Distal procto-colitis and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: the mechanism(s) of natural cytotoxicity inhibition

Background Altered natural killer (NK) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK ) cell activities have been reported with ulcerative colitis (UC). Previous ly, we have shown that in patients with UC, the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty a cids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), s pecifically inhibit natural cytotoxicity with clinical improvement in disea se activity. The aim of this study therefore was to evaluate the possible m echanism(s) involved in this inhibition, and in particular the alteration o f production of interleukin 2 (IL2) and the arachidonic acid metabolite leu kotriene B-4 (LTB4), both known to modulate NK cell activity. Materials and methods Each patient with procto-colitis received either fish oil extract (EPA 3.2 g, DHA 2.4 g; n = 9) or placebo (n = 9) daily for 6 m onths. Monthly assessment included disease activity using clinical and sigm oidoscopic scores. Peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMN) cells were isolated and NK cell cytotoxic activity in vitro was measured. Monthly serum samples were analysed for LTB4, IL2 and soluble IL2 receptors (sIL2R). Results The n-3 PUFAs group had significantly reduced NK cell activity, com pared with the placebo group (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). In the n-3 PU FA group, incubation of PBMN cells for 72 h with recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL2) reversed the NK inhibition. In patients with active proctocolitis, s erum levels of LTB4 correlated positively with NK cell cytotoxicity (r = 0. 873, P < 0.05, Kendall's correlation coefficient). After six months of n-3 PUFAs supplementation, serum levels of LTB4 were undetectable with concurre nt significant reduction in NK cell cytotoxic activity. The latter was asso ciated with significant reduction of serum IL2 and sIL2R levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study has demonstrated both evidence of suppression of immu ne reactivity and concurrent reduction in disease activity in patients with proctocolitis receiving n-3 PUFAs supplementation. This may have important implications for therapy in patients with UC.