Impact of PUFA on early immune and fetal development

Abstract

It has recently been reported that the increased prevalence in childhood allergy may be linked to deviations in fetal immune development. One reason may be impaired nutrient supply. Hence, a well-differentiated placenta together with an optimal fetal nutrition via the mother are important prerequisites for the establishment of a functional immune system with normal immune responses. Fatty acids and their derivatives can influence both the early immune development and immune maturation by regulating numerous metabolic processes and the gene expression of important proteins such as enzymes and cytokines. The present review summarises the impact of nutritional fatty acids on the development of the immune system as well as the fetal development. It describes the mechanisms of action of PUFA, trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids in programming the fetus with regard to its risk of acquiring atopic diseases in childhood.

Enhancement of antibody synthesis in rats by feeding cis-9,trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid during early life

“…The impact of nutritional fatty acids on the development of the early immune system has been demonstrated to involve regulation of metabolic processes and gene expression of important proteins such as enzymes and cytokines [34]. Some studies have evaluated the effect of CLA isomer mixtures on immune function in adult animals at doses ranging from 0.1% to 2% of diet (w/w) [35].…”

Maternal fat consumption during pregnancy and risk of wheeze and eczema in Japanese infants aged 16-24 months: the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study

“…During immune maturation, naive Th0 cells are able to modulate the predominant expression of a Th1- or Th2-like cytokine pattern according to numerous eicosanoids and cytokines synthesised by antigen-presenting cells 16. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives can influence the Th1:Th2 ratio.…”

“…Our results regarding maternal intake of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid and infantile eczema might be reasonable. On the other hand, lipoxins derived from arachidonic acid decrease the synthesis of tumour necrosis factor α and leucocyte chemotaxis 16. Arachidonic acid, as well as docosahexaenoic acid, is essential to the placenta and the fetus 16.…”

“…On the other hand, lipoxins derived from arachidonic acid decrease the synthesis of tumour necrosis factor α and leucocyte chemotaxis 16. Arachidonic acid, as well as docosahexaenoic acid, is essential to the placenta and the fetus 16. A US birth cohort study found that higher levels of cord blood eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid were associated with attenuation of cord blood lymphocyte proliferation and decreased secretion of interferon γ in response to allergen stimulation, whereas higher levels of linoleic acid were correlated with increased allergen-stimulated IL13 levels 23.…”

Effects of Supplemental Chinese Herbs on Growth Performance, Blood Antioxidant Function and Immunity Status in Holstein Dairy Heifers Fed High Fibre Diet

“…The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon needs further studies. IFN-γ is an important indicator cytokine secreted by Th1 lymphocytes that initiates cell-mediated immune responses (Enke et al, 2008). According to the report of Blok et al (1996) who conducted several clinical studies in healthy persons, when the body was exposed pathogens or suffering from inflammation, the yield capability of T cell-derived cytokines was suppressed and relatively higher concentration of IFN-γ was secreted into blood.…”