Graduate Student North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC, United States
Abstract:
Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines in murine airway cells exposed to organic dust. DHA supplementation also decreases clinical signs and inflammation in asthmatic children and horses. The mechanism(s) underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of DHA on the airway have yet to be fully elucidated. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of an algae-derived DHA supplement on equine alveolar macrophage metabolism and the protein and lipid profile of BAL supernatant, to better understand the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of DHA.Hypothesis: Administration of a commercially-available algae-derived DHA respiratory supplement in healthy adult horses will significantly alter alveolar macrophage metabolism, as well as protein and lipid profiles of BAL supernatant. Animals: Ten healthy, university-owned adult ponies.
Methods: A prospective, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Broncho-alveolar lavage was collected at baseline, following 45 days placebo treatment, and following 45 days oral administration of a commercially available respiratory supplement (14 day washout ). Whole blood was collected following placebo treatment and following oral administration of the supplement. Alveolar macrophage oxygen consumption rate, BAL cytology, proteomics and lipidomics were analyzed.
Results: Seven horses received both placebo and respiratory supplement. Following supplementation, the ratio of Omega 6: Omega 3 was significantly decreased and the ratio of DHA: Arachidonic acid was significantly increased. Supplementation resulted in an increase in alveolar macrophage metabolism. Analysis of proteomic and lipidomic bioinformatics is ongoing.
Conclusions: Oral supplementation of an algae-derived DHA respiratory supplement increases alveolar macrophage metabolism which could indicate a greater population of M2 (anti-inflammatory) alveolar macrophages.
