Relationship between serum omega-3 fatty acid and asthma endpoints

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Adams, Shahieda;Lopata, Andreas L.;Smuts, Cornelius M.;Baatjies, Roslynn;Jeebhay, Mohamed F.
Abstract

Recent studies have highlighted the potential protective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in asthma. This study aimed at determining the association between seafood intake, serum PUFA composition and clinical endpoints of asthma in adults. A cross-sectional study of 642 subjects used the European Committee Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire, skin prick tests, spirometry and methacholine challenge tests following ATS guidelines. Sera was analysed for n-3 and n-6 PUFA composition. Subjects had a mean age of 34 years, were largely female (65%) and 51% were current smokers. While 99% reported fish consumption, rock lobster, mussels, squid and abalone were also consumed less frequently. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was 11%, current asthma (ECRHS definition) was 8% and non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH) was much higher (26%) In adjusted models the n-3 PUFAs 20:5 (EPA) and 22:5 (DPA) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of having NSBH. Total n-3 PUFA composition was associated with decreased NSBH risk (OR = 0.92), while high n-6 PUFA composition was associated with an increased risk (OR = 1.14).

Journal

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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Volume

16

ISBN/ISSN

1660-4601

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Issue

1

Pages Count

14

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Publisher

MDPI

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.3390/ijerph16010043