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Re: COPD and polyunsaturated fatty acids

Dear Editor,

I read with interest the study by Broekhuizen et al. in which they described the beneficial effect of n-3 EPA/DHA. This reminded me of my own study done few years back on the possible beneficial action of n-3 PUFAs in bronchial asthma. In this study, I observed that asthmatics supplemented with n-3 PUFAs had fewer episodes of asthmatic attacks and the attacks tended to be mild. At that time, I thought that I am too biased and hence the results were never published. Retrospectively, it is now clear that n-3 PUFAs are beneficial both in asthma and COPD.

Although, the exact mechanism of action is not clear, it is likely that anti-inflammatory actions of n-3 PUFAs need to be considered seriously. The absence of any significant changes in the plasma concentrations of CRP, TNF, and IL-6 in the study done by Broekhuizen et al., suggests that in all probability local actions of these fatty acids within the lungs needs to be taken into consideration. The other possibility is that n-3 PUFAs may not alter the concentrations of pro- inflammatory cytokines but may enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 that may tilt the balance more towards resolution of inflammation.

The other possibility is that n-3 PUFAs are known to reduce anxiety and this may aid in the beneficial effect seen. N-3 PUFAs also enhance endothelial nitric oxide (eNO) generation. NO is known to have bronchodilator actions and reduce inflammation.