Omega-3 against macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, characterized by the formation of new vessels in the vascular membrane of the eye, is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly in developed countries. According to experts, by 2020, the incidence of this disease will increase by 50%, which indicates an urgent need for new pharmacological methods of its treatment and prevention.
Researchers working under the guidance of Dr. Kip Connor from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Clinic have demonstrated that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic), as well as biologically active products formed during their cleavage in the liver under the action of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, inhibit the formation of new vessels in the lining of the eye, as well as the exit of fluid from the vessels into the surrounding tissues. This effect is achieved by modulating the processes of migration of immune cells to the affected areas.
Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are two classes of dietary lipids that have opposite physiological effects. To assess the effect of these compounds on neovascularization (growth of new capillaries) three groups of mice were fed food enriched with omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, or, in the case of the control group, not containing them. Two weeks after the start of the experiment, the process of neovascularization was started in the vascular membrane of the animals' eyes using photocoagulation.
Subsequent examination showed that the use of omega-3 fatty acids provided a significant reduction in the foci of neovascularization and the amount of fluid exudating from newly formed vessels in the tissue. Analysis of the lipid profile in animals using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry revealed the content of endogenous metabolites of omega-3 fatty acids formed during their cleavage in the liver under the action of cytochrome P450 enzyme. Further experiments showed that it was these metabolites that had a protective effect due to the pronounced suppression of the migration of immune cells into the damage zone and the activation of adhesion molecules. This, in turn, ensured the suppression of inflammation aggravating the course of the disease.
The authors hope that their results will be used to develop new methods of treatment and prevention of macular degeneration, which will improve the quality of life of many elderly people around the world.
Article by Ryoji Yanai et al. Cytochrome P450-generated metabolites derived from omega-3 fatty acids attenuate neovascularization is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary:
Omega-3 Inhibits Blood Vessel Growth in a Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Vivo.
18.06.2014