Effects of Intravenous ω-3 and ω-6 Fat Emulsion on Cytokine Production and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity in Burned Rats Receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition

Abstract

Background: The effects of fat emulsions containing ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on fatty acid profile, cytokine production, and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in burned rats receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were investigated. Methods: A fat emulsion containing only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was prepared (ω-3 fat emulsion). Sprague-Dawley rats were fed fat-free chow for 2 weeks and were divided into three groups according to the contents of TPN. Groups C (n = 11) and C' (n = 14) received fat-free TPN. Group ω6 received safflower oil emulsion containing linoleic acid (w-6 PUFA) (n = 11). Group ω3 (n = 11) received safflower oil emulsion (19% of total caloric intake) and fat emulsion containing only EPA and DHA (1% of total calories). On day 5, all rats except for those in group C' were subjected to a 20% full-thickness burn. Group C' did not receive burns. After 48 hours, the rats were killed. Results: The interleukin (IL)-8 concentration was significantly 45% lower in group ω3 than in group C (p < .05). The IL-10 concentration was significantly 15% lower in group ω3 than in group ω6 (p < .05). The IL-6 concentration was increased in group w6 but not in group w3 when compared with group C. The IL-6 and IL-8 were not detected in group C'. Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) concentrations were increased by burn injury, but there were no significant differences among the burned groups. Cell-mediated immunity was thus significantly decreased in burned groups (groups C, ω6, and ω3; p < .01). However, the decrease of DTH was smaller in group w3 and significantly greater when compared with groups C and w6 (p < .05). Conclusions: ω-6 PUFAs increased serum inflammatory cytokine levels in a stressed state. ω-3 fat emulsion reduced IL-8 and IL-10 levels and prevented immunosuppression in burned rats that were receiving TPN. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 22:363-367, 1998)

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