Alterations in human leukocyte function induced by ingestion of eicosapentaenoic acid

Abstract

Two groups of six adults with persistent asthma, who were identical clinically, received 0.1 or 4 g of purified eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (EPA) daily for 8 weeks. Both doses increased significantly the generation of leukotriene B₅ (LTB₅) from EPA by polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear leukocytes, while only the high dose decreased leukocyte arachidonic acid (AA) and the generation of LTB₄ and prostaglandin E₂ from AA. Only the high dose led to inhibition of PMN leukocyte chemotaxis to multiple stimuli by a mean of 57–70% (PP<0.01) without modifying the numbers of helper and suppressor T lymphocytes. EPA affects the functions of several types of leukocytes critical to inflammation and immunity.