The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Production and Cell Migration in Human Immune Cells : Implications for Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract EN

In multiple sclerosis (MS), compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity contributes to inflammatory T cell migration into the central nervous system.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is associated with BBB disruption and subsequent T cell migration into the CNS.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on MMP-9 levels and T cell migration.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy controls were pretreated with two types of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Cell supernatants were used to determine MMP-9 protein and activity levels.

Jurkat cells were pretreated with EPA and DHA and were added to fibronectin-coated transwells to measure T cell migration.

EPA and DHA significantly decreased MMP-9 protein levels, MMP-9 activity, and significantly inhibited human T cell migration.

The data suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit patients with multiple sclerosis by modulating immune cell production of MMP-9.