Impairment of NFκB activity by unsaturated fatty acids

Using a luciferase reporter gene assay, we identified polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to impair NF kappa B signaling. Furthermore, we could demonstrate the PUFA ability to derogate NF kappa B activity to be independent from the family the fatty acid belongs to. Instead, we found a relation between the number of bis-allyl-methylene positions of the PUFA added and the NF kappa B activity of stimulated, long-term supplemented cells. The data presented provide new insights into the biological mechanisms PUFA exert their anti-inflammatory effects. Since suppression of NF kappa B activity could be of benefit in a number of inflammatory diseases as well as cancer, our findings are of clinical implication. According to our data dietary supplementation with PUFA-containing oils is likely to provide an at least palliative therapy for disorders linked to inappropriate NF kappa B signaling. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.