Investigation about the theraputic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in endometriosis

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26870148
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Pathological medical chemistry; Obstetrics and gynecology
• Research Institution: Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center
• Principal Investigator: TOMIO KENSUKE 埼玉県立がんセンター(臨床腫瘍研究所), その他部局等, その他 (40707254)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: オメガ３脂肪酸 / 子宮内膜症 / 抗炎症作用 / マクロファージ / インフラマソーム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A new therapeutic method is highly anticipated for endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of omega-3 fatty acids (ω3FAs) on endometriosis was verified in vitro. LPS-stimulation of cultured peritoneal macrophages (Mφ) from endometriosis patients with ω3FAs present did not inhibit TNF-α production. It was thus focused on how ω3FAs reduce IL-1β production by inhibiting Mφ inflammasome activity. After treatment with ω3FAs, IL-1β production from cultured peritoneal Mφ in response to stimulation with nigericin (a reagent for inflammasome activation) was inhibited. These results suggested that ω3FAs suppress inflammation in endometriosis by inhibiting the Mφ inflammasome activity, a finding which could lead to a novel therapeutic strategy.

Free Research Field

産婦人科学