Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreases matrix metalloproteinase-9 production in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
L. Shinto a,_,1, G. Marracci b,1, S. Baldauf-Wagner a, A. Strehlowa,b, V. Yadav a,b, L. Stuber a, D. Bourdette a,b
a Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CR120 Portland, OR 97239, USA
b Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) production by immune cells in multiple sclerosis (MS). Quality of life, fatty acid levels, and safety were also evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Ten participants with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) received omega-3 FA supplementation (9.6 g/day fish oil) in an open-label study. Participants were evaluated at four time points, baseline, after 1 month of omega-3 FA supplementation, after 3 months of omega-3 FA supplementation, and after a 3-month wash out.
Results: Immune cell secretion of MMP-9 decreased by 58% after 3 months of omega-3 FA
supplementation when compared with baseline levels (po0.01). This effect was coupled with a
significant increase in omega-3 FA levels in red blood cell membranes.
Conclusions: Omega-3 FA significantly decreased MMP-9 levels in RRMS and may act as an immunemodulator that has potential therapeutic benefit in MS patients