Docosahexaenoic acid selectively augments muscarinic stimulation of epithelial Cl- secretion

Long-chain n-3 fatty acids in lipid rafts: implications for anti-inflammatory effects

Emerging evidence indicates that dietary intake of long-chain n-3 fatty acids changes the lipid composition of lipid rafts and caveolae, which are cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich microdomains of the plasma membrane. Membrane proteins that are involved in signal transduction events relevant to inflammation are specifically localised to these microdomains. By altering the lipid composition of the membrane microdomains, n-3 fatty acids have the potential to modulate these signalling events and exert anti-inflammatory actions.

Chronic PKC-beta activation in HT-29 Cl.19a colonocytes prevents cAMP-mediated ion secretion by inhibiting apical membrane current generation

We investigated the effects of PKC-stimulating 12-deoxyphorbol 13-phenylacetate 20-acetate (DOPPA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) phorbol esters on cAMP-dependent, forskolin (FSK)-stimulated, short-circuit Cl- current (ISC-cAMP) generation by colonocyte monolayers. These agonists elicited different actions depending on their dose and incubation time; PMA effects at the onset (<5 min) were independent of cAMP agonist and were characterized by transient anion-dependent transcellular and apical membrane ISC generation. DOPPA failed to elicit similar responses. Whereas chronic (24 h) exposure to both agents inhibited FSK-stimulated transcellular and apical membrane ISC-cAMP, the effects of DOPPA were more complex: this conventional PKC-beta-specific agonist also stimulated Ba2+-sensitive basolateral membrane-dependent facilitation of transcellular ISC-cAMP. PMA did not elicit a similar phenomenon. Prolonged exposure to high-dose PMA but not DOPPA led to apical membrane ISC-cAMP recovery. Changes in PKC alpha-, beta1-, gamma-, and epsilon-isoform membrane partitioning and expression correlated with these findings. PMA-induced transcellular ISC correlated with PKC-alpha membrane association, whereas low doses of both agents inhibited transcellular and apical membrane ISC-cAMP, increased PKC-beta1, decreased PKC-beta2 membrane association, and caused reciprocal changes in isoform mass. During the apical membrane ISC-cAMP recovery after prolonged high-dose PMA exposure, an almost-complete depletion of cellular PKC-beta1 and a significant reduction in PKC-epsilon mass occurred. Thus activated PKC-beta1 and/or PKC-epsilon prevented, whereas activated PKC-alpha facilitated, apical membrane ISC-cAMP. PKC-beta-dependent augmentation of transcellular ISC-cAMP at the level of the basolateral membrane demonstrated that transport events with geographically distinct subcellular membranes can be independently regulated by the PKC beta-isoform.

Interactive effects of dietary resistant starch and fish oil on short-chain fatty acid production and agonist-induced contractility in ileum of young rats

We have shown independently that dietary fiber and n-3 fatty acids can affect gut function. This study investigated the interactive effects of resistant starch (RS) (as high amylose maize starch [HAMS]) and tuna fish oil on ileal contractility. Four-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were fed 4 diets that contained 100 g/kg fat as sunflower oil or tuna fish oil, with 10% fiber supplied as alpha -cellulose or HAMS for 6 weeks. Fish oil feeding led to higher ileal n-3 fatty acid levels (mainly as DHA) and higher agonist-induced maximal contractility with an RS effect noted for carbachol. HAMS-containing diets resulted in lower colonic pH and higher total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), but not for butyrate with fish oil. Low prostanoid responses in young rats were enhanced by fish oil independent of RS. The order of muscarinic receptor subtype responses were different compared to older rats; fish oil feeding altered the sensitivity of the M(1) receptor subtype. Although little interactive effects were demonstrated, these data suggest developmental changes in ileal receptor systems with independent effects of RS and fish oil on some bowel properties in juvenile rats.

Essential fatty acids and their derivatives

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will address recent research in metabolism of essential fatty acids and their long chain derivatives. Our main focus will be the association between essential fatty acid status and various disease states, as well as the effects of supplementation with essential fatty acids or their derivatives on a number of clinical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

There have been several papers over the last few years that show links between supplementation with fish oil (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) and cardiovascular disease. Recent data suggest that the use of fish oil (containing n-3 fatty acids) in a variety of disorders such as cystic fibrosis, coronary disease and in the prevention of sudden death is beneficial. Several papers show reductions in systemic markers of inflammation. More widespread use of essential fatty acid derivatives in infant formula can certainly be questioned on the basis of the recent data. Fewer benefits are seen with ingestion of the essential fatty acids themselves, likely related to limited conversion to their long chain derivatives in humans.

SUMMARY

Derivatives of essential fatty acids have the potential to modify a number of disease states, either ingested in greater quantities in the diet, or taken as supplements in the form of fish oil.