New research has determined how fish oils help improve symptoms in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The research, conducted by Queen Mary, University of London and Harvard Medical School, explains that the body converts DHA, an fatty acid found in fish, into another chemical called Resolvin D2.
Resolvin D2 creates a chemical signal which discourages white blood cells from sticking to the inner lining of the blood vessels, which in a source of the inflammation which causes RA.
The research also suggests that Resolvin D2 could be the basis for a new treatment for diseases including sepsis, stroke and arthritis. Unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs, this chemical does not seem to suppress the immune system.
According to UK team lead Mauro Perretti, Professor of Immunopharmacology at Queen Mary, University of London, “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. We can also work on this chemical and see if it can be used not only to treat or even prevent arthritis, but also as a possible treatment for a variety of other diseases associated with inflammation.”
Results of the research were published in the October 28, 2009 issue of Nature.
New research has determined how fish oils help improve symptoms in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The research, conducted by Queen Mary, University of London and Harvard Medical School, explains that the body converts DHA, an fatty acid found in fish, into another chemical called Resolvin D2.
Resolvin D2 creates a chemical signal which discourages white blood cells from sticking to the inner lining of the blood vessels, which in a source of the inflammation which causes RA.
The research also suggests that Resolvin D2 could be the basis for a new treatment for diseases including sepsis, stroke and arthritis. Unlike other anti-inflammatory drugs, this chemical does not seem to suppress the immune system.
According to UK team lead Mauro Perretti, Professor of Immunopharmacology at Queen Mary, University of London, “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. We can also work on this chemical and see if it can be used not only to treat or even prevent arthritis, but also as a possible treatment for a variety of other diseases associated with inflammation.”
Results of the research were published in the October 28, 2009 issue of Nature.