The effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the inflammatory response of the amnion

Objective: To investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosohexanoic acid (DHA) on inflammatory cytokine production in the amnion. Study design: Amnion explants were obtained at elective caesarean sections and cultured in vitro with EPA and DHA. IL-8 and IL-6 secretion was determined by ELISA, the role of PPAR gamma was investigated using specific agonists and antagonists and activity of MMP assessed by gelatin zymography. Results: A combination of EPA and DHA significantly reduced the concentration of IL-8 and IL-6 released into the supernatant compared to untreated controls (p < 0.001). Stimulation of PPAR gamma with troglitazone reduced IL-8 production, and the PPAR gamma antagonist GW9662 partially reversed this effect. The activity of MMP-9 was also significantly reduced by treatment with EPA and DHA in combination compared to untreated control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The omega-3 PUFAs EPA and DHA decrease the inflammatory response of the amnion, and this may be partially mediated through PPAR gamma. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.