Gamma-Linolenic and Pinolenic Acids Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells Through their Elongation Products

Scope: Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) from oily fish reduce cardiovascular disease. This may be partly due to modulation of endothelial cell (EC) inflammation. Fish stocks are declining and there is a need for sustainable alternative FAs with cardiovascular benefits. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and pinolenic acid (PLA) are plant-derived FAs which could fulfil this role.

Methods and results: We examined the effects of GLA and PLA on EC inflammation. EA.hy926 cells were exposed GLA and PLA prior to stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. GLA and PLA were incorporated into ECs, resulting in increases in long-chain derivatives produced by elongase 5, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and eicosatrienoic acid (ETA). Both GLA and PLA (50 μM) decreased production of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1), MCP-1 and RANTES. However, decreases in these mediators were not seen after pre-treatment with GLA or PLA in elongase 5 silenced EA.hy926 cells. DGLA and ETA (10 μM) decreased EC production of sICAM-1, MCP-1, RANTES and IL-6. All FAs reduced adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to EA.hy926 cells. Both PLA (50 μM) and ETA (10 μM) decreased NFκBp65 phosphorylation.

Conclusion: These effects suggest potential for GLA and PLA and their long-chain derivatives, DGLA and ETA, as sustainable anti-inflammatory alternatives to fish-derived FAs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Keywords: endothelial cells; gamma-linolenic acid; inflammation; pinolenic acid; polyunsaturated fatty acids.