Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Intestinal Epithelium—A Review

Abstract

Epithelial cells (enterocytes) form part of the intestinal barrier, the largest human interface between the internal and external environments, and responsible for maintaining regulated intestinal absorption and immunological control. Under inflammatory conditions, the intestinal barrier and its component enterocytes become inflamed, leading to changes in barrier histology, permeability, and chemical mediator production. Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can influence the inflammatory state of a range of cell types, including endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages. This review aims to assess the current literature detailing the effects of ω-3 PUFAs on epithelial cells. Marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, as well as plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid, are incorporated into intestinal epithelial cell membranes, prevent changes to epithelial permeability, inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids and induce the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and docosanoids. Altered inflammatory markers have been attributed to changes in activity and/or expression of proteins involved in inflammatory signalling including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) α and γ, G-protein coupled receptor (GPR) 120 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Effective doses for each ω-3 PUFA are difficult to determine due to inconsistencies in dose and time of exposure between different in vitro models and between in vivo and in vitro models. Further research is needed to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of less-studied ω-3 PUFAs, including docosapentaenoic acid and stearidonic acid.

The Role of Dietary and Microbial Fatty Acids in the Control of Inflammation in Neonatal Piglets

“…Feeding the mother sow divergent ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFA can alter not only their health, physiological condition, and reproductive performance but also exert similar effects in their offspring. These findings for pigs are supported by observations made in humans where a strong link between the intake of n-6 PUFAs and the incidences of (gut) inflammatory disorders exist [6]. While for humans an optimal n-6:n-3 ratio of 2 to 3:1 has been suggested, various n-6:n-3 ratios have been proposed in pig nutrition, but ratios may differ for pigs of different ages and the search for an optimal proportion in the feed for sows and piglets is still in progress [7].…”

Co-Encapsulated Synbiotics and Immobilized Probiotics in Human Health and Gut Microbiota Modulation

“…Indeed, PUFAs and probiotic supplements are being used as adjuvant therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity, with promising results. Both probiotics and PUFAs play an important role in modulating the intestinal immune system and are related to local and systemic inflammatory mechanisms [154,155]. In a randomized controlled trial, Kobyliak et al [156] studied the intake efficiency of multi-probiotics enriched with omega-3 PUFAs as an adjuvant to the standard anti-diabetic therapy in individuals with type-2 diabetes.…”

Aurantiochytrium sp. Meal Improved Body Fatty Acid Profile and Morphophysiology in Nile Tilapia Reared at Low Temperature

“…Such high growth may be associated with an increase in the nutrient absorption area. The influence of dietderived substances on intestinal epithelial function, including barrier integrity, is likely to be important [48].…”

“…A recent review on mammals [48] reported that n-3 LC-PUFA, especially DHA, contributes to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier by exerting antiinflammatory effects and accelerating recovery from intestinal inflammation. However, few studies have addressed the relationship between dietary fatty acids, especially LC-PUFA n-3, and intestinal health in fish.…”