skeleton.
Aileron collaborates study in Nature: Stapled peptides inhibit Notch1 transcription factor
This research validates the potential for Stapled Peptides to modulate key intracellular biological targets, such as transcription factors, that have not been addressable with current small molecule or biologic drug modalities.
Researchers find new way to attack inflammation in Graves' eye disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms - and improved vision - following treatment with the drug rituximab.
Common Pain Relievers May Dilute Power of Flu Shots
With flu vaccination season in full swing, research from the University of Rochester Medical Center cautions that use of many common pain killers - Advil, Tylenol, aspirin - at the time of injection may blunt the effect of the shot and have a negative effect on the immune system.
Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery
The meniscus is a rubber-like, crescent moon-shaped cartilage cushion that sits between the leg and thigh bone. Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside.
Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.
Pain thresholds linked to inflammation and sleep problems in arthritis patients
Despite recent advances in anti-inflammatory therapy, many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients continue to suffer from pain.
More Arthritis Current Events and Arthritis News Articles
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |