Consumption of omega3-fatty acids during perinatal life: role in immuno-modulation and allergy prevention

Epidemiological data suggest that dietary factors may have a role in recent increases of the prevalence of allergic diseases. One food-related component might be the reduced consumption of omega3-polyunsaturated fatty acids observed especially in the Western societies; yet, clinical trials supplementing omega3-fatty acids to adults with established allergies and bronchial asthma have generally been disappointing. However, it is known that the immature immune system is highly susceptible to immuno-modulatory environmental conditions particularly in the pre- and postnatal period. This review discusses the immuno-modulatory effects of omega3-fatty acids supplementation in the perinatal life phase on the immune system of the child. Evidence exists that perinatal omega3-fatty acid exposure affects T-cells and antigen presenting cells of the neonates likely due to altered eicosanoid metabolism. Although animal experiments strongly suggest a role of maternal omega3-fatty acid intake on allergic immune responses in the offspring, the beneficial effect of omega3-fatty acid supplementation has been studied in a small number of clinical trials. In these studies perinatal supplementation had some positive effects on distinct clinical phenotypes of the atopic syndrome. However, more studies are needed to fully explore the opportunity of perinatal immuno-modulation.     

Loss of classical transient receptor potential 6 channel reduces allergic airway response

Background Non-selective cation influx through canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) is thought to be an important event leading to airway inflammation. TRPC6 is highly expressed in the lung, but its role in allergic processes is still poorly understood.
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of TRPC6 in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and allergic inflammation of the lung.
Methods Methacholine-induced AHR was assessed by head-out body plethysmography of wild type (WT) and TRPC6^−/− mice. Experimental airway inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization, followed by OVA aerosol challenges. Allergic inflammation and mucus production were analysed 24 h after the last allergen challenge.
Results Methacholine-induced AHR and agonist-induced contractility of tracheal rings were increased in TRPC6^−/− mice compared with WT mice, most probably due to compensatory up-regulation of TRPC3 in airway smooth muscle cells. Most interestingly, when compared with WT mice, TRPC6^−/− mice exhibited reduced allergic responses after allergen challenge as evidenced by a decrease in airway eosinophilia and blood IgE levels, as well as decreased levels of T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines (IL-5, IL-13) in the bronchoalveolar lavage. However, lung mucus production after allergen challenge was not altered by TRPC6 deficiency.
Conclusions TRPC6 deficiency inhibits specific allergic immune responses, pointing to an important immunological function of this cation channel in Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells and B cells.     

Procalcitonin versus interleukin-6 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of trauma victims with severe lung contusion

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether measurement of procalcitonin (PCT) in comparison with interleukin-6 is a reliable marker to score the extent of lung contusion in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids in polytrauma patients. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, observational study. SETTING: Twelve-bed intensive care unit in a 1,100-bed primary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Fourteen trauma victims presenting with severe lung contusion and acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Bronchoscopy with collection of lavage fluid and serum blood samples. Samples were obtained on days 1 and 2 after severe chest trauma, and lung contusion was assessed by computed tomography scan. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: PCT was detectable in BAL fluids of all 14 patients. A significant correlation for PCT serum and BAL levels was found on day 2 (p =.0063). For PCT, no significant correlations (Spearman rank) were found to the lung injury score (p =.93), the abbreviated injury scale-lung (p =.33), or the sepsis-related organ failure assessment score-lung (p =.38). Also, for interleukin-6 there was no significant correlation to the lung injury score (p =.62), abbreviated injury scale-lung (p =.45), or the sepsis-related organ failure assessment score-lung (p =.54). CONCLUSIONS: PCT and interleukin-6 BAL levels cannot be considered as reliable parameters to assess the extent of lung contusion.