SPM regulation by Fish Oil Supplements in Healthy Volunteers V003
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study Investigating the Regulation of Pro-resolving Mediators and White Blood Cell Responses by Fish Oil Supplements in Healthy Volunteers
IRAS ID
193174
Contact name
Jesmond Dalli
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
In response to injury or infection the body mounts an inflammatory response that when under ideal circumstances leads to the repair of damaged tissues and organs, a process know as resolution of inflammation. This process is now recognised to be an active process orchestrated by a new family of molecules that are produce by white blood cells from omega-3 essential fatty acids. These new molecules include the resolvins, protectins and maresins and together are known as specialized (SPM). In experimental systems, including mice and human cells, these molecules display potent host protective actions regulating the ability of white blood cell to perform their functions including the clearance of bacteria and repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.Recent studies also shows that these mediators may be relevant to human diseases with their levels significantly reduced in a number of inflammatory disease including mastitis and Alzheimer’s. Intake of essential fatty acids, for example from fish oil supplements, may increase the production of these protective molecule by the body and therefore may increase the body's ability to combat infections as well as to repair damaged tissues.
The present study will investigate the relationship between amount of omega-3 fatty acids ingested, the increase in the blood levels of these moleculesand white blood cell function. In addition, we will also investigate the kinetics for these responses. Together results from these investigations will determine the dosing, kinetics of uptake/conversion as well as the duration of the effects following a single dose of omega-3 intake.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2182
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion