Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreases matrix metalloproteinase-9 production in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis,☆☆☆
Received 15 May 2007; received in revised form 25 November 2008; accepted 15 December 2008. published online 25 August 2009.
Abstract
Objectives
The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) production by immune cells in multiple sclerosis (MS). Quality of life, fatty acid levels, and safety were also evaluated.
Materials and Methods
Ten participants with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) received omega-3 FA supplementation (9.6g/day fish oil) in an open-label study. Participants were evaluated at four time points, baseline, after 1 month of omega-3 FA supplementation, after 3 months of omega-3 FA supplementation, and after a 3-month wash out.
Results
Immune cell secretion of MMP-9 decreased by 58% after 3 months of omega-3 FA supplementation when compared with baseline levels (p<0.01). This effect was coupled with a significant increase in omega-3 FA levels in red blood cell membranes.
Conclusions
Omega-3 FA significantly decreased MMP-9 levels in RRMS and may act as an immune-modulator that has potential therapeutic benefit in MS patients.
☆☆ This research was support by the National Institutes of Health P50 AT00066-01, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Nancy Davis Center Without Walls.
1 L. Shinto and G. Marracci contributed equally to this work.
ABSTRACT